2-2-2

For a few decades, this has been the formula used by the HDTC for endorsing candidates: two whites, two blacks, and two Latinos.

This outmoded system might be moving into the past as people realize that conditions have changed. For one, the racial/ethnic makeup of Hartford is radically different than it was when this tradition began. An increasing number of people identify as biracial or multiracial, and would have difficulty checking just one box. There are also other races/ethnicities not represented with the 2-2-2 model which are essentially pushed out of politics — at least as far as this party goes: Asians, Amerindians, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islanders, etc.

What we saw during Thursday’s convention pointed to other concerns: women were entirely excluded, for one. In the lead up to the convention, three women had declared interest for City Council positions: rJo Winch, Andrea Comer, and Kathleen Kowalyshyn. Comer dropped out of the race earlier this week, saying in an email that she was under the impression that she was close to receiving the nomination, only to hear days before the convention that she would not be likely to receive it after all. Kowalyshyn and Winch were both nominated at the convention, but failed to receive enough votes for the endorsement. In the mayoral race, Rev. Patrice Smith, the only female running with Democrats, could not get a nomination. No females were running or nominated for the position of treasurer.

Emily, of Live in Hartford, has an analysis of how districts determined votes.

See more posts on Real Hartford about the Hartford Democratic Town Committee convention.