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Sunday, May 07, 2006
Opening Up the Netroots Page for Nominations
Posted by DavidNYCBy now you've probably encountered the Netroots Candidates ActBlue page at least once or twice. I want to talk a little bit about the idea behind the page, and our plans for the future.
This page is the brainchild of Matt Stoller of MyDD. It's currently administered by Matt, Chris Bowers (also of MyDD), Markos (of DailyKos) and myself. The goal of the page is to provide a central hub for netroots-backed candidates. What do we mean by that? Our aim is to identify strong candidates who either already have broad support in the netroots or who ought to have such support. And our hope is that other blogs will link to the Netroots Candidates page, or create their own pages backing these candidates.
(Note: If you are interested in linking to the Netroots Candidates ActBlue page and would like to get credit, you can do so using ActBlue's referral codes. Click here for more info on how those work - they're very simple to use.)
While the four of us have plenty of ideas about which candidates are worthy of our support, we want to open up the selection process and ask for suggestions from the entire netroots. After all, this kind of distributed task is one of the blogosphere's strong suits. With so many races, it would be impossible for any one person to be knowledgeable about all of them. But throw together a few thousand bloggers and blog-readers, and you've got yourself a pretty smart group mind.
So we'd like to hear whom you think the netroots should be supporting. And I should add that while the ActBlue page serves as a focal point, fundraising is only one part of this. Whenever possible, we plan to spread the word about other ways to get involved with the campaigns on the list.
Now, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what criteria can help inform the decision-making process. Here's the list we've come up with so far. A handful of these criteria are pretty much mandatory, but most are only advisory. Without further ado:
Requirements:
• The candidate must be running against a Republican incumbent or running for a GOP-held open seat.• Primaries: There must be no Dem primary; an already-concluded Dem primary; or only token primary opposition. (It's too late in the cycle to get involved in primary races. We'll focus on that more in 2007-8.)
• It can't be a top-tier race. We can have a bigger impact in races which, so far, have received less attention and institutional backing. Simply put, the netroots isn't capable of raising millions of dollars, so the less money a campaign has raised so far, the further our dollars will go. And what's more, we can help bring attention to worthy races and inspire the big-dollar players to follow our lead. In any event, there's no hard-and-fast definition for this, but one rule of thumb is that if a challenger has raised over $1 million, it's probably already a top-tier race.
Positives (things which are pluses but not requirements, listed in no particular order):
• The candidate has a strong record as a Democrat.• The Republican opponent is an easy target. (Think Tom DeLay or Curt Weldon.)
• The candidate is running in a blue-leaning district or state.
• There's a strong netroots presence in the area. (Example: DumpMike and the Blue 7th PAC in New Jersey.) Our ability to make a difference is strongly impacted by the quality of our information flow.
• The campaign itself has shown an interest in grassroots & netroots outreach.• The race fits into a larger strategy or theme (eg, Northeast Strategy, Culture of Corruption, etc.), or can in some way be "nationalized."
• The candidate passes the "partisanship litmus test."
• House races are strongly preferred. Again, as per the above, we can have a bigger impact in smaller races.
So go ahead and make the case for any candidates you believe in. (If you want some guidance, here's a good example of how to make a strong case.) If you can detail how they do or don't fit in with these criteria, that would be excellent. And if you think there are other criteria we should be looking at, please let us know as well.
Posted at 02:39 PM in Fundraising, Netroots | Technorati
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Posted by: yomoma2424 ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.swingstateproject.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 7, 2006 03:47 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
David Denenberg, I argue for Farrell but she fits top tier. David Denenberg declared today in NY 3rd. Peter King is a noxious Blowhard, Denenberg seems like a good guy, and we can push this race into being targeted. Also it fits both North-East plus and New York Landslide.
Posted by: Democraticavenger at May 7, 2006 04:51 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'd go for a second tier race which can be won if there's a Democratic wave.
A great race would be IL-10 where Democrat Dan Seals is taking on Republican Mark Kirk. Kirk paints himself as a moderate, but as an example of his right wing nuttery, he has voted with Tom Delay 91% of the time in 2006.
Kos was recently in Chicago and he found that people were referring to him as the "next Obama" because of his ability to speak to Democrats and independents. He doesn't have an amazing web page - which i know is important - but he has all the basics and an ActBlue account for contributions. (http://www.actblue.com/page/dansealsforcongress.com)
The 10th is a district that Kerry won by a couple percent over Bush. We have strong Democratic efforts in IL-6 with Duckworth running in an open seat, and the 8th where Bean is defending her seat.
Make no mistake though, Seals is no Duckworth or Bean. He is a solid progressive candidate. Pro choice, pro environment, anti-war (pro withdrawal) and would make a good congresman. Moreover, he's already raised over 100k on act blue.
This is a race that the netroots can swing from red to blue. So, check out http://www.dansealsforcongress.com and lets get Dan Seals on the netroots list.
(note: I have never met Dan or had anything to do with his campaign, but I do live in the district outside the school year)
Posted by: RussForPresident.com at May 7, 2006 05:16 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'd go for a second tier race which can be won if there's a Democratic wave.
A great race would be IL-10 where Democrat Dan Seals is taking on Republican Mark Kirk. Kirk paints himself as a moderate, but as an example of his right wing nuttery, he has voted with Tom Delay 91% of the time in 2006.
Kos was recently in Chicago and he found that people were referring to him as the "next Obama" because of his ability to speak to Democrats and independents. He doesn't have an amazing web page - which i know is important - but he has all the basics and an ActBlue account for contributions. (http://www.actblue.com/page/dansealsforcongress.com)
The 10th is a district that Kerry won by a couple percent over Bush. We have strong Democratic efforts in IL-6 with Duckworth running in an open seat, and the 8th where Bean is defending her seat.
Make no mistake though, Seals is no Duckworth or Bean. He is a solid progressive candidate. Pro choice, pro environment, anti-war (pro withdrawal) and would make a good congresman. Moreover, he's already raised over 100k on act blue.
This is a race that the netroots can swing from red to blue. So, check out http://www.dansealsforcongress.com and lets get Dan Seals on the netroots list.
(note: I have never met Dan or had anything to do with his campaign, but I do live in the district outside the school year)
Posted by: RussForPresident.com at May 7, 2006 05:22 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
MN-01: Tim Walz. Passes all requirements with flying colors. My top choice.
VA-SEN: Jim Webb. Enough said.
WY-AL: Gary Trauner. This guy has put together a winning campaign, we need to do everything possible to help him out.
Those are my three top choices. They should be yours as well.
Posted by: DFLer22 at May 7, 2006 05:33 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
As long as you mentioned Blue 7th PAC and Dump Mike -- whose sites are down -- you should focus on Linda Stender in NJ7. Stender is a co-sponsor of NJ's domestic partnership bill; endorsed by Garden State Equality, Emily's List and Democracy for America; and is active blogging on Blue Jersey.
Her opponent is the odious Mike Ferguson, the Congressman known as "Mr. Embryo" by his colleauges because he is so radical on anti-abortion issues. He's a real wanker.
Posted by: njwatcher at May 7, 2006 06:09 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I had Seals as one of my Four. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/5/7/1848/59547
I love Walz, I went with Rowley, we need to get 1-3 going now that we have Wendy Wilde.
Minnesota could be Republican free in 06. Just like CT
Posted by: Democraticavenger at May 7, 2006 06:10 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Chris Carney (PA-10) He is running against an incumbant who beat up his wife and is becoming unpopular.
Carney's platform is clear: experience, honor, and integrity. He is a populist forwarded thinking minded who pledges to end corruption in DC.
I think we have a winner.
www.carneyforcongress.com
Posted by: optimusprime at May 7, 2006 07:05 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
(sorry if some of these candidates aren't eligible for support)
OH-02: Victoria Wulsin. She's a progressive, against the War in Iraq, she supports the full withdrawal of U.S. troops, and she is for positive health-care reform. She's a physician who has worked in Africa and has saved many lives. Unfortunately for her, OH-02 is a very conservative district and Jean Schmidt has plenty of money behind her. Schmidt, however, has a low approval rating and barely won her primary against Bob McEwen(49-42). She has also pissed off a lot of people for her comments about Congressman Murtha. Victoria Wulsin needs money, and she needs it soon. If she could get the endorsement of Paul Hackett and some money behind her, she might actually come close to winning it. (I live in OH-02 and I would love to see Schmidt beaten, believe me it is possible.)
OH-04: Richard Siferd. He is in a tough district but it's an open seat and an upset is still possible here.
OH-06 Charlie Wilson. He needs are help in this competitive district.
OH-12 Bob Shamansky. He can beat Tiberi if he can get cash and mobilize his campaign quickly.
OH-18 Zack Space. If Bob Ney drops out this district might not be as competitive. However, if Ney stays in a win is extremely possible here.
OH-
Posted by: Craig at May 7, 2006 07:14 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Hah, it's so much easier for me to write now, because it's already written in one place.
The Rundown on Texas.
I have to say I like your additional qualifiers though I think they push the final two people I would analyse under this set to John Courage (TX-21) and David Harris (TX-06). Shane Sklar (TX-14), while definatly on our radar within Texas as a possible pickup, is running more of the traditional Texas campaign that one needs to in that area. I think Courage and Harris fit this model better.
Posted by: Karl-T at May 7, 2006 07:17 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'll second DFLer22's suggestion of James Webb. He's an excellent netroots-type candidate. Not just his stances, but even his "personality" if that makes any sense?
Posted by: boyblue at May 7, 2006 07:35 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Phil Kellam VA-2 vs Thelma Drake. Check for collateral info support at www.raisingkaine.com
Eric Massa NY-29 vs. Randy Kuhl.
Tammy Duckworth IL-6
Kirsten Gillibrand NY-20
Francine Busby CA-50
and as you mentioned Linda Stender NJ-7.
Future post primary decision picks:
Opponent to "Dirty Dick" Pombo CA-11
Opponent to Sue Kelly NY-19
Opponent to Nancy Johnson CT-6
Posted by: Predictor at May 7, 2006 07:50 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
That was meant to be CT-5.
Plus Add:
Dan Seals IL-10.
Posted by: Predictor at May 7, 2006 08:20 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
David,
I disagree with the requirements that the candidate be a big web person.
Remember 2004 here in Ohio? (Need I say more?)
Give me competence over a rabid blogger any day.
In some House Districts, the web is still NOT a major criteria for success.
I guess that I would add a NO DOOFUS requirement... if ya know what I mean.
E
Posted by: Ohanon at May 7, 2006 08:48 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Bob Bowman FL-15. Bob Bowman is a fighting Democrat running in a district that a Democrat represented up until 1994. Dave Weldon the Republican Incumbent is one of the most Consevative members of the house and is in deep trouble with Abromoff. Bowman is the kind of guy that can run on Anti-Corruption. Bob Bowman is a Fighting Democrat who ran for President in 2000 on the reform ticket he has very Progressive views on everything check this guy out and consider nominateing him for the Netroots endoursement. http://bowman2006.com/
Posted by: D in FL. at May 7, 2006 09:15 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'll second Craig's endorsement of Courage for TX-21. Lamar Smith is a student-hating DeLay crony in a district with some fifty thousand students in it. Courage had Russ Feingold down here a few weeks ago and they did a kick-ass job getting the word out, so to speak. Courage is a Dem through and through, and this district is leaning left-er and left-er. This is shaping up to be a major race down here.
Posted by: hbw at May 7, 2006 09:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Ohanon: Please read carefully. There are only three requirements. The web stuff is only listed as a plus, not a requirement.
Posted by: DavidNYC at May 7, 2006 09:55 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Al Weed (VA-05) Challenging Virgil Goode
I have already commented on the DailyKos and MyDD threads, and I'm here every weekly open thread talking about Al, so I'll keep this brief:
Virgil is weak from all this MZM stuff (which clearly isn't going away). He was elected as a Democrat in a district full of independents, and currently suffering greatly from Republican leadership and the War in Iraq.
Al has proved his progressive bona fides, defending gay marriage and opposing the Iraq war in his 2004 run for the same seat. Since then he started a thinktank to research and promote switchgrass, health care, and higher education in rural Virginia. He's basically been campaigning for three years and he's made some serious inroads with typically conservative community leaders in southside VA.
Al is a good candidate for netroots (financial) support for a few reasons. This is a cheap district in which to run a campaign; we're looking at $700k rather than $1.4M, and he raised $500k last time around. He has a passionate base of volunteer activists ready to stretch every dime as far as it can go, and the publicity he spends his money on will be spent pointing out Virgil's serious weaknesses and Al's impressive credentials (42 year veteran, and a farmer by trade, to name a couple).
The netroots should be proud to support Al, and proud to get Virgil out of Washington.
Posted by: msnook at May 8, 2006 01:03 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
VA-Sen - Webb could use our help but I think the money would be better spent elsewhere. Once he wins the nomination it will become obvious to the DSCC that this is a race we CAN win. Money will flow in so ours should go to the smaller frye.
VA-02 - Phil Kellam. This is Virginia's contribution to taking back the House. He is a natural candidate, a good dem, well known, and running a good campaign. His opponent Thelma Drake is a freshman incumbent with no real accomplishments other than advocating offshore drilling for oil. This is a purple district and has a very high number of active and retired military. Webbs candidacy (and ultimate smackdown on George Allen) will help Kellam. A few dollars will go a long way here. This is most definitely a race we should help.
VA-05 - Al Weed is a GREAT progressive and deserves our support against Virgil Goode. Virgil is heavily tied to Cunningham and has been caught with his hands in the cookie jar. He isnt terribly popular in the 5th, but it would be an understatement to say Weed is facing an uphill challenege. If Weed 1) gets money and activist support 2) runs a strong campaign and 3) gets the right endorsements (Warner are you listening?) this is a race we can win. We wont have another opportunity like this to take back the 5th for a loooooong time.
VA-10 - I love Judy Feder :)
Posted by: AlecBGreen at May 8, 2006 01:08 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
heheheh msnook, great minds think alike. Do you frequent the DemocraticUnderground Virginia forum? We could use more people like you.
Posted by: AlecBGreen at May 8, 2006 01:11 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Angie Paccione--she meets your criteria and then some.
Marilyn Musgrave only pulled 51% in 2004, in a district that has almost 30% of our voters listed as "unaffiliated".
Angie's vast majority of contributions to her campaign are from small/local donors, not institutional/big money. To date, Angie has raised over $400,000.00 and is holding fundraisers weekly all over CD4.
Angie has served two consecutive terms in the State House, served as Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, and has enjoyed wide, bi-partisan support from other members in the House. She toured our area all last summer and fall with Republican State Senator Johnson to promote the passage of C&D. Her speaking skills are legendary--she can fire up a crowd better than a Southern Baptist minister!
Musgrave has been deemed one of the most vulnerable seats in 2006 by her party, one of the most corrupt members of the House and the 23rd most conservative member in the House of Representatives, even more conservative than Tom Tancredo, another right-wing nut from Colorado.
According to the Denver Post, this is a race that is "shaping up as a pivotal battle for Colorado's 4th Congressional District".
Posted by: Pager at May 8, 2006 09:37 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I would like to second the consideration of Paccione to this list in the CO4th. The only thing that I would like to add is that Colorado has been trending Democratic in the last few cycles, and anything to increase the momentum would be advantageous.
Posted by: subpoenapower at May 8, 2006 12:17 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'd like to toss the IL-11 out for consideration....
Cross-posted comment from DKos.
I'd like to nominate John Pavich, running for Jerry Weller's seat in the Illinios 11th.
John's website is http://www.pavichforcongress.com.
John's a local attorney who formerly worked in the CIA. Weller was part of the 94 Gingrich revolt, and has been one of remaining of the group still dug in like a tic.
John's platform focuses heavily on sensible foreign policy, alternative energy solutions, and protecting local jobs (he's been endorsed by most of the major union players).
The race hasn't gotten nearly the attention of others -- but with the Chicago collar counties/suburbs trending blue, I think this is a good opportunity to test whether that can bleed out to the exurbs. The IL-11 runs from the IN border across the area immediately south of the major Chicago suburban communities, encompassing major swaths of Will, Kankakee, Grundy and other counties (map here).
Pavich had a fairly decent Q1 fundraising performance for a political newcomer, but he's up against a well-financed incumbent so could certainly use the help.
With Topinka unlikely to elicit much excitement from the far right in Illinois -- my bet is that most IL wingnuts sit out the 2006 mid-term -- I think any IL race can be made competitive.
I think this is a good place for netroots action - and even offers opportunities for Chicago area activists to get involved with more than just writing a check, due to its proximity to Chicago.
I actually met John through a friend who used to work with his wife. He's young and novice - but has a resume that might resonate, his wife was in the Peace Corp, and I think he's generally a good "under the radar" place to put some effort.
Some friends and I are looking at the logistics for hosting a Chicago area fundraiser, and I'm also going to try to prod the campaign to introduce themselves here and elsewhere -- but for now, I'd just like to toss the race into the discussion mix.
Posted by: zonk at May 8, 2006 12:19 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
MN-06 will be endorsing a candidate next Saturday, the 13th. Both candidates say they will abide by the endorsment and a primary is very unlikely. This is currently a GOP held open seat being vacated by Rep Mark Kennedy whom is running for the Senate.
National journal ranks it at number 20.
It has not yet raised huge money, still under a half a million bucks.
Republicans nominated state senator Michele Bachman this weekend. They picked a person with a lot of baggage. http://dumpbachmann.blogspot.com/ has been following her antics for sometime now. She has opposition from within her own party http://alwaysrightusuallycorrect.blogspot.com/2006/04/bachmanns-vulnerabilities.html I'm trying to hint that she is week. When right wingers are advocating to vote Democratic because the republican is weak on character that says something. She is a single issue candidate: gay marriage ban.
Both the Democratic candidates are good people. Child safety advocate and 2004 nominee Patty Wetterling http://pattywetterling.com/ and former commissioner, minister, and mayor El Tinklenberg http://tinklenbergforcongress2006.com/ We will know the candidate in a few days. Currently they are tied for delegate counts. Both are great choices.
To see who we get if Dems do not pick up this seat http://michelebachmann.com/
2002 results Gop wins 57-to-35 Kennedy over Roberts
2004 results gop wins 54-46 Kennedy over Wetterling
The district leans republican but maybe not for much longer.
Posted by: Demrock6 at May 8, 2006 06:14 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Al Weed - VA-5 -- How many ways/times can I second everyone's support of Al? I met him during the 2004 race, and very strongly believe he will make a great Congressman. My contact with him since then and during this race have only enforced that idea. He has a very good campaign staff this time, led by Stephen Davis who knows Virginia politics, as well as the support of Gov. Kaine.
Goode has tried to inoculate himself against some of the Cunningham/MZM/Wade scandal by giving back almost $100,000 to volunteer fire and rescue squads, libraries, and animal rescue groups all over the district. Hopefully, that won't be enough.
Al has spent a lot of time traveling throughout the district, getting to know the people and what they need. I believe he will be a stronger candidate than Ewert in a general election. He already has more than the number of committed delegates necessary to win the nomination at that May 20th nominating convention. However, Ewert is hanging in there and even going after Al's delegates -- all fair game, but I just don't want to see this get ugly and leave the general public feeling like 'here we go again' politics. Al has tried to stay above it and focus on what's really at stake--the economic health of the district.
On the switchgrass idea, he's been leading the way on that for some time -- long before Bush ever uttered a peep on it -- through the work of an organization Al founded after the 2004 elections, Public Policy Virginia.
Posted by: edgery at May 8, 2006 06:34 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I am suggesting FL-22
The DEM candidate (Ron Klein) served in the state senate for a number of yrs, He is running against REP CLAY SHAW (a 13 TERM incumbent) who may be the next chair of the WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE. the district went for KERRY in 2004 (51-48%) CQpolitics recently did an article on the race which i suggest you read. ALSO, KLEIN has raised more money then any other Challenger but has little support for the netroots... I think this is a VERY winnable race and a great race to back...
Posted by: danny at May 8, 2006 10:14 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
A wonderful write-up on why John Laesch should be included was done by my fiance on Daily Kos.
One thing that he did not say is that John has been very active on the blogs, especially on Daily Kos. Jared and I informed him of the importance of the netroots, and he agreed with us, so we taught him how to blog. From the first diary on Kos, he was hooked. ;)
He's an incredibly intelligent and capable man, and very deserving of this nomination. I don't think there is even one reqirement that he does not meet, and he does need the help. Some don't think he can win, but we think he has a real shot given all the corruption finally being brought to light that Hastert is involved in.
Thanks for your time.
Posted by: Kristen at May 8, 2006 10:32 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
My comment didn't go through. :P So, I'll make this one short and sweet. John Laesch, running against Dennis Hastert in IL-14. For a lengthier explanation, check out the diary on Daily Kos by Jared Lash.
Posted by: Kristen at May 8, 2006 10:34 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Ron Klein - who clearly stands as good a chance as anyone to beat Clay Shaw - is, however, the defintion of a top-tier candidate.
Posted by: DavidNYC at May 8, 2006 11:50 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Jay Fawcett - Colorado CD-5.
Fawcett: Gulf War I Vet, Bronze Star
District: Home of James Dobson and massive Christian-Industrial complex. 20+ year Republican seat with 7 [R]'s fighting to replace Hefley. Bush under 50% approval several months.
Rebuplican side: ethics challenges by almost every candidate, no clear favorite could lead to bloodbath.
A win here would be historic, to put it mildly.
Posted by: Zappatero at May 9, 2006 01:56 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'd like to nominate John Pavich to the netroots page. I created a diary about him with more information at MyDD-- http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/5/9/182941/8221
John perfectly fits almost all of the criteria listed, but beyond this, he's a great candidate with a notable outsider resume and credentials. John was an undercover officer in the CIA--until he decided to run for congress out of extreme concern for the way things were being run in D.C. and the Agency.
Here are some basic reasons why John deserves the Netroots' support:
• The district is becoming more Democratic. Dem registration is surpassing Republican. It went 48% Kerry, and heavily for Obama and Durbin. The partisan voting index is less than +3R.
• Jerry Weller is tied up in both the Wilkes scandal and some of his own ethical misadventures.
• John’s campaign has shown a willingness to engage the grassroots and netroots and get people involved.
• John’s has gained endorsements and great support from labor, and has outpaced the incumbent in individual contributions.
Read more about John at http://www.pavichforcongress.com
Thanks!
Posted by: Ryan11 at May 9, 2006 06:54 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
The reasons why Larry Kissell (NC8) should be endorsed:
Seat held by Republican Robin Hayes (4th largest recipient of DeLay money and 4th wealthiest member of entire House) who went on CNN last year and said there was, in fact, a connection between Iraq and 9-11. He said he was 'flat out opposed' to CAFTA and then voted for it.
The district has 70,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans and a Democratic Performance of 50.8%. The Democratic nominee, Larry Kissell, worked in the textile industry for 27 years and has been a high school teacher for the last 5 years.
There is no top of the ticket race to give Hayes coattails to ride this year. Congress is top of the ticket. Kissell has been working very hard and has a great team. He doesn't have the personal financial resources that his millionaire opponent does. This is a perfect race for a netroots endorsement. Please give him your consideration!
Posted by: Carolina Girl at May 11, 2006 08:40 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
• The candidate has a strong record as a Democrat.
I have been a member of the National “media” enjoying 12 years as a proud Progressive Talk Show host, most of that time nationally syndicated. My activism and advocacy is well known throughout the Progressive community
• The Republican opponent is an easy target. (Think Tom DeLay or Curt Weldon.)
Some facts about Thaddeus McCotter and how tied up Rep. McCotter is with the GOP Culture of Corruption...
Representative McCotter has a very cozy relationship with the GOP Leadership.
• McCotter received $10,000 from House Majority Leader John Boehner's "Freedom Project" PAC.
• McCotter received $5,733 from GOP Whip Roy Blunt's "Rely on Your Beliefs" PAC.
• McCotter voted with President Bush 85% of the time.
• McCotter voted the GOP party line 92% of the time.
Why do you think McCotter is just rubber stamping the Republican agenda?
How tied up is Representative McCotter with the Tom DeLay/Jack Abramoff scandal? McCotter has taken:
• $20,000 from Tom DeLay's ARMPAC.
• $1,000 from Bob Ney, the first congressman to be implicated based on the Jack Abramoff guilty plea.
With all of these ties to the DeLay/Abramoff mess, is it any surprise that McCotter has:
• Voted to weaken House ethics rules when DeLay proposed doing so as GOP Majority Leader.
• Voted to allow the GOP House Leader to continue to serve after an indictment, an apparent tactic to protect DeLay.
• Voted with Tom DeLay 92% of the time.
Is Representative McCotter serving Michigan voters, or the Republican money machine?
Representative McCotter has disturbing ties to disgraced and convicted former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham. McCotter has taken:
• $5,000 from "Duke's" PAC.
• The candidate is running in a blue-leaning district or state.
My District has voted for Democrats and John Kerry received almost 49% of the vote during the 2004 election. Recent voter registration rolls show that 65% of all new voters in this District are registering as Democrats. This is a REAL swing District and is winnable. McCotter had also raised significantly less money than any other Republican incumbent in Michigan, by at least half.
• There's a strong netroots presence in the area. (Example: BlueJersey in NJ.) Our ability to make a difference is strongly impacted by the quality of our information flow.
Well connected to the netroots community and endorsed by groups like ImpeachPAC.org and Progressive Democrats of America.
• The race fits into a larger strategy or theme (eg, Northeast Strategy, Culture of Corruption, etc.), or can in some way be "nationalized."
Yes…to rid this country of corruption, lies and the lack of accountability. Does it get any bigger?
• The candidate passes the "partisanship litmus test."
I do! Please visit http://www.tony4congress2006.com for more information on my candidacy and my positions
Posted by: Tony Trupiano at May 11, 2006 04:57 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Jeeni Criscenzo is a progressive Dem fighting for Issa's seat (Ca-49). She meets all the tests for my support and Netroots'
Posted by: ScottC at May 11, 2006 11:44 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I would like to STRONGLY second the nomination of Tony Trupiano for Michigan's 11th. This is a very movable district in a very blue state.
Currently the seat is held by Thaddeus McCotter, a republican with ties to Tom Delay and the culture of corruption. Rep McCotter does not represent the people. He is barely a visable presence in the house. And when he is visable he is poking his head out of bush or delay's pocket, like a little follow the party line mouse.
Tony Trupiano is a giant voice for the democratic party. He brings a wealth of experience at getting his message heard. He previously had his own radio show and is a great speaker with a very powerful message. Tony is a man who is not afraid to speak truth to power. He has recieved a number of impressive endorsements already. Yesterday Max Cleland, who has endorsed Tony, was here in the district, to speak for and with Tony about important issues, such as an exit strategy for the war in Iraq, winning control of the house in 2006, and being a very strong voice for the democrats.
Tony's campaign has hit the ground running hard. His staff and volunteers are lining up support from all over the district and beyond. Tony's staff, by their unceasing work, show what great dedication and excitement his message exudes in his supporters. His staff has been soliciting volunteers and fundraising for months already. He is a voice that will not be ignored or unnoticed. This is going to be a race that can be won with the dedication of staff and volunteers.
What the campaign needs is more money. Running against the incumbent is not cheap as you all know.
Tony is a voice we need in Washington, a voice that isn't afraid of the hard questions and is filled with unique and novel ideas. A voice of the people in a district that is cleary one that could flip in 2006. Exactly the sort of race we need to throw our full support behind.
Go to Tony's website to read all about him and his stand on the issues: http://www.tony4congress2006.com/index.htm
Posted by: blueeyedpupil at May 12, 2006 01:19 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I am a frequent poster at DailyKos, and I wanted to make sure that my good friends over here did not overloook Bill Winter in Colorado's 6th District.
His opponent is arch-lunatic Tom Tancredo, and he scores a perfect 100% on the criteria to be on the page.
Please, if you do nothing else, read his diary from today on Kos and get a glimpse of this amazing candidate...
I myself wrote a diary about Mr. Winter yesterday...
100 reasons Bill Winter deserves the Netroots Endorsement (parts 1 -50)
(And hey, Hello Pager! Good seeing you as always. You are right that Angie Paccione is a fantastic candidate. Colorado is a great state to be a progressive this cycle.)
Posted by: TakeBackTheHouse at May 14, 2006 06:58 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I am a volunteer for Tony Trupiano and the 11th district of Michigan. Tony is a progressive candidate that sees and hears what needs to be accomplished to raise the 11 district, the state of Michigan and the entire country up to a globally competitive level. Turpiano understands our veterans and workers alike with a passion and honesty to take on Congresses unaccountability in each bill that is within the legislative process defeating the American spirit.
Trupiano is a self made man, the pinnacle of what a citizens can do in America, breaking barriers within his district that representative McCotter has chosen to ignore,while pandering to his party and this current administration to the detriment of his constituents.
Tony Trupiano is versed and clear on the issues and is consistantly learning what concerns his district.
He takes on the difficult questions and will bring them to the house floor for debate for his district.
I will work for Trupiano to win big in the 11th. He will win without the redrawing of lines, with checks and balances for the people by the people.
Posted by: michberry at May 17, 2006 10:02 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'm a resident of MI-15, where John Dingell has earned the title "Honorable", and, despite having his district gerrymandered, has earned the safety of his seat.
After taking a long look at all of the House races in this area, I have decided to put my dollars behind Tony Trupiano in MI-11. Not only that, but after years of contributing my money but not my time to candidates in whom I belive, I've finally gotten up out of my chair and started putting my time and effort toward Tony's campaign.
I don't know what the polls say about Michigan's 11th district; all I know is what I see and hear on the ground, from the mood of friends, family, and co-workers who live there. Six months ago, I would have thought this seat was a narrowly lost cause; maybe even one of those that "could have" put us over the top but didn't. But there has been a very, very tangible sea change.
MI-11 leans (I'm told) slightly "R" demographically, but it's much more complex than that. Those R's include plenty of auto workers who know good and well what their corporate bosses want to do with their jobs, and they know that the current congress is willing to let them do it. There are plenty of good blue-collar families here, who think the world of their police officers, firemen, and soldiers, and who are (pardon me, but) PISSED OFF at seeing them treated as disposable.
This is EXACTLY the kind of district that we can and should win this November. Tony is a smart, personable, progressive, and capable candidate. I was at his campaign headquarters this morning, and I know that they have great people there who are good at what they do and are fired up about doing it. This is a race where some netroots support can really shine... and help a good candidate win an important district.
Posted by: Steve in Michigan at May 19, 2006 12:40 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Oh, and one other thing... Trupiano's incumbent opponent for the 11th district seat (who won't be named here, because I dislike giving free name rec) spent exactly four years in the Michigan state senate. He was there just long enough to "help design" the newly contorted district boundaries that directly and intentionally forced two experienced and talented Dems to run against each other... and then ran for (and won) the seat in the newly-created right-leaning "district".
The man re-drew the map to give himself a district. He needs to go.
Posted by: Steve in Michigan at May 19, 2006 12:48 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
My name is John Laesch and I am running against Dennis Hastert in IL14. I consider this to be an uphill, but winnable race and I believe that taking on the Speaker of the House should be part of a national strategy that the DCCC is not yet considering.
I believe that I fill 10 of the 10 requirements for this endorsement and I believe I would make an excellent candidate for a netroots endorsement. During the 1994 Republican Revolution, Speaker of the House, Tom Foley (D) was beaten by George Nethercutt (R). During the 2006 DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION, I feel that it is our responsibility to defeat their Speaker, Dennis Hastert
Please read my application on DailyKOS and let me know what you think...
Posted by: John Laesch at May 19, 2006 10:12 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Dan Seals -- D-IL 10th District is a fantastic candidate with great ideas and ability to lead the Democrats to victory. We need leaders like Dan to be successful so that we can begin to take back power in this country. And, Dan has an opponent who is an incumbent Republican and is part of the Republican leadership.
Finally, the 10th District is a Democratic leaning swing district. The 10th started trending Democrat in Clinton's first race -- 1992 -- and the % of Democratic victory has increased every cycle.
This is a winnable seat, Dan is a GREAT candidate, and the incumbent is part of the disgusting group of Republicans who say one thing and legislate away our freedoms.
Please help Dan Seals!!!
Posted by: lucky mom at May 20, 2006 02:43 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Of the candidates cited above, the comments posted have persuaded me to put Dan Seals on my radar, but I think Angie Paccione is the best fit for the criteria, and a great, net-aware candidate.
Jim Webb hasn't won his primary yet. And some might question whether he has a "strong record as a Democrat", when he served in a Republican cabinet, for god's sake.
Posted by: Christopher Walker at May 24, 2006 02:23 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Please consider Jeeni Criscenzo as a candidate deserving an endorsement. She is a Democrat running against Darrell Issa in CA-49 for the Congressional seat. www.jeeniforcongress.com
There is no one opposing Jeeni in the primary so we have moved to focusing on the general election.
Issa in not well liked in 49-CA. Currently he is supporting an 'unpopular with the people'/'popular with the energy companies' powerline and pump storage project. One of the side effects of this project is that it will drastically change the level of a local lake on a nightly basis and, in turn, will have a large scale, negative, environmental impact. This is turning the community against Issa. Jeeni has been extremely active in standing up against this project and has become the voice for the community. This is an issue that has crossed party lines and members of both parties are seeing Jeeni as the strong candidate that will speak for them.
Jeeni is the perfect candidate for Netroots support. Currently, while some of the national political organizations are verbally endorsing her they are not financially endorsing her as she does not yet have the heightened visibility they are looking for. A Netroots endorsement could be the just the boost that is need for Jeeni's race.
Jeeni has been extremely active in the most Democratic way for the past 5 years. From participating in demonstrations against the war from the time of its' build up to selling everything she owned to travel to from the FTAA protests in Miami to the G8 Summit in Georgia, to demonstrations in Washington DC and both the Democratic and Republican Conventions, to write daily reports in her blog, CPR4Democracy.
Once Bush claimed the presidency a second time Jeeni realized just writing about the threat to our Democracy wasn't enough. At that time she committed herself to work for peace, democracy and human rights.
Currently, Jeeni is strengthening her netroots presence with endorsements from DFA and PDA, funding coming in through a number of venues including ACT Blue, and a network of e-supporters that activate at a moment's request. But most importantly we will be attending YearlyKos to figure out how to do this right!
Jeeni is the most fearless and motivated candidate I have ever supported. She deserves the Netroots endorsement!
Posted by: MarthaQuest at May 29, 2006 04:50 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Jeeni Criscenzo (CA-49)
Jeeni is working hard developing a grassroots campaign to unseat incumbant Republican Darrell Issa, one of the richest men in congress. Jeeni is a strongly progressive candidate and is running unopposed by any other democrats. If elected she will work on ending the iraq occupation, promoting alternative energy and other environmental issues, and listening to the needs of her constituents rather than big money lobbyists.
Posted by: chaos137 at May 29, 2006 05:02 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
John Laesch in IL-14.
This is John's first campaign, although he worked on David Gill's campaign in 2004 (I believe he was the campaign manager). Gill lost, but is running again, and stands a good chance himself of winning in IL-15.
John's campaign platform shows strong progressive values - alternative fuels, nationalized health care, and ending the occupation of Iraq.
He's a Fighting Dem, and a Union Carpenter.
Illinois is a blue state, and the demographics of exurban Chicago are changing rapidly. The District's population center is growing fast, with a lot of true blue Chicagoans moving out there. The Western part of the District is solidly Democratic. The Republican majority out there has been shrinking in recent years.
He's running against Dennis Hastert, which would normally be the Kiss of Death, running against a sitting speaker, and the DCCC regards it as such.
BUT, the Dennis Hastert corruption stories have been getting big play both in the local media, as well as in the Chicago Tribune. The $200 million sprawlway earmark that Hastert turned into a $2 million profit, as well as the wealth he has magically accumulated in Congress have been big stories lately. And the Sprawlway is strongly opposed. People in the region do not want the sudden population surge that the Sprawlway will cause. Thus, people are looking for new leadership.
John posts regularly on DailyKos, as do a number of other individuals in his support (myself included). He sticks around to answer questions. His blog team has been working with David Gill in IL-15 to help him improve his netroots presence as well. John has drawn a lot of web support from Chicago activists. A number of his campaign staff have signed on through DailyKos.
Without DCCC support, John is running a straight-up grassroots campaign. He makes appearances all over the District at various festivals and events, and even stages his own events. He walks around talking to people. His people get the word out, as well.
Hastert is representative of the entire culture of corruption. As the Tribune recently reported, since joining Congress, Hastert's net worth has grown from a meager $290k to over $6.2 million. It fits straight into the Culture of Corruption. His land deal that made him $2 million off of the Sprawlway earmark is a big deal around here, and has been reported on nationally.
He's very proud to be a democrat, and has passed the litmus test. He recently posted a speech on DailyKos, where you can hear him talk. He's strongly opposed to the war and to Republican policies. Some Young Republicans tried to swiftboat him by attacking his voting record (basically saying he didn't vote before this past year - he quickly issued a rebuttal and took the Young Republicans to task, going so far as to identify them as such. The attacks were in the form of LTE's that didn't identify the writers as active YR's).
He's a great candidate and deserves a great deal of consideration for netroots endorsement. Take a look at his most recent DKos post:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/7/21730/31003
It includes the previously mentioned link to his speech from today.
Posted by: Jerry 101 at July 7, 2006 10:04 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Oh, and John Laesch is a Mapchangers finalist, which shows how much the rank and file netroots citizenry like him :-)
Posted by: Jerry 101 at July 7, 2006 10:06 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
This cycle New York is the swing state; pundits at the NY Times and National Journal put New York at the top of the list with competitive races.
A number of New York bloggers came together to each look at the race closest to them.
So I'd vote for supporting the New York challengers. Helping one will add to the excitment over our chances to win Republican-held seats in New York and build momentum for all the candidates.
Posted by: Steve at July 26, 2006 12:11 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I want to nominate Ken Keechl, who is the Democratic nominee for the Broward County (Florida) Commission. Ken is running against the incumbent Republican, Jim Scott, who was appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush and is the only Republican on the 9-member Commission.
Broward County is the Democratic stronghold in the state. Kerry, Gore, 2004 Senate canididate Betty Castor all outperformed here over the past few years. It was Janet Reno's base when she ran for governor in 2002.
Ken Keechl has a strong shot at this seat. More than 75% of his district overlaps CD-22, wher Ron Klein is a strong challenger to Rep. Clay Shaw.
Keechl's opponent, Jim Scott, is ethically challenged. Among other transgressions, it was recently revealed he has an ownership interest in a development deal on Fort Lauderdale's only public golf course -- and the County Commisison holds the final vote on the project. Scott will make milions turning one of the last few green spaces into more McMansions.
Keechl is openly gay, was the president of the Dolphin Democrats, Broward's GLBT Democratic club and one of the largest Democratic clubs in the state. If he wins he will be the highest-ranking openly gay legislator in Florida. He is a political activist and attorney who resigned as an equity partner in his firm to wage this campaign and serve fulltime as a commissioner.
Check him out at www.keechl2006.com.
Posted by: SAGaskill at August 14, 2006 02:20 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Keith Fitzgerald in House District 69, Florida. http://www.gofitzgo.com
It's about as grassroots as you can get. It's a seat held by a Republican who is vacating it to run for the vacated seat in Congressional District 13 -- Katherine Harris' seat. So, it's the heart of Katherine Harris country. Don't you think these people deserve a change?
Keith has an outstanding site -- http://www.goftizgo.com -- an excellent blog: http://www.gofitzgo.com/wordpress/
a podcast: http://www.evoca.com/groups/keithfitzgeraldforstatehouse
a page on DFA: http://www.dfalink.com/campaign.html?id=1016
On the other hand, he's running unopposed in the primary, and should face one of two candidates who couldn't possibly have websites that are any lousier:
David Mills: http://www.davidrmills.com/
or
Laura Benson: http://www.bensonforfloridahouse.com/
Keith is working hard, even outraising his Republican counterparts (in a Republican district) last quarter -- though he could still use some help.
He's working hard, going door-to-door, making calls and talking to Floridians about education, insurance issues and smart growth.
Thanks for considering Keith.
http://www.gofitzgo.com
Posted by: Benjamin Kirby at August 14, 2006 02:39 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Eric Massa of the NY 29th. He's a 24 year veteran of the US Navy and a fighting Dem. He's also refusing corporate contributions and running a truly grassroots campaign so a little money goes a long long way. Kuhl is among the worst in our rubber-stamp congress and replacing him would go far in electing a Congress that actually stands up to the president. Kuhl is disliked even by Republicans in the district, and if we're going to take back this seat, this is the year to do it.
www.massaforcongress.com
Posted by: TheSalamander at August 14, 2006 04:58 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
GA-06 Steve Sinton (D) is running against Tom Price, the GOP Deputy Whip in the House.
GA-06 is a suburban district where Democrats in Georgia have been losing ground politically and where good candidates have been extremely hard to come by in our red state.
Steve is helping to change that. He's out working the district person to person, involving volunteers, using new technology, gaining ground on an intrenched Republican and Steve needs our help.
Tom Price has extreme negatives going against him - he suffered a bruising primary at the hands of John Konop over immigration and job outsourcing - and he's extremely vulnerable on Medicare Part D and Social Security Piratization.
Steve Sinton has taken strong stands against Tom Price, against the crazy policies and ineffectiveness of this GOP congress, and has pledged to help move GA-06 back towards progress and helping inprove the lives the families in our district.
If we can begin to win back these suburban districts, especially in the South, we'll have shown that Democrats can truly be competitive anywhere.
www.stevesinton.com
Posted by: Tim at August 14, 2006 08:23 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I, too wish to recommend John Pavich, IL-11. The district is pretty evenly split, but Bush has had low approval ratings pretty much for most of 2006.
Pavich's CIA experience makes him a great candidate in addition to the fact that he is very approachable, charasmatic and articulate.
Weller is the epitome of what we need to rid ourselves of in November. He has served since 1994 and he is the weakest he has ever been. Negative news about him is actually running in the local papers in the district. Topics include where his campaign money has come from-much has been linked indirectly to Jack Abramhoff.
Additionally, Rep. Weller is married to the daughter of a South American Dictator who is currently in hiding following his trial for executing hundreds of thousands of people. Weller's wife is also a Senator, which is in conflict with the representatives post on the foreign relations subcommittee dealing with South America.
Weller is the perfect target, but Pavich is an even better candidate.
Posted by: nickbourbonnais at August 14, 2006 08:40 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I also would like to nominate John Pavich from IL-11 who is running against incumbent Jerry Weller.
Pavich is a great candidate: young - 30 years old, enthusiastic, charismatic and has never run for office before. He has done important work as a Lawyer for the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia at The Hague in the Netherlands. He was part of a defense team that negotiated the first plea agreement for a national leader in the history of the tribunal. This plea is widely recognized as the first step in a new era of reconciliations in the Balkans.
John also worked for several years as a CIA agent. It was his response to 911, he was personally affected by a college classmates' death at the World Trade Center that day.
After working under the the Bush Administration though, he found he was not being as helpful to the his country in his capacity as a CIA agent. He left and decided to run for office back in his childhood home area of IL-11. You can read his full bio here. John's stand on issues, particularly the Iraq War, Fair Trade rather than Free Trade, properly funding education, and universal health care for everyone, easily fall under the Progressive democrat category. He stands for real change rather than just politics as usual.
He is married to a wonderful, intelligent and also charismatic young woman, Kelly, his college sweetheart. They now have a young son Andrew who is almost 2 years old. (He has both his parents' good looks, intelligence and charisma already!)
Jerry Weller is right in line with the Bush, Rove, Frist, DeLay, Abramoff, Cunningham wing of the republican party. Weller has links to all three scandals just named. Weller votes with the conservative christian extremist wing of the republican party 95% of the time. And in his personal life Weller just made a huge mistake right after the 2004 election by marrying into and organized crime family in Guatemala.
Weller married a Guatemalan government official and second in line to be heir of the corrupt FRG party founded by her father, ex-dictator and genocidal murderer General Rios Montt, currently wanted on an International warrant for genocide, torture and terrorism.
Zury Rio-Montt de Weller, as she now calls herself is an avid and enthusiastic supporter of her father, even calling him "her inspiration" in the Guatemalan press. You can find links to all things Weller/Rios Montt on my blog, LiberIL View. Not only did he marry this woman, he married her IN her father's home with him, the murderer, presiding at the ceremony. Meanwhile back here in the IL-11th CD Weller is big on using words like liberty and freedom in his speeches. He dosen't admit to any irony there.
Weller also does not admit to the conflict of interest his marriage created. He has a seat on the House International Relations Committee - Western Hemisphere. He oversees all things "Guatemala" for our government. He and his wife met while both were working on the legislation (and god knows what other kind of deals to line their pocketbooks) for CAFTA.
Weller had promised constituents here in the 11th CD he would not cast any votes on any legislation that involved CAFTA. He broke that promise and as a result his was one of two votes that passed CAFTA. He was also a whip on that vote, breaking arms for DeLay and making back room deals. Like others have said, Weller is a poster boy for what is wrong with our current government. He needs to be shown the door.
The 11th CD's population in it's upper Northeast corner has been, up until the recent increase in interest rates, growing like wild fire. The voters coming are more democratic leaning. And the current republicans are just as unhappy with their congressman as they are every place else in America, maybe more so here.
Weller isn't around much. He has only ONE office for a very large wide spread district. It's a 2 and 1/2 hour drive from his Joliet, IL. office to the southern most area, (Bloomington, IL.) of the district. And his office is hidden inside a Gold's Gym within another Lawyer's office. No exaggeration there. I was stunned the first time I went there.
Pavich can beat Weller no sweat, if he just gets the money to get his name and message out there. Weller and his wife (and soon to be child, probably being born in Guatemala) is his own walking bad publicity for himself.
John Pavich is the man who can show Weller out of the House door come this November. And he's a man almost all but the most fundamentalists republicans can easily vote for and feel good about casting that vote FOR John Pavich.
Posted by: K3Voice at August 14, 2006 11:06 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Lew Katz is a strong liberal who is widely considered the leading criminal law expert in the state of Ohio.
Steven LaTourette, the incumbent, is implicated in the Abramoff-related corruption (http://law.case.edu/faculty/friedman/raw/index.asp?rssId=391), beholden to the financial industry http://law.case.edu/faculty/friedman/raw/index.asp?rssId=406), and left his wife for a woman who lobbies the House committee he serves on. His ex-wife actually posted signs on her lawn in the last election supporting LaTourette's (ridiculously young and inexperienced) Democratic opponent.
Katz's campaign certainly is an uphill battle--it's a quintessential grass-roots operation, staffed in part by Professor Katz's students and former students. Moreover, LaTourette has the big money in Ohio's 14th District wrapped up and well taken care of.
The race can be "nationalized" in that it pits a quintessentially "reality based" Democrat against the kind of K Street sponsored right wing pap that has put the district into a financial mess.
Get to know Lew. You'll love him. http://katzforcongress.com/
Posted by: PeterFriedman at August 15, 2006 01:44 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I urge the support of Charlie Brown who is running as a progressive Democrat in the 4th Congressional District of California. His opponent, John Doolittle, is a corrupt, unprincipled disciple of Tom DeLay. Charlie favors universal health care, the maintaining and extension of social programs for the middle class and poor. He would be a strong voice for "we the people" as opposed to his opponent's "we the corporation lackeys who want to line our pockets." Charlie is deserving of the support of progressives everywhere.
Posted by: marlenerose at August 15, 2006 03:01 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'm amazed by the lack of financial support for Jean Hay Bright a Senate Candidate challenging Olympia Snowe of Maine.
Hay Brights positions are solidly progressive pro choice, anti War, pro labor, pro investigation that may lead to impeachment and enviromentally friendly. Snowe is weak in all these areas but she must be challanged in the media on television or she will not submit to a debate. Jean will gain plenty of ground in a debate.
It is the first time that Snowe has had a woman challenger which is good to question her support for judges that may eventually take womens choices away.
Snowe has supported this administration in all War and funding related efforts. She has supported the Patriot Act and Jean will not.
I believe too many of the democratic party are trying to fit in to the PNAC's new facist society rather then rocking the boat and expressing and agenda that will bring accountability back into our government.
Please find a way to support her. This is a seat that the people can win inspite of all opposition.
Posted by: sleeper4amoment at August 15, 2006 04:14 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I posting to also nominate Ken Keechl for the Broward County Commission in Florida. He is running against the incumbent Jim Scott, who is the only Republican on the County Commission, in the most Democratic county in Florida. While this is a full-time position, Scott treats it as part-time, with most of his focus on his lobbying practice, which has run into conflicts of interest as a Broward County Commissioner. Ken Keechl is running to be a full-time commissioner focused solely on the needs of Broward County.
A supermajority of this district overlaps that of FL-22 where Ron Klein is running to unseat Rep. Clay Shaw. Helping Keechl on the county level will certainly give Ron Klein a boost in his race--one of the most competitive congressional races in the country. Keechl is a lawyer, long-time political activist, and former President of the largest Democratic club in Florida. He has a great shot at this race, but could really use the support of the net roots to ensure a victory.
Posted by: PPerry at August 16, 2006 05:18 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment