Center-left think tank Third Way has endorsed Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler in the upcoming Democratic National Committee (DNC) leadership race.
“At Third Way, we represent the centre-left wing of the party,” says the group's president, Jonathan Cowan. wrote in an op-ed for Politico. “However, the person best suited to lead the Democratic National Committee during this uncertain and high-stakes moment is Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler, a former Progressive Caucus co-chairman. We agree with Mark Pocan and others on the far left.
Cowan acknowledged that the group's move to support Wikler “may come as a surprise,” noting that Third Way sometimes exhibits “clear differences” with the party's progressive wing when it comes to policy and political strategy. pointed out. However, he insisted that this choice was related to his position. Midwest blue wall state party chairs.
The think tank leader also pointed out that Wikler, 43, could be a generational change for the party, in stark contrast to President-elect Trump, 78, as the Republican leader.
Cowan argued that Third Way's support for Wikler was also “ideological” and that DNC leaders must welcome discussion from all wings of the party.
“The modern Democratic Party is a chaotic, large-scale coalition in which robust debate is not only tolerated, but deemed essential,” he wrote.
Third Way's endorsement comes days after Wickler entered the race for party chairman on Sunday, becoming the fourth Democratic Party candidate to do so. On Saturday, New York state Sen. James Skoufis (D) began his candidacy, joining former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and Minnesota Democratic Party Chairman Ken Martin.
Martin has reportedly received more than 100 endorsements so far.
The DNC election is scheduled to take place on February 1st.
