It's a very tough pull for Democrats in really red counties. I have lived in Amherst County since 1993 and I have a good feel, I think, for the culture here. That culture runs vertically from TV as you said, but mainly in business and churches. The basis for that alignment is fear, or intimidation. So, I think the Democrats need to come up with a message beyond economics, that flattens the cultural curve.
Huzzah. While the Orange County Democratic Committee celebrated the up-ticket election results (we love Abigail from her days as our Congresswoman), we were saddened by the results for our House of Delegates races, and even more saddened by the acknowledged neglect of rural candidates who didn't stand a good chance of winning.
Though the party bragged about having all 100 districts with a candidate, they didn't support all 100 equally. We get the rationale, but it does little to encourage future candidates in difficult districts. And we have made inroads, both in the size and ability of our Committee and in the percentage of voters supporting Democratic candidates.
So, thank you for so cogently pointing out what is happening and where we need to go with our efforts and messages. I hope others are listening and listening well!
Thx for the deep dive!
It's a very tough pull for Democrats in really red counties. I have lived in Amherst County since 1993 and I have a good feel, I think, for the culture here. That culture runs vertically from TV as you said, but mainly in business and churches. The basis for that alignment is fear, or intimidation. So, I think the Democrats need to come up with a message beyond economics, that flattens the cultural curve.
Huzzah. While the Orange County Democratic Committee celebrated the up-ticket election results (we love Abigail from her days as our Congresswoman), we were saddened by the results for our House of Delegates races, and even more saddened by the acknowledged neglect of rural candidates who didn't stand a good chance of winning.
Though the party bragged about having all 100 districts with a candidate, they didn't support all 100 equally. We get the rationale, but it does little to encourage future candidates in difficult districts. And we have made inroads, both in the size and ability of our Committee and in the percentage of voters supporting Democratic candidates.
So, thank you for so cogently pointing out what is happening and where we need to go with our efforts and messages. I hope others are listening and listening well!