Like many folks on the committee and off, I'm more than a little taken aback by Jepsen's sudden announcement, and the resulting short time window for a very important election. Luckily,I think, we have three strong candidates, each of whom would bring something of value to the post. But I feel very strongly that one candidate offers the 'package' of qualities I think we really need right now:
* Experience setting up and running a successful campaign for a high-profile office -- including/especially fund-raising
* Name recognition throughout the state that would bring added credibility to the position's bully pulpit as Party Spokesperson
* Contacts and track record with the many constituencies both within our party and in the larger community, and perhaps most important,
* Not a DSCC insider

Meaning no disrespect to Nancy, Nick or even othe author of this BLOG, there's only one candidate who fits all these criteria, Jim Maloney. While it's true that he lost his seat in the 2000 redistricting, he served two very successful terms, initially beating out an incumbant. And in a district that was jerrymandered to favor Nancy Johnson, he came very close to unseating her. I've seen Jim in action a lot over the years -- and have always been impressed by his attention both to the big picture and smallest detail, as well as his passion for our principals and willingness to speak out for what he believes in.

I thought George was a very good State Chair in many ways -- the staff he hired has made the state organization much more responsive and user-friendly. And his gravitas and stature have ensured that, when he speaks, the press takes note. My one problem with him has always been my feeling that he is too willing to compromise for the sake of what he has called, "the responsibility to govern". While this made him able to move things along in the legislature, there were times then, later when he ran for Governor, and even as State Chair, where I thought he should have spoken out and taken a stronger stand for Democratic Party principles.

I believe that Jim Maloney will be at least as effective as Mr. Jepsen on the administrative side and will make much better use of the bully pulpit at a time when we desperately need someone strong to speak for us.

Given the short timeframe, there's been no real way to tell -- at least so far -- how the wind is blowing for this race. But at this point, my co-representative and I have solicited feedback for our district and they agree with us that Mr. Maloney shall get our support.

Best of luck in your decision that you will make.

Daniel
The Kentucy Democrat

Myrna Watanabe sent me this list of qualifications that she and other Democratic leaders have been discussing as being important for the State Chair. It is, in my humble opinion, a great list, and I am quoting it here, with permission:

(These are not in any order.)

1) He/she must know the state House and Senate leadership well and be able to work with them.
2) He/she should have experience in successfully raising large amounts of money in a political context.
3) He/she should have a strong enough personality so that his or her
views and vision for the party should be understood and, if good for the party, carried to fruition.
4) He/she should be persuasive.
5) He/she should be a good political strategist.
6) He/she should command respect within and outside the party.
7) He/she should have experience dealing with the press on a statewide or even a national level. He/she should know how to speak with the press, what to say and what not to say, and should be able to get press coverage for the party when the party needs it. (Having a separate press person helps, but it's the instincts of a chair with this experience that are invaluable.)

We're asking for a lot.