Finding Ulysses

The news is filled with stories of primaries and caucuses in far away states, as if the earlier states could genuinely wrap up the presidential race before Super Tuesday, February 5th, when people here in New York and in most other states will have their chance vote for their party’s nominee. I’m seeing almost no sign of organizing here in New York for one candidate or the other on the Democratic side. Most of the lawn signs and bumper stickers I’ve seen travelling across the state have been for Republican candidates. On a certain level, that’s understandable, given that Hillary Clinton has home state advantage, but unlike the Electoral College in the general election, the Democratic presidential primary in New York is not winner-take-all. Even if Hillary Clinton takes the majority of New York delegates, other candidates can bring something to from New York to the presidential convention in Denver this summer – if their supporters here work to get out the vote.

This Saturday, Democrats are having their primary in South Carolina. The day after, Trumansburg Democrats will be able to talk about the results of that election and to have a caucus of their own. Here’s the announcement from the Ulysses Democrats:

We have one more important local election this year for one Mayor and Trustee, Village of Trumansburg held on March 18, 2008. THIS Sunday January 27th 4pm Village Hall, Ulysses Democrats will seek and take nominations for candidates in each position at our Village caucus.

If you’re a Trumansburg Democrat, please attend. It’s one of the few chances you have to directly shape the course your political party sets on issues in your community.