My Q&A With A'shanti Fayshel Gholar

In the run-up to the Nevada State Democratic Party officers election on March 31st, I plan to talk to as many candidates as possible. You can read my Q&A with Jill Derby, candidate for State Party Chair, here. Also, here is a list of all candidates. Below, you'll find A'shanti Fayshel Gholar's answers. She is running for re-election as State Party Secretary:

You are running for re-election as Nevada State Democratic Party Secretary. What has been your experience in this position and why do you want to be re-elected?

My experience as Party Secretary has been very positive. Until I was elected, Party Secretaries only took meeting minutes. I have expanded the role by serving as a liaison between the State Party and the Executive Board, improving communication between the Nevada State Democratic Party and State Central Committee Members, keeping County Chairs informed about the attendance of their committee members through quarterly updates, and assisting the Party Chair and the Standing Committees with administrative tasks. I am seeking reelection because I have truly enjoyed having the opportunity to serve my Party in this capacity and would like to continue to work to improve communication, especially as we approach the excitement of the upcoming Early Caucus.

You have been President of Young Democrats of Nevada. What does the new party leadership have to do in order to get more young people involved in the Democratic Party?

When it comes to politics, young people like to feel their views are respected. I believe that the new leadership will find a great deal of success if they continue to engage young Democrats. If re-elected I will continue to partner with the party leadership to bring young activists into the NSDP.

What do you think of the 50-State Strategy? Do you think it has been successful in Nevada so far? What else needs to be done?

I am very supportive of Governor’s Dean 50-State Strategy. The gains that we made across the country in 2006 are a testament to that fact that the plan is effective, and Jill Derby’s race for Congress in CD2 is a perfect example of an instance where the 50-State Strategy has given Democrats an edge in Nevada. We must continue to work hard keep the 50 State Strategy alive and strong by spreading the message to activists and leaders. This is how the West will be won.

Do you support a candidate for President, do you plan to support someone before the Nevada Caucus or will you remain neutral?

I am not supporting a candidate and will remain neutral throughout the Caucus. Even so, I am pleased to say it’s going to be a rough choice for Democrats in Nevada and around the country because we have so many dynamic personalities vying for the nomination. I am confident that one of them will be elected to the White House in 2008.

Besides working within the State Party, what are your plans for the future? Do you plan to run for elected office yourself in the near future?

Right now, in addition to serving the NSDP, I work for Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and was appointed by Governor Dean to Chair the DNC Youth Council. I plan to continue to work in politics in some capacity, but I have no plans to run for elected office in the near future.