How We Endorse

For more than 30 years, the Southern California Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action has issued endorsements for national, state and local elections. We consider endorsements of candidates and positions on ballot measures one of our most important contributions.

Months before an election, an appointed endorsement committee convenes. Ballot initiatives are researched, discussed and debated and speakers may be invited to present the pro and con sides. The committee prepares and sends out questionnaires to the candidates asking them where they stand on issues of concern to us (Peace, Universal Health Care, Economic and Social Justice, Campaign Finance Reform, Reproductive Rights, the Environment, etc.).

Armed with all this information, the Board then convenes an Endorsement Caucus to debate, discuss and finally vote. A candidate or position is approved with a minimum of 60 percent vote.

Where there is no progressive position or candidate, we make no recommendation. When an incumbent in a non-competitive district is someone we have supported in the past but we believe has failed to vote as a progressive, we may vote No

Endorsement (i.e., a vote of No Confidence).

For SCADA's endorsements to be meaningful, we urge our members to volunteer, contribute, when possible run for office, and most importantly to vote!

Our Endorsement Report Card is the result of 24 political animals having a 
fierce debate at our last meeting for about two hours.   2 hrs x 24 Board of 
Directors = 48 hrs. 
~Recent quote from SCADA Chapter new Chair Joe Cicero