Cowboy Tom doesn't ride again
Not 24 hours after we affectionately rename him Todd, Tom Collins announces that he won't be seeking reelection as chairman of the Nevada Democratic Party. From a state party release:
Nevada Democratic Chairman Tom Collins has decided not to run for reelection to his post as state chairman when the Democratic Central Committee elects new state officers at a meeting March 31 in Reno.
Collins, who was elected to a one-year term as party chairman last April, will remain the chairman of the Nevada Caucus Commission, helping to raise money, coordinate and promote the Nevada Presidential Caucus, to be held Jan. 19, 2008.
During his term, Collins oversaw the coordinated campaign that helped to elect four Democrats to statewide office, plus an additional Democrat in both the state Senate and Assembly. Democrats also picked up another seat on the Clark County Commission.
Collins was one of the first advocates to lobby Democrats nationally to put an early presidential caucus in Nevada. Collins has argued the West is the new frontier for Democrats, and by focusing on Western states, Democrats can win the White House.
“The Nevada Caucus is a huge undertaking, and stepping down as state chairman will give me more time to focus on my duties as one of the chairs of the Nevada Caucus Commission,” Collins said. “I believe that Democrats must win in the West in order to win the White House, and I want to spend as much of my time as possible promoting the caucus and ensuring it is a success. I look forward to working with a new state chair who can bring the resources to the table to continue to build the Nevada Democratic Party and turn Nevada ‘blue.’”
We're not sure what to do with this, being entrenched outsiders and all. But with Collins staying on as a caucus commission co-chair, we hope this isn't one of those distinction without a difference things.
Wonder what the purchase price will be to become the new chair? Probably already a done deal, tough.
Posted by: texex | 02/22/2007 at 07:36 PM
WELL! I had hoped Tom Collins would be man enough to resign from ALL leadership positions within the Democratic Party, but his announcement that he will not run for re-election to the State Party Chairmanship is some progress and a positive opportunity for the progressives to elect someone new that knows something about leadership...
...like women ARE equal (and the Democratic ERA Movement was, and is, a good thing)...
Someone who understands that Agenda's should be published a month in advance so everyone gets a fair chance to have their issues addressed...
...and everyone should get an equal opportunity to speak their piece, or peace, as the case may be...
...and microphones should not be turned off, and people should not be treated rudely...
...and the younger people need to be respectful of the elderly people, and vice-versa, you know, that civility and etiquette is important for everyone...
...someone that understands it good that we disagree, and do so respectfully and in an amicable way...
...that the rights of the minorities are respected and the will of the majority is democratically determined and honored...
...and poltical meetings should be conducted in a business like manner...
...and the Democratic Clubs and Caucus groups should be given more than just lip service and actually assisted in organizing and growing the party and having their issues put, as planks, on the State and County platforms...
...you know that the Democratic Party should get serious about opposing the Unjust War in Iraq AND Supporting Our Troops AND Veterans in fighting for full funding of the Veterans Administration!
Yeah, there's somebody out there who can bring the NSDP together and it's time for a whole new team to step up and stand up for what is right - and fight the good fight!
Oh yeah, and somebody really ought to ask Tom Collins why he does not believe in the doctrine of "Seperation of Church and State?"
Maybe the Caucus groups can do the follow up on that?
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/22/2007 at 08:41 PM
New! Fresh! Succinct! Just who was that masked Independent man?
Posted by: texex | 02/22/2007 at 08:49 PM
Collins' departure will cost us. You talk such a big game, JLA--why don't you come back and put your efforts where your mouth is? I've been around the party for far too long to think that anyone currently affiliated with the system can do any better than he can. Noone is better able to raise funds in southern Nevada, or respected more by regular folks than he is, and now that's lost. Good job, mouth.
Posted by: too bad for us | 02/22/2007 at 11:53 PM
Johnnie's an Independent. Didn't you know that? Won't have nothing to do with the Democratic Party.
Posted by: texex | 02/23/2007 at 12:31 AM
Dear "too bad for us" Tom should have known better than try to bully a combat vet - he drew first blood and I turned the other cheek for the sake of Democratic Vets and the Party.
That was his first mistake and strike one!
Then, he orchastrated, with Liz Foley, to disenfranchize every Clark County Central Committee member that supported the North and the Rurals and a UNITED NEVADA!
That was his second mistake and strike two!
So, I turned "the other cheek" again, for the sake of the Party.
Then, Collins mistook my forgiveness for weakness and attempted to completely disenfranchize all of the caucus groups and rig the upcoming elections.
That was his third major mistake and strike three!
And it's not like I didn't give him fair warning...I told him to his face that if he was going to be a bully and play "cowboy" - I would stand with the "indians" and beat his bully butt to a political pulp!
I pleaded with him to do the right thing and "stand down" and stop bullying - but, he chose this fight not me - I just intend to finish it for the sake of the Party and the People!
Tom can pay his penance by raising all the money the Party needs...and IF he's all that great at it, then, we won't hear any more excuses about the Party always being broke will we?
What Tom, and others, doesn't understand is the mind and motivation of a professional soldier - it's not personal at all - it is ALL about PRINCIPALS!
I didn't spend most of my life selflessly serving the spirit of democracy elsewhere in the world, only to come home and find a few bullies corrupting the tenants and principals of democracy in our homeland - no way is that ever going to stand without a fight!
I want peace within the Democratic Party more than you can know...
...but that means EVERY Democrat gets treated equally with due dignity and common respect...
...no princes, no princeses, no queens, no kings...and most certainly no bullies!
...The Party stops abusing, and starts using Robert's Rules of Order ensuring that the rights of every minority are protected and the will of the majority is democratically determined and honored!
Committee Chairs run their meetings in a fair, balanced and business like manner - no more bullies - no more "mob" mentality!
No more microphones cut off by junior politicos blatantly disregarding the civil liberties of Democrats who have driven half way across the desert, and waited patiently for their turn to speak - that better, never, ever happen again!
Women are going to be treated fully equally in the Democratic Party - or there will be more hell to pay than you and your sexist buddies will ever be able to handle!
And let me be crystal clear on this point - I am NOT making any threats what-so-ever, this is a PROMISE!
I swear I'll see to it that if the appropriate corrective action is NOT taken, it will be reflected in the annuls of Nevada history and every guilty party will be named publicly for all of posterity!
The Democratric Clubs and various Caucus groups, to include the Young Dems, the Native Americans, the Hispanics, the GLBT and the Vets are going to be given more than just lip service - they deserve to be recognized for all the hard work they do every cycle registering Democrats and recruiting volunteers and supporting the County and State Party - and they deserve, at least, some financial support and a seat and a vote on the State Central Committee!
The NSDP is going to sincerely "Support Our Troops AND Veterans" and oppose "The Unjust War In Iraq" while supporting "The Global War On Terrorism (GWOT) in Afghanistan and elsewhere we are using military force as a last resort in a JUST War anywhere - and the NSDP is going to get behind, finally, fully funding the Veterans Administration - or, they are going to wish they had done the right thing earlier!
It's real simple - BE TRUE BLUE DEMOCRATS!
I offered Tom Collins friendship and all he offered back was a place of subjective servitude!
Too bad, all I wanted to do was serve with honor and dignity within the Party - now, I'll serve best I can from outside the Party...
...at least, until the Clark County Democrats vote out Liz Foley and Justin Gilbert!
I have just begun to fight...so, you better start thinking about making peace, or how much you're willing to lose before you eventually surrender - but, the people will prevail, eventually, we always do!
It is past time for change...and the American people will stand with the patriots that are willing to stand up and fight the good fight for them!
Progressive Nevadans, many moderates and conservatives as well, are fed with "politics as usual" and "the usual politicians!"
I was YOUR soldier - and a few like you and Tom Collins and Liz Foley and Justin Gilbert spit in my face - that was where things started to go wrong!
But, when you spit in the faces of the vets I was trying to represent, then other minorities, then the women - you went way too far!
So, go ahead and try to hide in the anonymity of a handle "too bad for us" - when you're adult enough to debate me in the open - then, I'll respect you!
Until then, you might learn a lesson or two about real politics - it's not "bean bag" nor is it "shuffle board" or "musical chairs" it's a lot like war!
And war has only one good purpose - to establish a lasting peace!
May I suggest that you don't start fights with anyone - especially professional soldiers - that is just stupid!
There's an old soldiers saying, "Don't ever monkey with a gorilla!"
Tom and Liz should have known better, there is nothing but selfish excuses for the damage they have done - at least Justin has the excuse of just being too young, and too misled, to have given it sufficient thought in advance!
Now, for the sake of peace and the good of the Party, I respectfully request, AGAIN, that Liz Foley and Justin Gilbet resign from their positions as Chair and 1st Vice-Chair of the Clark County Democratic Party...we should thank them for their service and elect new leaders as soon as possible!
I don't believe in running anyone out of the Party - but, non-leaders should not be in any leadership positions!
We have people suffering unnecessarily and dying prematurely while a few are playing pathetic personal politics with OUR Democratic Party - it's past time for a change!
And I'd like to be spending my time going after the radical, ultra-right-wing, neo-con nutcases, some of whom have infiltrated the NSDP are are posing as D.I.N.O.'s!
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/23/2007 at 12:55 AM
I will be there every step of the way to stop you, JLA. Gilbert and Foley will go nowhere, and you will continue to be known as the jerk who never did any work--just talked a lot of trash. "Stand down!", John. This doesn't have to get ugly. But if you insist....
Posted by: Shorten your entries, for the love of... | 02/23/2007 at 08:26 AM
I did NOT draw "First Blood" Tom, Liz and Justin did that...and it's already gotten ugly!
So, what are you going to do - be just another "AnonyMOUSE" with cute little slogans like "the jerk who never did any work" - now, that's "talking trash!"
Lots of people know how hard I worked for years to help the Democratic Party and I'm still working for the sake of ALL Veterans!
I've got no personal interests in gaining anything - but, I do know the facts and the people have a right to know the truth!
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/23/2007 at 10:31 AM
I think it's great that you work so hard for the veterans. But you have become a cancer on every other level. What can you offer us? Nothing but rhetoric! And you may be the worst offender of that--ANYWHERE!
I'll ask one last time, JLA. Stand down. For the sake of the party, make nice and go away. People that you thought were close to you are NOT, and all because you shamelessly pointed fingers at our friends and blamed individuals who gave their all. We won't tolerate it any longer. Tread lightly, JLA. The NSDP is about to get nasty. It's sink or swim time!
Posted by: | 02/23/2007 at 11:46 AM
As the Dixie Chicks say, "I'm NOT ready to make nice..." and I can swim very well (with a full load of equipment)...
...and my REAL friends stand beside me and behind me - and I know our enemies! The progressive and moderate people of Nevada will prevail!
So, "cowboy up" "AnonyMOUSE!"
Go ahead and "monkey around with a guerilla" - AGAIN!
When Liz Foley and Justin Giblert resign - then, and only then, will I happily "Stand Down!"
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/23/2007 at 12:33 PM
Singlehandely removed Collins did ya? My, my, my.
Posted by: texex | 02/23/2007 at 01:46 PM
I take no joy in my part - and "we" are a legion of united progressives and moderates and rational conservatives...the only thing dumber than "monkeying with a gorilla" is starting a fight with a big, growing group of guerillas!
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/23/2007 at 02:38 PM
Brother Johnathan,
Folks who have the tenacity to wade through your lengthy postings deserve to know that you are not a Nevada Democratic. Your references to activities inside the NV Dem’s Party might leave them with the impression that you are a knowing inside voice. That’s not true now since you are registered as an Independent.
I know you well enough to know you would not back down from a fight. Nobody could push you out. You chose to leave the Democrats for reasons that are personal. You have stated that you re-registered as an Independent to further your standing as a journalist and I have wished you the best of luck with sincerity.
John you are out. That was your choice. Whomever we Democrats chose to lead us and act as our representatives is up to us. As a critic of those choices you help our enemies.
Your uncorroborated criticism is strengthened and given unearned honor by your personal status as a combat Vet. Your misguided anger feeds into opposition claims that the Democrats don’t support the troops, don’t support the military, and don’t honor those who have given all for our country. That’s a lie. You know it’s a lie. But your remarks aid those who have most dishonored our troops with this unjust war.
You have chosen to be an outsider, your personal attacks are without substance, your actions favor Democrat’s greatest detractors and my enemies’ friend is my enemy. Don’t hide behind “true blue” motivation while giving aid and comfort to groups who might welcome your desertion but will also call you a cut and run Democrat behind your back.
You still have my respect for who you are, but your current positions and writings are disgraceful.
Let me suggest that instead of using postings in The Gleaner to advertise your writings in other net publications you do the right thing and buy an ad.
Now a small journalistic challenge: rebut my comments, but do it without repeating any arguments you posted above. Those who get to this point will have read enough of that.
About the 800 lb. Gorilla tag line … I have a 1933 movie for you to watch.
John J Cahill, Nevada Democrat
Henderson
Posted by: John J Cahill | 02/25/2007 at 01:13 PM
Well done, John, but wasted time I'm sure. If ever I've seen two people that deserve each other it's JLA and Taylor Trash.
But thanks for trying.
Posted by: texex | 02/25/2007 at 01:32 PM
J. J. Cahill, you know I luv ya buddy - but, your response is an insulting attempt to protect your friend Tom Collins - and nothing more!
I left the NSDP because Tom Collins DISHONORED EVERY DEMOCRAT that dared to raise a question or speak in dissent - and dissent is still the highest form of patriotism!
And I can't believe you're trying to focus on my "anger" and "Support for OUR Troops" or "Vets Issues" - that, especially coming from you, is just a way, too low blow!
Shame on you my brother!
Finally, if the 1933 movie is "King Kong" (as I suspect) you might want to watch that with Harry Reid - he's the biggest "gorilla" in the Nevada political "jungle" and I respect him, but, don't fear him as you and so many of your friends do...
...I just refuse to submit to fear, or royalty of any type - that's why I'm fighting the good fight against Tom Collins and Liz Foley - and you know the facts!
So, again, shame on you!
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/25/2007 at 02:42 PM
I am an active Democrat in Las Vegas, Nevada and I support Johnathan Abbinett’s article on the corrupt politics of a few members of both the Nevada State and Clark County Democratic Parties. Be it known that there ARE some good, upstanding and honest individuals in these organizations, but they are increasingly being disenfranchised by Tom Collins and Liz Foley.
I was in attendance at the Nevada State Democratic Convention in April, 2006 and can attest to the statements Mr. Abbinett has made with respect to the comments Tom Collins made to the GLBT and women’s caucuses. They were completely uncalled for, undemocratic and inappropriate in any venue.
There are many good Democrats in Clark County and Nevada that are actively trying too participate in our party but are “locked out” of any involvement. There have been numerous attempts by Tom Collins and Liz Foley to disenfranchise Democrats at the County and State level from the party leadership selection process.
This is more than just about the “leadership selection process”; there is no “good faith” effort to keep the Democratic Electorate informed of anything substantial going on in the County or State Party organizations – except the websites that few Democrats even know exist. The overwhelming majority of Democrats in Nevada are completely oblivious to the existence of Democratic Clubs, Caucuses, County, or State Party committee organizations. They know nothing of the all-powerful senior “Central Committees” who are the only members that were fully empowered. The members of these respected committees are also being excluded from voting for party by-law changes, charter changes and many other important issues that affect all of us.
It seems, in reality, that every effort that can be made to keep the electorate uninformed is being done. It’s obvious that some wish to dwarf the party, so they can personally control the power base, while others want to sincerely grow the party membership in a Democratic manner.
The State Charter mandates that there can be one person sitting on the State Central Committee for every 1,000 Democrats. Currently the State Central Committee has about 150 members, most (not all) hand picked to support the policies and practices of Tom Collins and Liz Foley. The problem is many of our best informed activists have been denied access and the right to vote.
As of November 14, 2006 there were approximately 362,000 registered Democrats in Clark County alone, about 284,000 of these are “Active” Democrats of which some 154,000 voted in the past election. In short, by the rules, Clark County alone could have as many as 362 members on the Nevada State Central Committee, but to date the statewide membership of the NSCC does not even equal the allowed number of members from Clark County alone, and no effort I have seen has been made by Liz Foley to cultivate new membership within this body.
In fact people are being “run off”!!
The deficit in the membership of the State Central Committee is not for lack of interest. Many Democrats are interested in becoming active members on the NSCC, but they are “stiff-armed” by some “cronies” in power. The old State Party By-Laws stipulate that an individual can become a member of the State Central Committee either by an appointment of their County Chairperson or by nomination from the floor by a committee member and a vote of the existing membership. The latter procedure was never made known to many of the members of the Nevada State Central Committee. Many existing members have never even been provided with a current copy of the State Charter, Constitution or the By-Laws.
However, it would not matter if they were provided a copy of these documents as the By-Laws were recently changed, and this change was not voted on by Delegates at the Last State Convention or by members of the State Central Committee. What other changes have been made? Who authorized the changes? Nobody will say! At this time the known changes to the By-Laws regard membership on the Central Committee. The only path to the State Central Committee membership is now solely by appointment of the County Chairperson. The same holds true for membership in the Clark County Central Committee. No longer can an individual be nominated for membership from the floor. No longer does the body of the Central Committee of either organization have any vote of any kind on its own membership. Membership on both committees is at the sole discretion of the County Chairperson – that has become a monarchy and a dictatorship!
Instead of undertaking a State and County wide campaign to ignite and involve as many Democrats in our party as possible the County and State leadership did just the opposite. In one-fell-swoop many members of the State Central Committee were removed from their roles in this body by the Clark County Chairperson Liz Foley and prevented from active participation in the body by the Nevada State Chairperson Tom Collins. The removal process employed by Liz Foley made no attempt to follow the State Party By-Laws in existence at the time. In fact the process used was in complete violation of these By-Laws. Tom Collins made no attempt to insure that the State Party By-Laws were adhered to either. The individuals removed were never notified of their removal and there was no vote of the existing members of the State Central Committee. The individuals removed were given no chance to defend, or even hear, any allegations against them or reasoning for their removal. They did not know of their removal until they showed up at the State Central Committee meeting and the State Chair refused to acknowledge them.
Solely due to an uprising of the netroots activists within the party most, if not all, of those previously purged from the ranks of the State Central Committee membership have been re-instated. However, due to the mysterious changes in the By-Laws, there is no guarantee they will be able to vote in the upcoming state elections on March 31st, in Reno, or this undemocratic transgression will not happen again.
In addition to the changes to the membership portion of the By-Laws there have been many other changes by a select few to the State Charter and By-Laws without the knowledge or consent of the State Central Committee or any Delegates to any Convention. No known votes took place on any of these changes and are not reflected in any minutes of any meetings. Again nobody knows who did what, or when or how the changes were made.
It really reminds me of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” or “1984” and we’re over 25 years beyond that!
After all this treachery comes the news that our state party has entered into an exclusive partnership with Fox News to broadcast the Democratic Primary Debate to be held in Reno in August. The reasoning is allegedly to increase exposure to more viewers. The same broadcast company that just finished associating Senator Barack Hussein Obama with: the Radical Islamic Fundamentalists (because he raised as a Muslim and went to a Muslim school); the terrorist group Al-Queda (because of the similarities of his first name “Osama” rhyming with “Osama”); and the corrupt Dictator Saddam Hussein (because of his middle name) to the Fox audience which is the same audience that was eating this all up as factual information. Fox, the same broadcast company that, once ‘outed’ by a respectable news company – CNN – blamed it all on another Democratic Presidential hopeful – Hillary Clinton.
Clearly the decision making capabilities as well as the ethics of a few members of our State and County Parties is highly questionable – we need REAL Democratic Leaders, Tom Collins and Liz Foley must go!
It seems that the Nevada State Chairperson and the Clark County Chairperson follow the ideals of Democracy as set forth by President Bush. That is to say they believe that they and they alone, are both the voice and the leadership of our party. No by-laws or charter applies to them or their actions. If, in fact, they do, they and they alone, change them. Truly they are dividers, not “Uniters”.
Posted by: Mike.Selvage | 02/25/2007 at 03:27 PM
Thanks Mike, but, the fact is NOT all who wanted back on, or on the Clark County Central Committee and the NSDP Central Committee got put back on the list - I have several veterans that I had, respectfully and repeatedly asked Liz Foley and Tom Collins to place on the list - and all they have gotten is the "good old boy/girl" "run-a-round!"
Is that the way to welcome home our Nevada veterans - by treating them like trash!
It's a sham, a shame and a monarchy at best and a ditatorship at worst - but, it ain't DEMOCRATIC!
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/25/2007 at 03:37 PM
Anybody out there know what, if any, financail considerations are being given to the NDSP by Fux for the debate?
This is crucial to understanding why Collins left and if we are being raped or not.
Please ask around and let me know anything at all that you might come up with. In the meantime I'm doing some heavy research on this "Western Majority Project." It ain't what you think it is!~!
Posted by: texex | 02/25/2007 at 05:31 PM
Hugh, EVERYONE - "Follow THE MONEY!"
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/25/2007 at 06:38 PM
Sorry Johnathan, you can’t have it both ways. You’re either in or you are out. You picked OUT.
You gave up your say about what goes on inside the party. Whatever change may be needed will be addressed. Change is an inside job.
Your ad hominem attacks on individuals who cared enough and worked hard enough to get elected as Officers speak for what they are: the angry musings of a player who was benched and quit the team.
You are welcome to your opinions but thoughtful readers will not confuse those with fact. We who continue working to bring honor to the NV Dems in the run up to the ’08 Caucus will never look kindly on attacks from those who left their post.
I still think you are an interesting guy. Why not write about the good things you do and the positive things you plan to do?
I guess there’s too little glory in good works. Bad boys get all the attention. If it bleeds it leads, even in the blogisphere. So you have to draw blood to get ink?
Your writing has received posting on some national blogs, and that clearly is the fame you seek, but in the long run you must offer more than disparaging commentary on a few local Democratic officers. It’s interesting now because it’s topical but all that changes in just a few weeks and if you don’t move on you will be a one-trick pony as a blogger. I don’t think bashing the Nevada Democratic Party will give you a career audience.
As far as “shame” on me … I’m still here fighting. Where’s the shame in that?
John J Cahill
Still a Nevada Democrat
Still in Henderson
Posted by: John J Cahill | 02/25/2007 at 07:13 PM
Uh gee, Johnnie, why didn't I think of that? d'oh.
If for a real big change you want to actally do something to put Collins away that spout off, then help me figure out exactly what was the financial advantage to Collins to abruptly leave such absolute control to do the debate. There's some real big bucks changing pockets here and it needs to get exposed. So do something about Collins than whine, whine, whine. We're all sick of it!~!
Posted by: texex | 02/25/2007 at 07:52 PM
Sorry texex - individuals who sign with CB-Radio nick-names don't get to blog back and forth with me.
Posted by: John J Cahill | 02/25/2007 at 08:08 PM
Uhhh...sorry but the comment was for the other John involved in this childish tete a tete. Right now I'm only interested in talking with people who can help me expose the Western Majority Project as a huge moneymaker for inside Democrats like Collins. But if you're dumb enough to waste all day spoonfeeding the other Johnnie's fetish, I doubt you'd be of much help anyway.
Posted by: texex | 02/25/2007 at 08:42 PM
J.J. "Texex" is the "Regular Troll" on this site - I simply don't interact with him anymore and respectfully suggest you consider doing the same...it's hopeless!
J.J. you are misrepresenting the facts and a lot of people were present and witnessed what I'm attesting to...
...so, just in case we end up in a court of law, I'd suggest you think twice about what you're saying now and what you're going to be compelled to say honestly under oath?
I NEVER gave up civil liberties and rights to freedom of speech!
And you're delusional IF you think "change is an inside job" - often, change comes from outside!
These are not "angry musings" we're talking about important, fundamental principals of Democracy that are being undermined by a few abusive people - and we are fed up with "politics as usual" and "the usual politicians"...
...they drew "First Blood" so, don't try to turn the tables and spin this out of context!
I seek no personal fame or profit - and my writing on veteran's issues has always been about injustice - I'm just following the facts and staying true to that mission!
Let me be very clear, I have a great deal of respect for the majority of the Registered Democrats and the mission of the Democratic Party - my grievance is with Tom Collins and Liz Foley!
De Oppresso Liber!
Posted by: Johnathan L. Abbinett | 02/25/2007 at 09:44 PM