The Democrats' fifty-state strategy


By Lee Mortimer
Published September 25th 2007 in The Nation

The Democrats' fifty-state strategy may be good for party-building and grassroots organizing, but it makes no sense to throw resources at states whose electoral votes are out of reach in 2008. "Purple America" exists only in fifteen to eighteen "swing" states. Bob Moser's home state, North Carolina, is firmly in the Republican column. Despite having a North Carolinian on the ticket in 2004, the Kerry/Edwards campaign barely improved its vote over Gore/Lieberman in 2000. The only way Democrats can carry "red" states in 2008 is if they are carrying the country by a landslide. And that's not in anyone's forecast. The best hope for a "purple America" is the National Popular Vote plan, which would make every vote equal in presidential elections.

LEE MORTIMER
Durham, NC

Sierra Club National Popular Vote Resolution
WHEREAS, the mission of the Sierra Club is to explore, enjoy and protect the planet through grassroots participation in politics and government; and

WHEREAS,  presidential candidates focus their efforts and resources only in battleground states.

WHEREAS, two-thirds of the states receive little to no attention in a competitive presidential election.

THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sierra Club supports National Popular Vote state legislation that will elect the President of the United States by popular vote.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Sierra Club supports election of the President of the United States by direct popular vote.