Jeff Blodgett has over 25 years experience in community organizing and political management.
In addition to his leadership of Wellstone Action, Jeff also trains, teaches, and writes extensively on political skills, public management, and leadership. Jeff studied with Paul Wellstone at Carleton College and began his career as a community organizer, working with hard-pressed family farmers during the 1980s farm crisis. He later spent 13 years as a senior aide, advisor, and campaign manager to the late Senator (1989-2002), managing all three of his election campaigns, including the hard-fought 2002 race that was tragically cut short by a plane crash.
Jeff has served in key positions in dozens of other campaigns, including a post as Senior Advisor for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar's 2006 race, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Senior Advisor for the 2004 Kerry Coordinated Campaign in Minnesota. A 1983 graduate of Carleton College, he earned his Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 1998.
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POSTS BY JEFF BLODGETT
Wellstone Action's work is all about helping new waves of progressive leaders-leaders who reflect our values--win elected office and start turning this country back around.
Last month I wrote about the 2010 legislative and governor takeovers in many states by conservative forces. They've wasted no time pushing their ideologically extreme agenda. Count on the forces to overreach, as they've already begun to, and invite a backlash by a public that does not buy in to their radical agenda.
I've been looking closer at the results of the 2010 elections, especially at the state legislative level.
Each New Year brings the chance for renewal, opportunity, and positive change. It is in this spirit I am writing with exciting news for Wellstone Action and myself. Starting this month, my role at Wellstone Action will be changing from Executive Director to Founding Director.
The conservative movement is significantly upping its investment in building the skills of activists and candidates. This is a clarion call to the progressive movement to match the other side's commitment to building leaders!
As progressives, we love to recycle. But when it comes to creating change, the dominant wisdom used to be downright wasteful. Check out our 2009 Annual Report to learn more!
While we fight to not lose ground in this next election, we have to keep our eyes and plans on the 2011-2012 legislative cycle and off-year elections, in addition to a Presidential re-election year and another chance to surge forward. Are we ready?
Top conservative
leaders are putting in place the key elements of a
strong political movement, and getting donors to cough up over 70
million dollars to make sure they are successful.
Jeff Blodgett offers a lesson from health care reform.
Here's what we can really take away from the race.
A poll indicates "Tea Party" supporters now outnumber supporters of the GOP. What does this mean for progressives?
It's now pretty clear that an emboldened and well-funded conservative movement has momentum going into 2010.
The announcement of a nuclear arms control
treaty was the result of movement building.
A good
question to ask now is - what can future progressive candidates learn
from Barack Obama's candidacy and Presidential campaign that can help
them win elections too? There are at least four important lessons for
any candidate no matter what the seat.
Obama has helped to usher in a new era in politics with a new mandate
for change. But he also brings with him into office a new American ethos for citizenship and service. That spirit reminds me, perhaps unsurprisingly, of the work of
community organizers.
Last year, I was honored to accept the Distinguished Minnesotan Award given posthumomously to Paul and Sheila Wellstone at the Bemidji State University Commencement. As graduation time rolls around again, here are some thoughts on engaging in politics and public life.
At Wellstone Action! we're always looking for examples of
candidates who have tried to bring community organizing tactics to their
campaigns. Nowadays, the Obama Presidential Campaign is perhaps the
best example. Obama has made an unprecedented investment in on-the-ground
organization, and has in the process cultivated well-trained and highly
motivated volunteers. A number of articles have recently examined this, and
we've compiled several excerpts for your convenience.
"Field organizing" is the new buzz word in this year's presidential campaigns. Pundits and campaign analysts who are used to talking about which candidates are raising the most money, securing the most endorsements, getting the highest poll numbers, and airing the cleverest TV ads, are suddenly talking about who has the best field operation.
Action Planning to Win on Issues
Holding Elected Officials Accountable to Our Issues
Leadership Development
Building Your Base While You're Getting Ready to Run
Values-based messaging
Voter Education
Being a Successful Citizen Lobbyist
Get Out The Vote
Neighborhood Voter Contact Program
Running a Doorknock Operation
Voter Registration