The culture of corruption emanating from Ward 5 Dem *party bosses* has long been an embarrassment for all of DC Dems. It infects and influences the highest levels of DC’s State Democratic organization. They’ve even bragged at local Ward 5 Dems meetings how much Ward 5 influences the State organization’s top leadership.

As to not following their own constitution and bylaws– especially regarding nominations and special issue elections meetings notifications/ announcements– those kind of dirty tricks have been standard operating procedure for many years at Ward 5 Dems. Regular meeting turnout manipulation/ new voters suppression is often S.O.P. as well. Participation of LGBT rank-and-file Dems in the ward’s party activities is particularly discouraged.

Stein Dems is an outstanding, but highly focused party organization. However, Stein does not, nor can not speak to all the concerns of LGBT voters at the ward levels. However, DC State Democratic Party bosses seem to think Stein Dems is THE closet to which the participation and concerns of all of DC’s rank-and-file LGBT Dems must be relegated.

It is good to see DC Young Dems reject the cronyism and corruption which has besmirched all Democrats– here in Ward 5 and citywide. It is good to see the Blade report in detail on it, too.