Northern New Mexico politics are periodically marred by episodes of bullying, nepotism and provincialism.

The Democratic Party's treatment of Bernie Logue y Perea is, sadly, a prime example of all three. He was removed as Ward Chair of 47A because Jerome Block Sr. insisted that Bernie be booted for failing to support the PRC bid of Block's son. This action was taken regardless of the fact that Bernie has always been a hard-working party member who actively supports most of the ticket — even though 77 percent of Democrats rejected Block Jr's candidacy in the primary; in spite of Block's dependence on biographical misrepresentations. The county Democratic Party proved itself most undemocratic by removing a person elected by citizens of a ward, not party honchos.

Ironically, this act of nepotistic bullying took place during the Democratic National Convention, where Barack Obama proclaimed the necessity of changing the way politics works. Speaker after speaker at the convention said it's time "to speak truth to power." This was Bernie's real sin — he said that Jerome Block Jr. is unqualified to be on the PRC. Bernie spoke the truth.

Such behavior may explain why Republicans win tight elections in a state where a majority of voters are registered Democrats. It may explain why more and more people, many who are leaving a corrupt, bigoted, and dictatorial Republican Party are registering as Independents, not Democrats.

If we Democrats are to have candidates who truly represent a party majority, we need to establish ranked-choice primary voting. We need to seek out candidates who are qualified by education, experience and character. We need to rise above the nepotism inherent in the assumption that political office is dynastic. It is time we embrace Obama's plea for change — starting here at home.

Democrat Ouida MacGregor is Ward Chair in District 48. She lives in Santa Fe.