Excellent story by a downballot candidate

We’re decoding “downballot” very broadly, to imply anybody under the presidential degree. Many candidates for the U.S. Senate and Home of Representatives have posted right here, and a few of them are even well-known names now! Tales supporting gubernatorial candidates have been posted right here as properly; all are eligible to be nominated.  

On the identical time, Each day Kos has at all times had a tender spot for the names even additional down the poll: people working for state legislature or delegate, candidates for mayor and metropolis council, courageous souls prepared to problem the conservative domination of college boards, and folks working for different state and local-level govt places of work.

The 90-for-90 program in Virginia has launched Each day Kos to many high quality candidates, and after a number of hard-fought years, produced a Democratic majority within the Virginia Home of Delegates. The same push in Florida vastly lowered the variety of uncontested races, compelled Republicans to defend seats in crimson areas they thought they might take with no consideration, and raised consciousness of the significance of voting for downballot candidates and in off-year or particular elections.

Simply in case you’re questioning, you may nominate tales by candidates who didn’t win their races. Among the best issues Each day Kos can do is encourage individuals to run for workplace, whether or not they’re predicted to win or lose. That is essential for a complete host of causes. Time and time once more excellent candidates have given their all in troublesome races, solely to endure a heartbreaking loss. We MUST push again towards the tendency to concentrate on the frustration so intensely that we lose sight of the massive image. If an election loss turns into the tip of the street for a gifted, participating candidate, all that hard-won hands-on expertise evaporates, as a substitute of including one other important brick to the wall of party-building.

An election loss just isn’t the tip of the street. It’s the starting. We should cease leaving promising candidates by the wayside due to an unrealistic expectation that nobody ought to run for workplace except they’re certain they may win their first day trip. The very best coaching for working for workplace is to run for workplace, and it will increase the long-term well being of the Democratic Get together to cease handing our opponents entry to uncontested seats. The “run twice to win as soon as” mantra has labored wonders for our political adversaries for many years, and it’s thrilling to see that Democrats have lastly adopted this philosophy as properly.  

So let’s acknowledge Each day Kos contributions by downballot candidates, winners and “losers” alike. They’re extra than simply the farm group for larger workplace; these change-seekers are important to the way forward for democracy and inspirational in their very own proper.

Nominations can be open so long as this story is accepting feedback. You’ll be able to nominate any writing that has ever been posted on Each day Kos. Do not be shy: You’ll be able to even nominate your self!