Joe Turnham: Democratic party represents true diversity in state

Politicians, candidates and elections come, and they go; but, political parties remain the fluid institutions that are historically called on to foster democracy, provide electoral choices, propose public policies and facilitate meaningful dialogue about our collective civic future.

Leading a political party certainly requires that we be attuned to the next election cycle (2010); but, more importantly, it requires that we build an institutional capacity to compete in the political process for years to come.

The many cultural and political changes in the course of Alabama’s history have required that the Democratic Party in our state evolve and build itself into a nimble, disciplined and more dynamic institution. A competitive two-party state has emerged, that if properly managed by leaders in both parties, can give our citizens a more robust range of issues and candidates to consider. There will be ebbs and flows of political momentum, but both parties should work hard, not just to win, but to make our communities stronger through our actions.

I am most proud of our party’s success in becoming an institution that truly reflects the diversity of Alabama. Our elected and party officials are white, black, conservative, moderate and liberal. Record numbers of women are now serving. We are geographically diverse with 66 of 67 counties having at least one elected democratic official. Of the 1,600 elected officials in Alabama that run by party, 1,052 are now Democrats. While there have been some county by county realignments of party identification, today roughly 37 percent of all voters identify themselves as Democrats, 35 percent Republican and 28 percent independent. Our 2010 ballot is attracting many great democratic candidates who are already tackling and discussing the tough issues.

Alabama Democrats have been active in economic development all while creating the lowest net tax burden in America. Our school systems have progressively gotten better in most communities and our public institutions of higher learning like Auburn and Alabama now rank in the top 40 of all public colleges in America. Today, many Alabama Democrats are working to rewrite Alabama’s 1901 Constitution, remove the sales tax on food and build the infrastructure of roads and basic services that will attract industry and create jobs.

Tackling the great issues of our time requires wading into tough and controversial subjects like health care, climate change and defining America’s new role in a changing world economy. Reforming our nation’s financial institutions and jumpstarting the worst economy since the Great Depression is not for the politically fainthearted.

Democrats don’t have all the answers, or in every case have the fastest or the most eloquent spokespersons on all subjects. Yet, I see in my travels and works, many new, young and talented citizens coming forth to help build our party and run for office. Just two weeks ago in Montgomery, over 150 Alabamians attended our candidate/campaign training school where they were trained in ethics compliance, fundraising, voter contact, media and public policy. Judged by the quality of those in attendance, I think our party and state will be in good hands in the future.

I am most proud that our party has been able to foster a more civil and cerebral debate about the great challenges of our time. The diversity in our party often means we don’t always sing together, but we are all showing up together for the great debates. Governing means learning from each other and mastering the art of compromise and innovation.

Democrats have excelled in listening, learning and reaching common ground because we love our God, our country and our neighbors – regardless of whether they agree, or disagree with us.

Joe Turnham lives in Auburn and is the Alabama Democratic Party Chairman.