Well, talk about a state of flux

Tonight, Kathyrn Bowers tendered her resignation as chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party, in an effort to keep the party from suffering while she fights her indictment for bribery.

She was not planning on running for re-election, with the county party's re-organization coming up at the University of Memphis's University Center on June 25 and July 23. So, who picks up the pieces and moves on? Bowers DID lead the party to one of its' finest showings ever, producing a larger margin of victory than even Al Gore had received four years earlier.

Joe Young was the first to announce his candidacy; the local activist has already had a meet-and-greet for party activist earlier this year. I have been advised also that local activist and ExecCom member Cherry Davis is also seeking the post.

However, there are rumors circulating that our congressman and would-be senator is apparently unhappy with the choices, wanting someone more well versed with the party structure and fundraising for next year's pivotal election, when Harold the Younger attempts to become the first African-American Senator elected from the South since Reconstruction.

Chris Davis reported in the Memphis Flyer this week that Ford's primary opposition, state Senator Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville, came off like the second coming of Annie Oakley at a Midtown meet-and-greet held by local activists Happy Jones and Paula Casey. In an urban setting, even an anti-Ford crowd was lukewarm, according to Davis.

So, with a primary victory all but assured, our congressman should be happy no matter who our new SCDP chair is, right?

Uh, think again. Rumors are flying that our congressman is not exactly giddy with either candidate, and is reportedly looking for another chair candidate. Apparently Mr. Ford would prefer an older, steadier hand at the wheel for next year's elections, someone who has held the position before.

There are several people who A) have held the position before and B) are close to the Ford family, so let the wild speculation begin.

My take is this: As an old hack from way back, you might think that I would agree with Junior that an old hand is what we need. You would be wrong.

Given the indictments of the previous week, with more reportedly on the way, we need NEW blood. Period. Joe Young is a friend, and I am supporting him, but I have also served with Cherry Davis, and she would be a good chair as well. The fact remains, with the SCDP's reputation being dragged through the mud because of the eCycle scandal, a clean break with the past is EXACTLY what is needed to move this party forward.

Just as Howard Dean is rebuilding the national Democratic party from the BOTTOM UP, so should the Shelby County Democratic Party. We need someone with new ideas, some one who believes there is more to winning elections than turning out South Memphis and Whitehaven on election day.

We need to build this party so that WE tell the ELECTED OFFICIALS what to do, not vice versa. I say this despite the fact that I am friends with elected Democratic officials, and some mighty fine ones at that.

Either Joe Young or Cherry Davis would do well. I have known Joe longer, so he has my vote. if Cherry should win, I will also applaud and support her. The time has come to move forward, or else.