Don’t just vote for the Democratic Party of Lane County’s endorsed candidate in nonpartisan races. An endorsement is not based on a careful vetting of qualifications and who would represent the party. Here is how an “endorsement” works:

  • A candidate attends a Democratic Party of Lane County meeting with dozens of precinct committee people, many of whom are elected in uncontested votes.
  • A candidate gets a few minutes to speak and answers questions.
  • The precinct committee people then vote. A majority earns an endorsement. They can, but rarely, endorse more than one candidate.

The reality is that there are usually about 50 or so people voting and you can lose by a handful of votes. Hardly a thorough vetting process and highly susceptible to a wide variety of shenanigans. Party activists, such as some Democratic Socialists of America members  and labor activists, can mobilize to block an endorsement. When an endorsement almost guarantees a victory in an all-Democrat primary and only the victor goes to the general election, it is far from “democratic.” Voters get the choice that in reality is no choice.

For example, John Barofsky is running for the vacant Eugene City Council Ward 3 seat. His experience includes serving on the Eugene Water & Electric Board, Eugene Budget Committee and Eugene Planning Commission, among other public service positions. He is endorsed by many Democratic office holders including U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, former U.S. Rep. Peter Defazio and Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson.

However, the Democratic Party of Lane County endorsed his comparatively inexperienced opponent, Jennifer Smith.

Barofsky’s sin is he is a business owner who works with the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s endorsement was enough to get him sandbagged by a coalition of Democratic Socialists of America and labor activists.

Look for experience, the individuals and organizations who put their reputations on the line to endorse someone, and then make your decision.

Ted Coopman
Eugene