Resolutions

Resolution Number MAN06.07a

Supporting California's Impact On The Democratic Presidential Nomination Process

WHEREAS:  California's impact in determining the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party for the last several elections has decreased; and

WHEREAS:  The current front-loaded primary system often results in fewer than 200,000 Iowans and 300,000 New Hampshire voters in the first weeks of January in effect choosing the Party's nominee before being tested in larger states like California; and

WHEREAS:  California, as the highest populated state in the nation, deserves greater influence in determining the party's nominee than simply serving as the fundraising capital for national candidates and their campaigns

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:  That the California Democratic Party (CDP) encourages presidential primary reform efforts that will:

• Allow a greater number of campaigns to begin at the grassroots level and build momentum;
• Provide a nominating process that remains competitive for a longer period of time in order to give the public a greater opportunity to engage the campaign and become informed about the candidates and their issues; and
• Create a system that increases the likelihood that Democrats in all states will have an effective voice in the selection of nominees, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  That the CDP supports the American (or Graduated Random System) Plan which features 10 multi-state primaries evenly spaced over twenty weeks, the approximate length of the traditional presidential primary schedule.  The first primary would take place in a randomly selected group of states whose Congressional Districts total exactly 8 with succeeding primaries growing progressively larger - 16, 24, 56, etc. - up to the 10th primary, which would cover 80 CDs.  This base schedule is altered slightly to accommodate larger states like California.

Action Clause: That the CDP calls on Chairman Dean to empanel a new commission, and require it to hold a series of regional hearings/meetings throughout the country and to hear testimony on all substantive, systematic reform proposals, including the American Plan, for implementation in 2012, and distribute copies of this resolution to all CDP chartered clubs and the DNC Commission on Presidential Nomination Timing and Scheduling for consideration and support.

Supporters:  Democratic Central Committees - Contra Costa County, Fresno County, Los Angeles County, Madera County, Marin County, Orange County, Placer County, San Joaquin County, Sonoma County, Ventura County, 6th AD Committee, 18th AD Committee, 33rd AD Committee, 40th AD Committee, Young Democrats of America, California Young Democrats, Democracy for America - Sonoma County, Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, The Center for Voting and Democracy, Rep. Lynn Woolsey [By David Phelps / LACCC 40th AD Delegate]

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Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At Its Executive Board Meeting
Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel
January 28, 2006