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Monday, August 14, 2006

Netroots Candidates: Call for Nominations

Posted by DavidNYC

This week, we're opening up the MyDD/DailyKos/Swing State Project Netroots Candidates list for what will probably be this year's final round of nominations. You can find a complete run-down on both the selection process and the candidate criteria we use in this earlier post. If you aren't yet familiar with the Netroots ActBlue page, I'd summarize it like this: It's a list of strong - but not quite top-tier - candidates who either already have broad support in the netroots or who ought to have such support. Our goal, in other words, is to identify campaigns where our ability to impact the race will be greatest. We don't want to pile on after the big boys - we want to get the ball rolling so that the big boys will come in and pile on after us.

We'll be announcing the new selections (probably two to three names) next week. That announcement will also kick off a mid-summer fundraising push for the entire roster of candidates. Conventional wisdom says that summertime is one of the worst times of year to raise money. We want to see if we can push back a bit against that CW and rake in some bucks when most other people probably aren't even trying.

It's also important to note that candidates in several states with late primaries have to file "pre-primary" reports with the FEC soon: FL on 8/16; AZ, DE, MD, MN, NH, NY, RI, VT & WI on 8/23; MA & WA on 8/30; and HI on 9/3. So if you want to see your favorite federal candidates put out a good fundraising report, now is the time to give - especially for Florida campaigns, which close the books in just two days.

One final note: As always, we want to stress that the Netroots page is just one ActBlue page created by three like-minded blogs. The beauty of the Internets is that you can start your own blog, your own ActBlue page, or both, in under five minutes, all for free. If our selection process or actual picks don't suit you, or even if you just feel like starting your own fundraising page, we wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. In fact, ActBlue is offering a special promotion this month:

[W]e'll be sending copies of An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore's phenomenal new book (and companion to his phenomenal movie) to everyone who raises a total of $600 from at least 6 donors by September 6th!

So, without further ado, please fire away in the comments with your nominations. And if you can offer some reasons why you think your favorite candidate(s) should be included, that's even better.

Posted at 01:00 PM in 2006 Elections, Fundraising, Netroots | Technorati

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Gov. jennifer Granholm of Michigan:

She running against a total wingnut, gazillionaire in Dick DeVos, who is also one of the princple financiers of the DeLay/Bush wing of the GOP.

She desperately needa cash to run TV ads. DeVos has spent over $13 million on ads already, and has pulled ahead of her by 8 points in the most recent poll. IN fact, according to the most recent campaign finance reports, DeVos outspent Granhoom 10-1 thus far!

And, more importantly, if Granholm's candidacy tanks, she may well drag down Debbie Stabenow (MI's Democratic US Senator) and possibly some House candidates as well.

The Longer DeVos stays comeptitive, the more likely the GOP will turn out and Michigan Dems will get demoralized.

Posted by: Hesiod at August 14, 2006 02:20 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Ok, I've been awake for just a little bit so this will not be fully fleshed out, but here's what I got:

Nevada Senate: Jack Carter - Sarah has been on these blogs constantly pushing her dad, let's show some love back to her.
OH-02: Wulsin - Why not? It's Jean Schmidt. Major Cajones to do battle there.
OH-18: Zach Space - no more Ney and Space needs funds.
WY-AL: Gary Trauer - Trauer seems like a good Dem that shows the best of what's going on out west. And for beign Wyoming, thsi race could be cheap.
TX-14: Shane Sklar - Burnt Orange Report has recently started backing Shane, he's a smart young guy who simply wants to be a rep who will work for the district and it's people instead of a failed ideology that the government should not exist. He'd also be the only Texas rancher in the house since Stenholm was defeated in 2004.

Ok, I've said my peace. Move along.

Posted by: trowaman at August 14, 2006 02:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would love to see Dr. Victoria Wulsin added to the netroots page. I came to you David, weeks ago asking that she be added. She's a powerful progressive speaker, who fought the AIDS pandemic in Africa. Recent polling had her tied with Jean Schmidt 44-44. I realize it was internal, but with Jean Schmidt out of cash, and Victoria Wulsin having more Cash on Hand then Schmidt, this race could be competitive.

for more info on Vic Wulsin go to http://wulsinforcongress.com

Posted by: Craig at August 14, 2006 02:46 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Tim Walz, MN-01

Tim Walz is a Fighting Dem- a 24-year National Guard Vet who recently served in Europe in support of the war in Afghanistan. He is also a high school geography teacher and an absolutely electrifying speaker. He has been all over the district at local parades and events and is even better in person than he looks on paper.

His opponent, Rep. Gil Gutknecht, was first elected in 1994, succeeding a Democrat named Tim Penny who was retiring. Back then Gutknecht promised to serve just 6 terms, but now he's now back for Lucky Number 7. Gutknecht is a war-supporter who wasn't talking about Iraq under the guise of it being "too complicated" for the electorate to understand. Recently, however, he took a visit to Iraq, and upon returning, said that he thought things weren't going as well as the Bush Administration had been saying (something he could have learned by picking up ANY newspaper). Gutknecht recently scaled back his comments, saying the next 6 months were critical. Walz has been talking about the Iraq war and begging for a debate.

Gutknecht has also run into some local trouble in his home base, Rochester, which is the district's biggest city at a population of about 90,000 and growing. A railroad company is looking for an unprecedented loan of $2.5 Billion dollars, or 10X the worth of their company. Sen. John Thune of SD, who used to lobby for the company, is attempting to push it through, and Gutknecht has been curiously silent on the issue. The famous Mayo Clinic has been waging press-release war against the idea, and it is a sore spot that could cost Gutknecht critical votes in his hometown.

Walz has been connecting well with everyone he has met, but he will need more money to keep up with Gutknecht's incumbent warchest in October. He's been outpacing Gutknecht the last couple quarters, but still has a big disadvantage in CoH. However, as I mentioned above, the largest city in MN-01 likely doesn't even top 100,000, so media buys will be quite cheap in this race. Our money could go a VERY long way for Mr. Walz. This is a perfect race for the netroots to get involved in.

Many local blogs have been dedicating a lot of time to MN-01 and are huge fans of Tim Walz.

A Bluestem Prarie is dedicated exclusively to MN-01.
Minnesota Campaign Report, MN Publius, and Minvolved are all prominent local blogs focusing a lot of attention on Tim Walz and MN-01.

Posted by: Max at August 14, 2006 03:00 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

NY-19 is a district with a few candidates still in the primary who will hopefully knock out Republican Sue Kelly this year. It would be nice if we could nominate the general fund, but school Principal Ben Shuldiner has especially strong grass roots support.

Posted by: Dennis at August 14, 2006 03:04 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Ken Keechl - Broward County Commission District 4

Ken is a great progressive candidate, past president of the Dolphin Democratic Club.

He's running against the only Republican on the Broward County Commission, who was appointed by Jeb Bush and had no opposition in his only election. He's a former state senator who was the driving force behind Florida rejection of the ERA amendment in the 80's. He is a lobbyist who spends more time in Tallahassee than representting his voters in Broward County.

Ken will be a full time commissioner who will bring new leadership to the Commission.

Posted by: kansasr at August 14, 2006 03:07 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

A few candidates:

Jack Carter (NV-Sen)
Claire McCaskill (MO-Sen)
Angie Paccione (CO-4)
Chris Murphy (CT-5)
Bruce Braley (IA-1)
Joe Donnelly (IN-2)
Mike Weaver (KY-2)
Tim Walz (MN-1)
Patty Wetterling (MN-6)
Tessa Hafen (NV-3)
Whoever faces Sue Kelly in NY-19
Dan Maffei (NY-25)
Victoria Wulsin (OH-2)
Mary Joe Kilroy (OH-15)
Zack Space (OH-18)
Chris Carney (PA-10)
Phil Kellam (VA-2)
Steve Kagen (WI-8)
Gary Trauner (WY-AL)

Posted by: dpinzow at August 14, 2006 03:48 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

MI-07 and Sharon Renier

This district was ignored for a long time because it seemed too impossible-- a Republican incumbent, Kerry only got 45%, and there were four underfunded Democrats in a primary race.

Then came the August 8th primary. Far-right former state rep. Tim Walberg defeated Congressman Joe Schwarz in a Club for Growth-sponsored upset that shocked many people. On places like DailyKos, there were immediate cries to do something to help the newly-nominated Democrat Sharon Renier. Nationally, most people have forgotten all about that, but locally, we've started working.

Let there be no misunderstanding, Tim Walberg is VERY conservative. He opposes things like the 16th Amendment and income taxes, or the separation of church and state. More than that, in the pre-primary debate, he basically said he'd follow President Bush's lead blindly when it came to Iraq and the military. While Joe Schwarz was far from progressive, at least he had a mind of his own.

The Democrat, Sharon Renier, was the 2004 nominee. She's a little quirky, but right for the district, with a good blend of progressive and conservative positions. With no money, she managed 36 percent against Schwarz, in a district that went 45 percent for Kerry. This time, her fundraising is a little better, and she promises to campaign with a new energy and enthusiasm, especially against Walberg.

As for netroots support and the internet, Sharon Renier has yet to take advantage of that potential. Michigan has a quickly-growing netroots network, centering around Michigan Liberal, and there's a new blog devoted to the district and Tim Walberg-- Walberg Watch. I started it a few days after the primary, and am currently in the process of recruiting a number of other 7th District bloggers to join.

When Walberg won the primary, the district went from a longshot where only people like me were interested to an open seat attracting national attention. This is, after all, Michigan. Tim Walberg is too conservative for Alabama, and it really was a surprise to many that he won the GOP primary. Let's keep this guy out of Congress.

Posted by: Fitzy D. at August 14, 2006 03:58 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Like in a few of the above comments, I'd also like to nominate a NY-19 General Fund --- unfortunately we still have a hotly contested primary race, but the eventual nominee will need all the money he/she can get to take on Bush-enabler Sue Kelly...it's definitely a "second-tier" race, but from someone who lives in district and has done a good deal of canvassing, there is a lot of anti-Sue sentiment here.

Posted by: NYPopulist at August 14, 2006 04:03 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I strongly, strongly, strongly second Max's nomination of TIM WALZ.

Walz is not only a fighting Dem, but he is an award winning public school teacher specializing in global geography. He runs a non-profit ogranization that takes youth to China to serve as ambassadors for the United States.

MN-01 is the perfect race for the netroots to be involved in.

Gil Gutknecht, a soldier in the Gingrich revolution, promised to serve only 6 terms, he is now running for his 7th. Gutknecht has also gone wishy-washy on immigration and the War in Iraq.

Gutknecht went from a staunch supporter of the war to calling for the withdrawal of 25,000 troops. Why 25,000 troops? Good quest, I don't think Gutknecht knows either. His strategy in Iraq is now stay the course - with less troops .

Gutknecht is running scared and for good reason - Walz is awesome on the campaign trail. He is electrifying people across the political spectrum with populist people-powered message.

Walz is the darling of the Minnesota netroots, the local bloggers have provided the campaign with loads of support and energy.

While the national establishment is largely focused on the open seat in MN-06, MN-01 is a very competitive district.
MN-01 is a district that Bush only won by 4 points. It is a cheap media market with the largest city being >100,000 (Rochester - home of the Mayo Clinic).

There is no more effective way for the netroots to extend its support then to Tim Walz and the campaign to bring independent and authentic leadership back to MN-01.

Posted by: DFLer22 at August 14, 2006 04:21 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

NY-3 is for real.

The Cook Report is a nationally respected newsletter that publishes a list of competitive House races. Democratic candidate Dave Mejias recently spoke to the Cook Report, and based on that interview, the 3rd District was included on the list. The buzz about Dave Mejias is growing! National pundits are now realizing that Peter King is vulnerable. 2006 is the year, and Dave Mejias is the candidate to beat King this November.

Mejias is a County Legislator with a great approval rating in a district that fortunately overlaps with King's congressional district. Mejias has raised a lot of money in a short period of time and shows no signs of slowing down.

Dave has been reaching out to the netroots. He has regular weekly blog posts on Daily Kos and MyDD:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/10/151939/336
http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/8/10/152954/583#readmore

Dave was later interviewed by FireDogLake (followed by Dave’s first live blog):
http://www.firedoglake.com/2006/08/12/blue-america-dave-mejias-ny-03/#more-3947
The response was tremendous.

Dave Mejias is a great candidate for Netroots to target!

Posted by: dan kode at August 14, 2006 04:40 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I strongly support John Pavich as the next netroots candidate!

John's a former CIA counter-terrorism officer and the Democratic nominee in Illinois-11, facing Jerry Weller, an ethically challenged Republican with a father-in-law that was the former dictator of Guatemala, and who is under indictment! (talk about a conflict of interest on CAFTA...)

John's on Charlie Cook's page of competitive house races, and he's in a district that's trending Democratic, and was only +1R in the last election.

There's also a local contingent of netroots support for John--

Kankakee Voices
LiberIL View Illinois

and

Illinoisdemnet.com all support John's campaign, and help to organize local grassroots support. This is a winable district that needs to have the support necessary to be in a position to win when the Democratic wave takes over the nation on Nov. 7.

Full disclosure -- I'm a local college student that has supported John since the start of his run, and I've been helping out at the office over the summer with research. I still don't think I'm simply drinking the koolaid though, because John is a great candidate. I wrote a page at http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/5/9/185225/2655
that explains why the district is winnable, and why John makes for a great netroots candidate. Check it out! http://www.pavichforcongress.com

Posted by: Ryan11 at August 14, 2006 04:43 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I second the support for Pavich. Weller is a complete Bush rubber stamp who is totally out of touch with his district.
Half the district's population is in fast growing Will County (south Suburban Chicago) and trending Democratic. Although this race hasnt recieved as much attention as IL-6, this is a toss-up district that we can win with the neccessary funds.

Posted by: AC4508 at August 14, 2006 04:50 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Al Weed - Va-05 - challenging Virgil Goode

There are tons of reasons to support Al -- he's a military vet, he's a farmer, he's a populist, he's a strong progressive, he's a good and honest man.

But the reason the netroots should choose to support him over other candidates is because of his district, and the incumbent he is challenging. The district is rural, ads are cheap, money goes far. The district holds the cities with the highest unemployment in the state, and with the highest military recruitment rate in the country. They are discontent with the status quo, they are tired of losing farms, losing jobs, losing schools. Their kids who goo off to college don't come back -- those who can't go off to college go off to war. They need change and they know it.

The incumbent is Virgil "MZM-Scandal" Goode. He's neck deep in this MZM thing (think Katherine Harris, except Goode actually got the contracts for Wade, then the DoD terminated the contract under investigation leaving the struggling city of Martinsville to foot the $100K+ bill). The corruption is as local as it can ever get, and the media is on to Virgil Goode.

Money spent against corruption, and money spent offering change to a district that badly needs it -- that's money well spent. Netroots support could help rid us of one of the most reactionary GOP congressmen in the country, while electing one of the strongest progressives you will ever find.

Oh, and because we have video of Virgil Goode saying all kinds of nice things about Wade at the opening of the ill-begotten Martinsville facility, and then Wade saying, "I paid him to say that. *chuckle*" Who can tell me they don't want to help fund putting that ad on TV?

Posted by: mikesnoo at August 14, 2006 05:28 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Bill Winter (CO-7)

I have cataloged over 100 reasons why Bill Winter deserves the official nod as a Netroots endorsed candidate.

You can read them here and here.

He is a great candidate, and is facing mad Tom Tancredo.

He is unapologetically a Democrat and a proud member of the Netroots.

He has a race that he can win if we get his message forward, but one that is currently being overlooked by large institutional dollars.

He is a Fighting Dem, a Russ Feingold Progressive Patriot, a Mark Warner Mapchanger, a Kossak, and member of the local Drinking Liberally chapter.

He is a veteran of both the Navy and Marines, he is a kidney donor, he was an orphan, and he left a large law firm to teach math and coach high school football. He is an inspiring public speaker, and a powerful advocate for equal protection, reproductive freedom, and civil liberties.

He is also a damn good blogger and a nice guy.

Posted by: TakeBackTheHouse at August 14, 2006 05:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

John Pavich IL-11

I would also like to put my support behind John Pavich.

John is a dynamic individual running against Jerry Weller, the only member of Congress that I know of that has an in-law currently under indictment for War Crimes!!! Terrorism and Genocide feature prominently in the list of charges against Jerry's father-in-law Gen. Efrain Rios Mont.

John has experience that is sorely needed in government today. As a Defense Attorney with the International Criminal Tribunal and as Operations officer with the Central Intelligence Agency, John has experience that is crucial to the national debate in Congress especially in these days of uncertainty and fear.

John is running a strong campaign but as far as I have been able to tell he is getting little/no support from the National Party apparatus.

John's polling numbers as of early June had him coming in 34% to 51% while he received only a 9% name recognition mark versus Jerry's saturated 79%.

These numbers become even more favorable when individuals are given a synopsis of John's plans versus Jerry's record John takes a commanding 64% to 34% lead.

John has raised over $450,000 and still has over one-quarter million cash-on-hand. This is a really tremendous start and John has worked very hard for the past year-and-a-half to become as competitive as he is.

It would be a terrible shame if the 11th district of IL, with over 64,000 union families, were to have to endure another term of Weller's anti-labor policy simply because the powers that be are looking the other direction.

Other than Melissa Bean this should be the top race in IL. Weller is far more disliked in his district than Mark Kirk (R-IL) is in the 10th where others will be voting for Seals. John is also has a better return for the money than Tammi Duckworth who is running against a better-funded first-timer than Weller, the twelve year incumbent member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Weller's record is simply putrid on the issues that matter to the voters of this district. Having voted for CAFTA and for billions of dollars in corporate welfare for international oil.

The inconsistencies go on and on. Weller running for the first time in 1994 pledged to "stop tax-and-spend democrats" by voting for a balanced budget amendment though now he has voted for every Bush budget giving away billions of dollars and driving our nation deeper and deeper in debt by the day.

Please take a minute and visit John's website, www.pavichforcongress.com, look around and please consider supporting John.

Thanks for your time and support.

Posted by: Swift Ransom at August 14, 2006 05:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I'd like to throw in a nomination for Pete Ashdown, the Democratic Nominee for US Senate in Utah.

While Utah is one of, if not the redest states in the nation, it is ready for new representation in the Senate after 30 Years of Orrin Hatch. In polling versus an unknown Democrat, Hatch lost ~45 to ~48% early this summer.

The state of Utah has a low population (less than 2.5 Million, 3 Congressional Districts) and a low cost of campaigning (relative to other states), so any contributions would have significant effects on the campaign.

Pete Ashdown is the definition of tech savvy, as the founder and President of Xmission, Utah's first Internet Service Provider. Through Xmission, Pete has provided free internet services to all non-profit organizations (including politicians). Xmission also provides free wifi access in many areas of Salt Lake City.

Ashdown has personally hosted many successful fund raisers for Democratic candidates over the past decade.

Senator Hatch has repeatedly demonstrated his lack of understanding of what the people of his state want and has constantly attacked the Internet through legislation like the DMCA, Induce Act, etc.

Ashdown has the most functional and content rich website of any candidate nationwide. 46 issues are elaborately broken down and the site features what was the first collaborative wiki for a political candidate.

Most national organizations and forecasters write Utah off as a safe haven for Republicans, it is ripe for change and Hatch is ready for retirement. Lets put the netroots to work and send the Senator on a cruise.

Posted by: mp_ at August 14, 2006 05:39 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Let me nominate Larry Grant, the Idaho-01 candidate who hired me last fall to run a campaign blog. Since then, Larry has reached out to all the Idaho netroots and could really use some national attention in his bid to beat perhaps the WORST GOP candidate of the year, Bill Sali, who won a six-way primary with just 25.8% of the vote.

Larry Grant is known here in Idaho as "the Micron guy." He joined the chipmaker in its early years and helped it become the state's largest private employer. He later worked in Silicon Valley at VLSI.

Larry knows the power of the netroots to build community and change our country's course. Although Idaho - like Utah above - is a red state, the GOP is starting to worry that its hold is slipping here. For proof, look no futher than the face both Dick Cheney and Dennis Hastert are coming in the next 10 days to stump for the hapless Sali.

The ID-01 has the potential to be THE sleeper race for 2006. Please read more at
http://www.netrootsforgrant.com/abouttherace.html

Posted by: Julie Fanselow at August 14, 2006 06:22 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Pete Ashdown

I would like to second Pete Ashdown. Utah and the whole country would be better off with Ashdown instead of Hatch.

Posted by: justin at August 14, 2006 07:42 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Coleen Rowley, Time Woman of the Year
Second Congressional District - Minnesota

Former FBI special agent Coleen Rowley was one of three women whistleblowers sharing Time magazine's "Women of the Year" for her expose of mishandling of information related to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The race is a real "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" story, with the honest political neophyte going again a well-connected, big money, wheeling-and-dealing incumbent.

She's a breath of fresh air, and talks and writes elegantly and with passion at length on the issues, notably against the war in Iraq. And as a former FBI special agent, she's tough on crime and is as patriotic as they come, and right on all the issues -- see for yourself on her site. Because she's so truly independent she's not getting the support she deserves from the old-line party establishment. Nearly all her contributions are small ones from individuals, very little PAC money.

But her opponent has taken money from every corrupt politician in Congress -- huge donations from the PACS of Tom DeLay, Duke Cunningham Roy Blunt and Bob Ney. Add to that $95,000 from the oil lobby and another $100,000 from big pharma. Plus, he's GIVEN money to a lot of the same people as Duke Cunningham, Bob Ney and the other have given to, actively trying to create an even bigger Republican stranglehold on Congress. I've started detailing "Follow John Kline's money" at my blog at LakevilleDad.com.

He also was one of a group of seven Republican congressmen who boosted John Boehner into his role as Majority Leader. His 98 percent partisan voting record makes him one of the most extreme members of Congress in any year.

I don't think I'll ever see another election in my lifetime when a candidate so fresh and clean will face an incumbent so very, very dirty. Last week he sent four color flyers throughout the district blaming her for something a volunteer may or may not have done three months before joining her campaign. The headline said "Someone's playing dirty tricks ... We can't trust Coleen Rowley in Congress."

Someone IS playing dirty tricks, but his name is John Kline. Rowley has a real shot at this -- evident by the Republican attack machine going into full gear in August.This district is ready for change.

Let's all support a "real" American hero -- Coleen Rowley: Agent for Change."

Posted by: smithdewey at August 14, 2006 07:46 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to nominate Duane Burghard running in Missouri's 9th Congressional District.

The netroots and grassroots flexed their muscles here in Missouri's 9th District last weekend by bringing DFA's Jim Dean and Democracy for America's ultimate underdog turned all-star (and movie star) Jeff Smith (Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?) to Columbia, Missouri. Duane Burghard was a major speaker at the event as well, and has been hugely supportive of our Democracy for Missouri group from the start. He finished fairly high in the DFA national grassroots all-star vote (which Jerry McNerney eventually won) and has a big grassroots following.

He is a fighting Democrat in the most partisanly even legislative district in Missouri. While Burghard's opponent, Kenny Hulshof has been safe in previous elections Hulshof has never faced a credible candidate and has been given a pass for too long. Unlike previous candidates, Duane Burghard has actually raised a decent amount of money for his campaign and reached out to support from the netroots and some other party folks.

He received more votes in the August primary than Hulshof. While that doesn't mean Burghard is the favorite (he certainly isn't) it does show that the partisan leanings of the district should not be assumed to be as Republican as Hulshof's previous vote totals against non-credible candidates would imply.

Helping Burghard also will help Claire McCaskill! It's time to throw the grassroots in purple Missouri a bone and endorse a fighting Democrat challenger in Missouri's purplest congressional district!

Burghard (MO-9) and Walz (MN-1) would make a good 1-2 fighting Dem punch.

-Wayne in Missouri

Posted by: Wayne in Missouri at August 14, 2006 07:57 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I second the nomination of Dave Mejias! Let's drive the GOP out of New York altogether. Long Island was once a red stronghold, but the GOP has lost its ability to represent the suburbs and EVERY TREND HAS GONE BLUE since 2002. All Mejias has to do is get on TV and in the papers and show NY-3 who Peter King REALLY is, and he can win it.

I'd also like to nominate Dennis Spivack for DE-AL. He's a fighting Dem and a progressive running against a GOP incumbent in a blue state. Since GOP rep Mike Castle is the president of the Republican Main Street Partnership, listing Spivack would help stop Castle from handing his warchest over to his nearby Pennsylvania buddies Gerlach, Weldon, and Fitzpatrick.

Posted by: X Stryker at August 14, 2006 08:11 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Nothing against Tim Walz, but Coleen Rowley's opponent is probably the biggest sleazebag in Minnesota. He's taken pots of money from DeLay, a few piles from the local refinery, and he wrote to inform me (on my taxpayer dollar) that because he knows how I feel about the "death tax" he wanted to be sure to tell me he was doing everything he could to get rid of it!

Coleen is running an under-the-radar campaign, on a tight budget, but her stuff is effective. In the middle of half a dozen huge red and blue signs is her little green and purple one--very distinctive, making her point.

Kline's campaign is already getting nasty--so far it's limited to sulfuric LTEs in the small local papers (Ha, HE has to have a paid staffer write his letters; Coleen finds volunteers!) But a little more cash would be welcome--and even more the publicity!

Thanks!

Posted by: chriscol at August 14, 2006 10:03 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate Duane Burghard MO-9 U.S. Congress. In a district that is nearly 50-50 Democrat and Republican and an incumbent who has rubber stamped almost everything President Bush has put forth, this race is ripe for the picking. Despite raising more money than the previous 3 Democrat nominees combined, it still pales in comparision to Hulshof's half a million dollar warchest. However like another congressional nominee 2 years ago, a little national recognition can go a long way. Jeff Smith in St. Louis went from an asterick to almost beating Russ Carnahan in the 2004 primary. I believe with some national attention, Duane can win the MO-9 and move us closer to a Democratic majority in the house. As a side note, helping Duane in the MO-9 will also help Claire McCaskill win the Senate seat currently held by Republican Jim Talent. You'll get 2 for the price of one.

Posted by: Ed at August 14, 2006 11:00 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Coleen Rowley is up against one of Bush's lackeys, John Kline in the Minnesota Rep. Dist #2. Coleen was instrumental in "outing" the FBI lack of organization before 9/11. Her willingness to put herself on the line for the people is unprecedented. Her foresight, perseverance, determination, and, above all, commitment to integrity in the House will make her a strong candidate. We have a solid grass- roots effort going. The people in Minnesota D2 are ready for a change.

Posted by: Mom at August 14, 2006 11:13 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Coleen Rowley is in a fight against one of the rubberstamp Republicans that has walked lock-step with the Bush administration, and continues to carry it's water.

On top of that, she has some very good credentials for fighting terrorism, having extensive experience working for the FBI. Her law enforcement background is far more suited to dealing with terrorism. Kline's experience has been limited to military battle, and carrying a brief case as he followed the President around.

Posted by: Rook at August 14, 2006 11:14 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Phyllis Busansky (FL-09) is a terrific candidate running against a very weak on substance opponent.

1. Her opponent, Gus Bilirakis, is a weak opponent. He has only two things going for him: His daddy is the retiring incumbent and his daddy is on the commerce committee and has raised a lot of money for his son. The GOP is acting like this seat is a birthright and can be handed to Gus. A lot of people in FL-09 are none too happy about that.

2. Phyllis will be a terrific representative. She is a solid and well liked democrat with a significant background of performance. Phyllis served as the first Executive Director of Florida’s welfare-to-work agency (WAGES) and under her leadership, the welfare caseload decreased by over 80 percent, saving the state $500 million in welfare payments. This $1.2 billion program was recognized nationally for its effectiveness and received numerous commendations from the Federal welfare-to-work program. Additionally, FL-09 is a mature district in which 31 percent of likely voters are seniors and 58 percent are older than 50. A tireless fighter for Florida’s seniors, Busansky has a powerful message to deliver. As Director of Aging Services for Hillsborough County, she spearheaded the effort to make sure seniors can live independently and not be forced into nursing homes. Moreover, her commitment to protect Social Security and make sure seniors get the benefits they spent a lifetime working for will serve her well here.

3. She’s got support. The DCCC has chosen her for the Red-to-Blue program and Emily’s List endorses her (but hasn’t decided to “mail” for her). They think she can win with the right money. Congressional Quarterly upgraded the race. Sabato’s team thinks she’s best challenger to a GOP-held seat. She’s moving the dial.

4. The pollsters (i.e. the people) she can win: Here is an excerpt of their findings: “Florida’s 9th Congressional district is in play for a candidate with the record of Phyllis Busansky. If she raises the resources to communicate her story and message, she has an opportunity to win this race…. Busansky is able to run evenly with Bilirakis because she has a record and message that fit the district extremely well….Busansky’s strong accomplishments, which taken as a whole, produce a candidate who can connect with voters in this district and give Democrats a real opportunity to pick up a Republican seat. Busansky will need the resources to compete with a well-funded Gus Bilirakis, but her record puts her in a position to win.” Also, Betty Castor only lost by a point or two in FL-09, so, in the words of Sabato in the SPTimes: “this district [FL-09] is not overwhelmingly Republican.”

5. She is the poster girl for the partisan litmus test! There isn’t a single thing on the list that she doesn’t do, stand for and exemplify!

6. She can win! Her opponent will out-raise her, but if she even raises half of what he does (and she's on her way), she will win. This could be the 15th seat!

Posted by: poliblogist at August 14, 2006 11:23 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

New York Third.
The reasons are simple Clinton-Spitizer Landslide will make this winnable. King is the worst better of NY delegation. Mejeis's late start means he needs help most. Mejeis took a great risk running lets back him up.

Posted by: Democraticavenger at August 14, 2006 11:31 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Rod Smith / Florida Governor’s Race-

This weekend Rod Smith was endorsed by 4 of Florida’s largest newspapers because he is the strongest candidate in the race.

• St. Peterburg Times
• Palm Beach Post
• Lakeland Ledger
• Dayton Beach News-Journal

He has what it takes to be a strong progressive governor in the largest swing state and has the Republicans running scared. On top of these endorsements, several of Florida’s leading Republicans were quoted (in the news side of these papers) today about how strong Rod Smith is.

Toughest Democrat to beat? A Republican says Smith
By St. Petersburg Times
Published August 13, 2006
Republican U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville has served with both Democrats running for governor, state Sen. Rod Smith and U.S. Rep. Jim Davis. Having seen them in action up close, which one does she see as the toughest Democrat to beat in the governor's race?
"I would say Rod Smith. He is a brilliant attorney, thinks quickly on his feet, and I have a very healthy respect for Rod Smith," Brown-Waite - an early backer of Charlie Crist's - said in a Political Connections interview airing at 11 a.m. today on Bay News 9. Off camera, she said she often sought help from Smith, "the most brilliant man in the Florida Senate," and personally likes both Smith and Davis. But "intellectually, Rod Smith has it all over (Davis)."

From the Palm Beach Post:

Former state GOP Chairman Tom Slade says Smith "would be trouble for us if he wins the primary." Republican lobbyists in Tallahassee, who donate to campaigns and work for candidates as part of their jobs, worry among themselves that of the four major candidates, Smith is the most compelling.
And[Former Senate President and current Senator Jim] King said, "As a Republican, I would hate like hell to have to run against him. From my party's standpoint, Rod Smith not winning this primary would be just fine."

Posted by: rodsquad at August 15, 2006 12:10 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to call your attention to Mike Callaghan who is the Democratic nominee for the seat of Republican incumbent Shelly Moore Capito (WV 2nd district). Mike is not only a proud democrat but has been the head of the West Virginia Democratic party for the past few years.

Mike is well spoken, but with the distinct soft twang of a native West Virginian. He not only talks and thinks well on his feet, but is very good at listening and engaging the person/people with whom he is talking. I have watched him closely at several campaign functions and I have been more impressed each time. He has a genuine quality about him that people respond to very positively.

He is definitely not a republican in democrat's clothing. He speaks passionately and forcefully against the disastrous policies of the Bush administration and its corrupt Republican Congress. I have seen no evidence that he wavers in his beliefs when he is attacked by opponents. He survived a fairly tough primary fight and emerged unscathed.

He is proving himself a spirited and tireless campaigner. He has purchased a large used motor home and is traveling his long and narrow district (the largest in the eastern US) meeting people, addressing the issues, and he is gathering growing support. He understands that elections in rural areas are not won with phone banks and TV ads, they are won by getting out and talking to the voters.

He is a native West Virginian, a former federal prosecutor and also former head of West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection.

His opponent has served three terms in the House of Representatives and defeated rather weak democratic candidates in her three stands before the voters. She has enjoyed a fair degree of popularity, and many see her as having "brought money into the district". However, Democratic registrants far outnumber Republicans in the West Virginia 2nd district, and although many have allowed themselves to be swayed by the hot button conservative issues in the last several elections, there is growing dissatisfaction with Ms. Capito. She has been an egregious rubber stamp for the White House and Republican House leadership. She did not endear herself with her perceived grandstanding during the Sago Mine disaster, and she has been implicated in taking money from associates of Jack Abramoff. In addition, comparatively speaking, she has not been that good at attracting money or jobs to her district. She is vulnerable in 2006.

Posted by: jjvan at August 15, 2006 12:34 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would put forward these five for consideration:

Ed Perlmutter in CO-07
Mike Callaghan's run against Shelley Moore-Capito in WV-02
Mary Jo Kilroy's run against Deborah Pryce in OH-15
I fifth the mention of Tim Walz's campaign against vulnerabe MN incumbent Gil Gutknecht in MN-01
and finally, Harry Mitchell's effort to topple J.D. Hayworth in AZ-05 deserves a look

There are so many deserving races. Your decision will be tough. If I had to put forward my bottom line...emphasize winning and synergy with state-wide races over long shots. This election cycle will be tougher on $$$...it seems at this point. So even if our contributions just lock in a race or two a couple weeks early...that might free up late money to follow the marginals and ride whatever wave there is to ride.

Of course, toppling ANY of the above 4 GOP incumbents would be huge. If I had to come down to pragmatics, however: Perlmutter in the open seat in CO and Kilroy taking on Pryce in the heart of Ohio (where GOTV helps Brown) get the nod. (With Walz coming in third if some synergy with Klobuchar/Hatch can happen and the race looks winnable.)

Posted by: kid oakland at August 15, 2006 12:43 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Duane Burghard MO 9th Congressional District.
He came to our first All Missouri DFA meeting this weekend and met with Jim Dean, but was not even invited to a Statewide Dem meeting happening across town at the same time. He needs our help in his challenge of Kenny Hulshof...a key Bush player. I have personally given him $300 this year from my nurse salary. A very good guy...a veteran...and still not able to garner money support of DLC/DCCC.
Bill Monroe, President Democracy for Missouri

Posted by: BillinMidMO at August 15, 2006 01:05 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Just a thought- in the interest of regional balance, I would like to note that every region (I believe) other than the Upper Midwest is represented by these candidates (except maybe the Deep South if Texas is not considered a part of that crowd). The lack of gender and racial diversity on the netroots page has been mentioned in the past, and that is a very valid point. If all else is equal, we should aim for regional diversity and pick someone from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, or Michigan.

Posted by: Max at August 15, 2006 01:46 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Pitch for Nancy Skinner in Michigan's 9th

Nancy is a progressive, a former Air America Radio host. She is an enviromentalist, getting into politics after reading Al Gore's Earth in the Balance. A University of Michigan business grad, whos father was the extremely popular high school football coach in the district, she is well known from her former morning show.

Her oponent Joe Knollenberg is as corrupt as they come. The 72 year old Congressman clings to power, dishing pork out to Amtrak and he accepted a trip to Hawaii from lobbyists. He faced a tough primary oponent and is weakened.

This isn't a top tier race: it's listed as lean republican almost everywhere. But the AFL-CIO and UAW have offered to put their muscle behind Mrs. Skinner, as well as womens rights groups. That support, coupled with a netroots endorsement, could make all the difference in a district that voted 49% for Kerry, 50% for Gov. Granholm and Sen. Stabenow.

Nancy has embraced the netroots. She attended Yearly Kos and came back fired up about blogging, posting herself when she has the time, and has raised over $50,000 online via ActBlue. She believes that progressives should utilize the netroots to support progressive candidates like herself, lending well deserved support to Democrats who are not afraid to stand up and lead.

Posted by: Jordan at August 15, 2006 03:37 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

This is great: I love seeing the recommendations for GOVERNOR in this thread. It's been surprising to me, to say the least, that no candidates for Governor have been included on the Netroots ActBlue page. I understand that taking back Congress is imperative, but we should absolutely be including a few of our great candidates for Governor!

And if we're looking for Governor candidates to support, look no further than Ted Strickland. He's an outstanding candidate, and is running against one of the biggest nutjobs in a party full of them, in Kenneth Blackwell.

I understand that Strickland is leading. But the gap will close, and we need to be sure that we stay out in front on this one.

Posted by: betterdonkeys at August 15, 2006 05:08 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

hhhmmm Who else but Barry Welsh (IN-6) he of the 50 state page fame. He fits the criteria to a tee and could be a dark horse race.

If no can do for barry then mejias in ny 3 or maffei in ny 25.

last but not least if the others are a no go how about SPivack in DE-AL

Posted by: BENAWU at August 15, 2006 05:22 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Sorry if I missed the boat, but here is my nomination.

Andy Hurst out of VA-11, www.hurstforcongress.com

Let me go point by point on why I think Andy should be on the netroots page and why he fits ALL of the criteria to be on the page.

1.Andy is running against GOP incumbent and class of '94 Rep Tom Davis.

2. Tom Davis has become a poster boy for corruption, while serving as the Chair of the Government Reform Committee.

3. Andy's district voted for both Kerry in '04 and Kaine in '05.

4. There is a strong Virginia blogosphere already in place, ie. raisingkaine.com, notlarrysabato.typepad.com, and many more

5. The campaign has shown both grassroots and netroots outreach, gaining the endorsement of the Progressive Democrats of Virginia in the Primary, and recently putting up a speach that Andy gave on YouTube and placing it on it's homepage.

6. Larger picture here of both Virginia and Culture of Corruption. Tom Davis has lied about receiving oil money and was caught http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/7/8/142817/4274 and recently the Washington Post wrote a front page article detailing Tom Davis's influence peddling scandal http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/27/AR2006072701846.html
Also, there is the fact that this is in Virginia, helping Andy could create synergy for Jim Webb, and let us not forget that Bush only won Virginia by 8 points, without any Democratic campaign at all, and Kaine was able to win the Governorship, the Commonwealth really wants to be blue.

7. As far as the partisinship test, Andy Passes with an A+, two days after the Davis scandal broke, Andy held a press conference calling on Tom Davis to resign as Chair of the Government Reform Committee, he proudly prints "Democrat for Congress" on all his signs, bumper stickers, lit, etc...and best of all, he talks like a regular person, because he is. He's a first time candidate who won the primary against the 2004 nominee (sleepwalker) and has already raised FOUR TIMES (75k, vs 300k) the amount that the 2004 nom. raised through Nov.

Additionally, this race has not been targeted by the national party yet, but it deserves to be, and I ask the Netroots to pick up the slack. Not only has Tom Davis become vulnurable, but even the WaPo wrote an article titled "Now, a Word About the Invigorated 11th District Democrats" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/19/AR2006071900749.html
when the Davis loving WaPo sends props to our little army of volunteers and supporters down here, you know your making some noise.

-Pitin
(for the record, don't get paid to work for Andy but have been volunteering 3-4 days a week now, and sit in on strategy sessions and the such).
for more info e-mail the campaign at info[at]hurstforcongress[dot]com

Posted by: pitin at August 15, 2006 05:30 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Angie Paccione in CO-04! She's going to beat Marilyn Musgrave, author of the Federal Marriage Amendment and general right-wing wacko. Angie is a true progressive and a great campaigner, and is currently polling at Paccione 35, Musgrave 36, undecided 29. (Strategic Solutions poll, qouted on Paccione website)

Posted by: OnPugetSound at August 15, 2006 05:35 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Coleen Rowley: Agent for Change

I nominate Coleen Rowley, who is running against Tom DeLay clone John "The Rubber Stamp" Kline in Minnesota's Second Congressional District. We deserve better! We deserve somebody who will listen to and be responsive to the everyday men women, and children of the district. With John Kline it seems like the only way to get any attention is to make a campaign contribution. I have personally written and called his office over 100 times in the past 4 years asking for MY representative's stand on various issues. I, to date, have received 2 responses. One in an e-mail, stating that Congressman Kline would not be returning campaign contributions from Tom DeLay, and the other in a form letter, informing me of Congressman Kline's bold and courageous support of the anti flag burning amendment. I know that Coleen can and will do much better. Coleen has demonstrated that she is not afraid to speak truth to power, to risk her career in order to do what is right, or to take on the big-money special interests by bringing REAL ethics back to Washington.

Posted by: Ken in MN at August 15, 2006 08:26 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Duane Burghard in Missouri's 9th District!! Why? Because he can win, that's why! This congressional district has a 52/48 Republican/Democrat registration and with today's complete dissatisfaction with the Republican Congress and President Bush, this is the time to hit Rep. Kenny "Rubber Stamp" Hulshof.

This is THE only district in the state that is winnable in the state. Do you want another 2 years of Bush with a rubber stamp Congress?

Personally, I feel sending money to states and districts that are already in the bag to be a waste. That extra money in the right district could be the difference between gaining 15 seats in the House and being left with Dennis Hastert as Speaker and gaining 16 seats and having Jack Murtha as Speaker!

Duane Burghard is a fine family man, a veteran and successful business man in the 9th district. Let's get Duane Burghard into Congress!!

Posted by: Dino at August 15, 2006 11:14 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I'm convinced, reading both here and in the parallel discussion at Daily Kos

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/14/133945/402

that we have the strongest contingent of candidates ever assembled, in the 2006 cycle.

My suggestion for this round would be to add John Laesch, IL-14, and/or Bill Winter.
Winter, btw, is running in CO-06.
(Our candidate in CO-07, now that the primary is past, is Ed Perlmutter.)

Posted by: Christopher Walker at August 15, 2006 11:41 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Bill Winter CO-06

You are right, of course, Christopher Walker.
I did make a typo up there and Bill is running in C0-06.

With all the great candidates that are running this cycle in Colorado, you can almost just pick a number at random, but my favorite Fighting Dem is running in the Sixth.

Posted by: TakeBackTheHouse at August 15, 2006 12:22 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

John Pavich. It's really quite simple the people of IL Dist 11 have been stuck with one of the country's most corrupt and hypocritical Congressmen in the country. It's time for a young progressive candidate to take over and John Pavich is certainly that person.

Posted by: TJGriggs at August 15, 2006 12:52 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I'd like to speak up on behalf of Angie Paccione. A little money could go a long way in this district. Angie's internal polling suggests that name recognition for Marilyn Musgrave is woefully low for an incumbent seeking a third term. This race seems to hit everyone of your criteria right on the head. It seems like this one is a gimmee.

Posted by: scott3298 at August 15, 2006 12:56 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 has also done an impressive amount of fundraising all on his own, over $350,000. He spends his time and money wisely.

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, the republicans incumbent, 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 an 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 Rios-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 (and Pavich!) 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. (Weller expects his constituents to all be lawyers and have to study every word he says, his exact quote that he now uses as his get out of lying free card was, "I promise not vote on any legislation that invovles Guatemala alone.") 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 15, 2006 01:39 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Tony Trupiano, candidate for Congress in Michigan's 11th Congressional District stands poised to take this seat from Republican Thaddeus McCotter.

This is truly a grassroots campaign. Since January Trupiano has engaged more than 600 volunteers and talked to thousands of voters in the district.

Though the district was gerrymandered to go Republican by McCotter himself, the split is now nearly even; and Democrats have taken the district in other races.

The 11th is a district that has suffered mightily with the downturn in the American auto industry. Michigan has been slow to recover, and McCotter has been AWOL on the subject.

Add to this that McCotter has rubberstamped the Bush agenda, continues to assert the lies about Iraq and is out of sync with the more moderate district and you have a recipe for change.

Trupiano has been endorsed by ImpeachPAC, Progressive Democrats of America, SecureUS PAC, labor unions, Max Cleland, Senator Carl Levin, and Senator Debbie Stabenow among others.

Trupiano stands for leadership and accountability, security and change. He is bold and unafraid -- just what the 11th District needs.

What this campaign needs now is enough money to complement the grassroots ground effort -- money to counter the Republican attacks that are certain to come.

The campaign website is http://www.Tony4Congress2006.com.

Posted by: Treehuggin at August 15, 2006 02:37 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I highly recommend the 6 outstanding candidates endorsed by ImpeachPAC.org:

ME-Sen: Jean Hay Bright (endorsement, blog)
RI-Sen: Carl Sheeler
CA03: Bill Durston
CA49: Jeeni Criscenzo
MI11: Tony Trupiano
NY11: Chris Owens

More here:
http://impeachpac.org/candidates

Posted by: bobfertik at August 15, 2006 02:53 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I support John Pavich.
Mr. Pavich’s economic positions give a fair shake to all segments of the American public as we strive to make livings and provide for our families. From his empathy for the burden of the out of control fuel costs to his concern over the eventual oppressive financial burden of our National debt, Mr. Pavich understands that someone has to pay.
Mr. Pavich’s foreign policies seek rational solutions to National security and international relations, a pullback from acquiescing to minority interests driving us to the brink of global chaos.
Mr. Pavich’s emphasis on the long-term future viability of this country will bring us incremental improvements each day.

“Honorable” is the title we give every representative even before they, or if they ever, earn it. Is clear that it was never meant to be descriptive, but directive. Mr. Pavich will fulfill that directive.

Posted by: braamer at August 15, 2006 03:08 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Pete Ashdown is running for Utah's US Senate seat this year, and he needs the help of the Netroots ActBlue page. He has already got some international attention on the BBC World Service because of his novel use of wikis in politics -- even beating Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales to the punch before he launched his Campaigns Wikia.

Ashdown can win in Utah because he is a native Utahn that understands the state. As a successful businessman -- starting XMission, the first Utah based ISP -- he has a record that voters can rely on to see what kind of politician he will be; he'll put his constituents first just as he has done with his clients. These are values that Utahns respect.

Please help Pete Ashdown!

Posted by: anhhung18901 at August 15, 2006 03:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I agree with the Mejias nomination...
Peter King is a prime target for a progressive candidate like Dave Mejias.
Dave is a Nassau County Legislator and has won his district twice despite a 2-1 republican registration margin and being outspent 3-1.
Dave has a diary posted at DKos and participated in a chat on Firedoglake this past saturday.
NY-3 voted for Clinton and Gore but went for Bush by a slim margin in 2004. The fear tactics worked in 2004 but won't work now.
Dave's site is www.daveforamerica.com

and my Peter King site is www.kingwatch.blogspot.com

Posted by: stjohnixx at August 15, 2006 04:01 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

“REHABILITATION FOR AMERICA “THE REAL DEAL”

My friends call me “Chief” my close friends call me “Billy” - either one is fine. I was injured at the scene of a house fire on December 1, 2004 and as a result suffered a permanent spinal cord injury (Spastic Paralysis).

This is a life-changing event for me, like many Americans we go along with our everyday ordinary lives until that unpredictable day arrives. Rehabilitation on a daily basis is hard work, with hard work comes great results.

I am a volunteer with the Carl Sheeler for US Senate (D-RI) campaign; Carl is a marine veteran of the gulf war who has a strong connection with every day Americans – a blend of Paul Wellstone and Russ Feingold. His strong stances on developing alternative energy solutions; cutting middle class taxes while reforming millionaire and big corporate taxes; funding the NO child left behind (NCLB) federal mandates to alleviate the tax burden on property owners; and demanding single payer, national healthcare for all Americans and calling for “social and economic equality” are what makes his campaign connect with most Americans regardless of party affiliation.

Carl is a fiscally, responsible, progressive Democrat, the real deal, a working Senator, the peoples’ voice – a voice for all Americans. Many call Carl’s “of, for and by the people”, a 70’s style democrat referring to his likeability and “building bridges, not walls” views.

This is a campaign for the people, kids and our seniors. I personally experienced a life-changing event, now America is facing a series of life-changing events for all Americans. Carl Sheeler, Rhode Island, our children and America all need your help. The US Senate seat in Rhode Island is a seat that needs a bright working Senator. A Senator who will stand up, fight for and make all Americans proud.

Now is the time for all of Americas to unite together so we can make a real change in America and take back our country. Help with America’s rehabilitation share this message with your family and friends. Remember a US senator affects all our lives regardless, which state they come from.

These groups are just a fraction of groups who are supporting, endorsing or will be adding a score card to their sites: Progressive Democrats of America; Gold Star Families for Peace; Code Pink; Impeach Pac; Grassroots Democrats; Lynn Woolsey for Peace; CODEPINK Cape Code; Progressive Democrats; CLG Citizens for Legitimate Government; Impeach Bush Coalition; ImpeachBush.tv; VetPAC...

Remember the Rhode Island democratic primary is September 12th, a US senator represents all of America not just the State that they are elected in. Now all Americans must unite, now we must take back our country. Please consider a contribution to help with America’s rehabilitation vote for and support all “true progressive candidates.

Take a minuet to look at some recent interviews on line live blogging http://www.carlsheeler.com. You certainly will be impressed.

Friends of Sheeler, c/o Carl Sheeler, 592 Hopkins Hill Rd, West Greenwich, RI 02817

Friend in cause,
Billy

Posted by: Willy at August 15, 2006 04:10 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Try this link for Carl Sheeler a "True Progressive" running against the ultimate political insider backed with special interest, large corporation and millionaire dollars.

Sheldon Whitehouse has out spent Carl 5-1 but Carl is still close and can win this for the American people.

Support Carl Sheeler (D-RI) US senate campaign
www.carlsheeler.com

Posted by: Willy at August 15, 2006 04:17 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Jean Hay Bright, an early war opponent, deserves support in her bid to defeat phony moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe(R-Maine).

Posted by: Liberal Is Good at August 15, 2006 04:31 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I too would like to offer my support for John Pavich. (Full disclosure - I work for the campaign, but mostly because I believe in John and his challenge.)

John is a great fit for the district which is moderate but trending Democrat. His experience in the CIA and his roots in the district make it difficult if not impossible for his opponent to attack him as soft on defense or terror. His positions on the issue gel nicely with those of his future constituents, which given his long history in the area is not surprising. He's got a nice all-American story and is truly engaging on the stump.

Weller is also an absolutely terrible representative. He's taken over $400,000 from energy companies while refusing to prosecute price gougers. He ignored pleas to investigate the leak of nuclear materials until election season and on the issues that matter to the district offers up nice sounding press releases while taking no concrete action. He's breaking his term limit pledge and is feeling the heat across the district.

And the polling reflects this. John beats him by 15% after the push question and by over 30% after voters hear of Weller's record. Weller has been polling like mad and his attacks have been wild and unfocused, indicating an uncertainty as to how to attack John. Weller has agreed to an early debate (October 13) whereas in the past, he either refused or only did one.

John has raised a good amount without help from the DCCC or national donors, but needs help from the netroots if this momentum is to carry forward. Local netroots organizations have supported John, so please, help us to elect this most worthy progressive democrat.

Posted by: KennedyDemocrat at August 15, 2006 04:45 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Greetings, all~

Penobscot County, Maine checking in....

Snowe is hardly a "moderate," BTW!

http://jeanhaybright.us/supporters.html

Thanks (esp. Bob Fertik) upthread!

Jean Hay Bright for U.S. Senate (D-ME), for sure.

A bonafide *progressive* Democrat (we're already on ActBlue, but Snowe is brimming w/corporate cash--help us out, please)!

Women candidates (esp. those who are *progressive* Dems) need seed monies, in order to win (we won the Dem. primary in June by a mere 600 votes--this is doable in Maine w/some PDQ assistance from the netroots, peeps)....

www.jeanhaybright.us

Check out her issues page fmi:

http://jeanhaybright.us/issues.html

My ActBlue page for Jean:

http://www.actblue.com/page/mainefem

The campaign's ActBlue/contribution/supporter pages:

https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/8458

http://jeanhaybright.us/contribute.html

fmi: email blog@jeanhaybright.us

Pax, and thank you!

"Snowe has *got* to go...."

Posted by: mainefem at August 15, 2006 05:12 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to nominate Jeeni Criscenzo.
She is running for US Congress in California-49th District. She is running against an incumbent, Darrell Issa, a third-term Republican.
While national attention has been given to California’s 50th District where Francine Busby has a good shot at taking the seat vacated by the imprisoned Duke Cunningham, the 49th District has been written off as unwinable. The reason? Darrell Issa is one of the wealthiest legislators in the House of Representatives. If you are willing to concede that money alone determines who gets to represent us in Congress, then Darrell Issa gets to stay in office for as long as he likes no matter what.
Few people like Darrell Issa. A Google of Darrell Issa will turn up only one person with anything good to say about him – Mr. Issa himself.
Even though there is an almost 2 to 1 ratio of Republicans to Democrats in the 49th District, few people are happy with how he has consistently worked against their best interests.
Among other things, his recent support of the Dubai deal did not sit well with many. His checkered past, including arrests for car theft keep coming back to haunt him. His support of electric utilities to put through high transmission powerlines in both San Diego and Riverside Counties has alienated him with voters. He supported Duke Cunningham. He flip-flopped in his support of immigrants to be a co-author of the Sensenbrenner bill which will cost him the Latino vote – Latino population in the 49th was 30% in 2002, and likely higher now. Many Californian’s are unhappy that Darrell Issa bankrolled the recall of Gray Davis as a back-door attempt to be governor. In addition, Darrell Issa has been a “yes-man for the Bush administration, tying his reputation to a sinking ship. All of this make this seat vulnerable.
Ms. Criscenzo's campaign is about as grassroots as you can get. The candidate has a background in advertising and marketing as well as being a dot-com entretreneur. Before running, Jeeni Criscenzo wrote a daily blog called CPR4Democracy. She currently posts a weekly diary on DailyKOS. Jeeni Criscenzo has always been a Democrat. She volunteered in the Kucinich campaign and following the Democratic Convention in Boston she worked for the Kerry campaign in Tampa, Florida.
Ms Criscenzo is a normal, everyday citizen. She is no politician. However, she has a very bright mind, and has delved deeply in to the issues that are relevent and important to today's voters.
Jeeni Criscenzo has made a total commitment to this campaign. She is living frugally off of her savings so that she can put all of her time and energy into running a true grassroots campaign, meeting as many people as possible so that in the final weeks, when her opponent spends hundreds of thousands of dollars in smear advertising, voters will say, “I met that woman and I know that she is honest and genuinely cares about me and my family.”
Ms. Cricenzo would be a true "citizen" Representative of Americans.
Her Web page is
http://www.jeeniforcongress.com

Posted by: Miki at August 15, 2006 05:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Cast my vote for Tim Walz in MN1!

Tim is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a lifelong Democrat and proud of it. He believes that Democrats are the party of those who invest in our fellow citizens to help them help themselves. He is connecting with voters because he speaks like their neighbor, not like a bureaucrat. I've seen him speak a number of times and he always manages to connect with a variety of people because he speaks common sense, and he has passion for his beliefs.

Tim is a vocal opponent of the Bush administration and the Rubberstamp Congress. Gutknecht comes back hard calling him a tax and spend liberal, but Walz has the courage of his convictions. He won't back down from a fight.

Netroots can make a big difference here - Walz is getting good buzz, but is not getting big money yet. He filed with about $450K in July.

There is a growing community of blogs here in MN, and many new ones are devoted to MN1. Tim has been generous in investing his time with bloggers and he needs us to invest our dollars in getting his message out to the masses.

Posted by: ocean.blue.o6 at August 15, 2006 06:04 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

(Crossposted at Daily Kos)

Jason Altmire can beat Melissa Hart in PA-04.

This is a race I have not seen much about, but I really believe that Jason Altmire - www.jasonaltmire.com - running against Rep. Melissa Hart in Pennsylvania’s 4th District, has an excellent chance to win. Here's why:

1. He’s strong on most progressive issues, including the environment, health care, Iraq, education, and social security. He has an excellent health care and political background, having served as a legislative assistant to Rep. Pete Peterson from Fla. (in which capacity he worked on Hillary Clinton’s universal health care task force) and, most recently was the acting VP for Government Relations and Community Health Services at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the dominant force in health care in western Pa. He left a pretty darn good job to take up this pursuit. So I believe he’s in it to win it.

2. Howard Dean said it himself:

"Melissa Hart is vulnerable. I wouldn't be here unless I thought we could win this seat. Jason brings a fresh, young direction to Congress. That's what we need."

Dean said this, by the way, when he was here canvassing neighborhoods with Altmire during the DNC’s national organizing day on July 29.

The most recent polls put the race at 55 vs 39 percent in Hart’s favor, and that’s without a single TV ad or radio ad, strictly word of mouth and local print media coverage.

3. Altmire had a good last quarter raising money, although Hart still has a significant advantage: $1.2 million vs. $350,000. A cash infusion would give Altmire a fantastic opportunity to get his name out there with TV and radio ads. Again, he’s at 55 vs. 39 based on literally no major media presence.

4. Melissa Hart is, in effect, Ricky Santorum Jr. She is in line with Santorum on every major social issue, from abortion to the gay marriage ban. She is a regular speaker at events held by groups like the Concerned Women for America. And a New York Times magazine article from earlier this year on the growing movement among evangelical groups to slowly push laws banning contraception listed Rep. Hart as one of the groups’ “point” persons in Congress.

5. Altmire has been working closely with the local Democracy for America groups and has a small, but good infrastructure in place to help recruit volunteers and attract voters.

6. I have had a few discussions via phone and email with one of Altmire’s chief outreach volunteers from DFA. As he explained, there has been no real outreach to the Netroots, but that is primarily because the few people working on the campaign are doing what they can in terms of the traditional nuts and bolts. Nobody has taken the time to help start the Netroots outreach. I’d like to help change that, and this is the start of it!

7. From what I can tell, Altmire passes the candidate litmus test with flying colors. When Hart's campaign manager told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Hart "will talk health care with [Altmire] any time,” Altmire’s campaign immediately responded with a letter to Hart’s campaign proposing a series of "health-care discussions throughout the district, including at least one in each of the district's six counties." Hart’s campaign has yet to respond.

This could be a great pickup for the Democrats. Show Jason Altmire some love with some $$$$ and by spreading the word about his campaign to win this seat!

Posted by: Whigsboy at August 15, 2006 09:07 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate and hope you will support Jeeni Criscenzo, CA-49.
JeeniForCongress.com
Jeeni is a long time democrat and peace activist running against one of the wealthiest men in Congress, Darrell Issa. Jeeni's success in this district means that Issa will no longer be lending his support to projects that endanger the environment (from high transmission powerlines to off-shore drilling, to full support of the energy and oil companies when their whims are addressed by the Republican Congress); he will no longer be lending his support to tax cuts for the wealthy; in other words, Issa will no longer be the yes-man for the Bush Administration, which he has been for the past four years.

This is not a top tier race and Jeeni's campaign is truly grassroots. She is a hero for stepping up to the challenge of taking on Issa when others felt "he's so rich, who could beat him?" I'm hear to say that Jeeni can! There is a sentiment that runs across CA-49, a dISSAtisfaction if you will, that Issa is only interested in what is best for Issa. When talking with Republicans across the district, and mentioning Issa’s name, the usual response heard is “Oh, I really don’t like that man”.

Jeeni’s advantage is that no matter who she interacts with, Democrats, Independents, even Republicans, they walk away saying “What an honest and sincere person, I need to check out this persons views!” I BELIEVE JEENI CRISCENZO HAS A REAL CHANCE TO TAKE THIS DISTRICT.

On top of being well liked by all, Jeeni has a strong record as a Democrat and has been outspoken against all of the Bush policies that have created disaster in this country, and this world; from Foreign Policy to Environmental Policy, from Healthcare to Fiscal Responsibility, Jeeni opposes Bush and his administration. Historically, she has been involved in the Kucinich Presidency Campaign, she has worked for Kerry, and as a way to share her involvement, she authored a daily blog at CPR4Democracy. Jeeni currently has a weekly blog on DailyKos.

Please seriously consider lending the significant support of the NetRoots community to Jeeni Criscenzo. It is the Democratic thing to do.

Thank you,
Lynn

Posted by: MarthaQuest at August 15, 2006 09:36 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Bill Winter (CO-6)(corrected)
I agree with takebackthehouse for all the 100 reasons (and more) that Bill Winter should be a Netroots Candidate. People say "A Dem can't win in CO-6 but I recently received the MYDD/Courage Poll results on the CA-50 election. And if the hypothesis is proved that Busby lost because "Swing voters want politicians who will stand up to George Bush, stop his agenda, and hold him accountable for problems that have occurred under his watch both at home and abroad." then Winter is the candidate to do that in CO-06.

Winter is running against public enemy #1 of the Latino community. As a DNC member, I am going to Chicago this week to seek volunteers to come to Colorado for a Bill Winter weekend for GITV. He has lots of Latino community support in our state, but the Latino population in his district is small. I am convinced that if we contact every Latino voter in his district we can help Bill win. It will go a long way with Latino voters in our state to beat TT, and believe me when I say, the Latino voters in Colorado need some encouragement from the Democratic Party! So that's my goal.

But, he still needs money and that's where Netroots comes in. Please add Bill Winter-CO-06 to your list of net roots candidates. He is deserving and he can WIN with a lotta help from friend like us.
Sincerely,
Debbie Marquez, Colorado DNC and Winter supporter

Posted by: DebDNCColorado at August 15, 2006 09:44 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I fervently echo those who have nominated Jean Hay Bright, Democratic and very progressive candidate running against Senator Olympia Snowe in Maine. I wish I could be as eloquent as those who have spoken in favor of other candidates. I can't, but Jean not only believes what we believe but has lived out her beliefs; she doesn't just say them. You have only to meet Jean to see that she is real, in a way that our other Democratic officials in Maine are not real. As the real deal, who would make all of us proud, Jean is totally worthy of all of our support. Bonne bouche: our dog doesn't like anyone outside the immediate family, but he took immediately to Jean. Please help her win.

Posted by: malcolm at August 15, 2006 10:13 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I second the nomination of Jean Hay Bright.
Jean is a true progressive who has been endorsed by state DFA chapters, ImpeachPAC, Dennis Kucinich, etc.
Maine is a blue state, but one with two so-called moderate rubber stamp repub senators. Olympia Snowe supports the war and has supported Bush 82% of the time. On the other hand 70% or more of Mainers are against the regime. With the Lamont win in CT it makes sense that Maine voters will also go in the same direction of rejecting pro-war candidates. The only thing that stands in the way of more of these Democratic leaning voters understanding that they have a true alternative is the huge war chest that Snowe has amassed from defense contractors, oil companies, credit card companies, HMOs and drug companies. With some additional financial support from the netroots Jean's name recognition will increase substantially. Maine (and a majority in the US Senate) is eminently winnable! http://www.jeanhaybright.us/

Posted by: progressiveme at August 15, 2006 10:40 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate Steve Cohen (TN-09). Steve Cohen (D-Memphis)is running for Harold Ford's congressional seat. Cohen is everything we ever wished Ford would be.

Steve Cohen is the best progressive we have in the state of Tennessee. As state senator (for 24 years!), he sponsored legislation to legalize medical marijuana, he consistently voted against the gay marriage ban, and Cohen has always voted for a woman's right to choose.

If this man gets to Washington, progressives in the state of Tennessee will actually have some representation. I cannot express how very much that will excite and energize the democratic wing of the Democratic Party in this oppressive state.

http://www.cohenforcongress.com/

Posted by: egalia at August 15, 2006 11:38 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

P.S. Okay, so Harold Ford is not an 'out' Republican, but he may as well be.

Posted by: egalia at August 15, 2006 11:46 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Jeeni Criscenzo is running unopposed against Darrell Issa, third-term Republican, in California's 49th District.This race is not top-tier. The 49th District is considered "unwinable" due to Issa's deep pockets and the high percentage of registered Republicans.
Jeeni has a strong Democratic background and although Issa is well entrenched he has lost popularity for a number of reasons, but primarily because is now perceived as a Bush "lapdog" by many voters.
California is certainly a "blue-leaning" state.
Hers is a pure grassroots campaign -- no corporate contributions. She is very outspoken against the Bush administration and Jeeni is one of only three candidates who have been endorsed by ImpeachPAC.
Jeeni Criscenzo wants to win and the progressive voters in her district WANT her to win also. Please put her on your list to support.

Posted by: jstick at August 16, 2006 12:59 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Please vote for John Pavich. We need some relief from Jerry Weller's lock step with Bush nonsense.

Posted by: JohnWillard at August 16, 2006 01:53 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I wish to nominate Bill Durston, who is clearly a progressive and viable candidate for congress, who is running against a republican with a great deal of money and support form the national political machine.

Bill is not a typical politician... we need to support him.

Posted by: Jim Chopyak at August 16, 2006 04:00 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I wish to nominate Dr. Bill Durston. He is running for the US House of Representatives in California's 3rd Congressional District. His opponent, Dan Lungren is a career politician, right wing extremist and rubber-stamp for the Bush/Cheney administration.
Bill is smart, courageous and one of the most principled persons that I have ever met.
He is unequivocal in his opposition to the war and his intention, once elected, to introduce articles of impeachment against Cheney and Bush.

Posted by: Ron Platt at August 16, 2006 08:39 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate Bill Durston, 3rd congressional district, CA. We love him, and here are a few of the reasons why:
*He is an emergency room doctor. He really understands life and death and health issues.
*He is a Vietnam vet who understands that war is not a game.
*His ethics are impeccable.
*He is warm and friendly. We all feel like he is a personal friend.
*He is devoted to his beautiful wife and kids.
*As former President of our Physicians for Social Responsiblity, he understands management and accountability. (Wouldn't that be a change!)
*He cares: about the earth, our country, California, seniors, children.
*He is smart and has an input mode. He asks for people's opinions, listens to the answers and acts.
*Finally, he is running against Dan Lungren, a carpetbagger Republican who is securely in the Bush Mode and who has made it clear he wants to "stay the course" in Iraq and dismantle Social Security and Medicare.

Posted by: Margie at August 16, 2006 09:42 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I appreciate the nominations backing Duane Burghard, who was not on my radar at all.

The nomination of Dennis Spivak sent me to his web site, which I had never visited.
Um, I cut some slack for candidates running in really Red districts if they don't prominently emblazon their party affiliation on their web pages.
But in Delaware?

That seat is an extreme long shot, but not because the state is deep red.
It's just because the Republican incumbent is popular.
Spivak ought to be able to summon up the courage to confess that he's a Democrat, especially in a year when the GOP is under a cloud.

And besides, he hasn't won his primary yet.

Posted by: Christopher Walker at August 16, 2006 10:24 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Bill Durston for Congress CA CD3:

Bill Durston is an outstanding progressive candidate running against Dan Lungren, a Bush and DeLay rubber stamping neo-con.

You can check out Bill's positions at: durstonforcongress.org. The incumbent is using taxpayer money to hold town meetings and send out mailings which are really campaign literature. Bill needs donations to contact every voter in CA CD3. Once they know him, they support him.

There are projections that show the Democrats short one seat to take back Congress. Help Bill fill that seat. We need this excellent, intelligent candidate to represent all of us in Congress.

Posted by: Marlene at August 16, 2006 10:48 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I happily second the nomination for Tony Trupiano, running in Michigan's 11th District against career politician Thaddeus McCotter.

The 11th District is winnable. Created after the 2000 census by the GOP legislature in Lansing (which included McCotter) and approved by former Gov. John Engler's handpicked state Supreme Court, McCotter slid into the new district in 2002. Since then, however, the District's demographics have blue-shifted -- trending more to Wayne County than Oakland County, more Democratic, more middle- and working-class. And Thaddeus himself has done nothing to support the 11th District, except when it coincided with his rubberstamping the Bush-DeLay agenda.

In 2004 McCotter only managed 57% against an unfunded political unknown. Now he faces Tony Trupiano, who has an incredibly strong organization of volunteers and the energy and ideas to turn the 11th District Blue.

But some help from Netroots would surely be appreciated, to counter Thaddeus' money advantage.

Like a number of other GOP incumbents, McCotter took money from DeLay's disgraced and disbanded AMRPAC, convicted ex-Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Bob "Congressman A" Ney, who is resigning his Ohio seat before he can be indicted. Much of his financial support is from out-of-state, and his recent record includes votes to weaken the Voting Rights Act, against stem cell research, and in favor of the Tom Tancredo-Steve King version of immigration "reform."

As someone posted recently on a message board: "If Frank Capra were still alive, he'd be kicking himself over never having named any of his movie villains Thaddeus McCotter."

Let's send Thaddeus back to Potterville -- Support Tony Trupiano!

Posted by: helzapoppn at August 16, 2006 11:20 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Look into the candidacy of William Durston, M.D. As you can see from the comments from others presented above, Dr. Durston is running against religious-right Bush-pal Dan Lungren. Lungren is a progressive's worst nightmare: he voted for tax cuts for the rich, promotes massive budget deficits with his votes, supports the war (all of them), has never served in the military (mysterious 4-F medical deferment after student deferment ran out), opposes public campaign financing, took $ from DeLay, moved to Sacramento in order to run for Congress. Lungren has a 0% rating from environmental groups, 0% rating from many labor groups, 0% rating in 2005 from Disabled American Veterans.
Durston is a decorated Vietnam veteran who opposes America's current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Durston opposes tax cuts for the rich and budget deficits which support America's imperialist wars. Durston favors public financing of campaigns, has lived in the 3rd Congressional District for 23 years, supports stem cell research and a woman's right to choose. As a physician, Durston sees access to necessary medical care as a basic human right. He supports universal health care.

Posted by: Baltzie at August 16, 2006 11:27 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I add my second to the nomination of Bill Durston in the 3rd Congressional district of California. Bill is an unabashed liberal, willing to proudly accept the label and campaign on liberal themes. He supports withdrawal of our troops from Iraq ASAP, protection of Social Security, and all of the traditional liberal causes. He is a Vietnam veteran, a long time resident of the 3rd district, unlike his opponent, Dan Lungren, who moved to the district 2 years ago from southern California, just to run for the then vacant seat.

Bill is exactly the type of citizen Congressman we need to take back our country, but he can win only if he gets sufficient funding to mount a strong campaign against the incumbent, who largely funds his campaign with tax dollars. We need to put our money where our principles lie!!
Visit http://www.durstonforcongress.org/ - you will be welcome there!

Posted by: hoppycalif at August 16, 2006 12:02 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

The Connecticut primary results proved what those of us in the trenches have known all along.

IT'S TIME TO ELECT CANDIDATES WHO WILL GET US OUT OF IRAQ.

Jean Hay Bright, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, has been campaigning on a pro-peace, anti-war platform for more than a year, but has been ignored by the media and Washington Beltway Democrats because she's opposing Olympia Snowe, who despite being one of the most pro-war, hawkish senators in Washington has been able to FOOL the media and the public by claiming she's a moderate.

But if Republican Olympia Snowe were really a moderate, she would not have voted with the Bush administration during its first four years in office 82 PERCENT OF THE TIME (Source: CQ.com).

In truth, Olympia Snowe is a Bush-enabler who fully supports the Iraq war, the PATRIOT Act, anti-choice federal judges who would dismantle Roe v. Wade, tax cuts for the rich, elimination of the estate tax, and reduction of benefits to returning veterans, including protection from bankruptcy for the families of veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Olympia Snowe opposes universal health care and opposes making the minimum wage a living wage. He campaign is funded by contributions from defense contractors, oil companies, credit card companies, HMOs and drug companies. Her campaign, her votes and the philosophy behind them is one of destroying the average working family while working to widen the income gap in America.

Democrat Jean Hay Bright (http://www.jeanhaybright.us/) is a true grass-roots progressive. She wants to get U.S. troops and corporations out of Iraq, institute national health care, make the United States sustainably energy independent, rebuild American infrastructure and manufacturing capacity, and restore fiscal responsibility in Washington.

Maine is a small state, a blue state that supported Clinton, Gore and Kerry. Jean can win this election with 350,000 votes and only $1 million. Her campaign has already brought unenrolled, disenfranchised Democrats back into the party. She has strong support from Democrats within the state. But the cupboard is bare, and she needs your help.

As Snowe's first women opponent, and with Snowe having voted for Alito, thousands of Democratic women who have voted for Snowe in the past will this year vote for Jean. As a commercial organic farmer, Jean has strong support in the agriculture community, and with the Maine Green Party, which is not running a U.S. Senate candidate in this race.

Recent surveys show 75 percent of Maine voters don't think the Iraq war is worth the cost and casualties it has produced. Jean's anti-war credentials are as good as those of Kucinich, Feingold, Conyers, or Lamont. She also has the support of many veterans and veterans groups, who know she will fight for veteran's rights and health care..

There is a perfect storm brewing this year, forging a movement to oust the Republican ideology that is destroying the fabric of our nation. People are beginning to understand that for many reasons, from national security to individual freedom, this country needs to replace six sitting Republicans senators with six Democrats.

Jean Hay Bright can be one of those Democrats.

Posted by: Orville G. Berry at August 16, 2006 12:07 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

In my posting of August 16, I stated that the progressive candidate of the third congressional district (in California), Dr. William Durston, was opposed to the Afghanistan War. I defer to Dr. Durston's approval of that statement. Dr. Durston IS opposed to the Iraq war and supports prompt and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops, replaced by an internal peace-keeping force.

Posted by: Baltzie at August 16, 2006 12:54 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Please support Bill Durston, CA District 3 candidate. Others’ input describes him. We think CA and the nation need him!

Posted by: DaveSelf at August 16, 2006 01:19 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Tim Walz MN-01 is moving a race from lean gop to toss up.

Patty Wetterling MN-06 is alread at toss up. Shrub is flying in to help the gop candidate.

Posted by: Demrock6 at August 16, 2006 01:26 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I wish to add my name to the list of supporters of Bill Durston, CA 3rd Congressional District. A more progressive, sincere, energetic and dedicated candidate cannot be found anywhere.

Posted by: Susan Wyckoff at August 16, 2006 01:53 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate Jim Esch for NE-2

He matches up to the Swing State Project's Netroots Candidates Criteria very well.

Running against Congressman Lee Terry R

No Primary opposition

Definitely not a Top Tier Race, and money is needed. Esch has vowed not to take any special interest or PAC money. One PAC donation was RETURNED.

He's a Democrat! The best way to explain him is as a Social Justice Catholic Democrat

Lee Terry is a Tom Delay rubber stamp. Esch blows him away in the Charisma category.

Omaha/Douglas County/Sarpy County is a bastion of blue in Nebraska. As mom says to me, we used to OWN Omaha. And it wasn't too long ago. We currently have a Dem Mayor, Mike Fahey. The issue that has killed us in the last few years has been abortion. Jim is pro-life, however he does support stem cell research, which Omaha's University of Nebraska Medical Center is becoming a world leader in the field. And remember, the Democratic Party is a big tent party.

Omaha's netroots are up and coming

Fits culture of corruption/new direction/and sick of incompetence message

Litmus test: He's a Jim Exxon, Bob Kerrey, Nebraska Democrat

I hope the Swing State Project gets to read this and look into Jim a little more. I think you'll like him, and his race is steaming right ahead. Right now we have a multimillion dollar Senate race taking place, and it's sucking the oxygen out of other state races.

For a video introduction of Jim check out: jimeschvideo
And here is his website: jimesch.org

Thanks for your consideration.
Omaha Joe

Posted by: Omaha Joe at August 16, 2006 02:21 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Voters in California's 3rd Congressional District are extremely fortunate to have Bill Durston, MD., running for office against Dan Lungren. The terms "integrity, leadership, and courage" are often overused when describing a candidate, however, in this situation they fit the "Bill"!

Posted by: Orlando1 at August 16, 2006 08:59 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to voice my strong support for Dr. Bill Durston for Congress. We need more politicians like Dr. Durston who can think critically, and who's primary interest is helping their community.

Posted by: huckhurd at August 16, 2006 11:22 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to nominate Bill Durston as a Netroots candidate. He is running for Congress in District 3 in California. He's running against Dan Lungren who should be OUT of Congress post-haste. Bill is honest, progressive, not a career politician (actually is an ER doctor), bright, energetic, a Vietnam vet, passionate, 'walks his talk', supports impeachment of Prez Bush, wants the U.S out of Iraq, wants healthcare for all, etc. etc. All the good stuff you could possibly think of. He has a vision that needs to be fulfilled in order to turn this country around.

He is in need of our support, since the only other candidate running is incumbant Lungren, and I hope that the Netroots program will help as much as possible.

Posted by: Mary Tonningsen at August 17, 2006 12:50 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

My very first post to this site is above... for some reason is says it was posted by 'huckhurd'. I have no idea who that is. I must have done something wrong.. anyway, that post is from me, Mary Tonningsen.

Posted by: Mary Tonningsen at August 17, 2006 12:55 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

You gotta look below your post to see who made it, Mary. You're fine.

Posted by: James L. at August 17, 2006 01:08 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to nominate Bill Durston for Congress in California's 3rd District. Bill favors affordable health care for all, the pull out of US Troops from Iraq, overspending by the federal government and concentration on the needs and constitutional rights of American citizens. Bill is sincere and honest, a breath of fresh air.

Posted by: Ken Saunders at August 17, 2006 01:12 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I am nominating Jeeni Criscenzo who is running in California's 49th district against Darrell Issa. You may remember Issa as the one who funded the recall against Gray Davis and cried on TV when he was dumped by the party as their candidate. Jeeni Criscenzo has worked for the Kucinich and Kerry campaigns, is a strong progressive and proud Democratic candidate, and strongly anti-war. While this is a red district, the state is blue and there is a strong possibility that with her appeal to progressives and her strong Latino outreach, she can form a coalition of voters to win. Recently she traveled to Jordan to meet with other peacemakers from both the US and Iraq. She is a courageous grass-roots candidate who stands up to Bush, Issa and the corporations. When the press mischaracterizes her positions, she fights back - and as a down to earth person, not someone who just repeats talking points.

Posted by: Ellen T at August 17, 2006 09:25 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I'd like to put in a word of thanks to the advocates for Durston, CA-03, and Jason Altmire, PA-04.
I had not had time to look into either race yet, and the information is appreciated.

These discussions have more usefulness than just picking a next-round winner for a particular prize.

Posted by: Christopher Walker at August 17, 2006 10:28 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would also like to nominate Dr. Bill Durston. He would make an excellent Representative from CA 3rd CD. See the listings above to read about his qualifications.

Posted by: kmcnamara1 at August 17, 2006 10:30 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Jeeni Criscenzo - California 49 -
Jeeni Criscenzo is running for Congress because she truly believes that is how she can make a difference in the world. By fighting for what is right for the country, the environment and the people she meets, she hopes to secure a safe and healthy future for her family and friends. Although she is running against Darrell Issa, the richest man in Congress, she keeps her opinions and her stand strong and consistent. Being a member of the working class herself, she has first hand experience in the world she is striving to help. I nominate her for her undying commitment to the cause, her enormous courage to take on a seemingly intimidating race and her empathic compassion to put herself in another's shoes so she can see from many points of view and make a an educated and intelligent stand. Jeeni Criscenzo deserves our attention and support. She would be a true asset to our governing body.
Check her out at http://www.jeeniforcongress.com

Posted by: mcdanabanana at August 17, 2006 11:24 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to nominate Jeeni Criscenzo, who is running for the Congressional seat in the 49th district in California. She is a true progressive, running unopposed against one of the richest, yet laziest Republicans in Congress, Darrell Issa, a man with a checkered past to say the least. Jeeni stands for the people, for working folks like me, and she is a true Democrat who once worked on the Kucinich and Kerry campaigns. Jeeni is absolutely commited to the Democratic party's truest values and she is not beholden to any special interest groups or corporations. Jeeni lives a life that is totally in line with her values. She cares about the environment, about people, about children, about peace. She has integrity, something sorely missing in politics today. I nominate Jeeni Criscenzo for Congress. She is up against a rich and powerful Republican with lots of money to spend, but she is the only candidate who really represents THE PEOPLE. You can learn more about her and her red shoes at http://www.jeeniforcongress.com. Those red shoes have done a lot of walking, but we need to get them into Congress!

Posted by: RevRee at August 17, 2006 11:37 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

There can be no doubt that Dr. Bill Durston is one of the most PROGRESSIVE candidates to run for Congress this year. The Democrat Party should be honored to have such a distinguished candidate to represent their party. Dr. Durston will be one of the candidates to bring the party back to where it belongs, representing the people, in the old tradition...not representing the Corporate State and there own self interests.Dr. Bill Durston will help restore Democracy back to our country. Dr. Bill Durston advocates constitutional responsibility and stands up as one of the few to be counted on to bring articles of impeachment against Bush and Cheney.Dr. Bill Durston advocates affordable health care on a national scale and tells us that health care should be a right for all citizens, not just for those who can afford it. Dr. Durston , who is a decorated Marine combat veteran, who enlisted in the Vietnam era,states that we need to pull out our American troops and replace them with a truly international peacekeeping force.Dr. Durston puts his money where his mouth is..he will take a significant salary cut in order to help restore Democracy to our country.Dr. Bill Durston campaigns on all theses important progressive issues and does not hide behind the curtain of mediocracy ,in order to avoid offending potential voters.
Meanwhile his opponent carpetbagged his way to the Sacramento area to pick up a seat in the California CD3 20 months ago. Before moving here Lungren was a DC lobbyist at Venable LLP where he lobbied Congress for his big defense clients such as Lockheed Martin. He then returned to Congress on the Homeland Security Department to now dole out billions of dollars in defense contracts to his old clients which he used to represent.One has to look no further than his (former)companies' website at Venable LLP to see the Executive partner bragging to potential clients that "we steer clients away from the landmines and steer them directly to the goldmines".No wonder Venable LLP can brag about that given the fact that Lungren is in Congress at the other end to fulfil that promise.Dr. Bill Durston's opponent makes his Congressional decisions based on his religious beliefs, not science. Lungren used an alleged medical deferment, which he has yet to produce ,to avoid sevice to our country during the Vietnam War era.Lungren is a friend of Big Business, Big Oil, Big Real Estate developers, and K Street Lobbyists.One only has to look at his extensive list of campaign contributors to follow the money.
We need to stand together and help bring a true corps of Progressive candidates back to Congress.We need to vote out the War Party (read Republican), we nedd to vote out the Party of Fear (read Republican), because we are NOT scared!!We need to oust the Party of Charge and Spend (read Republican) with obscene deficits ballooning to over 8 TRILLION dollars. We need to oust the Republican party which is trampling on our Constitutionla rights which have served us well for 230 years and counting.We need to restore the checks and balances to our system of government that used to serve as a model for emerging democracies. Dr. Bill Durston (www.durstonforcongress.org) is the quintessential progressive candidate that deserves all of our support!!

Posted by: Deacon Dick at August 17, 2006 01:31 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Rory Blake is a challenger in a district that went 70% for Bush in 2004. ...This is good news, Folks! In the swing state of North Carolina the sixth district literally goes-with-the-flow, politically. Many here in the 6th, especially those who voted for Bush ...would like another opportunity to make things right.

NC06 includes parts of Greensboro, Salisbury, High Point, Thomasville, Lexington, Burlington, and a small portion of Fort Bragg. Voter registration is also "all over the map." The unaffilliated and democratic voter registrations outnumber the republican registration by 3:2.

The 22 year incumbent is Howard Coble, chairman of the Homeland Security subcommittee. Chairman Coble was unopposed in the last several election cycles. The 75 year old Coble's election to office occurred in the tidalwave election year of 1984, when he defeated the long-term democratic incumbent in a very close race.

The challenger does not have much cash on hand, but the campaign does not lack for enthusiasm. As a retired pharmacist and small businessman, the candidate and the all-volunteer corps have a plan to win ...by knocking on doors. Traditional fundraising does not work well in this district which is hurt by the loss of the furniture industry (both manufacturing and retailing) and textile jobs. (John Edwards' home town of Robbins is in this district.) There have been a few thousand-dollar donors, but not many.

The Bush conduct of the war is the key motivator for change in this district. Coble has voted in support of every war-related issue, but lately has taken "somewhat" of a stand in opposition to it. I would estimate that close to 70% of the voters in this district dissaprove of the conduct of the war.

This is neither a highly visible, nor a top-tier race ...at the moment. Polling done by a local state representitive's campaign, however, is highly encouraging. He says that based on his district (High Point) this congressional seat is the most winnable in the state. The last time High Point went for a democrat, it was Jimmy Carter.

The Greensboro area netroots scene is also very active. ALL are united in the desire for change. Congressman Coble is very wary of the local netroots because of their exposure of some of his more egregious gaffs. (The interment of Japanese/American during WWII was for their own protection, and ...that he's comfortable giving up your rights to make America a safer place, etc.)

Having an opposition with a chance to win, has also affected Coble's behavior in Washington.
Coble did not vote on the minimum wage bill ...and therefore does not have to defend that vote in his district.

Rory Blake would love to have the netroots and the progressive movement as an essential component of his campaign. He feels that America has lost it's sense of community ...and worse, yet, the appreciation for those values that make communities and our nation great. These are among the many good things that the netroots can bring to a campaign.

Please consider supporting the Rory Blake campaign: http://www.blake06.com

Posted by: bubbleboy at August 17, 2006 02:08 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate Jeeni Criscenzo, running for Congress in the 49th District. This is Northern San Deigo County in a traditionally "red" area, yearning for a Representative more in touch "on the ground" and free from ties with the current Administration in Washington. Darrell Issa, her Republican opponent, is a 3 term congressman, was supportive of Duke Cunningham until convicted, is the richest man in congress, despite (or because of?) an unsavory past. His bankrolling of the Gray Davis Recall in California is still deeply resented. Strange outcomes in a blue-leaning state with "red pockets." Jeeni presents a refreshing contrast to Issa. She is an upfront, present,activist candidate, a true, blue Democrat who supports working people and is not beholden to special interests. She is running a "grassroots" campaign that covers a sprawling district with a diverse population. She was opposed to the United States invasion of Iraq months before the troops went in; her conviction that we must get out "yesterday" was confirmed by her conversations with a variety of Iraqi citizens she met during her recent trip to Amman, Jordan. Jeeni is a peace candidate, has been endorsed by ImpeachPAC (only one of three); she has embraced the realities of the Al Gore film AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. All in all Jeeni is a PERSON with passionate convictions first and a politican second. Walking the talk, she practices voluntary simplicity, walks or uses public transportation whenever possible. Jeeni believes that rather than a smear campaign during these last two months her best publicity will be voters who will say, "I met that woman and I know she is honest and genuinely cares about me and my family." Thank you for considering this remarkable woman.
Carol

Posted by: callie at August 17, 2006 03:08 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

support BILL DURSTON for congress in CA 3rd district.

Posted by: JOHANNA at August 17, 2006 04:34 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I wish to nominate Tony Trupiano for U.S. Congress from Michigan's 11 district. Why support Tony you ask? Well his campaign has hit the ground running. As early as November of 2005 Tony called for impeachment of President Bush. He did it boldly and without reservation.

Tony is running in a district that in the past barely broke on the republican side. This year its looking more like 50/50. Tony has a commited staff and great numbers of volunteers to keep the campaign active. He has recieved many endorsements, such as Sen Carl Levin, Max Cleland, the building trades, and he proudly recieved impeachpac.orgs first endorsement.

Tony's opponent Thad McCotter is a bush lackey. Hes tied in strongly with Delay and Abramhoff money. He basically has introduced no original legislation during his terms in office. He just votes the bush way and hangs out. He is a do nothing.

We have a real chance to take this district in November, we just need more dollars.

Tony is a real person who can take our concerns to Washington.

http://www.tony4congress2006.com/

Posted by: blueeyedpupil at August 17, 2006 06:01 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

The 11th congressional district in Illinois is currently represented by a Republican who is as out of touch with the middle class as any in Congress today. The Democratic challenger, John Pavich, offers the voters a clear choice between more incompetence, indifference and plain old common sense. John is fighting an uphill battle in a heavily gerry mandered district but if grassroots Democrats and Independents concerned about the direction our nation has been taking these past few years actively engage this is a race that can be won.

Posted by: access88200 at August 17, 2006 09:15 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I nominate Jeeni Criscenzo, running for Congress in the 49th District. This is Northern San Deigo County in a traditionally "red" area, yearning for a Representative more in touch "on the ground" and free from ties with the current Administration in Washington. Darrell Issa, her Republican opponent, is a 3 term congressman, was supportive of Duke Cunningham until convicted, is the richest man in congress, despite (or because of?) an unsavory past. His bankrolling of the Gray Davis Recall in California is still deeply resented. Jeeni is running a "grassroots" campaign that covers a sprawling district with a diverse population. She was opposed to the United States invasion of Iraq months before the troops went in; her conviction that we must get out "yesterday" was confirmed by her conversations with a variety of Iraqi citizens she met during her recent trip to Amman, Jordan. Jeeni is a peace candidate, has been endorsed by ImpeachPAC (only one of three); she has embraced the realities of the Al Gore film AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. All in all Jeeni is a PERSON with passionate convictions first and a politican second. Thank you for considering this remarkable woman.

Posted by: Tom at August 18, 2006 02:39 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I would like to see support for Dr. Bill Durston who is a progressive democrat running agains Dan Lungren in California's 3rd Congressional District. Bill is a man of impeccable character who has taken a leave from his emergency room practice to challenge a lockstep Bush congressman in the hopes that we can restore our country's integrity in the world by holding this administration responsible for its egegious conduct and its insufferable arrogance. Bill would like to hold this adminstration to the rule of law! He realizes that if not him then who for so many of the current congressmen are either unwilling to hold this administration accountable or they agree with it and are therefore as culpable as Bush and his gang! Bill truly believes that he and we can make a difference if we will only stand up and be heard!! He desperately needs support from like minded individuals. He has no large donors standing in line to write the big checks necessary to run an effective campaign against an entrenched opponent but he can run and win if all of us little guys come to his aid and he understands that it is through sites like this that he has the chance to connect to those individuals and through them to take the fight to Dan Lungren. If you believe in democracy and wish to end the dictatorial government we now have please support Dr. Bill Durston for Congress in California's 3rd Congressional District.

Posted by: patricklaskey at August 18, 2006 03:05 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

California is known as a blue state but the truth is that it is only blue around the edges! The Republicans "own" the inner state and the trend is not in our favor! For the Republicans to win California it would be the biggest coup of all times and we cannot let that happen! This year we have our best ever opportunity to take down one of the biggest of the big dogs: John T. Doolittle. Doolittle was Tom Delay's waterboy and the only congressman complicit with both Abramoff and Cunningham. He also is the one that uses his wife to collect 15% of all his bribes for his personal use! His brand of politics is the most viscious of the viscous. He dictates to the local Republican party all the way down to city councils and school boards. For the first time in forever we have a candidate who can go toe-to-toe with him on all the issues and is running a spot-on grassroots campaign. But funding is an issue. Because of gerrymandering this is a "red" district and the state and national party see is as a loser. But this year it is not. Doolittle is very vulnerable. For the first time he spent over a million dollars on a primary and has already sent out slanderous mail on our candidate. He is truly feeling threatened, as he well should. Our candidate, Charles Brown, USAF Lt. Col (retired) has the creds to match Doolittle. He has personal experience to back his anti-Iraq war stance, he supports Progressive positions on issues, he is a proven leader and a coalition builder. He holds teaching creditials and served as a professional member of his local police force before resigning to campaign full time. He has the best chance of defeating this 26 year Republican dictator and this is the best year to take last, most corrupt, congressman left standing, down.

Posted by: elsiesmith at August 18, 2006 05:31 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Are we idiots or what? THAT'S the question I've been asking myself these past 6 years of the "Bush-Cheney Horror Show" in the White House. This is the break-or-bust year that will be looked back at and either praised or criticized by progressives such as myself.

In Maine, Olympia Snowe has been able to present a "moderate" persona, however, anyone with any interest at all in the campaign (anyone out there?) knows that Snowe has voted consistently (82%) with the pro-war, freedom-robbing, anti-poor, on and on, cronies, she so wants to divest herself of.

JEAN HAY BRIGHT is a grassroots progressive who has great support in the state and if we can 'swing' enough money to her campaign, will have the wherewithal to let ME residents (75% of who are fed up with our aggression in Iraq) what Snowe's record really is.

Defeating Snowe would send a real message: "You can't hide behind 'moderate' anymore and vote as a right-wing radical!" Please support Jean any way you can and perhaps, come November 8, I won't be asking, "Are we idiots or what?" anymore.

RonPJD
www.MyWorldTomorrow/blogspot.com

Posted by: RonPJD at August 18, 2006 08:28 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Jean Hay Bright shines like a star in Liberty's crown:

We clearly do not have the time nor currency of sane expedience or expectations to even entertain the notion of electing "centrist" mealy-mouthed Democratic pretenders of the Zell Miller variety.

Being from Georgia, I should know.
Embarassingly so...like the SNL skit.
Sheesh.

Lieberman's dramatic fall is clear evidence that America is awakening from her plutocratic date-rape, and the Rove-roofies are wearing off.

Cheney's howling on this is confirmation that his nightmare appearance at the dock of the Hague MAY be becoming a reality, and Shrub's bitch-slap back to CONSTITUTIONAL reality by the Federal Court seems to have prompted another Rovian media-distraction-event even eclipsing the Michael Jackson dog and pony show.

On the SAME DAY... with Jonbenet! How truly dark.

Were we to have this same breathtaking political skill to deal competently (read diplomatically and sanely) with foreign and domestic policy instead of the 24-7 image marketing and posterior-covering on fascist steroids, just think where we COULD be, especially in the eyes of the global community as well as the explosive energy conundrum that drives this runaway bus.

Olympia Snow votes 82% of the time with the Oily Neo-Fascists (nothing "conservative" about them, so let's get the lexicon RIGHT: Cheney clearly confirmed this with his most Stalinist statement on whom HE thought should be the DEMOCRATIC nominee, and calling anyone who disagreed a TERRORIST. How telling of his true nature.)

Jean Hay Bright shines like a star in Liberty's crown through the smoke and stench of the bloody and corrupt wasteland that corporate gunrunners and their unholy alliance with plutocratic vermin have brought US via a complicit and compliantly (de-regulated and un-faired) incestuous national (State) media.

Faux rules!

Don't forget their VERY helpful packs of digitally demagogic Elmer Gantry theocratic wannabees and the extremely partisan and most convenient Elect-O-Matic machine manufacturers, two of whom are actually brothers!

You know...like FLA Jeb ...and the "winner".

So, get the blinking, scratching and dry mouth out of the way, pick up a broom, a spine and a voice and work hard for Jean Hay Bright and all those who offer REAL solutions and REAL track records to prove it.

Do not be fooled by the same huckstery, smoke, mirrors and fear mongering that got us here.

Stand solid for the Constitution AND a clean and verified vote, not another sappy and criminally contrived episode of "Leave It To Rove-r."

The climb out can be exhilarating, in a truly AMERICAN sort of way, but only if you ignore the distractions:
Don't rubberneck at their (staged)
train wrecks...or drink their Kool-Aid.

Posted by: BluesHarp at August 18, 2006 11:41 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I wish to nominate Jeeni Criscenzo running for congress in the CA-49th District. There are flocks of highly principled and capable Democratic candidates flying free to the finish line and there are others of mediocre calibre running because they think they can make a difference but might only fall in line with the political truthiness if and when they are elected.

Jeeni is one of a new breed of candidates who values the principles of peace, sharing and non-violence against nature and humans more than just winning for the sake of it. But dont get it wrong, she is also a fighter for the cause of democratic values, citizens rights and well being of the society. When she speaks to you, she brings out a tear or two yet wakes up the passion in you to go serve her cause and our nation.

If we had even 10 Jeeni Criscenzos in our congress, this world would be an immensely improved one.

Posted by: JayJ at August 18, 2006 12:01 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Dave Mejias is the best candidate out there for New York's Third Congressional District!

He has already been endorsed by the New York State AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers (UAW), and the Working Families Party which shows his strong committment to working families. Mr. Mejias wants to raise the minimum wage, unlike Peter King who voted against a raise six times and would only allow a recent vote on the issue, if a tax cut for the wealthy was also included. This is the same Peter King who also voted against the Family and Medical Leave Act in the 1990s.

Another reason to support Dave Mejias is because of his willingness to look after the elderly. Mr. Mejias disagrees with privatizing Social Security, unlike Peter King. Let us remember that this is not the only time Peter King refused to stand up for our seniors. He voted to against money for the federal Meals on Wheels program and others that would assist lower-income seniors in paying for their heat and air conditioning bills. Isn't it vital to make sure that the elderly stay as healthy as possible?

Please vote for Dave Mejias on November 7th because he will stand up for hard-working Americans and our seniors!

Posted by: electionsjunkie16 at August 18, 2006 12:40 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment