What is the DCCC?

On June 8, 2010 San Franciscans will elect the committee members for the SF Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC). This influential working group of the Democratic Party in San Francisco raised over $500,000 in cash contributions during the last election cycle and candidates plus ballot measures endorsed on the DCCC slate card (i.e. mailer or door-hanger) usually win. Currently progressives control the Chair and 18 of the 34 votes on the DCCC enabling them to endorse progressive positions on City propositions and progressive candidates in the Supervisoral races.

The arcane and obtuse San Francisco DCCC plays a crucial role in all aspects of our City’s political life. The DCCC is the official voice of the local Democratic Party and represents all registered Democrats in San Francisco County. Members of Congress and the state legislature from San Francisco have a seat on the committee (as “super-delegates”) but the other 24 members are elected in June in even-numbered years – with 12 from State Assembly District 12 (west of Twin Peaks) and 12 from State Assembly District 13 (east of Twin Peaks). The Committee’s task is to build the Democratic Party though voter registration and fundraising efforts, and it publishes a very influential slate card for every election. The DCCC slate card is the party’s official endorsement in all races. This slate card looms large because most citizens do not pay attention to politics (talking politics is impolite in American society) and typically over 80% of San Franciscans vote Democratic.

The DCCC grooms candidates for paid public office as well as pushing for or fighting against local ballot measures. This DCCC is a crucial endorsement for any candidate who is running for the Board of Supervisors or other publicly elected office in the City. It’s been said “The DCCC is the most expensive office to run for that no one has ever heard of.” Running for the San Francisco DCCC is a cut-throat process with candidates waging fierce campaigns and raising unspeakable amounts of money. Raising money for a DCCC campaign does not have to comply with campaign finance regulations because the DCCC committee seats are for local party control, not a taxpayer paid office.

Aaron Peskin has said “I want to take the DCCC in a better direction to focus on registering voters and pushing progressive turnout in San Francisco.”