Dean Andal, recruited by the GOP with great fanfare to challenge freshman Rep. Jerry McNerney (D) in California’s 11th district, is now coming under attack from Republicans in Washington, D.C., for running what they contend is a flawed campaign.
Andal, a former state Assemblyman, is facing increasing criticism for his fundraising and general campaign strategy, with the grumbling emanating from Republicans in the consulting and lobbying communities. Privately, Republicans on Capitol Hill are also expressing concern.
The handful of sources interviewed for this story on Tuesday declined to discuss their concerns on the record. But all are Washington, D.C.-based Republican strategists who had until recently been singing Andal’s praises and are intimately familiar with the GOP-leaning 11th district.
Indeed, Andal has posted a surprisingly sluggish fundraising effort so far in 2008, bringing in only $103K in the first three months of the year, and a pathetic $17K in the period from April 1 to May 22.
After taking a whiff of these craptacular numbers, Republican insiders say that Andal needs an attitude adjustment:
“He’s dialing it in,” said a native Californian and Republican operative who is now based in D.C. “He’s got the attitude of a Member of Congress. He doesn’t have the attitude of a challenger fighting to get elected in his district.”
Republicans who are among the very concerned say a wholesale change of strategy is needed. They would like to see Andal do more than walk precincts.
They want him to begin defining McNerney over the summer and shedding light on a House voting record that they argue is completely at odds with 11th district voters. The Congressman’s biggest asset, they claim, is that very few of his constituents actually know who he is.
And they want Andal to raise more money to ensure that his message does not get drowned out by McNerney in the heat of the fall campaign. They worry that Andal’s plans to raise money in the summer and early fall could backfire, as donors might determine at that point that he has less of a chance to win and decide not to give as much then as they might have early this year.
Andal’s low-gear fundraising is especially risky at a time when the California GOP donor base will be hit up by incumbents from across the nation hoping to hang on this year. To put it simply, in a year as rough as this one has been for Republicans, any challenger hoping to depose an incumbent will have little margin for error in their campaigns. So far, Mr. Andal seems to think that the traditional rules — like raising a lot of money — don’t apply to him.
Kentucky has been turning the corner and getting back to its Democratic roots. We voted for Bill Clinton twice, but went through a spell where Republicans peeled off our House and Senate seats. That changed some when Ben Chandler lost his bid for Governor in 2003 and won one House seat. Our Democratic Attorney General at the time, Greg Stumbo then went on to expose the Republican Party in Kentucky for the corrupt machine it was, and John Yarmuth became a fresh pickup and one of the very best of the freshman class that won in 06.
Now this year we have a lot to be proud of in the Bluegrass state. We hold two of our House seats, and have excellent candidates fielded in three more. Hang out and check out some great Kentucky Democrats.
Anyone who has seen much of my blogging lately knows about the First District candidate Heather Ryan. This is my district and I live in Paducah and know Heather Ryan. This is her first run for office, but folks I am telling you she definately has the fire and fighting spirit that our party simply needs in the Congress. She is young, energetic and quite simply put sharp as a tack.
She is a great speaker, as you can see for yourself:
When Democrats hear her, they support her. She gave a rousing speech to the Kentucky Democratic Party that I am still waiting for the video on. From what I heard, she brought down the house:
All this young lady needs is the resources to put this district on the map. She is very good at stretching existing funds and if she gets some resources she WILL force the Republicans to spend money here.
Please consider supporting her, a hard-working grassroots Democrat that shares our ideals and will fight for them:
In the Second Congressional District we have David Boswell, and awesome Democratic Candidate for that seat. David has already had polling showing he is VERY competitive in this race:
In November, 2007, the Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group conducted a survey asking people across the District who they would vote for if the Congressional election were between David Boswell and Ron Lewis. The results, released last December, found David favored in that match-up 44% to 34%, with only 4% interest in other candidates. Ron Lewis may have had his own reasons for choosing not to seek re-election, but this survey is an indication that the right Democrat — David Boswell — was already in a strong position to deny Lewis re-election.
There has never been a more important time than right now to have that kind of vision for us, and from us, in the U.S. Congress. Now is our time to join the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, and turn the country away from the corporate mentality of Bush policies that have raised our gas prices, recessed our economy, and ruined our housing markets. The middle class sensibility of our cities and communities tells us we ought to be able to earn good pay for a good day’s labor, to afford health care when we need it, and promote ways to seek higher education. The example from our homes, families, and friendships can again inspire our nation and the world around it. We know how important protecting freedom is, we honor all those who serve in defending us. We also believe the United States has the diplomatic potential to support sibling democracies without policing the world, or becoming Big Brother at home.
The Democrat in Kentucky’s Third District should need little introduction. John Yarmuth was our only pickup in 06 and is facing a rematch against Anne Northup. A Kentucky Republican Party sweetheart, she will be well funded.
All you have to do is google Yarmuth’s voting record and you will see why we need to keep him in the Congress better than I can describe. He is one of the shining stars of that Freshman Class for our party. Stop by his site, and be sure to support John Yarmuth!!:
Lastly, in Kentucky’s Fourth District we have Dr. Michael Kelley. He is a Democrat we can be proud to stand up for too:
As a voter and taxpayer, Michael Kelley is opposed to the continuing Republican efforts to pour more American blood and treasure into the desert sands of the Middle East. Our military has performed incredibly well in extremely challenging circumstances, having been thrust into war without adequate equipment or justification. But unless the Shiite and Sunni factions are willing to put aside hundreds of years of division and bloodshed, our troops will continue to be caught in the middle. It is time to stop forcing American troops into the quagmire in Iraq. It is time to compel the Iraqis into political accommodation by bringing our troops home now.
As a country doctor, Doc Kelley is deeply concerned about our flawed healthcare system. His commonsense ideas for saving American taxpayers and consumers billions of dollars are a good start to fixing our broken system which currently leaves millions of Americans without hope.
Michael Kelley believes that politicians in D.C. will constantly be pressured to make unethical decisions under our current, morally bankrupt campaign finance system. His ideas for campaign finance reform would change our government fundamentally because our representatives would belong to the people – not to the special interests.
Go here to watch his videos and hear him in his own words:
With the field of fine candidates that have cropped up in Kentucky all we need are the resources to help in expanding our Congressional majorities by a lot. Don’t forget the fine Kentucky candidates on the frontlines of the fight for a new Congress!!
No surprises here: this one is tight, and will likely remain so for a while. I have confidence that Gregoire will pull through, especially with Obama’s strong performance in the state (he leads in this latest round of polling by 56-39 over McCain).
Here’s a “bonus finding” from the poll: Washington’s incumbent Republican Attorney General, Rob McKenna, leads Democrat John Ladenburg by 49-42 at this stage.
That’s right. An analysis done by Crisitunity of the website Swing State Project entitled the “Out-of-Whackness Index” showed that John Kline is more out of touch with his district then even Michelle Bachmann (who ranked 5th). You can read the whole thing here.
In a district where the majority of legislators are Democrats. Where Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar won by double digits. In a district like that John Kline is one of the 50 most conservative Republicans and the most out of touch Republican in America.
Thankfully we have a better choice. Steve Sarvi, a Iraq War vet and former mayor of the city of Watertown. Simply put, Steve Sarvi is the right choice. You can learn more about his impressive background here.
But the reason I am writing this is that it is Steve Sarvi Blog Day. Bloggers around Minnesota are writing about why we need to dump Kline and elect Steve Sarvi. The easiest way you can help is by donating via ActBlue. Kline is out of touch and Sarvi fits the district. We can win and it would make a huge difference.
Kline voted:
–Against a bill to establish a National Landscape Conservation System
– Against a bill to establish an Office of Congressional Ethics
– Against theEnsuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act
– Against thePaul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act
– Against theRenewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act
If you want change it’s time to step up and donate to Steve Sarvi.
Over the past couple of days, interim US Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) has declied opportunities to debate his challenger, former Governor Ronnie Musgrove (D-MS) for the election to the remainder of former Senator Trent Lott’s term.
Just this past weekend, Wicker’s campaign announced that the senator would not be participating in a debate at the Neshoba County Fair in July. For those unfamiliar with the Fair, it has been THE most important forum for policital dialogue in Mississippi since 1889. Ronald Reagan even announced his 1980 campaign for the presidency at the Neshoba County Fair. We were hoping that there would be a debate between Wicker and Musgrove, but Wicker’s campaign stated that the senator had to be in Washington for votes on July 31. True, the Senate is scheduled to be in session that day; however, we have no clue if votes are scheduled for that day. Wicker did state; however, that he would be able to attend the Fair on July 30.
And just today, the Clarion-Ledger reported that Musgrove has challenged Wicker to a series of town hall debates throughout Mississippi. These informal discussions – totaling eight in all with two being held in each Congressional district – would be a great way for the issues to be discussed in an open forum. Wicker has not yet accepted the challenge. Wicker’s staff says that they want to accomodate the senator’s schedule but looks forward to the debates.
It is very surprising to me how a Republican in Mississippi is afraid to debate a Democrat. How Wicker can be in Mississippi on Wednesday, July 30, and then be in Washington early the next day without facing a debate on the issues is truly remarkable – if not cowardly. If Wicker wants to get his name out to the voters who have no idea who he is and make his case, he is certainly doing an awful job.
9:18PM: The AP has called VA-11 for Gerry Connolly.
8:52PM: Linda Ketner wins the SC-01 Dem primary.
8:45PM: The AP has called the SC-02 primary for Rob Miller!
8:30PM: With 42% in, Ketner is starting to pull away at 63% to Frasier’s 37%, and Judy Feder wins the Dem nod in VA-10.
8:18PM: Miller is back up 60-40 with 37% reporting.
8:10PM: Lotz just opened up an 8 point lead on Miller with 23% reporting. Over in SC-01, Ketner has a 10 point lead with 10% reporting.
7:58PM: Something to keep an eye on: Linda Ketner, a fundraising powerhouse in SC-01, is only ahead of her primary opponent, Ben Frasier, by 56-44 with 4% in.
7:55PM: I’m back, and Connolly is blowing Byrne away.
7:32PM Eastern: I won’t be updating these numbers for a few minutes, as I’m just going to get a quick bite to eat. Please check the results links above for the latest updates. Thanks.
Polls close in Virginia and South Carolina at 7pm Eastern. We’ll be using this thread to follow the returns in two key races: VA-11, where Leslie Byrne and Gerry Connolly are facing off, and SC-02, where voters are choosing between fighting Democrats Rob Miller and Blaine Lotz.
Several polls taken right over the weeks after the North Carolina primary show that the race for the senate has reached the top tier. now is as good a time as any to help me raise the maximum single donation for Kay Hagan on my Turn Carolina Blue page.
We have a chance to turn out Elizabeth Dole and turn North Carolina Blue. With Dole’s weakness, Hagan’s unexpected stregnth and Barack Obama at the top of the ticket and your help, we can make it happen. Help me raise $2,300, the equivalent of a maximum single donation, for Kay Hagan’s campaign and we can put and end to the legacy of Jesse Helms. Thank you very much for your help.
Most of us do not have $2,300 to throw around, but together we can. This year we can end the Jesse Helms legacy and Dole family dynasty in one shot. Please help and spread the word. Thanks!
From the Desk of those hard working folks at Netroots Nation:
We are thrilled to announce that Gov. Howard Dean will kick off the 2008 Netroots Nation convention as Thursday’s evening keynote speaker.
The chairman of the Democratic National Committee and governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003 addressed the Netroots community at the 2006 and 2007 conventions. This year, we’re especially proud to recognize his efforts to create an active, effective movement by organizing in every precinct and in every state.
Dean has been one of the most influential forces in the progressive movement. As chairman of the DNC, he has worked to make Democrats competitive in every race, district and state, while integrating national and state party operations and standing up for Democrats’ core values.
His belief that every citizen matters, from California to Connecticut, from Alaska to Mississippi, echoes our belief that the voices of all Americans deserve to be heard.
Netroots Nation is July 17-20 in Austin, TX. So if you haven’t registered, now’s the time!
Anyone who was fortunate enough to get to hear Dean at any of the previous conventions knows what a great time this will be, but this is more then just a speech – this is a celebration of the success of the 50-state strategy and the impact of the Netroots on supporting Dean’s vision.
We hope you can join us in Austin. Every year this event seams to get bigger and better then the last, and I expect that this year will continue that trend!
Unfortunately, it looks like the vaunted match-up of Francis H. Powers (pere) vs. Francis M. Powers (fils) isn’t going to happen. Those pesky Libertarians nominated Susan Overeem last night as their candidate in NY-13 in the general election.
Jim Lesczynski, a spokesman for the Manhattan chapter of the Libertarian Party, said that the selection of Ms. Overeem had nothing to do with the prospect of a highly unusual campaign pitting son against father…. “But the general feeling was that Susan has the better grasp of what it meant to be a Libertarian.”
It remains to be seen whether Powers the Younger, and his large hair, will still seek the Anarchist Party line. (It’s unclear whether the fact that the Anarchist Party does not yet exist will stop him.)
Mike McMahon remains the expected Democratic candidate, although that is subject to an August primary. SSP rates this race as a Toss-Up.
Unfortunately, it looks like the vaunted match-up of Francis H. Powers (pere) vs. Francis M. Powers (fils) isn’t going to happen. Those pesky Libertarians nominated