So I was at the DFL State Central Committee meeting Saturday

I'm an alternate and never made it on the floor so I wasn't able to make any comments at the meeting about this.

The big thing yesterday was the approval of the budget. In the course of that discussion it was mentioned that donations were down. Probable reasons mentioned for that were the economy and the fact the fundraising is set up to keep going after people who have recently given. Never once did anyone suggest that just maybe some of the problem is that people are fed up with the party (both at the national and state level) and prefer to give what they can to candidates who represent DFL and Democratic values as they existed before the "new Democrats" took over the party. It was decided that they'll go back further to find people who donated in the past.

As I said, I didn't have floor privileges so I couldn't rush the microphone to make this comment though I was surprised no one else did. Not that it would have done much good to do so.

And yes, it's worrisome that, out of all the people on the floor, it didn't occur to a single one that donations could be down because people are dissatisfied with the party.

I'm with you. What little I can donate, I donate to individual candidates whom I believe in.

Based on the conversations I've had with DNC, DSCC and DCCC, they have heard that message. Of course, the calls continue.

I agree with your comments. But does anyone ever really bring up anything controversial at those meetings though?

I'll add another reason: how they spend the money. Did that come up at all?

Oh, and a long list of Governor endorsements that failed in the primary. What about that: their endorsements? We discussed that before -- a lot of enthusiasm gone, which means less donations. And plenty of people staying out of the primary campaign because they were voting for Dayton.

Did any of you see that Emmer lost on the first ballot at the Repub meeting Saturday for the RNC committee rep (whatever it's called)? Which was a shock...he had the "main players" backing, from what I understand. But not the delegates. Of course, they voted for Pat Anderson (numbers-challenged former State Auditor) for the other RNC committee slot (Pat recently was quoted as saying something like, "If we had won the Governorship, Wisconsin would be considered mild..."). Apparently, Emmer had planned on running for Gov. again, and this was what he decided was his next step. Based on a blog posting I read, he only started campaigning the Sunday before and figured he had it in the bag.

It is sad to see how DFL has become more and more big D party. So many people i know just can't stomach it anymore.
they used to take pride in the fact the DFL was more progressive than other states D party

I appreciate you being there cause I know it is hard that they won't listen or want to do the the same ol same ol as they lose more and more people

When they finally wake up it is going to be too late. I don't know if the Republicans will get in more candidate because of the shortsighted, exclusive, stubborn DFL leaders behavior or if the Green party will grow with ex progressive DFL voters. It is going to be interesting in 2012