The political club, in theory, is where democracy begins. It is the grass roots of politics. In practice it is also the graveyard of democracy at times.
It started out as a forum where like-minded individuals went to discuss issues so that their elected officials could represent them on these very issues. It evolved into an organization whose sole function is to elect incumbent officials. It does not matter whether the club is Democratic, Republican, Independent, Conservative, Liberal, or somewhere in-between.
It is run by the President and the Board of Directors who make up the agenda.The Board of Directors usually is made up of
the elected official's employees and dedicated people who are generally good petitioners. Generally they are there to protect the officials and put forward their agenda.
That is why you rarely see people who challenge the incumbents in a club have much success. The only time you see any new people running for office from a club is when the present official does not run. Most of the time the club assumes the name of the elected official and loses its own identity. It becomes Jose's club, or Marie's club, etc. Incumbency is the name of the game. The endorsement feature usually locks out challengers. The incumbent generally has an advantage over any challenger, because he/she can point to his ability to bring home money to his constituency.
The word "Reform" is a misnomer once the elected officials are elected more than once. It becomes just like a "Regular" club.
Issues become less important than campaigning and keeping power.
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Another function of the party is to provide easy jobs or a stepping stone to political favors. Most people are not aware of this and it really is one of the most important motivations for becoming a member of the group and "getting along". Probe any principal or out of the classroom teacher and you'll find a political animal.
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