Longtime DNC Insiders Back Chair Ken Martin’s Anti-Dark-Money Push

In a statement addressed to the party, long-standing DNC members expressed support for Chair Ken Martin, highlighting his role as a reformer intent on eliminating “dark money” from Democratic presidential primaries. They detail Martin’s upcoming Austin meeting, where a comprehensive ban on corporate and billionaire super-PACs will be outlined, a move they say could be the most consequential nomination reform in decades.

The authors counter recent criticism from Rufus Gifford, who reduced the chair’s responsibilities to fundraising and media outreach, noting that Martin has actually raised more money than his predecessors and increased the DNC’s monthly transfers to state parties to over $1 million. They cite Martin’s past leadership of the Minnesota Farm Labor Party and the Association of State Democratic Committees as evidence of his commitment to grassroots rebuilding.

Additional reforms mentioned include greater member participation in selecting at-large committee members and enforcing neutrality for party officers during the nomination process. The writers conclude that opponents of Martin are motivated by a desire to preserve the party’s role as a funding source for consultants, whereas Martin aims to democratize and strengthen the organization.