Thursday, March 12, 2009

Ensuring Balance of Obligations of Party and Presidential Campaigns

Problem: The Bylaws specify that the LNC must provide "full support" to the national candidate selected by the delegates, but fails to balance that with a corresponding duty of the candidate. In the past, a contract between the candidate and the LNC has been signed shortly after the nomination, but the Bylaws don't even create any strong incentive for that to happen.

Solution: Specify in the Bylaws that the proposed contract should be signed prior to nomination, by all those who seek the nomination of the delegates.

Benefit: Having an agreement published in advance makes it clear to all parties what should be reasonably expected of each. And after the nomination, the Party will already have a contract with the nominee.


Insert Article 12.3: Not less than six months prior to each Regular Convention immediately preceding a Presidential election, the National Committee shall publish a contract specifying the terms by which the Party and the Presidential campaign shall assist and support each other. The Chair shall sign on behalf of the Party with anyone who otherwise qualifies and desires to be our candidate. Only those persons who have signed and are in compliance with the contract shall be recognized as candidates and be eligible to be nominated for President or Vice-President.

1 comment:

The Mudslinger said...

While the sentiment is admirable, doesn't that deny the delegates choices to vote on?

IOW, the delegates have the say on the nominee and this creates a national party filter on that choice.

It makes more sense to have only the nominee sign it as a condition of accepting the nomination--make it even ceremonial in nature--and if they don't, then they decline the nomination and the nominations are re-opened again, or throw it to the runners-up in descending order of votes.

Also, how will this contract be enforced?