 Where should Greens run?
The progressive community in Minnesota has been fortunate to have two political parties that have run candidates with their values. This “progressive overlap” has led to discussions of how the Green Party can run strategically by avoiding certain races all together. The main theme has been that Greens should not endorse a candidate if there is a progressive DFLer in the race.
This combined Green/DFL strategy discussion was recently highlighted when Green Party member and former St. Paul Green endorsed mayoral candidate Elizabeth Dickenson had an interview published in the Pioneer Press (Tuesday, May 9, 2006 page 4B). The headline read…"Once Green, she’s in DFL camp." The headline was misleading somewhat since Elizabeth is still a Green, but it was accurate that Elizabeth is now working for the Becky Lourey campaign.
 I
was concerned about this article and the idea of not running candidates against
progressive DFLers. So I asked to meet with Elizabeth. Others were interested
so we had a meeting on May 12 with 14 Greens, including representatives of six
of the nine Green Party members that are running for office this year. There
were many different opinions expressed at this meeting but two things stood
out strongly. First, everyone there believed in the 10 key values of the Green
Party and the need to promote social, economic and environmental justice. Second,
all of those that attended are sincere people who wish to see a successful shift
to a more just world. Where they disagree is how to achieve success.
I find myself agreeing with elements on both sides of this discussion. Those
that suggest running Greens only in particular offices point out that this will
save resources and maximize Green Party outreach but minimize upsetting progressives
who support certain DFLers. I agree that we must build coalitions to be successful.
The Green Party will not achieve its goals without uniting progressives. At
the same time, however, we are a political party and should run candidates,
since we provide choices to progressives that are not otherwise available in
a two-party race.
 Dave
Berger is a candidate for state auditor seeking the Green
Party endorsement.
All hail Dwight Hobbes
Dwight Hobbes is the best writer around hands down. Whether it’s about
the underemployed who “sling”
to make ends meet or theater critiques, we are lucky to have Mr. Hobbes in our
community! And you are lucky to have him write for the Pulse.
Rick Jacobs
Minneapolis
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