A group of leaders of the Young Democrats have released a letter calling on the Kentucky Democratic Party to ensure fairness and transparency in the election of its executive committee. Specifically, the letter calls for the end of a “governor’s slate” of candidates for the committee, and for the equal treatment of all persons running for the committee.
The letter comes two days before the KDP state convention, at which time the quadrennial “reorganization” process will culminate with the election of members of the State Central Executive Committee, the leadership board of the party.
The Young Democrats movement has been growing in recent years across the state, both in numbers and in activity. It appears they are ready to make their voices heard within the party as well.
Here is the letter as received by numerous media outlets across the state.
An Open Letter to Kentucky Democratic Party Delegates
Every four years the Kentucky Democratic Party has its reorganization, where it elects folks into precinct level, county level and statewide leadership. This year’s “re-org” will culminate this Saturday, when we elect members to the State Central Executive Committee, a “board of directors” of sorts for the Kentucky Democratic Party.
It is a long process that was expanded during the McGovern-Fraser Commission. The primary goals of the 1960’s changes were to prevent party leaders from handpicking delegates and to promote representation among women and young people. These adjustments impacted every state, including Kentucky.
A notable Kentucky practice surrounding reorg happens specifically when a Democrat holds the office of Governor. It is traditional for them to compile a “slate,” or a list of endorsed candidates for positions on the State Central Executive Committee (SCEC). We believe it is time to reevaluate this practice. An endorsed slate from the highest office holder seems to fly in the face of the inclusive spirit of the 1960’s adjustments.
The individuals that comprise SCEC also have the fiduciary responsibility for the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP). Having representatives who are ready to remain critical and thoroughly examine the KDP’s finances is of utmost importance. The Governor has a unique relationship with the KDP and has the potential to benefit from friendly representation on SCEC. This raises serious concerns about the optics of a Governor’s slate to those who are new and unfamiliar with the process.
We are hopeful, and under the impression, that the slate compiled by Governor Andy Beshear for the 2021 re-org includes people from various ages, races, socio-economic background, and levels of experience. While this effort is appreciated, we remain skeptical that any Governor’s slate ultimately serves the re-org process, even if there are some excellent candidates that we will all support. We are also aware that concerns have been raised about whether delegate contact information has been readily available from the KDP to candidates who do not appear on the Governor’s slate. If these claims turn out to be true then the KDP has created a significant advantage to some.
We stand for re-org being a process to bring in new voices, new ideas, new energy, and new leaders into the fold at every level. The urgency is all the more pressing when we recognize that in five years, we have gone from 47 to 25 Democratic State Representatives in Kentucky. We are ready for Democrats to be bold, unified, and effective. We know our Commonwealth deserves nothing less. That work starts with an equitable elections process for our State Central Executive representatives. Our party needs accountability and change.
Therefore, we the undersigned cannot support a top-down slate, which is antithetical to the very nature of a grassroots movement, and believe this practice should end to ensure that all voices will be heard at the highest levels of Democratic Party leadership.
Logan Gatti
Vice Chair, Louisville Democratic Party
Stephon Moore
President, Kentucky Young Democrats
Eryn Prichett
National Committeewoman, Kentucky Young Democrats
Seth Woods
National Committeeman, Kentucky Young Democrats
Drew Williams
President, Western Kentucky Young Democrats
Note: Mera Corlett’s name was removed at her request.
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