Pat Waak and Kumbaya

Thanks to an e-mailer who sent us this copy of Pat Waak's literature that she put together for her run to unseat Colorado Democratic Party Chair Chris Gates. You can download this Waak literature (sorry, couldn't resist) by clicking here: Download patwaakpdf1.pdf.

Waak doesn't really have much to say about what she plans to do that isn't just typical Partyspeak. The only thing that stands out is the statement that she will "let all candidates know that the party leadership is impartial and will provide training and support for those who want to be involved." This is clearly a nod to the Mike Miles faction that is utterly convinced that Gates did everything he could to sabotage Miles' campaign.

All in all, Waak doesn't do much to present herself as any sort of visionary leader in this piece. She plans to do basically what everyone else has always done, only she wants to do it instead of a guy in Gates who has shown he knows how to win. We've never hid the fact that we think it's crazy to try to get rid of a guy like Gates who was as successful as he was in 2004 (you're supposed to oust leaders who lose, like Republican Chairman Ted Halaby), and Waak doesn't show much here to make you think that she would do anything different or unique other than hold hands with everyone and sing Kumbaya if elected Chair. Sorry, but that's not enough of a reason to mess with success, no matter what Party you're with.

Comments

[NCRP]

Looks like she has a long history of working on losing campaigns, and is almost too fanatical for the Dems. Maybe she should switch to the Green party where an Audobon society membership card is one of the first requirements of initiation.

[walt kramarz]

THREE CHEERS FOR OUR NEW DEMOCRATIC STATE CHAIR, PAT WAAK!!!

HOPEFULLY THIS WILL MARK THE END OF THE ERA OF ARROGANCE AT THE TOP OF THE STATE PARTY. PERHAPS EVEN THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF A DEMOCRATIC PARTY "LEADERSHIP" THAT'S EPITOMIZED BY CAPITULATION, EQUIVOCATION, AND LOW EXPECTATIONS.

BY THE WAY, CHRIS GATES HAD VIRTUALLY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DEMOCRATS' SUCCESSES IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE, AND THE ELECTION OF KEN "NIGHTHORSE" SALAZAR IS A DUBIOUS ACHIEVEMENT.

[Curious Stranger]

What did Pat Waak have to do with the Democrat's successes in the state legislature? And you'd have been happier with Pete Coors?

[Alva Adams]

This is one of the things that always bothered us about the movement against Chris Gates. It is just as arrogant to claim that the person who presided over so many Democratic victories isn't good enough for you because of perceived slights.

Be careful that you don't become the very thing you profess to despise. You're on your way already.

[Curious Stranger]

Looks like instead of capitulation, now we'll get CAPITALIZATION.

[walt kramarz]

Ok, I've stopped the "capitalization"; let's hope the national Democratic leaders stop the capitulation.

I do hope Ken Salazar will do better. After so many grassroots activists pounded the pavement on his behalf, his endorsements of Rice and Gonzales were simply unacceptable. Republicans don't slap the face of their political base. Neither should we.

I also hope that everyone gets behind Pat Waak, just as most Miles supporters closed ranks around Ken Salazar following the primary.

We have an opportunity now to reach out not only to the legions of former Democrats who've abandoned the party because of its addiction to special interest cash, but also to the 50% of "swing voters" who've swung right out of political participation altogether.

Maybe we start to have some big ideas in a party which, sadly, hasn't had many since John Kennedy in 1960 said we'd put a man on the moon.

Maybe it's a good time to sit down and ask the deeper questions about what our party stands for, and what it should stand for. Because right now, we're on a long term strategic politcal retreat dating back to the 70s.

Maybe those grassroots activists can be listened to respectfully, not dismissively, And maybe, just maybe, if they're right about something, the party will follow them.

That's my 2 cents. See you all as we get ready for '06!