The disappointing results of the mid-term election will produce major changes in the leadership ranks of the Ohio Democratic Party, including the chairmanship. Prior to these momentous changes, we members of the Democratic Congressional delegation wish to go on record as supporting a deliberative and inclusive process that respects the various members of the Democratic family.

We support as the highest priority the establishment of an inclusive process for broad consultation with a wide range of Ohio Democrats—Party officials, elected officials at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels, candidates who have run statewide and congressional or legislative district campaigns, and, most important of all, rank and file Democrats across our great state. As Democrats, we believe the success of replacing Chairman Redfern depends on listening to all voices within our broad coalition. We believe our Party will emerge stronger only if an inclusive process is employed across Ohio. We need to invite ordinary Democrats who have ideas and suggestions to participate in a robust discussion about our Party’s organizational structure and how to improve its reach and performance. This is particularly important as we transition into a presidential campaign mode in a crucial state.

Because our Party is a coalition comprised of men and women from all walks of life—urban, suburban and rural constituencies, minorities, women, the LGBT community, labor, small businesses, environmentalists and others, such a consultation is a pre-requisite to any long-term changes in the Ohio Democratic Party leadership structure.

Our party will be best served moving forward by a process of listening to the diverse voices in the Democratic coalition and an informed conversation about the lessons of recent elections. Only then will we be comfortable in making any course corrections that involve the future of our beloved Party.