by Pam Kyrka
2/16/2018

The Democratic Caucus – A Grassroots View.

Sometimes we Americans feel as if we have no voice. The ‘”seat of power” seems far away. And who are we? A small New England town.

Go to a caucus that elects delegates to send to the Massachusetts Democratic State convention and you will find that the ideas, passions, and voices start here. And grow.

The caucus began with various people speaking for a favored candidate – Suzanne Bump, Setti Warren, Maura Healy, Elizabeth Warren, Jay Gonzales. Lisa Kaplan, head of the Democratic committee, then outlined the process of going to the convention, to be held on June 1st and 2nd, 2018. The delegation consists of 4 men, 4 women, and two alternates for each group. People who ran for the slots introduced themselves and spoke for several minutes apiece. After each group spoke, party members attending the caucus voted. The following people will be attending the convention:

Men – Bill Blinstrub, Lee DeSorgher, Rich Rosenberg, and Tor Kinlok (pictured above). Tony Damigella and Utah Nickel are alternates.

Women – Judy Gagnon, Laura Rainford, Mary Kiunsella, and Joan Levinsohn. Linda Arkow and Joan Hunter Brody are alternates.

Many of the candidates shared similar reasons for wanting to be involved, including the environment, climate change, health care, immigration, woman’s rights, and education.

Several said that the last election is what has motivated them to get involved. Tony Damigella said his “Political spirit has risen from the dead.” Judy Gagnon wants to see “Democrats rise up again.” Laura Rainford, a resident of Holliston for 33 years, said she felt “reactivated after the last election.”

So, it starts here. These people will be adding their voices to others from towns both large and small at the state convention. It matters. And as history shows us, grass roots, growing deep and strong, may turn into something powerful.