Progressive Dane has a lot to be happy about. This left-of-center alternative to the Democratic Party was able to advance all its primary candidates into the general election April 1, as well as more than half a dozen candidates who were not challenged in the Feb. 15 primary.
The biggest landslide of the primaries was by Progressive Dane incumbent Ald. Austin King from the predominantly student-based District 8, who received 78.5 percent of the vote, over 10 points higher than any other winner.
One of the reasons Progressive Dane is so appealing to voters is its social-justice platform. Working toward equal rights for the LGBT community, pay equity, universal health care, affordable housing and workplace democracy, Progressive Dane has a unique agenda where the priorities of the candidates are geared more toward social issues rather than economic and business interests. Their membership base is also unique, where their members-at-large — not just political heavyweights and party leaders — approve policy initiatives and agendas. Yogesh Chawla, a member of the Progressive Dane steering committee, remarked, “The nice thing about being a member (of Progressive Dane) is that you can take on as much responsibility as you want.” Chawla became active in the party about five months ago and is now the party’s webmaster and helps set the message and agenda of the party.
Progressive Dane prides itself on its accessibility and attachment to the communities its candidates serve. Michael Jacobs, chairman of the Elections Committee with Progressive Dane, noted how the candidates and voters share a connection to the community: “[We endorse] the kind of candidates that are well connected to the districts they serve.” Jacobs elaborated on the appeal of how their campaigns are run: “Progressive Dane candidates run campaigns with one-on-one contact [and have a] personal nature to them … our elected officials and membership has extra teeth and energy for local policy.”
Ald. Austin King remarked on the membership of the organization as being “a rag-tag group of volunteers who care about the environment” and are gaining in popularity and influence in the city. This unorthodox organization has led to criticism from both the Democratic Party and Republican Party. Former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin was quoted in the Wisconsin State Journal as saying, “They’re ignoring people who pay the bills … [and] creating an economic doughnut hole in Madison.” Soglin was defeated in 2003 by Dave Cieslewicz, a member of Progressive Dane.
This criticism is a scare tactic, says Michael Jacobs: “The party works toward supporting the entire community through community-based economic development [by providing] jobs that support working families and preserving the character of our community.”
King said the candidates did “exceptionally well” last Tuesday and is proud Progressive Dane is doing its part to increase the number of competitive races in Dane County. “We went from six contested races two years ago to 10 or 11 this year,” continued King, who believes more competition is good for the city.
As far as the future of the party is concerned, members seem optimistic. Yogesh Chawla remarked, “The national trend is going conservative, but we have a strong progressive base that will solidify.” It is the commitment to the community that is the party’s strong point, and voters are starting to notice. “The Progressive Dane model appeals to helping people understand the role of local government in everyday lives and presses upon people that, at the City Council in particular, it is the place they can have the close connection to people they elect,” observed Jacobs. By building a bridge between politicians and voters, interest in local elections will grow, which will lead to a more responsive, more accountable city government.
Progressive Dane is a great opportunity for liberals disillusioned by the Democratic Party or those who wish to truly be involved in a political party and have real responsibility. There are a myriad ways in which a member can be involved, and by getting involved now, there is the ability to grow and help shape the party to be responsive to your needs and concerns.
Jackie Lantz ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science.