Toward Democratic Unity: A Statement from the Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County

This year's Presidential primary season has been an exciting opportunity for our great Party. A talented and history-making field of candidates has drawn millions of new voters to primary elections and caucuses across the United States. Increased participation by youth, women, and people of color has infused the race with new energy and excitement. We welcome a vigorous contest between Presidential aspirants. Far from being a detriment, an open and honest discussion of what needs to be done to turn our country around has helped the party attract activists and media attention. As a party, we know that such excitement is crucial if we are to achieve our goals of putting a Democrat in the White House and reversing years of malign neglect at the hands of the Bush-Cheney Administration. We do not agree with those who have called upon either of the leading candidates to exit the race in the name of unity. Our diversity and debate are assets.

However, we are deeply concerned about the tone and timbre of the discussion surrounding the increasingly heated debate over who will lead our Party in November. It is disturbing to hear supporters of either candidate declare that they will walk away from political engagement or, worse, support our opponents should their preferred candidate fail to win the nomination. This sort of talk does nothing to move this country closer to peace, prosperity, sustainability or social justice. As both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama have stated, the differences between them pale in comparison to their stark contrast with John McCain. Our door is open to activists and supporters on both sides of the current contest. We will need everyone to work together if we are to avoid the Democratic habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

We also recognize that there are decisions which could be made by party leaders that would make this unity more difficult. While we understand that party rules give complete autonomy to "superdelegates", we agree with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when she says that "it would do great harm to the Democratic Party if it was perceived that the superdelegates overturn the will of the people." In an era of concerted efforts by right wing forces to disenfranchise and suppress the votes of marginalized communities, such a message would be disastrous. This should be part of the calculation made by party leaders should the decision be left to the Convention.

Similarly, we are concerned that just such a message will be sent to voters in Florida and Michigan, two crucial battleground states. We urge national party officials and the campaigns to work toward a solution that enfranchises voters, as well as delegates, in a way that is fair to both remaining Presidential campaigns.

Neither of these points should be seen as an endorsement of either of the remaining Presidential candidates. There is a shared responsibility between grassroots activists, elected officials and party leaders to keep the long-term health and viability of our party at the forefront of their minds. The stakes are incredibly high. The opportunities are incredibly powerful. Let us join together and move the country forward.

(Statement adopted at the April 3, 2008 meeting of the Democratic Central Committee)