Officials, Progs, & the Future of the GDI Tradition

Quite frankly, TheRadikal.com is an Indie-Isolationist blog (who actually talks like that? -- I DO.), in the sense that electoral coalitions like Access, and arguably Impact, could and did serve a viable purpose. However, once elected, I have never been supportive of Indie parties merging with the dominant FBK-backed/Greek party (even to save a Senate win, [e.g. Ben Cavatero, Fall 2008]) for one simple reason: the future of the Independent tradition.

People like Pedro Morales and Mitchel Tannenbaum are both major assets to the Indie movement, but they are both prime examples of people quite simply not getting the jist of what 'the movement' is all about. Unlike the FBK-backed Greek bloc, 'the [independent] movement' does not maintain standing armies quartered in campus housing zones or heavily concentrated in key voting districts (e.g. A, C). The [independent] Movement' doesn't have limitless financial resources or ties to politicians around the state.

But there is a tradition that transcends the standing armies and the fat campaign bank accounts, it's a force that runs through certain kinds of people, it's a form of enlightenment - if you ask me. What possesses a person like Sam Miorelli, Bruce Haupt, Rosemary Clouston, James Argento, Frances Harrell, or Ken Kerns to become workhorses for a futile cause?

The Progs should be doing the walkouts, infiltrating and dividing the Machine from within, they should be the ones seeking to sabotage the Machine and embarass its cadres at every possible turn. The Progs should be doing Iron Fist '05 type campaigns using Avant Garde type media to infuriate the masses and create a backlash against the Student Senate, they should be organizing rallies, demanding Alligator coverage, penning legislation that will fail 80:8, but really putting their ass on the line, acting as if the terms they won were won by some kind of joke, some kind of travesty, using those posts as single-use vehicles to further a slew of bills forcing the Machine to act, forcing it to act on issues they've lied to the students about for 10yrs, (e.g. a 24hr LIBRARY) - shaming the system and it's mouthpieces...saying WE ARE HERE TRYING TO GE THIS TO WORK AND...

SO & SO SAYS THIS

SEN. X VOTED NO AND SAID THIS...

"THEY TABLED OUR BILL"

"RALLY ON TIGERT!"

PRESS CONFERENCE

SENATORS ARE ON HUNGER STRIKE, REFUSE TO LEAVE CHAMBERS

And yet...the very group that sold itself as being revolutionary...with the color red all over the place, talk of Trotsky, and of philosophy and dialectics from here to Gibraltar, is being out-revolutionized (word?) by Centrist-Independents -- that's like Gator trying to teach the Iron Fist how to be fringe - or - like Armando Grundy giving anyone election-campaign advice.

Open Question, Progress Party Senators:

I want to know what pieces of legislation have been introduced by Progress senators since taking office (whether bills passed or failed). Would also like to know what key votes and/or pro/cons Progress senators have been a part of.

Anyone can post here.

Thank You.

Updates

I'll be speaking with Fmr. Progress Party Presidential candidate, Sen. Benjamin Dictor this weekend for an update on where the Progress Party is headed, continued negotiations with O&B, and SG-strategies. Dictor, whether remaining at UF or not (like Bruce Haupt), has made a lasting contribution to the modern day independent movement.

I'm also awaiting the Q&A from Fmr. Sen. Joe Bennett and working on some loose ends for the months of April & May, as well as hopefully getting more involvement from Joe Trimboli & Eric Conrad on the State of the Parties.

I'm also hoping to be able to have a Jordan Johnson Q&A up at some point during his administration - I consider this a top priority for the blog and would be ever-so-gracious to anyone that could help make this happen.

GDI v. Mainstream Indie

Mainstream Indies

GDI's

There's three types of Independents...yes more subcultures...but these three types have been around a lot longer than yours truly or this blog. The first type (which is a Greek-friendly version, e.g. "Swamp," "Impact") was not present in this election. The next garden variety is the Mainstream (or Moderate) Independent (ala Progress '05, Action, or Hernandez-UNITE!), which in this case would be the Orange & Blue Party. The smallest type - and contrary to this year's upset, the worst performing faction - are the GDI's (see Student Alliance '03, Keg '04, Voice '05, and arguably, ARGUABLY Keg '09.

In the featured videos, you see Mainstream GDI's using the same influences as their elder-GDI counterparts and while funny, the O&B version seems forced, whereas as the Pants version is very spontaneous, laid back, and naturally "WHATEVER!"

You decide for yourself. Put your film critic's hat on and comment!

Bracco, Wooten Feud Heats Up

Orange & Blue Leader Frank Bracco has been fingered by top Progress Lt. Justin Wooten in a scandal rocking the Independent movement. Wooten claims he has first hand knowledge that the former O&B Vice Presidential candidate has been telling fellow party-members that Wooten is an FBI Agent, allegations that, if true, will put a major damper on hopes of a key-Summer-pactbetween the two warring Indie factions.

"We need a united front for [Fall]," expresses a key indie leader on the ground at UF. Wooten, who is widely rumored heir-apparent to the Progress-presidency, a post currently held by Joshua Simmons, is the #1 go-to person O&B should be looking to win over.


Bracco, on the other hand, is a senior member of the independent movement, having made his bones with the heroic Pants Party of Bruce Haupt and following that up with a successful tenure at the helm of a key SG Agency, not to mention consisten ground & organizational work several indie parties.

Many people have had their fingers crossed since the results were announced - hoping for unity and reconciliation. On the other hand, many hardliners (from both parties, I'm afraid to say) still have some fight left in 'em. It could be Bracco/Wooten or it could be Heinz or Hunts Ketchup, but some hardliners seem poised to carry on the tensions - even though the elections are a thing of the past.

Question is...will this feud provide a forum for the upcoming battles? You Decide!

"What Do The Insiders Say?"

"It's utter nonsense. SDS people made it up and Bracco just parroted it. If Wooten has beef he should take it to SDS.

Chairman Joe Trimboli
Orange & Blue Party

"I think it's a bit overblown, although Bracco has been extremely obnoxious as of late and Wooten's not one to tolerate a lot of rowdy and unwarranted behavior.

Like, Bracco was yelling and screaming about this poster we made and put up at our table in turlington w/ our exec and lil wayne+obama and he was really trying to raise hell, saying we were misrepresenting ourselves and falsely implying that these two figures endorsed us.

And Wooten flat out told him to shut the fuck up, or something in that ballpark which may have sparked the fbi comment as backlash.

But like, even after o&b pulled their complaints against progress (a ridiculously shallow gesture), Frank still filed a couple against us for the lil wayne poster."

Sen. Dave Schneider
Rumored Progress Party 2010 SBP Candidate

"I think Wooten isn't a student at UF and seriously question how much free time he has on his hands that he's so "involved" in SG politics."

Sam Miorelli
Fmr.O&B Party President

"Wooten wins in the 5th round by TKO. Sam is trying to be relevant. Wooten is a really good guy, committed to the party and the cause."

Sen. Benjamin Dictor (Progress)
2nd Place Finisher, UF-SG Fmr. SBP Candidate

TheRadikal.com's Official Election Predictions

First and foremost, let me speak to the issue of credibility. Aside from my Alum' readership, every single regular contributor and friend of the blog hails allegiance to one of the two major Indie factions. There are minor factions as well - be very sure of this. However, these minor factions have succumbed to the ramifications of internal party strife - not seen in Indie cirlcles since the Spring 2005 term.

Minor factions have wrestled with the fact that they are not in a position to break into yet another viable faction and so, have compromised their stances and become mere tendencies of a larger, more pronounced organization - key tendencies from within the Progs would be best articulated by those wanting more revolutionary politics and a mor militant-SG. The leadership of the Progress Party, while possibly sympathetic to many of these worldly causes, has undergone sometimes subtle, sometimes rigid efforts aimed at keeping Dictor a viable alternative to McShera for many Indie moderates. So...I would say that a minor faction within Progress would be 'The Red & Blacks' championed by Justin Wooten. Let it be recorded for all [SG]history, that it was not Ben Dictor or Ben Dictor's charm that won the Progress Party this blog's endorsement, rather, it was the ideological perspectives and future-outlook of Justin Wooten. JW is the red, MT is the black, and JS is neither, but they're all Progress!.

The Orange & Blue Party's minor faction would be the The Pragmatists, of which I believe even Mark McShera could be categorized as being a part of. This faction, through failed attempts stretching even pre-12/11, seemed growingly resilient in its efforts at avoiding a split. Initially, 'the Progs' seemed open to talks with the stunning victory of Donte Hargrove, but even this bleak glimmer of hope soon faded, as Hargrove formally accepted the strengthened role of Party Chair Joe Trimboli (almost a pre-condition on his very election) , thereby substantially weakening the title he'd gain from outgoing Party President (& boss) Sam Mioreli. I believe, that the election of Hargrove drew a line between hardline-Official thought and a version of pragmatism willing to lose some power, in the hopes of saving the day. It's no secret McShera more than likely voted for Hargrove, but what does this say about the candidate and the structure of the party supporting him? Supporting or forcing? Today there is no question Mark wants the Presidency, but in Oct., Nov., and Dec. - it's a bit iffy.


(getting past that little preamble)....

I have Johnson winning the first round, similar to Joe Goldberg in '05, missing the win by less than 1-point. Forcing a run-off.

I predict a large turn-out election: 13,000 votes, of which I believe Jordan Johnson will receive between 6,000-6,500 votes; I believe O&B will come in a distant second with between 3,250 - 3,500 votes; Progress I believe will get between a low of 1,600 votes and a high of 2,100; independent/write-ins candidates will probably secure the remaining votes.

Not to be bested by Progress '05, I believe Progress '09 would not only not endorse Orange & Blue (staying silent per MM/Robert's incarnation) but endorse Unite/Johnson as a final vindication. Johnson/Unite, will more than likely offer piecemeal concessions through mid-level intermediaries and likely fail to give full faith and credit under a Johnson administration to any of the said offers come May 2009.

At this point, Dictor (like most defeated presidential candidates - e.g. Tommy Jardon, Dennis Ngin, Bruce Haupt, Jared Hernandez, Travis Marsh, etc) would either graduate and leave, fade away, or decide to hang up their prestigious SG credentials, opting for retirement and possibly living on as consultants for a carefully selected cadre of respective proteges.

It will be with Dictor's defeat (or McShera's) that we will see where th Independent movement will head post-election and into the new decade. I believe a JW/MT-led Progress would never marry Orange & Blue in the Fall of this year, then again it depends who's in the driver seat.

For O&B Trimboli is the driver (with Miorelli making the gear changes, Cavatero navigating (despite the fact the car comes with OnStar), Stacey Gray has been carefully buckeled into her baby-chair, and Hargrove's out behind in full force - pushing.) . In Progress Simmons is doing the driving, Dictor is doing the site-seeing, MT has leaned forward from the backseat to channel-surf the radio-dial, meanwhile JW & a group of SDS'ers push the car as it smokes by O&B at high speeds of 9mph - yes NINE MILES PER HOUR.

The Officials Return [Heavier] Fire.

Both factions took the trouble of digging themselves in post 12/11, almost in Great War like fashion, firing sporadically at one another with the occasional mortar or two raining down on a mess hall or latrine. A few people gone blown off their can, but no major action.

Slating saw an eleventh hour attempt at peace. Ken Kerns should take pride, as do I, in that even during the slating efforts were made to reconcile. Dictor showed up, McShera did not. Mark's excuse, 'they didn't confirm'; Dictor's excuse to the 12/11 meeting cancellation/re-setting and his absence 'they didn't confirm.' Initially McShera/Officials through authorized personnel were willing to engage through yours truly (not Armando Grundy, lol), but the Progs (somewhat immaturely) demanded unconditional surrender. Gradually I wore the Progs down to accepting some concessions, culminating in a Monday night attempt to reconcile the Progs & the Officials, Dictor was willing to talk. When I asked McShera what he wanted or was willing to offer - he said 'they pull out,' another way of saying unconditional surrender.

Throughout the months of December and January, the Officials were largely on the receiving end. They lost the Prog-faction, they lost a key vote in senate, many felt undermined by Dictor's announcement to the Alligator, and still many were literally knocked off kilter to see the re-emergence of an old foe, Josh Simmons, in a top leadership capacity. To end the streak, Progress won the TheRadikal.com and SDS endorsements.

Slating, however, may have just turned the tide. The Officials secured Stacey Gray for Veep (as speculated on this site), they secured a key Treasurer candidate, they fired over two dozen campaign violations against Progresss (I think this tactic should be reserved for the Machine, but w/e), and they chose to get payback on MT with GC, only I can't promise JW won't lose his cool, as GC has taken MT and totally outdone him.

Slating numbers provided on a day-to-day also proved life in the O's was by no means defeatist. Although TR continues supporting Progress, I'm glad lines of communication remain open and strong and I hope to see both sides grow stronger, however, could the two factions kindly consider reducing the campaign violations war - I mean don't you guys think that's a bit petty? And that's being addressed to Progress folks thinking it wise to reply in turn in the future.

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Progress, Orange And Blue

The Independent movement is at war - there's no other way of putting it. Compromise at this stage is still possible, it will be possible up until the day of slating - be clear on that fact! However, it's time to validate what's been said on this blog for sixty days now - there are factions, there is an ideological divide, and Dictor does have a tangible base of support.

The Officials have governed with Iron Fist... and the excuse that McShera was biding his time until Sam Miorelli announced his, is simply unacceptable. As recent as three months ago, McShera expressed no clear-cut desire in executive office of any sort. With the news that Miorelli would leave, a gap appeared out of thin air, and The Officials' hasty attempt at filling it - failed!

Fall 2008 also signaled the advent of new beginnings. The largely untapped, disillusioned (with SG) Left answered Dictor's call - and - as opposed to Officialist thinkers like Joe Trimboli & Kyle Huey, SDS is not (by majority) with them.

There is, however, something to be said about SDS Leader Skeet Surrency. Leading Progs cite that Skeet has been inactive in recent terms and that new SDS Leadership will come about - a new leadership that will likely not include the likes of Mr. Surrency.

Conflicting reports have made this lone SDS'er's loyalities somewhat ambiguous. The Officialist-line believes Surrency will not only be loyal to its faction, but that he will capitalize on O/B-Holdouts in the organization and bring about org.-wide support for McShera.

The Progressivist-line begins be refuting these assertions in that 'SDS doesn't run that way...' meaning that no single one person can turn the group. The Progs also cite that Surrency has already pledged his support - and - it wasn't to The Officials. So where does Skeet really stand and is it even relevant to SDS or the GREATER LEFT that Officialist thought has consistently refused to credit to the now splintered-off Progressive Faction of the Orange & Blue Party?

The question of reconciliation cannot be addressed until The Officials address their former comrades with the respect they're owed. Do I agree with the Progs voting down of an O/B'er? Partly, I do and partly, I've personally instigated the notion on this blog.

How can the Progs speak of ideological separation per the upcoming elections yet act inconspicuously in chambers? How do prospective supporters of the breakaway O/B Faction comprise their ideals to fall out of line and support a rebel, when that same rebel and that rebel's supporters are still in-line and actively promoting the very agenda that they're campaign literature states (or will state) they've broken away from?

Ideally, both factions will unite, but I am of the opinion that Ben Dictor offers the greatest amount of good for the independent movement and that McShera was largely thrust into the gap in a hasty, somewhat messy chain of events. I am also firmly of the belief another splinter, this time within the Officials (hereinafter dubbed "the Pragmatists" or 'the Prags') are more open to dialogue and concessions that holding the line against their populist rival faction's executive selection(s).

Institutionally speaking, however, the Officials et. al. (through Article IV. & creation of a strong Party Chair position to offset any difficulties with Miorelli's replacement) are both unprepared & unwilling to eiter share power or much less, hand it over.

Points of Interest

I. Gainesville for Gaza

Big kudos to Jonathan Bull for organizing this truly wonderful rally. Over thirty people attended, amongst them heavy hitters like David Reznik. Althought the Zionist terrorists continue to punish an innocent, defenseless people, these rallies serve a very important function. The American people need to know the horrors being committed with their taxpayer dollars and in their name. Thank you to Jonathan & all the organizers & protesters that attended - you all showed great courage and humanity today.

II. The Next Phase of the Indie Movement

I was happy to put Justin Wooten in contact with some friends of mine in the common struggle. I have wanted to say this for a long time, but regardless of where Dictor takes his candidacy, independent of the Spring campaign season, I want to see Justin emerge from this a key player in tomorrow's Student Government. I don't think he should waste his time trying to conform to outdated models that are on their last legs anyways. The new movement will require new faces, new methods, and will garner larger turnouts by incorporating vast blocs under one all-inclusive flag.

III. Comments

Comments referring to SG'ers family will not pass moderation. About two weeks ago I pulled two comments as a good faith gesture, along with an apology to John Dicks - the gold standard in SG. Before that I extended a similar gesture to Ben Dictor. I don't care what is said, it will not go up. Anyone, even if over the years, as a complaint related to this new policy will have it addressed. This is of my own free will and it's being done b/c I agree in that it has no place on an SG-blog, at least not on mine.


IV. Who Controls SDS?

This has been going on for weeks. Both factions insist they have the support of SDS. The Officials have long held that long before the 12/11 meeting they have been given serious assurances that the group will back McShera. OB-O insiders point to a meeting between a high-ranking Official & "Tina & Melody" ([allegedly taking place sometime between 12/8 - 12/10] leading to the Duque-encouraged/Dictor' Campaign-Moratorium), where the SDS-Question was settled. And just two days ago, another Official, speaking on condition of anonymity confidently confirmed that the OB-O's would take the super-majority of SDS and that "SDS'ers weren't stupid....they wouldn't back Dictor simply based on revenge." The insider also called Dictor an "interloper" who "only went to SDS when he needed something" and that the members would see right through that when determining to back him or McShera. The OB-O's also cannot fathom Skeet Surrency turning on McShera.

the Progs, who arguably, brought the Left into SG this past fall, have an unwavering faith in this particular organization. They believe the Officials are delusional and have asked that TR not go into any specifics pertaining to the statements made by the OB-O's above.

But I will ask the readers this! WHICH WAY DO YOU THINK SDS WILL GO?

As the primary nears, every key org, every voting member will be scrutinized. No stone will be left unturned. As we enter the next stage, the executive ticket of, arguably, the most powerful independent party of all time has never been more important than now.

Go sit at Grundy's tomorrow, but this is bigger than the entire Fall '08 election. This will be a course on democracy, sacrifice, and team work. One faction will have to win and one will have to concede - at the convention.

The solution is not at Grundy's and it's not at a bar, it's not in hateful anonymous comments. The solution will be the convention - let it happen.

The O&B Arbitration?

Arbitration - The process by which the parties to a dispute submit their differences to the judgment of an impartial person or group appointed by mutual consent or statutory provision. [Source: TheFreeDictionary.com]

Armando Ramon Grundy Gomes is back in the news and he means business. The onetime city commission candidate is holding an arbitration of sorts this Monday in the hopes of sorting out differences between prospective O&B presidential candidates Mark McShera & Ben Dictor.

Interestingly neither faction seems to have agreed to abide by Grundy's findings - making Grundy's role even more ambiguous.

So why is everyone going?

Beats me.

Tannenbaum's 12/11 Minutes

3:03 Bennett proposes party officer elections, Schneider is first to use "unelected cabal"

12:20 Miorelli says voting members include former party officers in bylaws, and again at 14:20

16:10 Bennett asks why Progress Party members can vote. Debate ensues about who can vote 'current party officers and senators vs. officers, senators, and previous party members'

17:20 Laugh track.

21:00 Vote on weather or not to end debate on voting members. Trimbolli abstains from vote. 9-8 Fails

Debate on whether or not to have elections.

22:00 Yanuk asks where is the smear campaign.

22:30 Bennett mentions information from a member of the cabal.

24:00 Neiderriter steps forward to comment on the cabal and the smear campaign.

24:50 Gillespy comments on time for debate.

25:50 Hargrove: "The bylaws will do you no good if there is no party."

27:33 Dictor gives the reasons for having elections.

30:27 Schneider: "a great deception on the part of this leadership"

31:00 Gillespy "I joined this party because I trusted that it wasn't the Gator party"

33:18 Dictor on Chutzpah

34:43 Gersten on group therapy.

35:55 Yanuk: "There's something to be said for people having done the job for years"

37:00 Vote on adding elections: Passes unanimously 18-0

37:50 Public comment

38:35 Eric Conrad on joining the movement, wanting to help out, but now questioning the structure of the system

40:30 Yevkin __ on arrogance and unity

40:58 ?? ?? on excitement and disappointment, "schisms should exist"

43:53 Gersten on staying unaffiliated, and future of the movement with people who's voices aren't heard now

46:18 Hargrove on the differences between the Gator Party and O&B, being an open party, and voting member standards changing

49:00 Tannenbaum on the contrast between the majority opinion versus the leadership's opinion and the voting process

50:10 Adriana on helping O&B and respect for one another

52:00 Bylaws: Members at Large, Robert's Rules, Party Council positions

1:07:30 Article 3 - Party Committee Chair discussion: Passes

1:20:15 Article 4 - Recognizing Progress Party Seniority

1:21:20 Miorelli: "Seniority trumps everything" and again at 1:21:40

1:22:30 Dictor on meritocracy vs patronage

1:31:25 Bendix on merit of Neiderreiter and Trimbolli, "...we're going to question that they don't have a right to any of this? How much money have Josh and Joe Trimbolli put into this party? And we're going to say they have no merit?"

1:32:45 Hargrove on what we were told at IHOP, "Now you're gonna tell me that two hard workers get a vote, but the rest of the hard workers don't? You gotta be out of your fucking mind!"

1:35:00 Ossip reads the names of the cabal provided by Neidereitter

1:36:00 Neiderreiter responds.

1:37:30 Miorelli: "recognizes seniority"

Bennett responds

1:38:30 Gray on short sightedness

1:39:50 Tannenbaum on a mechanism for inclusion

Gersten on money and shifting direction

1:41:45 Article 4 fails (McShera and Benedix abstain) 5-12

1:43:30 Election of Officers

1:45:50 Neiderreiter gives his speech.

1:49:00 Hargrove gives his speech.

1:52:45 Questions

1:54:15 Neiderrieter: "I will continue to have meetings, cause I have to tell you what happened to me in the Pants Party. I would always be asking what the hell's going on with this party. I would be screaming at Sam over AIM, 'What was going on? I have no idea what's going on.' And I think one of the things the Orange and Blue Party has done well in the campaigns is have a lot of meetings and tell everyone what's going on." and 1:58:20 "I don't want people to feel left out, I've been there before"

2:06:20 Huey offers to give anyone the exec thread contents

2:12:30 Dictor on Hargrove and The Cabal Text Messages between him and Braco, The Leadership: "It is not the party's choice who runs under the O&B"
Braco responds: populous vs qualifications
Neidereitter responds, "The Leadership does not just refer to the cabal."

2:23:20 Miorelli on qualifications of the candidates and requirements of the office

2:27:00 Gillespy on the principles and values of the party

2:29:10 Gray on behavioral problems of the candidates

2:33:00 Ossip asks to continue the meeting, and is met with resistance

2:35:15 Student Body President nominations

2:35:30 Gillespy nominates McShera

2:35:45 Bennett nominates Dictor

2:37:10 Hargove wins 10-7

2:37:34 Dictor accepts nomination

Meeting is adjourned

Minority Rules Senate...& Now O&B?

Hargrove Defeats Niederriter

Donte Hargrove, an alleged Dictor-loyalist, in a party that some believe is almost 2/3's in the bag for Mark McShera, defeats 'The Officials''s candidate!

It would seem logical for 'The Progs' to receive the party's leadership on paper as part of some exit package, but Dictor remains in position to challenge McShera for the Orange & Blue nomination for student body president.

Insiders from both sides have McShera at a comfortable lead, with Gator observers pleased. The FBK/Greek side seems uneasy about facing a united O&B Party given big losses in Fall and the ever looming possibility of Greek houses revolting.

'The Progs', under Dictor, have a stronger hand at the moment. Numerically speaking, Dictor cannot defeat McShera, but if Hargrove suspended the rules and declared Dictor the party's candidate next term, The Officials would find themselves scrambling for a new party name, spreading word throughout campus, and spending countless hours and money on damage control.

Conceptually speaking, as the frontrunner, McShera's voice should reign supreme (& McShera has recognized Donte Hargrove). However, until January 2009, The Officials will control the party through Sam Miorelli.

Miorelli could potentially suspend the rules and call for new elections. Rumor has it McShera opposes the idea of Josh Simmons being re-admitted to Exec., there would be a huge deadlock if the Party's SBP candidate forbade the re-admission of an Exec. Committee applicant, largely favored by the Party President. Miorelli just might make this potential showdown never happen...

Josh Simmons is also in an interesting position. A week ago he wanted back into O&B Exec. and today, some would say he's the power behind the O&B President-elect.

What an interesting time Spring may be. Simmons & Miorelli, both graduating next term, will be actively wrestling to get Hargrove in their corner -- who wins? Is it that obvious? How did The Officials lose the party presidency? I don't get it, but if one thing's for sure, Ben Dictor remains a viable underdog in contention for the party nomination.

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Simmons Writes Duque

Christian,

I unfortunately had to step out for a goodly portion of the business part of the meeting, but since you seem to have gotten the gist of what actually happened already, I'll talk repercussions with you.

As far as this farcical assertion that I am somehow in control of Donte, it's patently ridiculous. I'd never even been properly introduced to the guy until yesterday. He's not beholden to anyone - he was duly elected in the first free and fair officer election a minority party has ever held. Although I'm sure he's more likely to consider my opinion than Sam Miorelli would, that's not saying much - it's become incredibly clear to everyone, I think, that Sam Miorelli listens to no one except the voices inside his head.

With regard to the party's nomination, that matter wasn't considered, although the McShera faction tried to force his nomination through in the meeting's garbage time (after, in fact, Miorelli had gavelled the meeting adjourned) but that attempt was abandoned after Donte was announced as the new party president and the shock thereof. I'm not sure if Ben will seek the nomination again - you'd have to ask him about that. I think that he feels the election of Donte is a step in the right direction, though, towards restoring the principles he feels the party originally stood for.

As to my climbing back into the mystical realm of the "exec," frankly I couldn't care less whether McShera wants me or not. In fact, the mentality that there is some powerful group of "exec" members is the sort of thing I'm trying to change by supporting Ben Dictor. One way or another, I'm going to be in the room offering my perspective, and hopefully someone will decide that it's worth taking into consideration.

There's supposed to be another meeting tomorrow to elect the remainder of the party's officials and potentially the SBP nominee (although not necessarily), and we'll know more after that.

Cheers,
-Josh Simmons

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"I think it's reprehensible how people that I helped get elected now see fit to openly trash me and the other people who donated huge amounts of money and time to get them elected for their own personal political gain."

Sen. Sam Miorelli
Orange & Blue Party President

The Breakdown

By this stage in the game we're no longer dealing with just two guys, so let me explain how I'm organizing my thoughts. In my head, division pre-election is not only healthy but needed. We have the larger faction, supporting Mark McShera and loyal largely to Sam Miorelli. Because this larger faction has more of the seasoned veterans, I call them the Official Party, or simply 'The Officials.'

On the other hand, I have Ben Dictor's group. Being that there is a great deal of SDS, Obama, CMC, and leftists, I have this group listed as The Progressives. I am by no means suggesting that O&B will split, but until there is a fair, all-inclusive primary, I don't think it's plausible to sweep the differences between the 'The Officials' and 'The Progressives' under the rug and join hands and sing kumbaya just yet.

Conservative estimates: 70/30% split, favoring The Officials
Liberal estimates: 60/40% split, favoring The Officials