Up next is a short 30-minute forum with the two candidates running for DNC vice chair for civic engagement and voter registration, the seat currently held by Donna Brazile who is not running for reelection. The two candidates are Karen Carter Peterson, chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, and Melissa Fazli, a candidate for the 55th district in the California Assembly.
Karen Carter Peterson: notes that she first ran for office at age 18 and was a Jesse Jackson delegate at the 1988 convention, in part because of Donna Brazile.
We don’t have to reinvent everything, but we do have to reorganize.
Q: what have you done in your current role for civic engagement and voter registration?
Peterson: last 5 years as chair of LADP, it has been my job as engagement at state party level. I’m running because I think DNC can go further and programs can be strengthened.
At parrish level, training wehave institutedis phenominal.
Fazli: got into politics in high school, my first petition was against apartheid.
Campaigned for Al Gore. Canvassed for John Kerry in Fort Lauderdale to oversee voter protection.
I’ve been in politics and supporting politicians for almost 30 years. I am one that went to doors. I didn’t have name in the paper, I didn’t have the pep rallies, but I’m the one that got the people there.
We understand this is a very responsible job, and when it comes to one of us, it’s not a job for 3 months out before election. I’m willing to dedicate my life and energy to the DNC for the next 4 years.
Q: from Alaska DP: how do you engage people who stayed home this election?
Fazli: I read Newsom book. Tells you how to get people reengaged.
I believe in 50 state strategy, I believe in national popular vote. I believe Electoral College needs to be abolished.
Support more women running for office.
Carter Peterson: engage, serve as surrogate and messenger.
It is very important for us, if you’re not at the table, you’re going to be on the bench.
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