Well, I don't know who else to include in the tags, but this thread is about people who lost races--even if by landslides--who we think have real potential to do something awesome.
Democratic Nebraska Senate candidate Scott Kleeb outraised former Bush Administration official and governor of Nebraska Mike Johanns in Q2. Johanns raised nearly $683,000 while Kleeb raised nearly $700,000.
This is huge news for Kleeb. Johanns has a head start since he started campaigning in September and Scott only got in the race in February but since February Scott has raised more then Johanns. Still those almost five months gave Johanns close to 2 million dollars and it's important to close the gap. Scott is a great candidate and if we want to get to 60 seats and get stuff done in 2009 then we're going to need to win this race. Nebraska native Mike Lux has made that case well.
This is a key race that is winnable but Kleeb needs all the support we can give him. He's very close to the $1,000,000 mark. Let's put him over the top. We've got to stand with those who stand with us.
Rasmussen sure has a lot of good news for us lately (likely voters, 5/15):
Scott Kleeb (D): 40
Mike Johanns (R): 55
(MoE: ±4%)
This race is definitely one of the longer shots of 2008, but Kleeb at 40% is definitely a strong position for a Nebraska Democrat to start off at, especially against a popular former Governor like Johanns, who is viewed favorably by 65% of the state's voters. Kleeb's favorables are at 56%.
In the Presidential race, McCain leads Obama here by a relatively modest 50-39. (You may recall that Kerry lost Nebraska by a whopping 66-33.) Incidentally, Clinton would lose the state by a much wider 57-34. I wish Rasmussen's crosstabs would break down the results by congressional district, because I suspect the Omaha-based NE-02 might be in play.
In the opinion of Quinn McCord at the National Journal, a primary between candidates Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo will actually bring about more positive than negative results for the eventual nominee. McCord argues that, because both candidates are relatively unknown statewide, a primary will increase exposure for the eventual nominee. So, I'm curious: does the readership here at SSP concur with McCord, or do you think a primary will ultimately bruise the eventual nominee, rendering him weaker against Mike Johanns?
The other day I was sitting in my living room wearing my UNO College Democrats hoodie when I picked up the living section of the Omaha World Herald. Let me share with you what I read:
"The death knell is tolling for the Nebraska Democratic Party, whose last, best hope -- a guy from New York -- chose Wednesday not to enter the race for U.S. Senate...
The two-party system in Nebraska, in effect, has died. If you aspire to high office, or even low office, you had better register with the GOP like almost everyone else."
Now that should upset every Democrat who lives in Nebraska, has lived in Nebraska, has stepped foot in Nebraska, hell, it should upset every Democrat ever! I know it made me mad, so I framed it and hung it in my office. Motivation!
Now what are we going to do about it? I say we make a statement in Nebraska, we give the Omaha World Herald a new story to write about. That story is fourth generation Nebraskan Scott Kleeb who is pondering a run for U.S. Senate. His amazing campaign in Nebraska's conservative third Congressional district is a testament to what Democrats can and should be doing here in the state.
The last week has been a roller-coaster. Bob Kerrey demurs, the Facebook group explodes, the website launch (DraftKleeb.com), and all the local press has blown me away. But we can not stop this movement yet, and we need your help.
If you haven't done so please join the Facebook group (also invite all your friends) and sign the petition. Post about us on your blog, or a national blog you have yet to see us on. (also, email me at mike@draftkleeb.com if you do so I can make sure to participate!)
Our goal is to raise $1,000 and have 100 donors in one week. We have set up an ActBlue page. All the money will go to Scott Kleeb's next campaign. Whether it be for Senate or the House. We have to show Mr. Kleeb that we will have his back in this race because it will not be an easy one.
This seat is winnable. While untested, Johanns and Bruning (I hear Pat Flynn is running too...) are powerful figures in Nebraska politics. But they can be brought down if we work hard enough.
That work has to start now and it has to start with us!
The entire ticket in the state of Nebraska depends on who our Senate nominee is. Believe me when I tell you how amazing out lineup is this cycle. It's full of candidates that can make the kind of change we all want to see. On top of that, a successful showing in 2008 will help Nebraska Democrats take back the Governors Mansion in 2010, the Omaha City Council in 2009, and maybe even the State Senate later down the road. That is truly imperative.
We can not meet our goal without you. Please just donate five dollars, ten dollars, whatever you can spare. I plan on putting some in as soon as I get paid this week. Help us make a difference. Help us motivate Nebraska Democrats so we can begin to turn the tide in our great state.
(Interesting. Kleeb is now actively raising money, and such funds can only be used in a campaign for federal office. What might he have in mind? Another crack at NE-03 (the sixth-most Republican district in the nation, according to its PVI)? Or perhaps he's angling for a Senate bid should Fahey or Kerrey decline a race? Nebraska: ever the wild card. - promoted by James L.)
The surprise candidate of the 2006 cycle in Nebraska is exploring another run for office in 2008.
As each day passes, I am more and more appreciative of what we accomplished together on our campaign for Congress last year. I can say without a doubt that the campaign was the most rewarding, most energizing and most inspiring endeavor in which I have ever been involved. Since then, I remain excited about our future in Nebraska and am currently exploring several options to continue and expand our campaign.
From Columbus to Scottsbluff, from Valentine to McCook, we sparked a conversation across our district that rejected partisan politics and embraced the common belief among all Nebraskans that together we can create a better life for ourselves and for our children, that we can again believe in that common bond of faith in a democratic process, that we can again believe that our fates are connected and that together we make more of an impact than we can separately.
