A Democratic committee in Albany, N.Y., is being called “undemocratic” and “unethical.” The labels are certainly appropriate in light of past political hi jinks that have taken place in the state capital, but this time the claims are ironic.
The charges are being leveled by supporters of Bernie Sanders, who are crying foul that the group, the Albany County Democrats, has expressed its open support for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
New reports indicate that Clinton’s support in New York has been waning. Where once she led by a whopping 48 points in a state that she served as senator, Clinton is now leading Sanders barely by double digits.
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In a Facebook posting earlier this week, the Albany County Democrats sought to come to Clinton’s aid, putting out a call for volunteers to conduct canvassing and monitor phone banks for the former First Lady:
Volunteer for Hillary Clinton in the Capital Region!Thank you all for being an integral part of our grassroots team to…
Posted by Albany County Democrats on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The document attached to the post indicates that all volunteer work will take place at the Albany County Democratic Committee Headquarters, meaning they’re not only putting out a call for volunteers but offering up their facility for their chosen candidate.
Sanders supporters are crying foul, claiming they’ve had to conduct such volunteer work at public libraries and have not been offered the same resources.
Sanders volunteer manager Zack Smith claims “county parties are not allowed to endorse candidates.”
The advocacy for Clinton has Smith wondering if the group has already decided to endorse Clinton ahead of New York’s primary on April 19.
Smith said, “It’s quite undemocratic, honestly.”
Another Democrat chair said Albany County’s actions are “unethical.”
Via TWC News:
TWC News reached out to the county Democratic chair to find out if the committee has endorsed the former Secretary of State, but hasn’t heard back.
The committee also posted about a bus trip to New Hampshire during the February primaries to help out the Clinton campaign. That’s where Emily Jacobs serves as the Coos County Democratic Committee chair.
“I’m seeing it as unethical because of that favoritism that we’re seeing,” Jacobs said.
New Hampshire’s bylaws are much different. Theirs clearly state the committee shall not endorse any Democratic candidate over another in a primary.
Favoritism has always been a staple of the Clinton political legacy, while concepts such as “unethical” and “undemocratic” are something Sanders supporters are quickly becoming acquainted with.
Cross-posted at the Mental Recession
