Cuyahoga Dems double down on embattled Cleveland councilman

By the numbers: The Ward 1 executive committee voted 16-3 in Jones' favor.

• The margin was wider than the initial endorsement, which Jones won 14-3 over opponent State Rep. Juanita Brent.

Between the lines: Brock quickly sent out a statement emphasizing that only members of Ward 1 — not the roughly 750 total members of the party's wider executive committee — voted.

What they're saying: "Recent events have exposed flaws in the system, especially when serious questions about conduct arise after a vote has been taken," he said.

• "As chair, I recognize we need to take a hard look at our rules and consider reforms to strengthen accountability, transparency, and public trust."

Zoom out: Roughly half of the party's executive committee is elected, but the other half is appointed by city and ward leaders in their respective geographies.

• In Cleveland, most of the sitting council members are also ward leaders, meaning they can appoint loyalists who, in turn, vote on endorsements.

The bottom line: It's a system that produces extremely durable political power.