THIS SHALL BE just the first in a series of columns addressing all Nevada Democrats, South, North and Rural. It delineates what I believe must happen to move the Nevada State Democratic Party forward in a positive, pro-active, progressive and professional manner. As we now approach the 2008 Presidential Caucus, that is quickly propelling Nevada into the national political spotlight—and under the microscopic scrutiny of the American people, it is time for the State Democratic Party to come of age.

The motivation for this series of columns is a desire to see the Nevada State Democratic Party (NSDP) evolve into a dynamic State Democratic Party. We have a few common goals. First, to develop a comprehensive Issues Platform that represents the spirit of Nevada Democrats. Secondly, to constantly increase Democratic Voter registration, and recruit, orient, train and organize a growing volunteer force. Third, to assist in Getting Out The Vote! Fourth, we succeed in electing the best qualified (not "anointed") Democratic Candidates. Lastly, fifth, we, ultimately, advance and win on our issues.

Keep in mind, only the Democratic Party remains as the standard bearer of being the "Big Tent Party" for all Americans, including our uneducated, our poor, our disabled and infirmed, our elderly and disenfranchised—that much, thankfully, remains true and why, in my heart of hearts—I shall, from this point on, forever remain a "Fighting Democrat"—and you should too!

To update you dear readers, about 12% of the NSDP membership resides in our Rural Counties. While about 16% now reside in our Northern Urban Counties. The majority, some 72% reside in Clark County, it is the main bastion of strength (and weaknesses)—and the most challenging region we must politically reform to win in 2008 and 2010.

Reforming our party will require a major paradigm shift—and that needs to happen very quickly! For too long there has been this on-going and self-defeating spat between the South, the North and the Rurals—this must be brought to an end! Naturally, we will always have some opposing inter-regional interests. Our UNLV and UNR rivalry, in the spirit of sport, is a good thing! However, we must address our serious issues in a civil manner, and come to compromises, and keep the party united to prevail and progress. If we continue to do anything less, we will continue to be our own worse enemies, remain divided and dysfunctional, and continue to lose elections that we could have (and should have) won, and continue to lose on our issues.

The great news is the NSDP elected Jill Derby as their new State Party Chair at the end of May. We couldn't be more fortunate to have such a high caliber, native citizen, with such outstanding academic and community services credentials leading us at this critical time when Nevada is being launched onto the national political scene forever more. However, Jill Derby is going to need a lot of support, from many new leaders, to get our house in order. We need new leaders at every County Democratic Party level as well, and it's not just a matter of just cleaning house, we need nearly an entirely new make-over, a full re-modeling job from the foundation up to the roof top!

This can happen under a smart and strong leader like Jill Derby, IF she gets the needed support from County Leaders and YOU, the General Membership of the NSPD—All of our future success now rests on the shoulders of each of us as Nevada Democrats.

It is going to take a significant number of General Members of the Nevada Democratic Party to step up, volunteer and get actively involved to elect new County level leadership, especially in the South, to ensure the Nevada Democratic Party and Jill Derby succeeds.

This critical paradigm shift needs to start with the South being compassionate about our Northern and Rural Nevada neighbors. That begins by focusing on a spirit of renewal and reaffirming the spirit of unity. Then, looking beyond just the statistics, giving due recognition to the fact that the North and Rurals are Nevadans too, and rendering due dignity and respect to all regions. In return, I'm sure the majority of members in the North and Rurals will reciprocate—the South, alone, can not unite the entire state party.

No worse recent example of our defeating division exists than the last Governor's race. Too many in the North and Rurals just could not bring themselves to vote for the NSDP Primary Winner and Nominee Dina Titus! Because Dina Titus had simply done her job, very passionately at times, in representing her Southern constituency as a State Senator, rising to the highly respected position of State Senate Minority Leader—too many held that against her unfairly and betrayed the party by voting for Republican Jim Gibbons.

A classical sad example of our "pride going before the fall" and failing as a State Party of Democrats. The result, well we now have the worse Governor in the history of the State of Nevada. Too many "swing voters" just couldn't be fair in giving Dina due credit for just doing her job and duty in defending her constituents. Oh, and then there's those who just couldn't accept her Southern accent. How stupid can some people be, and how can these people be so shallow and cast their valuable vote so irresponsibly as Democrats?

We have got to get past this problem of people casting their valuable vote like they're just picking their favorite "American Idol" star! Well, that's why it's said, "We get the government we deserve." When are we going to learn to vote for the best qualified candidates on the merits of their integrity, character, experience, performance and ability to be honest and effective public servant/leaders?

Having chastised the North and the Rurals, in all fairness, let me say I must put 72% of the blame on Clark County Democrats! Not only did we fail Dina Titus in beating Jim Gibbons, the NSDP, collectively, failed to even get Tessa Hafen, a favorite daughter and fantastic, young, dynamic candidate elected in challenging a nearly worthless Republican in Congressional District #3 (with no disrespect meant to the smart and hard-working members of both "Team Titus" and "Team Tessa" volunteers). We simply needed a lot more money and more volunteers to walk precincts and GOTV!

Bottom line, we can keep on, keeping on, and making the same mistakes over and over, and fantasizing about different results—which is the common definition of insanity, or, we can change. I vote for change! We have a number of very high caliber members within the party, with outstanding professional and civics credentials, in leading large volunteer organizations—and we only need a few of them to step up and run for the positions of Clark County Democratic Party Chair, 1st and 2d Vice-Chair! IF we can get just three such leaders to put together a ticket and run a solid campaign—I'm convinced the many disgruntled party faithful would vote for them in a landslide victory, much like Jill Derby just enjoyed. These new leaders need to be elected overwhelmingly, with a clear mandate for change, from the people, for the people and by the people—like YOU!

You can start by just doing a little homework and going to the NSDP State Web site at www.nvdems.com then, the Clark County Web site at www.clarkcountydemocrats.org for more information. Please, everyone now is the time to get involved for our parties' sake!

The next meeting of the Clark County Democratic Party is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., next Tuesday, May 1st at Hennessy's Tavern, Suite 10, 425 Fremont Street (parking available in the Fremont Street Experience parking garage), Las Vegas, NV 89101 Please plan on attending and getting there a little early. Our party needs Democrats to get active NOW!