Aaron Peskin is Chair of the SF Democratic Party

11 Responses to “Aaron Peskin is Chair of the SF Democratic Party”

1. kimknox Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 3:35 am

   It is interesting that Jane Morrison, Melanie Nutter and Connie O’Connor all voted for Scott Weiner, since these were part of Peskin’s ticket. But Peskin and Daly had placed them on their ticket without asking them-and I know that Ms. O’Connor and Mrs. Morrison were very irritated that Peskin and Daly didn’t bother to ask them first-and did not give them the respect that they deserve by asking them if they wanted to be part of their slate.

   It looks like that Peskin and Daly (and their supporters) needs to do some bridge mending. Especially since all three of these talented women have skills that could help Peskin and Daly and more importantly, the Democratic Party. And Morrison and O’Connor have years of experience that we all could learn from.

2. Robert Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am

   Hey Kim,
   I can appreciate how difficult it is to understand what is happening from afar so I don’t fault you but that isn’t the dynamic of what is happening.

   That said, Aaron asked Melanie Nutter to be first vice chair and has more than reached out to all of them.

   All the best to you in your work and we hope to see you soon in San Francisco.

   Take care,
   Robert

3. Matt Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 10:37 am

   I hope that Chris is able to ‘forgive’ ALL the people who voted for Scott. Too much is at stake.

   By the way, Robert: can the DCCC endorse Sheehan, even though she isn’t a Democrat? In addition, can they potentially endorse Mark Sanchez, even though he is a Green? If the DCCC can’t, can they at least offer no endorsement if necessary?

4. Brian Leubitz Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

   Matt, I’m pretty sure the DCCC can’t endorse against the Democratic candidate in a partisan race. Not sure about supervisors, which are technically nonpartisan. But, the Harvey Milk club endorsed a green and got in a whole big brouhaha a few years back. Either way, it’s not like Pelosi really needs the SF DCCC.

   In the case of Mark Sanchez, that should be a good race. Given that Campos was key to Peskin getting the chair, an endorsement of a green would seem a stretch. Plus Eric Quezada is another strong progressive Democratic candidate in his own right. That’s going to be an interesting race.

5. Alan Collins Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

   Hi Robert: You’ve got Joe Julian voting for both of them. The count looks like he didn’t vote for Weiner.

6. Robert Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 2:31 pm

   Hey Alan,
   Got it. Thanks. I fixed it.

7. John Mehring Says:
   July 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

   Can you report for us the whole slate of officers elected last night? Thanks.

8. Matt Says:
   July 25th, 2008 at 12:20 am

   I think that the DCCC’s unwillingness to endorse candidates who aren’t Democrats is a form of bigotry and is counterintuitive and it goes to show how, even at the local level, Democrats are unable to challenge the status quo when it counts. As such, Democrats will be unable to change or reform themselves at a level that transcends the local system.

   I think that what should be the overarching goal of the DCCC is to reward Democrats where it is due and to punish Democrats very harshly where they waver — kind of like this whole HRC situation where many gays are standing firm with the transgender community. People have been putting up with too much for too long.

   One might argue that to endorse and actively support Independent or third-party (or even some Republican) candidates defeats the purpose of building a strong and united Democratic movement. I see it as growing pains and as a way to shape the debate and the future of the progressive Democratic Party.

9. Robert Says:
   July 25th, 2008 at 1:48 am

   Hey Matt,
   As an individual, I have endorsed Greens and will continue to do so.
   Peace,
   Robert

10. John Says:
    July 25th, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Since the Chronicle won’t ask this question, I will. Does anyone know how hard it is to beat a Mayor at the DCCC on a close vote? It’s super hard. So hats off to Aaron Peskin and his hardworking team in the boiler room who lobbied and accurately counted all the votes. We also need to thank Fiona Ma, David Campos and David Chiu for doing the right thing on this one. Susan Leal’s speech to practically the entire Alice membership was fabulous.

11. Matt Says:
    July 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    Hi Robert,

    I’m glad that you are able to keep an open mind with regard to whom you support (and I think that many of your friends on the DCCC do the same). However, I’m speaking about something from an institutional perspective. If you can’t change the structure of the DCCC and similar organizations, the potential of the Democratic Party is severely hamstringed, locally and, therefore, statewide and nationally.

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