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July 28, 2005
Look to Montana
The always excellent Ruy Teixeira tips us on this article on Democratic resurgence in Montana from the Progressive Frontier. From the rugged Big Sky country come lessons Texas Democrats should take to heart.
Some of those important lessons:
- Find good candidates -- Brian Schweitzer is a big, gregarious,
authentic Montanan. Voters related to him.
- Start early -- After narrowly losing the U.S. Senate race to
incumbent Conrad Burns in 2000, Schweitzer immediately started
campaigning for Governor.
- Communicate with folks -- This is a two-way street, and Schweitzer
succeeded at both listening (he did a statewide listening tour),
and eschewing "wonkish" language in favor of talking like a regular
person.
- Rise above partisanship -- Schweitzer did something radical, he
named a progressive Republican running mate for Lt. Governor.
Obviously, that's not an option in Texas, but to the extent
possible in this politically polarized environment, successful
candidates have broad appeal.
- Fight everywhere -- Particularly a propos, given the recent local
online debate about fielding Democratic candidates in heavily GOP
areas. But in a statewide race, by competing in conservative rural
and suburban Texas, Democratic candidates can cut margin there, in
addition to doing well in urban areas.
- Fight back -- When Schweitzer was attacked below the belt by his
opponent, he struck back immediately.
Turning things around in Texas will be a lengthy process, but looking at Montana's example can and should be instructive as a point of departure.
Posted by houtopia at July 28, 2005 11:23 AM