You’ve heard them, the Democrats claiming “we’re going to turn Georgia blue” in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018… I grew tired of this trumpeting in 2009 when we first started hearing about the demographic shift; the popularity of President Obama; the promise of Governor Barnes. Every Democrat wants to hear this. It makes us feel hopeful and all warm inside.
It’s time to face facts. Georgia will NOT be blue in 2014, it’s unlikely in 2016 or 2018. If we play our cards right, invest our time and treasure, and demographics change as predicted, I am hopeful for 2020.
Will Georgia go for a Democratic President sooner than 2020? That may be possible. Will we elect at least one Constitutional Officer before 2020? That’s possible too. But for the benefits of being a Blue State to begin to take effect for Georgia, we need to win majorities in the State House and/or State Senate. For that, we have a very long way to go. It’s a daunting task, a marathon not a sprint, and many of our citizens are not even in training for the races ahead. Preparing for the marathon requires engaging the Rising American Electorate (minorities, young people, and unmarried women). To do so we must build a rock-sold progressive infrastructure. Claiming we can win this marathon in 2014 or 2016 is akin to telling me that if I start now I’ll be bikini-ready by Memorial Day. Nothing but disappointment comes from believing either scenario.
Do you want a Blue Georgia? If so I recommend investing time and treasure in the good work of the organizations below. In ADDITION, seek candidates to support, as well. Efforts from both the organizational segment and the campaign segment is required for us to win this marathon.
It takes a fucking village, people.
Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)
Georgia WAND (Disclaimer: I sit on the board of Georgia WAND)
Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates
Georgia Equality
Young Democrats of Georgia
WIN List
League of Women Voters of Georgia
Better Georgia
Leave a Reply