Party endorsement by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Preamble

A decision to “endorse” is the highest honor to be granted to a candidate by the LDTC. It signifies our recommendation that the candidate is the best choice in the election and that the candidate will serve for the benefit of all constituents – especially Lincoln’s constituents. A decision to endorse will signify our willingness to work and conduct activities for the benefit of the endorsed candidates.

The process

Many have asked what kind of process the LDTC will use to determine candidate endorsements. The answer is simple but the process is not. In an effort to establish a fair procedure based on relevant issues, LDTC has adopted a multi-step process:

1. Candidate questionnaires are developed for each office with input from the committee.
2. Questionnaires are sent by certified mail to each candidate.
3. Candidate interviews are conducted for candidates who return a completed questionnaire.

Endorsement of a candidate is meant to be a fairly thorough and rigorous process. The LDTC evaluates candidates based on a number of criteria including:

• Candidate Questionnaire
• Incumbency

• Candidates, who are also incumbents, are given higher priority over challengers.

• Candidate Background and Temperament

• Candidates who do not exhibit a temperament for public office will most likely not be endorsed. Candidates with serious or questionable legal or personal problems will also not receive an endorsement.

• Campaign overview:

• Ability to raise campaign funding
• Electability
• Vote getter
• Status in party
• Ability to relate our issues to the elected body

           
It is the intention that the LDTC selects a candidate to support for each office unless specific reasons exist to support endorsing no candidates. Each endorsement (or non-endorsement) should be communicated to our membership and the public in a clear and concise message.

Indications of support (Endorse, Oppose, or Stay neutral) will be applicable for only one election. Thus, a new consideration for endorsement will be required for each primary and each general or special election.

Candidate Questionnaires:

Each candidate is sent a candidate questionnaire asking a variety of questions on issues that affect Lincoln. While the questionnaires are available for public review, candidate responses are kept confidential. All candidates, including incumbents, must return the survey if they want to be considered for an endorsement.

Once questionnaires are returned, responses are tabulated and scored according to a point system. Questionnaires with higher scores are treated more favorable.

Incumbency:

Candidates, who are also incumbents, are given higher priority over challengers. The LDTC believes that incumbents should be rewarded for their dedication to Lincoln’s well-being.

Candidate Background and Temperament:

Also important is a candidate's electability. Candidates who do not exhibit a temperament for public office will most likely not be endorsed. Candidates with serious or questionable legal or personal problems will also not receive an endorsement.

Candidate Interviews

Personal interviews will be conducted with all candidates for office (being considered for endorsement). Candidate responses will be scored on how their views match up with the committee’s positions of local and state issues, ability to communicate effectively and ability to serve at the level of government being sought.

Possible endorsement outcomes

Endorse

The LDTC Questionnaire will set forth the issues to be considered in the decision for endorsement. However, those criteria are anticipated to include, at a minimum, the following criteria:

The candidate has personally met with the leadership of LDTC and that meeting has been acknowledged publicly.

The candidate has responded to issues of concern to Lincoln voters in the Endorsement Questionnaire, or in a public statement by the candidate or his/her organization.

The candidate has demonstrated a willingness to work with Lincoln constituents for the benefit of all constituents, especially Lincoln constituents.

Oppose

A decision to “oppose” a candidate should be reserved for those rare cases in which a candidate actively opposes issues critical to Lincoln’s best interests as indicated in the Endorsement Questionnaire or in public statements by the candidate or his/her organization.

Neutral

A decision to stay “neutral” signifies that the LDTC has considered the above options in a consideration regarding the candidate and has determined that the candidate does not meet the criteria for an endorsement, but that the candidate is not taking positions opposing issues critical to Lincoln.