Month: March 2008

Democracy for America today announced their endorsement of Oklahoma State Sen. Andrew Rice in his campaign for U.S. Senate.

From DFA’s website:

We can make this Sen. Inhofe’s last year in office.

Andrew Rice has a proven record in the Oklahoma Legislature having worked on issues like health care, veteran’s rights, and the environment.  Andrew will bring his experience to Washington to fight to end the War in Iraq, provide access to health care for all Americans, and solve the crisis of global warming.

(more below)

The DFA understands that it’s not just that Jim Inhofe is so bad for Oklahoma and the rest of the nation, but that Andrew Rice would be an incredible addition to the U.S. Senate.

For some examples, take a look at Andrew’s piece posted last night on Huffington Post:

Life is precious. The families of those 4,000 brave soldiers who died in combat should always know that their loved ones represent the best our nation has to offer and did everything that was asked of them. The American soldiers who have served in Iraq are heroes. However, their orders should have remained to find and eliminate Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We have taken our eye off the ball for the last five years, allowing the terrorists who attacked us to regenerate after American troops routed the Taliban in Afghanistan. As a result, we are no safer today than prior to 9/11, when my older brother, David, was killed in the World Trade Center.

Thank the DFA for this endorsement by answering their call to give $25 to Andrew Rice’s campaign via their ActBlue page, http://www.actblue.com/page/su… .

Best,

Karina Henderson

Rice for U.S. Senate

http://andrewforoklahoma.com

http://www.actblue.com/page/su…

– or – http://www.actblue.com/page/5k…

Today, President Bush will be in the Dayton area, less than a week after US service member deaths in Iraq reached the grim milestone of 4,000. Bush will speak about the “global war on terror” at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, no doubt using this solemn moment to conflate the GWOT with the war in Iraq.

From there, he will honor the memory of our fallen soldiers by shaking hands and cracking jokes at a $10,000 per person private reception co-sponsored by a major outsourcer of jobs and a convicted money launderer. $1,000 gets you a seat at the luncheon. The fundraiser is for the Ohio GOP’s Victory ’08 coordinated campaign in support of John McCain and Ohio’s Republican congressional candidates, ostensibly helping Mike Turner. And why not? Turner has been a reliable ally in the House, voting for the failed Bush agenda 87% of the time. He has even voted against expanding benefits for our veterans, earning a grade C from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Let’s send a message to the President and Mike Turner by contributing to his opponent, Jane Mitakides. Jane is ready to bring the kind of change that the people of the Ohio 3rd and the nation at-large are seeking – ending an irresponsible war, fixing a broken economy, and restoring America to its pre-Bush greatness.  Jane recently endorsed the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq, putting her in the company of some of the best Democratic challengers in the nation, like Darcy Burner and Donna Edwards.

This morning, Jane spoke at a press conference with the Ohio Democratic Party about how Bush’s policies have maligned our nation – news to those that can pay $10,000 to take a photo with the President – and met with some anti-war protesters.

The March 31st filing deadline is around the corner – please take this opportunity to learn more about Jane and help out the campaign.  While Mr. 29% approval rating is raising money, we can do the same thing – we’ve done it before.

(Full disclosure: I am the New Media/Voter Outreach Director for Jane’s campaign)

As you know, this week – the final week of the first fundraising quarter – Blue Majority is pushing to reach a total of 6,500 donations. We’re getting there – following on the heels of our endorsement of Barack Obama, we’ve now moved past 5,800 donors. That means we need about 700 more, so if you haven’t given yet, please do. Donations of all sizes are welcome.

There’s also another way you can contribute. We’d like to solicit nominations for new candidates to add to the page. To be clear, this isn’t a vote – we won’t simply pick the people who get talked about the most. Rather, we want to get a sense of who our communities like, and why. We also don’t have a specific timetable for adding new names, but we hope to choose some soon.

As a guide, here are some of the criteria we like to look at – some of these are old, and some are new:

Is the candidate running against a Republican incumbent or for a GOP-held open seat? (This is close to being an absolute requirement.)

Does the candidate embody the kinds of progressive values you’d ideally like to see in Congress?

Is the race not a top-tier affair? (Our dollars can go further in races which, so far, have received less attention and institutional backing.)

Has the local blogosphere embraced the candidate – and vice versa?

Does he or she pass the partisanship litmus test?

Is the Republican an easy target? (Think back to Tom DeLay.)

How blue is the district or state?

Please submit your ideas in comments – and again, please be sure to donate before the end of the quarter.

It has been a wild ride for me trying to support a candidate for the Senate seat hopefully soon to be vacated by Sen. Mitch McConnell. First I supported Greg Stumbo, Kentucky’s former Attorney General. As A.G., I thought Mr. Stumbo did an excellent job representing Kentucky against powerful special interests, and against a corrupt Governor. I also remember well when someone I loved had an issue they needed his help on and his office was there with them every step of the way. I have no regrets in my support for him.  

After Greg decided not to run, I had no troubles switching my support to Col. Andrew Horne, a fine American and Kentuckian who has a long distinguished record of service to our country. I knew all along that Horne represented the values I hold dear and would make a fine Senator, I just didn’t have as much personal experience with him as Stumbo. Again, I have no regrets in my support for Horne. I do hope to see him and Greg Stumbo both resurface as they are great fighting Democrats.

Then we had the ugly episode with Col. Horne and the DSCC. Some of you may remember me and some of my fellow Kentucky bloggers ripping Chuck Schumer for their shameful actions towards Col. Horne, forcing him out for millionaire Republican contributor and Ernie Fletcher transition team manager, Bruce Lunsford. Again, I have no regrets for that.

Then I was at the point where the only thing I knew for sure was that Chuck Schumer could never make me vote for a man that was working for and contributing to Republicans the whole time I was fighting against them. Lunsford’s millions mean little to me and I consider it a slap in the face to Kentucky Democrats once again that our party wants a self financer instead of investing in Kentucky Democrats.

I cannot and will not vote for Bruce Lunsford unless I am forced to on the straight Democratic ticket I always vote in the fall. With that in mind I had to choose between the other candidates in the Democratic primary, and have finally settled on a choice.

Although Michael Cassaro has a great website, and his staff was very professional and prompt in trying to win my support, and I commend their efforts, I have decided to support Greg Fischer for United States Senate in Kentucky. I want to share a little about why.

First, many of you know I am now fighting for Heather Ryan in Kentucky’s First. One of our main issues is renewable energy and the promise it holds for Kentucky. Greg Fischer agrees:

Kentucky families are paying record -high prices for gas, home heating and agricultural fertilizer while big oil and gas companies report record profits. Mitch McConnell has pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars in special interest money from “Big Oil” lobbyists while energy prices are skyrocketing.

Good, old fashioned leadership is needed to rally our country to energy independence. The people of America will rally around a President and Senate that calls for all of us to rid our dependence on hostile foreign energy providers. We need to change leadership in Washington so our rally toward energy independence can begin.

America is home to the world’s greatest innovators. Greg Fischer is a Kentucky entrepreneur – a job creator who’s used new ideas and bold solutions based on his Kentucky know-how to create answers and solve problems. By ending our dependence on foreign oil and generating a path to energy independence, Greg will invest in the resources we have right here in Kentucky to deliver clean energy solutions. A real pursuit of clean coal, as well as renewable energy alternatives like wind, solar, hydroelectric and biofuels will help create thousands of green collar jobs for decades to come – right here in Kentucky.  In doing so, we’ll also combat global warming and transition to a cleaner, greener and brighter economy.

Greg will also end Bush’s tax breaks for the oil and gas companies that have been enjoying record-breaking profits while everyday Americans suffer with higher gas prices. Greg will use that money to provide incentives for automakers to build more innovative and efficient vehicles and to increase tax breaks for homeowners and businesses to become more energy efficient.

http://www.gregfischer.com/ind…

Also, I got to here Greg Fischer speak in Benton, Ky and meet with him briefly afterwards. After hearing him and speaking with him, I believe he shares my commitment to building One America. You can see my video of him speaking in Benton here, although I apoligize to you and to him for the poor quality:

So while this Senate race has been full of disappointment for me, I am pleased after hearing Greg Fischer and meeting him and feel like we still have a chance to replace McConnell with a fighting Democrat.

Please go to Fischer’s site and join his campaign by signing up for email updates. While there, consider that he is fighting millionaire Republican contributor and manager of Ernie Fletcher’s transition team, Bruce Lunsford in the primary, and then mighty Mitch McConnell, who will fire you for having the audacity to ask him a question. Consider helping Greg here:

https://services.myngp.com/ngp…

Greg can win both races with help from grassroots Democrats!!

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, 1/14-16 (likely voters):

Re-Elect John Shadegg: 39%

Vote for someone else: 38%

Undecided: 23%

(MoE: ±4.9%)

The full polling memo offers some other encouraging signs for Democrats:

While Republicans have a 14-point advantage in party registration in this survey of likely voters, they only have a three-point advantage in party identification (37% to 40%) and only a one-point advantage among strong party affiliation

This is an R+6 district, so it won’t be an easy ride for any Democrat, but Bob Lord has been raising enough money and making the right moves to keep this one interesting.  The numbers show that he does have something to work with.

Sigh:

Industrialist Jack Davis will make a third run for Congress, he said today.

Davis said a poll he conducted among residents of the 26th District swayed his decision. He polled residents on their thoughts about jobs, the economy, trade, the war in Iraq and Davis’ name recognition.

The self-made businessman from Clarence, in Erie County, said he will spend $3 million of his own money on the race, up from the $2 million he spent in 2006.

Robert over at The Albany Project gives a good summary on why Davis’ candidacy is a non-starter for Democrats everywhere.  Might I add one more strike against Davis’ political acumen: his blatant disrespect for veterans and teachers.

Luckily, Democrats have a candidate that they can be proud of in Jon Powers.

UPDATE (David): Did anyone else know that this nutfuck managed to get the Supreme Court to hear his claim that the so-called millionaires’ amendment is unconstitutional? Oral arguments are in a month.

Continuing through the alphabet

Ohio has 18 representatives: 11 R, 7 D

Filing deadline was Jan 4, primary was March 4

Oklahoma has 5 representatives: 4 R and 1 D

Filing deadline is June 4, primary is July 29

District: OH-01

Location Southwestern OH, bordering IN and KY, including Cincinnati

Representative Steve Chabot (R)

First elected  1994

2006 margin 52-48

2004 margin 60-40

Bush margin 2004 51-49

Notes on opponents In 2004, his opponent raised little; in 2006, John Cranley raised $2 million to Chabot’s $3 million

Current opponents   Steven Dreihaus . Thru 2/13, Chabot has raised $1.1 million and Dreihaus $516K; COH $1million and $430K

Demographics 27th fewest Latinos (1.1%)

Assessment Vulnerable. Superribbie ranks it the 19th most vulnerable Republican seat; Dreihaus is minority Whip in the State House.

District: OH-02

Location Central part of southern OH, bordering KY

Representative Jean Schmidt (R)

First elected 2005

2006 margin 50-49

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 64-36

Notes on opponents In 2006, Victoria Wulsin raised $1 million to Schmidt’s $2 million

Current opponents Victoria Wulsin has raised $546K, to Schmidt’s $414K; COH is $170K and $102K, respectively.

Demographics 22nd fewest Latinos (1.0%), 61st most Republican

Assessment Highly vulnerable. On DCCC list , Superribbie ranks it 16th most vulnerable Republican seat. How often is a challenger ahead of an incumbent in fundraising?  OTOH, a recent poll showed Schmidt well ahead.

District: OH-03

Location Southwestern OH, including Dayton

Representative Mike Turner (R)

First elected  2002

2006 margin 59-41

2004 margin 62-38

Bush margin 2004 54-45

Notes on opponents each raised about $400K to $500K, Turner about $1 million each time

Current opponents Jane Mitakides has raised $85K to Turner’s $741K; COH is $75K and $483K.

Demographics  26th fewest Latinos (1.1%)

Assessment Slightly vulnerable Superribbie ranks it 74th most vulnerable Republican seat.

District: OH-04

Location Slightly north and west of central OH

Representative Jim Jordan (R)

First elected  2006

2006 margin 60-40

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 65-34

Notes on opponents In 2006, this was an open seat and Rick Seferd raised $161K to Jordan’s $1.3 million

Current opponents Mike Carroll .  No funding data.

Demographics 33rd fewest Latinos (1.2%), 50th most Republican

Assessment Long shot

District: OH-05

Location Northwestern OH, bordering MI and IN

Representative Bob Latta (R)

First elected  Appointed

2006 margin NA

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 61-39

Notes on opponents NA

Current opponents George Mays . No funding data

Demographics 41st most rural (51.1%), 36th fewest Blacks (1.1%)

Assessment Long shot

District: OH-06

Location Southeastern OH, a long narrow strip along the whole of the border with WV

Representative Charlie Wilson (D)

First elected  2006

2006 margin 62-38

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 51-49

Notes on opponents In 2006, this was an open seat, and Wilson spent $1.8 million, his opponent Chuck Blasdell spent $1 million

Current opponents Rich Stobbs, who has an inactive website and has raised no money.

Demographics 47th most rural (50.0%),  62nd poorest (median income = $33K), 11th most White (95.2%), 11th fewest Latinos (0.8%)

Assessment Safe. Although Superribbie ranks it 41st most vulnerable Democratic seat, Stobbs does not appear to be actively running.

District: OH-07

Location Just south of central OH

Representative  David Hobson (R) retiring

First elected  1990

2006 margin 61-39

2004 margin 65-35

Bush margin 2004 57-43

Notes on opponents Neither raised much

Current opponents Sharon Neuhardt has raised $70K; the Republican (Austria) has raised $400K

Demographics 26th fewest Latinos (1.1%)

Assessment Slightly vulnerable. Superribbie ranks it 47th most vulnerable Republican seat

District: OH-08

Location Central part of western OH, bordering IN.

Representative John Boehner (R)

First elected  1990

2006 margin 64-36

2004 margin 69-31

Bush margin 2004 64-35

Notes on opponents Neither raised money

Current opponents Nick von Stein . No funding info.

Demographics 73rd most Whites (91.8%), 42nd fewest Latinos (1.3%), 74th most Republican

Assessment Long shot.

District: OH-09

Location Northern OH, bordering Lake Erie, including Toledo

Representative  Marcy Kaptur (D)

First elected  1982

2006 margin 74-36

2004 margin 68-32

Bush margin 2004 42-58

Notes on opponents In 2004, Larry Kaczala raised $255K to Kaptur’s $615K

Current opponents Bradley Leavitt. No funding info.

Demographics Not unusual on what I track

Assessment Safe

District: OH-10

Location Northern OH, bordering Lake Erie, including part of Cleveland

Representative Dennis Kucinich (D)

First elected  1996

2006 margin 66-34

2004 margin 60-34

Bush margin 2004 41-58

Notes on opponents In 2004, Edward Herman raised $300K to Kucinich’s $400K.  The 2006 opponent raised little

Current opponents  Jim Trakas has raised very little, Kucinich has over $300K COH.

Demographics Not unusual on what I track

Assessment Safe

District: OH-11

Location Cleveland and eastern suburbs

Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D)

First elected  1998

2006 margin 83-17

2004 margin Unopposed

Bush margin 2004 18-81

Notes on opponents No money

Current opponents  Thomas Pekarek, no funding info

Demographics 52nd lowest income (median = $32K), 63rd fewest Whites (38.8%), 18th most Blacks (55.5%), 18th most Democratic

Assessment Safe

District: OH-12

Location Central OH, including part of Columbus

Representative Pat Tiberi (R)

First elected  2000

2006 margin 57-43

2004 margin 62-38

Bush margin 2004 51-49

Notes on opponents In 2006, Bob Shamanasky raised $1.6 million to Tiberi’s $3 million

Current opponents David Robinson has raised about $10K to Tiberi’s $1 million

Demographics Not unusual on what I track

Assessment Long shot

District: OH-13

Location Northern OH, including Akron

Representative Betty Sutton (D)

First elected  2006

2006 margin 61-39

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 44-56

Notes on opponents Craig Foltin raised $600K to Sutton’s $1.3 million

Current opponents David Potter. No funding info.

Demographics Not unusual on what I track

Assessment Safe

District: OH-14

Location Northeastern corner of OH, bordering PA and Lake Erie

Representative Steven LaTourette (R)

First elected  1994

2006 margin 58-39

2004 margin 63-37

Bush margin 2004 53-47

Notes on opponents In 2006, Lewis Katz raised $200K to LaTourette’s $1.4 million.  In 2004, Capri Cafaro raised $2 million to LaTourrette’s $2.4 million

Current opponents William O’Neill has raised $200K ($94K COH) to LaTourrette’s $700K ($570K COH)

Demographics 30th fewest in poverty (5.7%), 30th most Whites (93.8%), 42nd fewest Latinos (1.3%),

Assessment Slightly vulnerable. On DCCC list , Superribbie ranks it 59th most vulnerable Republican seat

District: OH-15

Location Central OH, including Columbus

Representative Deborah Pryce retiring (R)

First elected  1992

2006 margin 1,155 votes out of 220,000

2004 margin 60-40

Bush margin 2004 2,000 votes of 300,000

Notes on opponents In 2006, Mary Jo Kilroy raised $2.7 million to Pryce’s $4.7 million

Current opponents   Mary Jo Kilroy who came so close in 2006, has raised $917K ($713K COH); the Republican, Steve Stivers – $505K raised and $404 COH

Demographics Not unusual on what I track

Assessment Highly vulnerable. On DCCC list . Superribbie ranks it 5th most vulnerable Republican seat

District: OH-16

Location North and east of central OH

Representative Ralph Regula (R) retiring

First elected  1972

2006 margin 58-42

2004 margin 67=33

Bush margin 2004 54-46

Notes on opponents Neither raised much

Current opponents Democrat John Boccieri will run against Republican Kirk Schuring.  Boccieri has raised $467K ($330K COH0; Schuring raised $327K ($84K COH).

Demographics 17th fewest Latinos (0.9%)

Assessment Vulnerable On DCCC list , Superribbie ranks it 18th most vulerable Republican seat; plus Boccieri has a big lead in COH, and is raising more money

District: OH-17

Location  Northeastern OH, bordering PA, including Youngstown

Representative Tim Ryan (D)

First elected  2002

2006 margin 80-20

2004 margin 77-23

Bush margin 2004 33-67

Notes on opponents Neither raised much

Current opponents Duane Grassell. No funding info.

Demographics 67th fewest Latinos (1.6%)

Assessment Safe

District: OH-18

Location South and east of central OH

Representative Zack Space (D)

First elected  2006

2006 margin 62-38

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 57-43

Notes on opponents Joy Padgett raised $850K to Space’s $1.6 million

Current opponents Fred Dailey has raised $111K ($48K COH and $30K in debt).  Space has raised $1.2 million ($811K COH, $11K debt)

Demographics 24th most rural (56.7%), 7th most White (95.9%), tied for least Latinos (0.6%)

Assessment  Slightly vulnerable. It’s on DCCC list , Superribbie ranks it 28th most vulnerable Democratic seat. But Space has a huge fundraising edge, and won easily in 2006

District: OK-01

Location Shaped like a key standing on end, centered on Tulsa in northeast OK, a tiny bit of border with KS

Representative John Sullivan (R)

First elected  2002

2006 margin 64-31

2004 margin 60-38

Bush margin 2004 65-35

Notes on opponents In 2004, Doug Dodd raised $300K to Sullivan’s $1 million.  In 2006, Alan Gentges raised little

Current opponents

Demographics 61st most Republican

Assessment

District: OK-02

Location Eastern OK, bordering MO and AR

Representative Dan Boren (D)

First elected  2004

2006 margin 73-27

2004 margin 66-34

Bush margin 2004 59-41

Notes on opponents Neither raised much

Current opponents None

Demographics 9th most rural (64.4%), 12th lowest income (median = $28K), 11th most nonWhite, nonBlack, NonLatino (mostly 16.8% American Indian)

Assessment Safe.  Boren is rather conservative, but it’s a safe Democratic seat in a Republican district and a Republican state

District: OK-03

Location The panhandle of OK, and east to Oklahoma City suburbs, borders TX, NM, CO, and KS

Representative Frank Lucas (R)

First elected  1994

2006 margin 67-33

2004 margin 82-18 (vs. minor party)

Bush margin 2004 72-28

Notes on opponents No money

Current opponents None

Demographics 54th most rural (49.3%), 53rd lowest income (median = $32K), 18th most Republican

Assessment Long shot

District: OK-04

Location Southwestern OK, bordering TX, including suburbs of Oklahoma City

Representative Tom Cole (R)

First elected  2002

2006 margin 65-35

2004 margin 78-22 (against a minor party)

Bush margin 2004 67-33

Notes on opponents No money

Current opponents None

Demographics 61st most Republican

Assessment Long shot

District: OK-05

Location Oklahoma City and some points southeast of there

Representative Mary Fallin (R)

First elected  2006

2006 margin 60-37

2004 margin NA

Bush margin 2004 64-36

Notes on opponents David Hunter raised $400K to Fallon’s $1.6 million, running for this open seat in 2006

Current opponents Bert Smith . No funding info.  Fallon has about $350K COH

Demographics 78th lowest income (median = $34K), 74th most Republican

Assessment Long shot

(Full disclosure: I am the New Media/Voter Outreach Director for Jane’s campaign)

Today, Jane Mitakides, Democratic challenger in OH-03, proudly endorsed the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq, adding her to a list of leading Democratic candidates that are standing up to move the country forward.

The Responsible Plan fills the void of leadership in Washington, yet relies only on common sense solutions, basing its objectives on Iraq Study Group recommendations and legislation currently in the hopper. Perhaps it is a measure of how bad things have gotten when “respect the Constitution,” “fund veterans care,” and “stop torture” are ideas that cannot get traction in DC.

The American people are ahead of the politicians on these issues, and they want change. They know that Iraq is not only a cause of many of our ills, but a symptom of even larger ones. Luckily, the people will soon be able to exercise their most basic right, and vote for candidates that truly represent them: Jane Mitakides is one of those candidates.

Click here to view the press release.

With a filing deadline on the 31st, it’s a great time to support Jane in this winnable swing district. Here’s her ActBlue page.

From The Hill:

Republican senators with millions of dollars in their campaign accounts have given little or nothing to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), despite its desperate pleas for cash funds.

Fewer than 10 Senate Republicans met goals they received for an NRSC fundraiser with President Bush in McLean, Va., Tuesday evening. GOP senators were asked to contribute $100,000 from their campaign accounts or recruit four major donors for the event. […]

Republican Sens. Arlen Specter (Pa.), Jim Bunning (Ky.), Richard Lugar (Ind.), Pete Domenici (N.M.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Olympia Snowe (Maine), Tom Coburn (Okla.), and Larry Craig (Idaho) have given nothing to the NRSC, according to campaign finance data collected by the Federal Election Commission and CQ Money Line, a website that tracks fundraising.

These lawmakers have kept their wallets shut despite having millions and not facing reelection this year. Specter, for example, reported $4.2 million in his war chest. Lugar has $2.2 million in his account. Domenici has $840,000 and has announced his retirement. […]

During a recent interview with The Hill, Ensign said about half the Senate’s 49 Republicans were “not even close” to the pace needed to meet their fundraising goals. Ensign has asked members to raise $750,000-$3 million depending on seniority, leadership positions, and committee assignments.

“We’ve tried fear, we’ve tried positive reward, positive reinforcement, we’ve tried being a little harder on them, we use different things at different times – begging, we beg a lot,” he said.

But NRSC officials often hear excuses in response.

“I think they’re all pathetic excuses, but that’s just my own take on it,” Ensign told The Hill only half-jokingly.

Have you tried getting on your knees, John?

Even worse, look at Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, who isn’t even up for re-election this year.  With $13 million sitting in his campaign fund, the Senator has not surrendered a dime of it to the NRSC.  Instead, he’s given a meager $15K from his leadership PAC.  It’s like he wants the GOP to lose seats.

I suppose the best way to begin this screed is to thank everyone here.  It is because of us, and other such activism-minded denizens of the blogosphere, that the formerly hesitant Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) reached out to the Democratic challengers in districts 18, 21, and 25– Joel Garcia, Raul Martinez, and Annette Taddeo, respectively– by inviting them to a DCCC fundraiser in Aventura, FL, last night.  Apparently, Wasserman Schultz actively introduced the challengers to major donors and Democratic party bigwigs.  For someone who quite recently recused herself from campaigning in these races, this is big news.  And there's no way she would've done it without the fighting spirit of the blogosphere, so, again, thanks and congratulations all around!

With that being said . . . inviting Garcia, Martinez, and Taddeo to one fundraiser isn't enough, especially when that fundraiser is for candidates in other parts of the state and the country, as this one was.  If Wasserman Schultz truly wants to maintain her standing as a rising star in the party, in addition to obliterating the remnants of this controversy completely, she needs to actively campaign with all three challengers, appearing with them at campaign stops and, most importantly, hosting a fundraiser for them, not just introducing them at someone else's.  I think there's a good chance she'll follow through with all that . . . IF we keep an eye on her and hold her to it.   So . . . keep up the good work, folks.  Our fighting spirit pays off! 

On a humorous note: if we keep this up, Wasserman Schultz will get a lot of her repentance out of the way long before Yom Kippur– we got her to start the atonement process just after Purim!