I’m serving out the end of my term on the DC Democratic State Committee, and one of the big votes is tonight: deciding on the unaffiliated add-on (i.e. sorta-super) delegates and the PLEO (elected official) delegates to this summer’s Democratic National Committee Convention. It’s one of the few votes we make that makes any shred of difference in the political machinations of DC, so I’m taking it as seriously as possible.

Due to this election, my phone has been ringing off the hook with folks asking for my vote. My email inbox has been flooded with messages including CVs of work done for DC and Democratic causes. And a few cards and letters have come via USPS delivery.

It’s insane.

But I’ve decided my picks, taking into account that the voting order for the evening is skewed to favor the old, entrenched DC Democratic order (hello, cronyism!).

For the unaffiliated add-on (UAO) positions, which are voted on first, I am supporting Mike Panetta and Miriam Sapiro. Both are strong candidates, and both have been steadfast supporters of Barack Obama’s campaign. While this is an “unaffiliated” delegate position, I think it’s important that the total DC delegation reflects the outcome of the DC primary, where Obama carried an overwhelming majority of the vote. And amongst the DCDSC membership, there are plenty of unwavering supporters of Hillary Clinton – including many who are running for UAO positions. So I’d rather these “unaffiliated” delegates be Obama supporters.

Furthermore, being part of DC’s delegation to the convention is lobbying for DC issues to be addressed on the DNC platform. This involves going to state delegation meetings, pleading the case, and winning over other voting delegates. With Mike Panetta, DC has one of the most passionate and creative supporters of DC statehood and voting rights. He is smart, personable, and driven to succeed in his cause. His DC Olympic Committee movement is one of the most fresh and unique ways to raise awareness of DC’s “last colony” status, and his work as “shadow” Representative for DC is unparalleled.

Miriam is a new person to me, but comes highly recommended by folks I respect in DC political circles. She’s also one of DC for Obama’s recommended candidates for UAO, and in speaking with her, I found a warm person who isn’t all “show and glitz.” DC isn’t going to win folks over on charm, alone – a level voice is needed, and I see that in Miriam.

For PLEO, I’m supporting Mike Panetta only. Does this look funny? It should, but it reflects the absurdity of the voting order in tonight’s elections – as well as an alteration of the delegation selection rules compared to past election cycles. It used to be that all of DC’s “shadow” congressional delegation – the two Senators and one Representative – were automatically part of DC’s delegation to the Convention. That changed this year due to a reinterpretation of the rules by the DNC. Due to this reworking of the rules, DC’s congressional Delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, gets to go, but not the “shadow” Rep – in this case, Mike Panetta.

And yes, there are two PLEO positions up for election. One, however, is an “automatic bid” (validated by a silly vote by the DSC) to the Chair of the DC Council – in this case, Vince Gray. So whether or not I support him is of no import to tonight’s vote.