July 19, 2006

Dear DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee member,

We, the undersigned organizations, are writing to urge you to award to the District of Columbia a prominent role in the 2008 presidential nominating process.

For the disenfranchised residents of the District of Columbia, hosting the high-profile nominating contest between Iowa and New Hampshire will gamer significant, positive national media attention to the voting-rights injustice suffered in our nation's capital.

Democrats have long held that District residents deserve full and equal voting rights, and have stood for protecting the voting rights of Americans nationwide. Indeed, voting rights for DC has been a plank in several Party platforms.  By taking demonstrable action to advocate for equality and voting rights, the DNC will convey to Democrats, and in particular African Americans, a sense that the Party is the voice of all Americans, not just a select few and the elite.

In its consideration for which state(s) to include in the "pre-window" nominating calendar, the DNC has sought a small, diverse jurisdiction where retail politicking can be conducted to an electorate of varied racial and ethnic makeup.  D.C. is a racially, ethnically and economically diverse community with over 120 neighborhoods well suited for retail politics.  Like other Americans D.C. residents include firefighters, nurses, teachers, soldiers, retirees, parents, students, and small business owners.  Their concerns are America's concerns.  By campaigning here, Democratic candidates will be able to explore the full range of issues that dominate the headlines, including the war in Iraq.  While Washingtonians are representing our nation in a war to "extend" democracy, they do not enjoy full democracy here at home.  That is a story that must be told.

The effort to achieve full voting rights for District residents is strengthened by raising awareness nationally.  Research has shown that most Americans are unaware of the denial of voting rights suffered in D.C. But, once they are educated, 82 percent support full equality for District residents.  That support holds firm in all parts of the country, among all demographics, and across party lines.

Please consider giving the District of Columbia a prominent role in the 2008 presidential nominating process.

Sincerely,
 

Council of Latino Agencies DC Action for Children DC Democracy Fund DC Fiscal Policy Institute DC Hunger Solutions

DC Vote FairVote Gertrude Stein Democratic Club Greater Washington Urban League

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Our Nation's Capital