Letter: Collins divides state Democratic Party

Monday, Feb. 26, 2007 | 7:14 a.m.

In reference to the Las Vegas Sun's Feb. 24 article, "Collins decision prevents Democratic fight," I'd like to add some facts. Every Democratic caucus chair was undemocratically disenfranchised by Collins' dictatorship. The rules were not followed as Collins alleges - that is simply not true!

Democratic clubs and caucus groups have formed legally at local, county, regional and statewide levels - Collins did everything in his power, and abused his authority, by disrespecting and disenfranchising the activist Democrats.

The Hispanics, Blacks, Native Americans, Veterans and Rural Caucus chairs were "purged into political purgatory" by Clark County Chair Liz Foley and Collins, without even having the opportunity to discuss, debate or vote on the matter, immediately after he very narrowly got elected. It was blatant political payback (for those that supported Marcia deBraga's candidacy to try and unite the North, South, rural and caucus groups) by dictating and deleting activists and denying their right to vote on the State Central Committee.

Collins and Foley failed miserably in uniting the party - the truth is they purposely worked to confuse, divide and conquer for their own selfish political purposes.

Democrats desperately need real Democrats as leaders, not DINOs (Democrats In Name Only), especially in Clark County, to unite the South, North, rural and caucus groups and move forward in a civil manner that respects the basic principles of democracy and party diversity.

There is a cancer on the Nevada State Democratic Party - that's why I've publicly abdicated and re-registered as an Independent in principled protest to protect the rights of the people!

Johnathan L. Abbinett, Las Vegas