At a pro-war rally in our nation's capitol yesterday, hosted by the right-wing group Vets for Freedom, congressional candidate David Bellavia made a major faux pas in his introductory statements before John McCain took the podium. “Rest assured that people like Senator McCain will be the goal and the men that my two young boys will emulate an admire. You can have your Tiger Woods. We have Senator McCain!" Bellavia bellowed, implicitly referring to Barack Obama, eliciting a chorus of "ooooh"'s from the mostly white crowd. He later referred to John McCain as "the real audacity of hope." All hail the mighty Republicans-- the party of racial insensitivity!
If this were just some average citizen venting venom and casting condescension, it would not be worthy of notice. But this guy is running for Congress in the 26th District of New York State. The fact that the GOP firmly stands behind him as he rattles off this incendiary rhetoric-- McCain made no reference to Bellavia's statements in his own speech, which directly followed-- shows what a disgusting operation the GOP truly is.
Unfortunately, the mainstream media has largely ignored the incident-- Keith Olbermann commented on it on "Countdown," and the issue was visited by Chris Matthews on "Hardball," but it hasn't made headlines in a big way. Hopefully, it will at least catch the eyes of voters in the Buffalo area, and in neighboring upstate districts. NY-26 looks to be an easy win for us this year, as Jon Powers is a strong candidate; I just hope this incident at least has a ripple effect in the region, if not the nation.
In the battle to replace retiring GOP crumb-bum Tom Reynolds, the GOP suffered a couple of recruiting blows this week. First it was state Sen. George Maziarz, a Reynolds protégé considered by some to be a strong candidate to hold the seat, who decided to pass on the race after signaling interest last week.
Now it looks like the GOP's second choice, state Assemblyman Jim Hayes, is also saying no to a bid for the seat.
As The Albany Project notes, this isn't a good development for GOP unity:
When Sen. George Maziarz announced yesterday that he would not run for Congress, the likelihood of a primary increased. With Hayes not entering, the probability of a primary just skyrocketed. Hayes and Maziarz were the top two contenders for this seat and they both don't want it. That will leave a crowded field jockeying for position.
As many as five Republicans might run for the seat, while the Democratic field includes Iraq vet Jon Powers (whom the Cook Political Report calls the "likely Democratic nominee") and Buffalo attorney Alice Kryzan. Kooky millionaire industrialist Jack Davis is itching to run again, and Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul is also expressing interest in the seat. Erie County Dems, however, want to get the show on the road -- they plan on making an endorsement "within a week or two".
NY-26 Democratic candidate Jon Powers is gaining more and more momentum. In fact, his campaign is at an excellent point right now. On Thursday, Powers was endorsed by the Wyoming County Democratic Committee. This was the fourth county Democratic committee to endorse Powers in his run to unseat Tom Reynolds.
The announcement regarding the endorsement came attached with a list of those who have already endorsed Powers.
NY-26 Democratic candidate Jon Powers issued a press release today outlining his fundraising figures from the 4th quarter of 2007 and his overall totals to date.
From an e-mailed press release:
Jon Powers, Iraq war veteran, former U.S. Army Captain and Democratic candidate for Congress in New York's 26th congressional district announced today that his campaign raised over $369,000 in 2007, with $139,000 raised in the 4th quarter. This brings his cash on hand to a healthy $261,000 heading into the election year.
"Traveling across western New York and listening to so many families and small business owners having to make great sacrifices to make ends meet each month, you can't help but notice the deep insecurities that come with feeling left behind by leadership that puts special interests before working families," Powers said. "To see them rally to our campaign with their ideas, time, and hard-earned paychecks is such an honor."
The campaign's 4th quarter filing will reflect $139,323 from over 500 individual donors.
Online fundraising has gone exceptionally well, indicating the buzz surrounding Jon's campaign is continuing. 68% of Jon's total donations were received online, putting his campaign among the national leaders when it comes to online fundraising.
The campaigns' grassroots efforts are being well received: 61% of donations were $50 and under, with 87% of contributions coming from individuals.
This building momentum speaks to Powers' support in the district and shows that people are ready for a leader who will fight to change course in Iraq, fight for better paying jobs at home, and a brand of leadership that puts hardworking middle class families first instead of special interest groups. This quarter, Jon Powers has also received endorsements from Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans counties Democratic committees.
"If we're going to see change in Washington that impacts the working families here at home, we need to change the people we send to Washington," Powers said. "I'm running for Congress to be a voice for families in western New York, finally putting their kitchen table concerns ahead of the special interests."
That's right. Powers raised $139,323 in the fourth quarter, for a total of over $369,000 raised in 2007. He also has over $261,000 cash on hand.
Pretty impressive. I know the Powers campaign has been working very hard and Jon has worked very hard to raise money and to reach out to possible donors and current donors as well.
Jon has the momentum. In nine months, we hope to have Jon elected into Congress in New York's 26th congressional district.
Some people are just born with perfect political names. John Courage. Charlie Justice. Jon Powers.
And then there's Dick Swett.
If you thought the Swing State Project was above this sort of thing, you were sadly wrong. But seeing as the two most popular TV shows among this site's readers are The Simpsons and Family Guy, I'm not worried.
And man, there are some great names running this year. An early favorite is down in TX-22, where you've got Mayor John Manlove. (Not joking.) Out in NJ-07, there's Deputy Mayor Chris Venis. (Cue Beavis.) I know there are more out there.
So, tell us, what are your favorite political names? They can be ridiculous or awesome. And they don't just have to be from this cycle - any point in history, from any English-speaking country, will work. Come on people, make me smile!
NY-26 Democratic candidate Jon Powers had a great week in his race for Republican Rep. Tom Reynolds' House seat.
It all started with a fundraiser in Buffalo. Rep. Steve Israel from New York's 2nd District attended the fundraiser to show his strong support for Powers.
Israel touted Jon's military record, as well as his message of leadership by example. Following Israel, Powers spoke about the concerns of Western New Yorkers. Powers said that WNYers' first concern is jobs. The second concern is jobs and probably the third is jobs as well. The jobs issue is an important one for people in the 26th district.
Another day, another big endorsement for Jon Powers.
Today, the Powers campaign announced that former U.S. Senator and 9/11 Commission member Bob Kerrey has endorsed Jon Powers in his race for Tom Reynolds' seat in New York's 26th congressional district:
"With the utter lack of accountability we've seen in Washington these past several years, Congress desperately needs more leaders like Jon Powers, "Kerrey said. "I'm endorsing Jon Powers for Congress because he leads by example, calls things as he sees them, and is dedicated to getting things done."
"Throughout his exemplary service in the US Army, Jon Powers was recognized for his ability to solve difficult problems and achieve real results," said Kerrey. "These days, it's disappointingly rare when any of us can say the same of Congress or the federal government."
"Especially in times like these, Washington needs - and New York will benefit from - Jon Powers' refreshing style of leadership-by-example."
Here in New York's 26th congressional district, we have two interesting races developing: A Democratic primary which will decide who gets the right (and/or privilege) to challenge Rep. Tom Reynolds in the 2008 elections.
Those of you who attended YearlyKos know that Iraq War Veteran Jon Powers is one Democratic candidate. I met Jon at the Orleans County Democratic Party picnic in July. I conducted an interview with him at the time for the Journal-Register. It was at that time that I extended my hand and told him that I wanted to work on his campaign.
Powers declared in June and has since traveled throughout the 26th congressional district spreading his message to people. Thanks to his hard work, he already has netted two local endorsements plus a huge national endorsement.
