Carol Anne Costa: Will the Mission Trump the Mayhem?
Thursday, September 11, 2014
I am a proud Democrat. I cut my political teeth in the 7th Ward of the City of Providence. I've stuffed my share of envelopes; I’ve worked the phones and knocked the doors. And, through the years as my residence emigrated to the rural and Republican friendly northwest, I have remained a tried and true, blue Dem. And, what has become a yoke for my party, which is a wealth of good candidates, ensures the primary process gets ugly. Primaries on the Democrat side of the aisle are historically verbally pugilistic and the punches that land often times leave quite a lasting sting.
Historic Choices
Right now my party stands on the precipice of history, a chance to deliver the first female governor to serve beneath the Independent Man in that cathedral we call the Rhode Island State House. Are we ready to move this raucous, rowdy, and diverse party forward to take the helm after a gubernatorial drought that goes back to the bold leadership of Governor Bruce Sundlun? Are we ready to channel the Beatles and “Come Together”? I for one am staying hopeful. Clay Pell hit the right tone in his concession, but will his backers follow suit? Will other Democrats cast aside the vitriol, respect the voters, and stick to the mission? I feel this time, we as a party, have figured out we should; and the results show an electorate ready to move ahead and buck the old guard.
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My memories of bruising primaries and bitter political warfare carried out on the ground, over the airwaves, and now on the internet. We all know how rough and tumble Democratic Primaries tend to be, as barbs, jabs, and zingers fly and like Game of Thrones, Dems on the ground pick a house. The process can get quite tribal and those passions can cause great divides before the all important general election. Sometimes they even reveal the mood of the electorate as well. The optimist in me finds that Tuesday was a catharsis for the RI Democratic Party - an exorcism of sorts, as the old boy endorsement process was soundly rejected and grassroots leaders on the ground found the strength, the voice, and the power to select underdogs and fresh new faces; from the Governor’s race right on down the ballot. For me it feels like a new day for Dems. Long held machine choke holds on the freedoms of chairs and committees became unshackled. But the real test lies ahead. Are we up to the challenge? It is up to us on the ground to marshal the resources, gather the troops and take up and embrace the mission, wholeheartedly.
So, RI Dems here we are again, on the doorstep of taking the Governor’s seat, a mere whisper away from that goal which has eluded our party for oh so long. So, forgive me if the memories of the numerous near misses make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I remember all too well how the RI Democratic Party, its candidates, its operatives, its wishy washy commitments snatched defeat from the jaws of victory time and time again. My question today is; have we learned? This time, are we, as a Party, prepared to live unity in earnest? Or, will the rug be pulled out yet again? Perhaps the stinging defeats of Novembers past will like Pavlov’s dogs trigger an adverse reaction to turning collective backs on the task at hand.
The Wednesday after a primary is the day dedicated to victory laps and licking wounds and it provides an opportunity for the winners and the losers to reflect and pick a tone for the weeks ahead. As of today, the path remains unclear for the whole of my party, but I am feeling good.
Historic choices are up ahead - the chance to elect our first woman Governor, the opportunity to elect a Latina with an impressive resume as our Secretary of State, a chance to elect a new progressive thinker as our Treasurer. These selections are a big deal, and represent a new direction for our party. This Democratic chair is really looking forward to the General Election and the chance to heal as a whole. And, for once even Ken and Allan have some group hugging to do! Great job by all who ran-of any stripe; winners and losers, as our system does not work without the courage of those who desire to lead. The weeks head promise to be a lesson in, politics, civility, civics and passion. Here’s’ to the process!
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