The primaries are over. Now we can settle into rooting for our respective parties.
The primary portion of the election cycle is always a bit tricky. Each party fields its best candidates for the various positions, the candidates begin to introduce themselves, and everyone discusses their relative merits. That is, relative to the other candidates from their own party. So far, the candidates have tried to gently differentiate themselves, without attacking the others, since one of them will be carrying the party’s flag.
From now until November, the rainbow appears. We’ll learn about Red, Blue, Green and Independent candidates! I can’t tell you about the Red ones, but I can help with the others. The Democrats are the Blue candidates but there’s a spectrum of Blue. Some Democrats position themselves as “centrist” to appeal to people of all “colors.” They believe if they sound too liberal, conservatives won’t vote for them. Sometimes they are indistinguishable from Republicans. I wouldn’t call them purple, because purple is my favorite color.
This was where John Kerry positioned his race for the Presidency. In the middle are those brave Democrats who are Liberals. They are brave because Liberal is not safe these days. It’s been liberally (pun intended) attacked by Conservatives and therefore shunned by many Democrats. Still, I think Liberal is a way better than Red, a Conservative! Liberal candidates don’t look at all Red. They, like the Democratic Party, stand firmly for Democratic values such as community, economic justice, environmental protection, and investing in our children’s future.
In the Blue-Green part of the spectrum you will find me and my friends, the Progressive Democrats. We, of course, espouse the same good Democratic values, putting the common good in front of personal gain. It’s becoming popular among Democratic politicians to adopt the Progressive colors and I see that as a good thing. However, real Progressives are the ones courageous enough to speak out, speaking truth to power. They are ready to act on their convictions, not just talk about them.
From Progressive Democrats, you’ll hear serious proposals for universal health care, election and campaign finance reform, really significant tax reform, a living wage, getting out of Iraq, serious energy policy, and impeachment. The position of the Democratic Party tends to be in the “middle,” as many party leaders mistakenly believe that this position will win elections. However, the thunderous support that an impeachment resolution received at the Maine Democratic Party Convention reveals the progressive stance of the party’s delegates.
The Green Independent Party candidates emerge loudly now that the major parties have their nominees. Principally, you will hear from the Green candidate for Governor. Greens stand for the Green Ten Key Values which you can see at www.mainegreens.org. From a Progressive’s point of view, these are all great things to stand for!
The difference here is that Greens are a separate, third party, struggling to maintain party status. The Green Party has attracted many Progressive Democrats and Independent voters and has initiated some of the most important citizen initiatives we’ve seen in Maine. Greens are clearer about what they stand for, so you’ll find them more courageous than many candidates. I respect their efforts in many ways.
Independent candidates add clarity and brightness to the spectrum! Maine has a proud history of electing Independents as governor. This year, the most prominent Independent candidate, Dexter Kamilevich, is challenging Rep. Tom Allen for the first district Congressional seat. Democrats with powerful and unique platforms will run as Independents in order to have the entire election cycle to distinguish themselves from the Democratic candidate who wins the primary and to win votes. Listen up.
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