Western Democrat

Meet the Udalls

Outside magazine has a great profile on cousins Tom and Mark Udall. Go read it and learn more about one of the great Western Democratic families.

While you're at it, please give Tom and Mark Udall some of your spare change, to assist their campaigns to bring more and better Democrats to the Senate (and more and better Udalls).

Click here to contribute to Tom Udall's campaign to take back Pete Domenici's seat in New Mexico.

Click here to contribute to Mark Udall's campaign to turn Colorado bluer than it already is.

kencamp | March 10, 2008 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Meet the Udalls | TrackBack (0) Arizona, Colorado, Congress, New Mexico

NM Sen. - Udall is In

Heath Haussamen is reporting that New Mexico Congressman Tom Udall will run for the Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici.

U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., has decided that he will run for the Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici next year. 

 

Udall has called a number of Democratic Party insiders this week, including at least some county party chairs, to inform them of his decision, reliable sources confirmed. A Udall spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

 

kencamp | November 9, 2007 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) Permalink: NM Sen. - Udall is In | TrackBack (0) Congress, New Mexico, Senators

NM-Sen. Udall Gains Steam

Draft Udall should be gaining some steam right about now, in its efforts to draft New Mexico Congressman Tom Udall for the Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici.

A Research 2000 poll conducted for Daily Kos shows Udall performing the best among all Democrats not named Bill Richardson (who wasn't included in the poll).

Wilson (R) 45             Wilson (R) 44            Wilson (R) 38
Chavez (D) 42            Denish (D) 43             Udall (D) 55

Pearce (R) 40          Pearce (R) 39            Pearce (R) 37       
Chavez (D) 39          Denish (D) 45            Udall (D) 54

It's poll numbers like this that have led declared candidate, Albuquerque's Democratic Mayor Martin Chavez to already go negative on Udall, before he's even a candidate. While Chavez is losing to both Republican candidates in the poll, Udall crushes them. While Congressman Udall is reconsidering running for the Senate, perhaps Martin Chavez has something entirely diferent to reconsider: whether its worth it to stay in the race if Tom Udall gets in.

Did I mention that Congressman Udall has some impressive progressive credentials?

In case you haven't done it yet, go visit the Draft Udall ActBlue page and show Congressman Tom Udall some love. And while you're at it, visit Draft Udall and sign the petition.

kencamp | November 8, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: NM-Sen. Udall Gains Steam | TrackBack (0) Congress, New Mexico, Senators

Chris Dodd takes a stand

Chris Dodd hails from the other end of the country (Connecticut), but he has taken a stand on telecom immunity and the constitution that shows real leadership. You may or may not agree with him (and I agree with him), but here at Western Democrat, we admire political courage and the willingness to take a stand on principle, especially a principle like defending the constitution and the rule of law.

Leo Brown | October 27, 2007 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Chris Dodd takes a stand | TrackBack (0) Congress, Presidential Politics

Insufferable, Ignorant and Intolerant

Idaho Congressman Bill Sali (R-Intolerant) strikes again, showing just how ignorant he really is, taking issue with cultures that are not his own. Not that this is the first time or anything.

In an interview posted online this week by the Christian news outlet American Family News Network, Sali said: "We have not only a Hindu prayer being offered in the Senate, we have a Muslim member of the House of Representatives now, Keith Ellison from Minnesota. Those are changes — and they are not what was envisioned by the Founding Fathers. The principles that this country was built on, that have made it great over these centuries were Christian principles derived from Scriptures. You know, the Lord can cause the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike." [emphasis mine]

Looks like Bill Sali has taken a page out of his colleague Virgil Goode's playbook. I hope George Allen and Conrad Burns have trademarked their bigoted catchphrases because Bill Sali might just start using them.

Here's a little civics lesson for you Bill. Those "Christian principles derived from Scriptures" that you speak of, allow for the separation of church and state. It's called the first Amendment to the Constitution. And I thought memorized recitation of the U.S. Constitution was a litmus test for Republican Congressmen. So take your theocracy to some other country. And thanks for the imitation of Pat Robertson.

There is hope for Idaho, however. Larry Grant is running again, so go give Larry some love and let's retire ignorance from the U.S. House of Representatives.

kencamp | August 13, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Insufferable, Ignorant and Intolerant | TrackBack (0) Congress, Idaho

2008 House and Senate Races

Under my New York, New York post below, a reader asks what our Democratic pickup opportunities are in the West in the House and Senate in 2008.

The way I see it there are lots of opportunities in the House:
Ethical issues: Rick Renzi (AZ-01), John Doolittle (CA-04), Jerry Lewis (CA-41), Gary Miller (CA-42)
Possible retirements: AK-AL, CA-24, CA-25, CA-41, CA-52, MT-AL, WY-AL
Other close races from 2006: CO-04, ID-01, NM-01, NV-02, NV-03, WA-08

However, there are fewer good opportunities in the Senate. Beyond a very promising pick up opportunity in CO, possible retirements include AK, ID, and NM.

With falling presidential poll numbers and no end in sight to the war in Iraq, GOP will have its hands full defending seats all across the country. Overall, some of our best chances come in the Southwest (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV) where the GOP has been driving away the Hispanic vote with mean-spirited rhetoric. Success in the West will also depend to some extent on the strength or weakness of the presidential ticket. Obama or Richardson would be better than Clinton in this regard.

Anyone want to add to this list?

Leo Brown | July 11, 2007 | Comment on This Post (6 so far) Permalink: 2008 House and Senate Races | TrackBack (0) Congress

Now we're talking. Move the Congress to Denver.

Congressional Quarterly's Craig Crawford has a novel solution to the whole dust-up over whether Speaker Nancy Pelosi can have a bigger plane for her longer nonstop flights to San Francisco than did ex-Speaker Denny Hastert.

Convene Congress in Denver.

Yup, he really said that:

As population shifts further and further west, it does not seem fair for so many lawmakers to have such trouble getting back to their constituents. Why not a summer home for Congress in Denver? ...

The Constitution does not require Congress to meet in Washington. And wouldn’t it be nice to share those lobbyist expense accounts with restaurants in the heartland?

Hot damn. Who needs the DNC Convention when you can move Congress?

Kari Chisholm | February 9, 2007 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Now we're talking. Move the Congress to Denver. | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress, Media Coverage

2008 and House Candidates in the West

Swing State Project recently listed ten Democratic House Candidates who ran close, but unsuccessful, races in 2006, and should run again. These are good candidates who ran in tough districts and now have some name recognition for a second attempt. Of particular note is that half of these are in the West:

Charlie Brown CA-4
Larry Grant ID-1
Tessa Hafen NV-3
Darcy Burner WA-8
Gary Truaner WY-AL

The New York Times and CQ Politics recently reported a list of fifteen close 2006 House races. Again five, though not the same five, are in the West.

CO-4
NV-3
NM-1
WA-8
WY-AL

Combining the two lists already gives us seven House seats to watch in the West in 2008. Two of the seven are in blue states (CA, WA). Two are in the red states (ID, WY). Three are in red states considered to be trending purple (CO, NV, NM).

The focus in 2008 will be on the top of the ticket, but we are now seeing how important control of the House is. Continuing or expanding Democratic control of the House in 2008 may well depend on having a Presidential ticket that can run well in the West.

Leo Brown | January 6, 2007 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) Permalink: 2008 and House Candidates in the West | TrackBack (0) California, Colorado, Congress, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, Wyoming

Moving money from Big Oil to the Big Future

This could be a huge development for America's energy future and a large step in the right direction for renewable energy projects across the West:

House Democrats in the first weeks of the new Congress plan to establish a dedicated fund to promote renewable energy and conservation, using money from oil companies.

That's only one legislative hit the oil industry is expected to take next year as a Congress run by Democrats is likely to show little sympathy to the cash-rich, high-profile business.

Whether the issue is rolling back tax breaks - some approved by Congress only 18 months ago - pushing for more use of ethanol and other biofuels instead of gasoline, or investigations into shortfalls in royalty payments to the government, oil industry lobbyists will spend most of their time playing defense.

Details of a renewable fuels fund have yet to be worked out.

Nonetheless, it's one of the initiatives the House will take up during its first 100 hours in session in January, according to aides to Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi. At least some of the money - revenue gained by rolling back some tax breaks - will go to a program to support research into making ethanol from sources other than corn.

This article goes into some other length about improperly written lease agreements with oil and gas companies that will end up (if properly modified) to return almost 10 billion dollars to the Federal Government. That's money that can be spend on the future of our country, not the past.

When I read articles like these I think about all the perceptual changes that will start to come about now that the Democrats control both Houses of Congress. When average hard working Americans see the minimum wage increase, see ethics reforms and see their government investing money in the future than we can start to build on the progressive gains made this year out here in the West or anywhere where hard working Americans want a government that works for them.

Landon Mascareñaz | December 29, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Moving money from Big Oil to the Big Future | TrackBack (0) Congress, National Leadership, Policy Issues

The Big Blue Line

With Ciro beating Bonilla in the TX 23 tonight, there is a big blue line from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico (except for one district in New Mexico) that has elected to send Democrats to Washington. Including two new ones this year.

A big part of the West, El Norte is Blue.

Emmett O'Connell | December 12, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: The Big Blue Line | TrackBack (0) Congress, Demographics

Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada are now blue states

Emmett pointed us to the great article from the Salt Lake Tribune that had this great quote:

A Tribune analysis of U.S. House results shows that Democrats have narrowed a 20-point GOP edge in 2000 to a slim 48 percent to 47 percent deficit in 2006. In three states - Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico - Democrats have turned their red states blue, winning a majority in the House races.

...but the article also included great chart that tells the tale. Download the PDF here, or just take a peek (click to zoom):

Kari Chisholm | November 20, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada are now blue states | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress, Media Coverage, Nevada, New Mexico

A flip-flop I can respect

Chalk up a big victory for conservation in New Mexico and the West:

In a stunning turn of events Thursday that has all the earmarks of smart politics, Republican Sen. Pete Domenici of Albuquerque reversed his long-standing opposition to protecting [Valle Vidal] the tract.

Domenici, who had bottled up Valle Vidal protection legislation in his committee this year, suddenly released the enabling legislation Thursday, brought it to the Senate floor with the support of fellow New Mexico Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman - a steadfast supporter of Valle Vidal protection - and saw it pass the Republican- dominated Senate unanimously.

That's not all. Domenici, who is chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which Bingaman will take over next year, said he "is confident" that President Bush will sign the bill protecting the 101,784-acre preserve from oil and gas drilling.

This was on the top of the conservationist agenda for many years and should be seen as a great victory in the preservation of our natural resources.

This may have something to do with his certain re-election in 2008:

Domenici told me one day after the election, and again on Friday, that he fully intends to run for a seventh term in 2008. He said despite some injuries and related health problems that have nagged him for years, he'd still rather report to the Senate every morning than sit home watching the action on C-Span.

While Domenici is certainly favored to win re-election by a wide margin, it is hard not to see moves like this as either A: securing his legacy, in preparation for retirement or B: appealing the conservationist lobby. Since Domenici has held the legislation down for so long, it makes you wonder if the senior senator is seriously thinking of retirement.

Check out the great posts by New Mexico FBIHOP about the possible race for Pete's Seat. I'd love to see Udall make the move, but maybe that's my NM-3 bias...

Landon Mascareñaz | November 20, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: A flip-flop I can respect | TrackBack (0) Congress, New Mexico, Policy Issues, Senators

Course change out West

Salt Lake Tribune:

After the Republican landslide of 1994, Democrats spent six years in a Western political wilderness. But since 2000, Democrats regionwide have hacked into the Republican majorities.

A Tribune analysis of U.S. House results shows that Democrats have narrowed a 20-point GOP edge in 2000 to a slim 48 percent to 47 percent deficit in 2006. In three states - Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico - Democrats have turned their red states blue, winning a majority in the House races.

In 1996, the eight states in the Rocky Mountain West sent 18 Republicans and four Democrats to the House. When Congress convenes next year, there will be 11 Democrats and 15 Republicans representing the Western districts.

Democrats now control five of the eight governorships and, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, picked up seats in five of the eight legislatures in 2006.

"All the way from Canada to Mexico you're seeing blue," says New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

And, guess what? If Kerry had won those three states where Democrats beat Republicans in house races in 2006, he'd be President. Take that Ohio. And Florida.

Emmett O'Connell | November 20, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Course change out West | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors, The Big Strategy

Goldmark should get back on the horse

Getting back on the horse shouldn't be hard for a horseman from the Okanogan. Peter Goldmark lost, but if he runs again in two year, I think he'll win.

Goldmark did better in every single county, rural or otherwise, across the WA-5 than 2004's sacrificial lamb, Don Barbieri (2004 and 2006 results). The only county where he didn't markedly improve the Democratic margin was Spokane County, where one would assume a Democrat would poll the strongest. He proved a Democrat can be competitive in rural eastern Washington, and by improving margins in the more urban 5th, he can win.

This year's finish by Goldmark was actually the best result for a Democrat in the 5th since Tom Foley was picked off by George Nethercutt in 1994.

So, what can Goldmark do to win in a couple of years?

Keep on running. Its only just over a year until the campaign actually begins again, Goldmark should use the next year to raise his profile among Democrats where they actually are in the district, Spokane, Pullman and Walla Walla. Be seen in those meetings, go to JJ Dinners and bid on crappy auction items.

Use the Democratic majority in Washington (state and DC) to his advantage. One of Goldmark's chief Democratic sponsors, Rep. Norm Dicks, will be the chair of interior appropriations in the next Congress. Washington also has a Democratic governor and large Democratic majorities in the state legislator. Use those.

Its not totally unheard of for Washington governors to go overseas on trade missions to promote Washington goods. Most of those goods come from eastern Washington, and who better to send than an Okanogan rancher?

One of McMorris's strengths the past couple of years was that she was in the majority, and that she could "deliver" for the 5th. She won't be this time around, and she'll suffer through two years as a bank bencher in the minority party. The Washington delegation can use Goldmark as "their man in the 5th," sort of how Sen. Ted Stevens used senatorial candidate Mike McGavick when he needed to give someone credit for keeping oil tankers out of Puget Sound.

I could also imagine Goldmark traveling to the other Washington to lobby transportation appropriations chair Sen. Patty Murray for some new roads and Dicks for some salmon recovery money.

Keep the website up and use it. If the 2004 Democratic primary was the meetup election, the 2006 general was the Youtube election. What you do on the internet is becoming increasingly important. And, its a cheap way to keep your name out there between elections.

What Goldmark does with his web presence now, how consistent he is with connecting with his supporters, will matter a lot in two years. McMorris is still the elected official, so she'll get most of the free media from local tv and print, but Goldmark can dominate her on the internet. So blog, vlog and podcast.

Goldmark also got a lot of support from the Washington state blogosphere, by keeping his presence up and current will only boost that support that much more.

Emmett O'Connell | November 10, 2006 | Comment on This Post (6 so far) Permalink: Goldmark should get back on the horse | TrackBack (0) Congress, Washington

A word of thanks

Our victory in the House and in many state houses is now officially matched by victory in the Senate.

Thanks to all the candidates, paid staff, volunteers, financial contributors, bloggers and, of course, voters for their part in this historic election.

Thanks, too, to all those who ran and lost, knowing that they were running an uphill race, but were willing to make huge sacrifices to bring two-party democracy to many previously one-sided districts as part of the fifty-state strategy. Their efforts contributed in a meaningful way to our success and to future successes in their own districts. They gave voice to the unrepresented, provided hope to the discouraged, kept good ideas before the public, and showed the electorate that there are good Democrats in every county and precinct. Some candidates will run again and some will prevail. Some will turn to other pursuits. But we owe all of them our thanks.

Leo Brown | November 9, 2006 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) Permalink: A word of thanks | TrackBack (0) Congress, Senators

Victory, my friends.

We won big last night. We've gained a solid majority in the House and we stand on the verge of taking the Senate. We have a woman Speaker of the House and Democratic control for the first time in 12 years.

That is all fine and good, but let's look at where we won out here in the West (minute snipping occurred):

Arizona's 5th: Harry Mitchell (D) 51 percent, J.D. Hayworth (R) 46 percent

California's 11th: Jerry McNerney (D) 53 percent, Richard Pombo (R) 47 percent

Arizona's 8th: Gabrielle Giffords (D) 54 percent, Randy Graf (R) 42 percent

Colorado's 7th: Ed Perlmutter (D) 55 percent, Rick O'Donnell (R) 42 percent

That's just races that are already decided. Here in New Mexico, we're still waiting on the Madrid-Wilson dead heat, among others across the nation.

But let's not forget what also happened last night:

Democrats made solid gains in governorships across the country, taking Republican posts in Colorado, Arkansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio and retaining every seat they held in 14 states...

Who was the chair of the Democratic Governors Association? Oh that's right: Mr. 68%, Governor Bill Richardson:

Richardson was clobbering challenger John Dendahl with nearly all of the votes counted. He was leading with 68 percent, well on his way to passing the mark of 60.2 percent of the vote posted by Democrat Jack Campbell in 1964. This gives him a place in history as New Mexico's winningest governor.

What a day, what a year. I'm excited for the future of our party and our country. As Madam Speaker Pelosi said last night:

"From sea to shining sea, the American people voted for change," declared Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the hard-charging California Democrat in line to become the nation's first female House speaker.

"Today we have made history," she said, "now let us make progress."

Here, here.

Landon Mascareñaz | November 8, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Victory, my friends. | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors, National Leadership, New Mexico, The Big Strategy

Tester leading...

Of course, the big story in the West is that Jon Tester is leading Conrad Burns. As of 9:30 Mountain Time, he's up 49% to 48% leading by less than 2000 votes, out of nearly 400,000 cast.

In the US House, Democrats won Arizona-5, Arizona-8, California-11 (goodbye Pombo!), and Colorado 7 (Perlmutter). It's still too close to call in California-4 (Brown/Doolittle), New Mexico-1 (Madrid/Wilson), Washington-8 (Burner/Reichert), and Wyoming at-large (Trauner/Cubin). DailyKos has a Western election results tracker.

In the governor's races, Democrats won in Colorado and Oregon - but lost in Alaska, Idaho, and Nevada.

Kari Chisholm | November 8, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Tester leading... | TrackBack (0) Arizona, California, Colorado, Congress, Governors, New Mexico, Senators, Washington, Wyoming

Fearless predictions

Fearless predictions anyone?

The convention wisdom is that the Democrats will take the House, getting more than the required fifteen seats, and pick up six or seven governorships. Senate control is a toss-up, but the Democrats will gain several seats.

The big gains will be in the East and Midwest, but the West and South will contribute as well in the House, Senate, and governors’ races.

Current projections indicate no incumbent Democratic House member, senator, or governor will be defeated.

Will tomorrow be a big wave or a smaller one?

Any predictions for your favorite candidate(s)?

Leo Brown | November 6, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Fearless predictions | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors, Senators

Checklist for Tuesday

CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) created a go-to guide on corruption in Congress to expose and hold accountable members of Congress for their questionable conduct. The list was updated in September to reflect the latest information and the resignation from Congress of three former members of the list, Congressmen Cunningham, Ney, and DeLay.
Here are members of CREW’s list in the West. Note that a Democrat made the list.

Senate:
Conrad Burns (R-MT)

Members of the House:
Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO)
Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Richard Pombo (R-CA)
John Doolittle (R-CA)
Rick Renzi (R-AZ)
Jerry Lewis (R-CA)
Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Gary Miller (R-CA)

Those of you living in Montana, Colorado, and Arizona are watching these races closely.

Unfortunately, some districts have been so gerrymandered that it may take more than one election cycle clean house via the electoral process. The last California redistricting was designed to protect incumbents, which may be why so many Californians are on the list. At least two of these Californians, however, are in tight races.

For Charlie Brown vs. John Doolittle, check out this conclusion from an editorial from the Tahoe Daily Tribune:

Despite the glib picture Mr. Doolittle likes to paint out of desperation, this Congressional race is not between liberals and conservatives. In fact, politics isn't really what's at stake. This election is about right vs. wrong, abuse of power, leading with integrity, protecting the earth, protecting the country and living within our means. For that Charlie Brown has our vote on Nov. 7.

For Jerry McNerney vs. Richard Pombo, check out this conclusion from an editorial in the Modesto Bee:

If you prefer the politics of extremes; if you're OK with selling off national parks; if backroom dealmaking and tainted money suit you; if you embrace out-of-balance budgets and the concentration of wealth — Pombo's your man. But he's no longer ours.

Law enforcement has already taken its toll on CREW’s list.

Let’s see how many the voters will remove tomorrow.

Leo Brown | November 6, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Checklist for Tuesday | TrackBack (0) Arizona, California, Colorado, Congress, Montana, Senators

CO-07: GOP Pulls Out

More good news for Western Democrats. According to the Denver Post, the NRCC has decided to pull its resources from Colorado's 7th Congressional District, in favor of trying to defend incumbent Marilyn Musgrave in CO-04 and Doug Lamborn in CO-05. The C0-07 race was previously discussed as one of the top races in this election cycle, but Ed Perlmutter has proven to be a strong Democratic candidate.

Faced with hard choices in a tough election year, the national GOP is diverting its attention and resources away from Rick O'Donnell.

[...]

"It's remarkable that one of the marquee races of this election is now rarely discussed," said Amy Walter, senior editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, referring to the 7th District race. "Folks in Washington are talking more about Musgrave's seat and the 5th District. It really shows the deepening problems for Republicans nationally."

And if Republicans are worried about Marilyn Musgrave and pouring money into that race, she must be in some serious trouble. Republicans have to believe that Angie Paccione  is about to take out their champion for "traditional marriage". Not to mention that CO-05, home of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson, the Air Force Academy, NORAD, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center, is a traditionally Republican district, and Democrat Jay Fawcett is running a great race.

To volunteer for GOTV efforts:

Angie Paccione (CO-04)
Jay Fawcett (CO-05)
Ed Perlmutter (CO-07)

kencamp | October 30, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: CO-07: GOP Pulls Out | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress

WY-AL: More Good News for Democrats

The good news keeps on coming. The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle has released a poll showing that Democrat Gary Trauner is running within the margin of error with incumbent Republican Congresswoman Barbara Cubin. That means this race is even, and Democrats are poised to pick up a seat in the heart of Dick Cheney country.

U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo., is in a statistical dead heat with Democratic challenger Gary Trauner in the race for state's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The statewide poll, commissioned by the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, shows that of those who are likely to vote, 44 percent supported Cubin and 40.4 percent supported Trauner.

The poll has a margin of error of 4.2 percent.

Libertarian candidate Thomas Rankin garnered 5 percent support, and 8 percent were undecided.

Someone tell Rahm Emanuel to get off of Howard Dean's back. If not for Dean's 50 state strategy (which Rahm decried as a waste of resources) Democrats wouldn't even be running this close in Wyoming or Idaho (and probably a few other places).

kencamp | October 29, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: WY-AL: More Good News for Democrats | TrackBack (0) Congress, Wyoming

ID-Gov and ID-01: Winnable Races for Democrats

I know I've been throwing out a lot of love to Idaho lately, but Democrats in that state are running strong and part of the party's resurgence in the West. New polling shows that the Idaho Governor's race and the 1st Congressional District race are both statistical dead heats.

For the first time since the early 1990s, the outcome of a statewide election appears in doubt with just 10 days to go.

An Idaho Statesman/Today's 6 poll says races for governor, 1st Congressional District and school superintendent are essentially tied.

[...]

In the governor's race, Republican U.S. Rep. Butch Otter leads Democratic newspaper owner Jerry Brady by a single percentage point. Republican state Rep. Bill Sali has a 2 percentage point lead over Democratic businessman Larry Grant for the congressional seat that runs from West Boise north to Canada. In the race to oversee public schools, Democrat Jana Jones leads Republican Tom Luna by 3 percentage points.

The key here is that for the first time since the early 1990's Democrats are running strong and poised to win seats that they haven't controlled in years, and all of this is happening in one of the reddest states in the union.

So since it's late in the game to be donating money, if you live in Idaho (or on the border in eastern Washington or eastern Oregon), please do what you can to help these candidates get out the vote. These races are going to be won by a superior ground game and they need all the volunteers they can get. That's not to say that races in Washington and Oregon aren't important, but we need to help our neighbors when we can.

To volunteer, please contact:

Grant for Congress
Brady for Idaho
Jana Jones for Superintendent of Public Instruction

kencamp | October 29, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: ID-Gov and ID-01: Winnable Races for Democrats | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors, Idaho, Statewides

A National Party No More

I stumbled across this article earlier today and I thought it had a ton of pertinent information for Western Democrats.  The thesis of the article is that this election will herald the first non-southern majority in quite some time (if the Democrats win, that is).  The author argues that 2006 will see final alignment towards the Democrats that the Northeast and uppermidwest has been waiting for:

Five states within this rectangle have three or more Republicans in jeopardy: Connecticut, Indiana, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Democratic candidates in Iowa, Illinois, New Hampshire and Wisconsin are also competitive.

The author also notes that in the West another re-alignment is occurring:

Meanwhile, Republicans are even struggling to hold seats in some distinctly red portions of the country, including eastern Washington, western Idaho, central New Mexico, southeastern Arizona and Wyoming...

Turning westward, Colorado's Bill Ritter is pulling away from Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez, and Dina Titus has been handed a late-campaign windfall in Nevada courtesy of two brewing scandals involving Republican nominee Jim Gibbons. If Mr. Ritter and Ms. Titus both win, the number of Democratic governors in the eight interior West states will jump from four to six. In 2001, there were none.

The final part of the article gives the credit where credit is due:

Ms. Pelosi was raised in Baltimore, but the district she represents is in Berkeley, Calif. Mr. Reid hails from Nevada, and Mr. Richardson is governor of New Mexico. These three Westerners are hoping that January 2007 will be a month filled with moving boxes and moving speeches hallmarking the end of the Republicans' 12-year congressional and gubernatorial reign.

I remember a couple of years ago, Zell Miller published his book "A National Party No More" and concluded that the Democratic Party was not competitive around (and was not representative) of the nation.  How about these apples, Zell?

Where he (and other happy pundits) were so quick to surmise the demise of the Democratic Party around the country, the 2006 election will most likely showcase the suprising lack of strength of the GOP outside of the former Confederacy.  The GOP should be asking itself these questions right now - Can we remain a viable party just catering to the intensity of our southern bloc?  Does the possible success the Democratic Party will show on November 7th highlight the effectiveness of combining progressive issues and good governance in all regions of our country? 

These are serious questions that will haunt the GOP for the next two years.  As I've argued before (and have seen many others argue) that only if the Democratic Party uses this unique opportunity we've been given in 2006 can we forge a new majority in this country that will sustain positive progress among our people and our nation.  I also happen to smile a little bit at the traditional media's awakening that perhaps the GOP isn't as national and broad as it makes itself out to be.  Hopefully, a greater understanding of the latter, combined with good fortune of the former will be in the stars for our party.

It's funny how in two years, the picture can look so different.

Landon Mascareñaz | October 27, 2006 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) Permalink: A National Party No More | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors, Regionalism, The Big Strategy

Cheney To Visit Idaho

Dick Cheney will be in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho next week. I'm sure he won't be there to take some of the Aryan Nation faithful on a hunting trip, despite his fetish for hunting terrorists. Though details are scarce, the only reason Cheney could be in Idaho is to stump for Republican congressional candidate Bill Sali. It's always a great day when Dick Cheney has to fly to one of the reddest states in the union right before the election to campaign for a Republican who is such an idiot that even members of his own party are against him.

Go see for yourself how Republicans feel about Bill Sali. Then read McJoan's excellent post on Larry Grant's campaign over at Daily Kos.

And then do what you can to help Larry Grant. Even $5 will help. Aren't there already enough morons in Congress?

kencamp | October 26, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Cheney To Visit Idaho | TrackBack (0) Congress, Idaho

What races are you interested in?

Two weeks to go. What contests are you interested in? What are you doing to help your favorite candidates?

Has anything changed for you since this post?

Leo Brown | October 24, 2006 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) Permalink: What races are you interested in? | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors

Why Wyoming's Congressional Seat Is In Play

In the first debate between Democrat Gary Trauner and incumbent GOP Congresswoman Barbara Cubin, Trauner showed he is up to the challenge of winning the at-large congressional seat in a historically red state. From the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle:

Trauner, whose only previous political experience is being elected to the school board in the Jackson Hole community of Wilson, said the election presents the "clearest choice" between the current Washington climate or change.

"On one hand, it's business as usual, bitter partisanship and blind allegiance to party, fear tactics, the blame game, $8 trillion of debt, a war without answers, a health care system that's broken and scandal upon scandal," Trauner said.

So Trauner issues a scathing indictment about Cubin and D.C. Republicans. And how does Cubin respond?

Cubin said her representations of his stances are well documented and said if Trauner is elected, liberal Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., could become speaker of the House.

Barbara Cubin is apparently more concerned with Nancy Pelosi than she is with Gary Trauner or the allegations he made about the way she's done the job. And that's why she'll lose in November. That, and Trauner has more money than she does.

kencamp | October 16, 2006 | Comment on This Post (3 so far) Permalink: Why Wyoming's Congressional Seat Is In Play | TrackBack (0) Congress, Wyoming

Denver Post Endorses Democrats

The Denver Post has come out with some strong endorsements of Democrats in key congressional races.

Angie Paccione in CO-04.

We believe Paccione offers the district its best bet for strong representation in Washington. She has been a
productive member of the Colorado House, steering legislation into law to increase penalties against adults who supply alcohol to minors. She co-sponsored a tough bill this year aimed at methamphetamine abuse, which was signed into law.

And furthermore, Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave is a right-wing nutjob on the same level as Mean Jean Schmidt in Ohio. Her particular object of ire is gays and lesbians. Check out the video of Rep. Musgrave speaking at the Family Research Council's Values Voters Summit over at Think Progress.

Jay Fawcett in CO-05.

Any Democrat running in the heavily Republican 5th Congressional District is fighting an uphill battle. But strip away the party labels and Jay Fawcett - with his Air Force background and resolute style - seems tailor-made for a district with five key military facilities and the nation's highest security prison.

The Post goes on to note that Jay Fawcett's opponent is off in Neverland with regard to his proposed agenda, specifically opposing any new taxes ever, regardless of what the circumstances are.

Ed Perlmutter in CO-07.

Colorado's 7th Congressional District is an increasingly extinct species - comprised in equal parts of Democrats,
Republicans and unaffiliated voters. The 7th deserves a representative who reflects its electorate, a centrist with an independent streak who is not afraid to buck party politics.

[...]

Ed Perlmutter is a moderate Democrat with long roots in the district and a proven record as a lawmaker. We believe his accomplishments in the state legislature and his commitment to represent a diverse constituency make Perlmutter the best candidate.

In this district, voters again have a choice between someone who will represent their interests and someone whose beliefs are far to the right of mainstream America. In a state that's trending bluer and bluer each year, and a district that is a true swing district, Rick O'Donnell is not what the voters are looking for.

Colorado is an excellent example for why Democrats should challenge Republicans in every district in every state. The 50 State strategy works. If you contest every race one of several things can happen:

1. You lose, but you demonstrate to voters that Democrats haven't given up on the district, and you build the party for the future.
2. You lose, but you mount a significant challenge that ties up the Republicans' money and doesn't allow them to spend it in other places where it is needed, thereby helping Democrats win.
3. You win.

Currently, House Republicans hold a 4-3 advantage in Colorado. After this election, if things go as well as planned, it will be a 6-1 Democratic advantage, and Colorado's rebirth as a blue state will be complete.

kencamp | October 16, 2006 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) Permalink: Denver Post Endorses Democrats | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress, The Big Strategy

2006 is the year folks.

Great opportunities like this don't come along very often. We live in a time of great moment.

John Stuart Mill, my favorite philosopher-political theorist, once said:

In politics, again, it is almost a commonplace, that a party of order or stability, and a party of progress or reform, are both necessary elements of a healthy state of political life.

But we could also add that when a political party becomes so irresponsible, so maligned and corrupt, so blurred by extremists, one party must stand above it all to represent all the people. Because if they don't, the consequences could be disastrous.

That's why what Bill Clinton said recently in Nevada has implications that could either mean a dangerous future or a positive horizon for the political dialogue of our country:

"The Democratic Party has become the liberal and conservative party in America. If you want to be fiscally conservative, you've got to be for us. If you want to conserve natural resources, you've got to be for us," he said. "If you want a change of course in Iraq ... you've got to be for us."

I don't long for a day where Democrats occupy every governor's mansion, every state house or are erected in a permanent congressional majority. Honestly, I don't. That's how parties get complacent, that's how they get corrupt and that's how they fail. We saw it with the Democratic Party in the early nineties and now we're seeing it with the GOP in 2006.

The fall of the GOP in 2006 presents a very unique opportunity for the Democratic Party. If we strike while the iron is hot, in this time of great moment, we could recapture the national debate toward a reasonable and responsible tone. The Vital Center needs to be reclaimed - and I believe we represent the only hope currently.

We can create a new progressive center that truly represents a majority of Americans: liberal, conservative, green, libertarian, religious, secular, male, female and all races or ethnicities. I welcome all Republicans to represent the true principles of their party - conservation of government, money and respect for individual liberties.

That's what true leaders do - they lead for all people, not just for their extreme supporters.

We need to win in 2006 to set the stage for the next stage, the next moment, the next triumph. If we are once more relegated to electoral minority, then we can't trumpet our causes with a Congressional bullhorn like the right has been doing for 12 years.

Let's win in 2006, look back at the past, learn from our mistakes and then work toward to a better tomorrow. If we succeed, America could be renewed once more. If we fail, then I expect more bitter partisan nonsense for the foreseeable future.

VOTE DEM IN 06

Landon Mascareñaz | October 13, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: 2006 is the year folks. | TrackBack (0) Congress, National Leadership

Well, at least he's doing something important.

Tancredo strikes again:

Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo announced Tuesday that he and 28 other members of Congress have sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asking her to deny the extradition of Duane ''Dog'' Chapman to Mexico.

Chapman, who is the star of the popular Hawaii-based A&E show ''Dog The Bounty Hunter,'' was arrested last month along with two of his co-stars for illegal detention and conspiracy in his capture of fugitive convicted rapist Andrew Luster, the Max Factor heir, on June 18, 2003, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Well, I'm no international extradition expert (clearly). But I'm glad Tancredo voted himself a pay raise so us taxpayers can pay for him to galavant around supporting bounty hunters. We're also paying him to take potshots at the Mexican government:

'It seems that Mexican authorities are pressing this case only because they are so stung by the embarrassment of failing where Mr. Chapman succeeded,'' the Republican congressman said in a statement.

How about working for the people of Colorado?

Go Bill Winter!

Landon Mascareñaz | October 11, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Well, at least he's doing something important. | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress

If the 50-state strategy isn't making sense by now...

...then you're not paying attention:

In what may be the starkest depiction yet of the challenges Republicans face in maintaining control of Congress, a new poll shows the party is fighting to hold on to a traditionally Republican seat in Colorado Springs.

No Democrat has won in the 5th Congressional District since it was created in 1972, but Democrat Jay Fawcett is tied with Republican Doug Lamborn, according to a poll conducted for The Denver Post by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research.

Fawcett and Lamborn each have 37 percent of the votes, while 26 percent of voters in the six-county district remain undecided. The poll was conducted Oct. 3 through Saturday and included 400 likely voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

Jay Fawcett went for an open seat in one of the more conservative areas of the country and is now within striking distance. What if we had just given this seat to the GOP? That would of freed up more resources to battle us in other races but instead we're fighting them here, on their home turf and running even. If we don't have strong, local candidates to put up in these traditionally red areas, they will never hear the Democratic message or be ready to accept a Democratic candidate.

Now, win or lose, we can never let the 5th go for granted.

Some biographical info and why we're doing so well:

Fawcett, an Air Force Academy graduate who retired as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years in the Air Force, has stressed his expertise in the military and homeland defense, and the notion that he will listen to all people in the district, not just social conservatives.

Loevy said a "perfect storm" may be brewing in the district. Lamborn is running for an open seat during the sixth year of an incumbent president's term and after a bitter six-way Republican primary fight. Lamborn's campaign took a blow when retiring Republican Rep. Joel Hefley, who has served the district for 20 years, declined to endorse Lamborn, saying he ran a "dishonest" and "sleazy" campaign.

Go Fawcett!

Landon Mascareñaz | October 10, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: If the 50-state strategy isn't making sense by now... | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress

CA-04 and the power of simple stories

The fallout from the Foley scandal continues to dominate the headlines. Glenn Greenwald blogs that this is because it is a scandal that everyone can understand.

This scandal has resonated so powerfully because it is shining such a powerful light on the towering hubris, utter lack of intellectual and ethical integrity, and deeply engrained corruption that accounts for virtually every other Bush disaster -- from Iraq to law-breaking scandals to torture to Abrahmoff-type corruption schemes and everything in between.... for so many reasons -- its relative simplicity, its crystal clarity, the involvement of emotionally-charged issues, the salacious sex aspects -- this Foley scandal circumvents that whole dynamic [of GOP counter-spin]. People are paying attention on their own. They don't need pundits or journalists to tell them what to think about it because they are able to form deeply held opinions on their own. None of the standard obfuscation tactics used for so long by Bush followers are working here. To the contrary, their attempted use of those tactics is making things much worse for them, because people can see that Bush followers are attempting -- through the use of patently dishonest and corrupt tactics -- to excuse the inexcusable.

Sometimes a simple story tells more than any complex analysis. Sometime ago I read a simple story on Kos by Charlie Brown, our candidate in CA-04, about his son, Captain Jeff Brown and Congressman John Doolittle (also CA-04). The scene is in Iraq.

…the crew gets one more request: "Can one of the members of the [Congressional] delegation ride up in the cockpit?" You see, C-130s aren't real comfortable - there are only troop seats in the back cargo area. The cockpit isn't a lot better, but it's a little more comfortable, quieter, and it's not a troop seat. The crew wasn't crazy about visitors riding up there with them, but you can't say no to a Congressman.
… this member of the delegation was John Doolittle. John sat down in the cockpit and spoke for a minute with the aircraft commander. He didn't say anything to the rest of the crew. Nothing to the flight engineer. Or the navigator. Or the copilot. He didn't ask any of them where they were from. Or what it's like in Iraq. Or what he and the rest of Congress could do to help.
The flight was just over an hour up to Talafar and uneventful. As the congressional delegation was climbing off the airplane, the copilot leaned over to ask the aircraft commander to give John a message. So the aircraft commander went down to the ramp to see the delegation off, and as John stepped off the C-130 and onto the ramp the aircraft commander said to him: "Congressman Doolittle: Charlie Brown and his son hope you had a nice flight."
The copilot was my son, Jeff Brown, Air Force Captain.
John Doolittle sat next to my son for over an hour and didn't ask him his name. He didn't ask him where he was from. (Jeff, of course, is from John's District here in California.) He didn't ask how long Jeff had been in Iraq. (It was Jeff's third tour, and he's now scheduled for his fourth.) And he didn't ask what Congress could do to help him and the rest of the troops there in Iraq.
But I've asked. And Jeff told me, that if John had asked what he needed, he would have asked to make sure Congress fixes the cracks in the C-130 wings, because many of the aircraft are grounded, and many more are restricted on how much weight they can carry, and they're flying the heck out of those planes. Jeff would have asked to make sure Congress gives good medical care to the wounded, because he flies them out of Iraq. And Jeff said he would have asked to make sure Congress gives the best care to the families of the remains of fallen soldiers, because he flies them out of Iraq too.
But John Doolittle didn't ask. He didn't talk to the airmen. They were just his drivers that day. John Doolittle sat next to my son for over an hour and didn't have the courtesy to even ask his name.
My name is Charlie Brown, Lt. Colonel, USAF, retired. I'm running for Congress because we need Congressmen and women who care.

Leo Brown | October 8, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: CA-04 and the power of simple stories | TrackBack (0) California, Congress, Republicans

WA-08: Dave Reichert Ambivalent on Denny Hastert/Mark Foley Debacle

From Talking Points Memo:

Okay, we've got an answer for Rep. Dave Reichert (R) of Washington's 8th district. He says he doesn't want to take a stand on Hastert until after an investigation has been completed.

Yet another reason to vote for Darcy Burner in WA-08.

You'd think that the former King County Sheriff would come out with a strong statement that sexual predators have no place in the halls of Congress and that he would not support any member of Congress who covered up any knowledge of Rep. Mark Foley's actions.

That might be a reasonable thing to assume. But then again, Dave Reichert isn't being reasonable. He's a loyal foot soldier in the Denny Hastert-led army.

Hat tip to Goldy.

kencamp | October 6, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: WA-08: Dave Reichert Ambivalent on Denny Hastert/Mark Foley Debacle | TrackBack (0) Congress, Republicans, Washington

Nancy Pelosi or Dennis Hastert?

The House Republican leadership is scrambling to explain their actions or rather their inaction when Republican Congressman Foley (ironically chairman of the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children) was known to be having “inappropriate contact” with young House Pages. Why were these inappropriate contacts, apparently known for some time, never meaningfully investigated? Why were the Democrats on the Page Board never notified of these contacts? Who was the GOP House leadership protecting and why? What did GOP leadership know and when they know it?

In another context Nancy Pelosi once said: “Any one of us who decides to put our young people in harm's way carries a responsibility for the consequences." It seems appropriate in this context, too.

Nancy Pelosi is the mother of five children and the grandmother of five. In whose care would you rather leave your children, Nancy Pelosi’s or Dennis Hastert’s? Who represents real family values?

Leo Brown | October 2, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Nancy Pelosi or Dennis Hastert? | TrackBack (0) Congress

Madrid and Wilson tied, Dems deserting Wilson

In a district where there are 39,000 more Democrats than Republicans, Heather Wilson has needed significant Democratic support each time to win.

A new ABQ Journal Poll shows Madrid gaining ground among liberals, hispanics and Democrats of all stripes:

The Sept. 25-28 survey in the Albuquerque-based district found 44 percent supported Wilson for the congressional seat while 44 percent favored Madrid, the state attorney general...Madrid has solidified support within her own party, according to the polls: 74 percent of Democrats in the new poll said they favored her, compared with the late-August Journal survey showing 66 percent of Democrats supporting her.

Wilson had support from 11 percent of Democrats in the new poll, down
from 17 percent in the previous poll. Wilson needs to pick up a sizable portion of Democratic voters to keep her seat on Election Day, Sanderoff noted. State voter registration figures show Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 39,000 voters in the 1st Congressional District.

"The Democrats are 'coming home' as the election gets closer— and they're obviously not going towards Wilson," Garcia said. "One of the keys in this race is how big the (voting) turnout is among Democrats."

Most Hispanics in New Mexico are Democrats, Sanderoff said, and Madrid has gained ground among them while Wilson has slipped. Fifty-eight percent of Hispanics polled said they favored Madrid, compared with a 54 percent tally in the previous poll. Wilson had support from 29 percent of Hispanics, compared with 35 percent in the earlier poll.

More liberal voters climbed on the Madrid bandwagon: 78 percent of those who referred to themselves as liberals supported her, compared with 69 percent earlier.

With Madrid solidifying the Democratic base, a pick-up is right around the corner. This race is going to be TIGHT until election day and we should not discount heavy Republican efforts in the district.

Joe Monahan says that Richardson has put his two cents in about the race and his effort to support Madrid:

Declaring that Democrats are starting to come home, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is telling the national press and pundits that Attorney General Patricia Madrid will make history and score a "narrow victory" over ABQ GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson for the ABQ U.S. House seat.

Big Bill says a "Democratic wave" will be responsible. Going all in and making this one personal, he says "my get out the vote operation" will be the other reason for what would be a stunning upset in the district that has been in Republican hands since its creation in 1968.

While far from certain, it is good to see state Democrats like Richardson, who don't face tough re-election battles using their operatives and support systems to work for other candidates.

I'll make a prediction (and probably not a unique one) - this seat will be one of the main bellweathers for 2006. On election night, if we see this seat go blue then the chances of us waking up Wednesday morning to a Democratic House are very likely. I'm usually not one for making predictions (who likes to lose one?) but I've got a good feeling.

By the way, I expect tomorrow morning we'll be hearing tons about what the House Leadership knew and didn't do with regards to Foley's sex scandal with a teenage boy. With this scandal leading out October, our chances for nationalizing this election increase exponentially.

Landon Mascareñaz | October 1, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Madrid and Wilson tied, Dems deserting Wilson | TrackBack (0) Congress, New Mexico

Help write wiki for radio show on the AZ-8

Radio Open Source, an innovative show that jump starts their radio show with blog conversations, is developing a wiki on several important Senate and House races this fall, and their show next week will be on the Arizona 8. Though, the GOP recently pulled out of this race, this could be a good oppurtunity to broaden the reach of the "Western Dem" message.

Comment on the show here.

Help write their wiki on the race here.

Emmett O'Connell | September 28, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Help write wiki for radio show on the AZ-8 | TrackBack (0) Arizona, Congress, Media Coverage

Republicans for Trauner

Republicans have been supporting our candidates this year as noted here and here. And we have a strong candidate for Congress in Wyoming. See here and here. So it’s not surprising to read in the Cody Enterprise that

…a new grassroots group aimed at defeating incumbent Rep. Barbara Cubin, “Republicans for Gary Trauner,” has been launched in Cody. “It's time for her to be replaced,” life-long Republican Steve Simonton says. “She has failed Wyoming from a leadership standpoint and has no role among the GOP leadership.” Simonton, a longtime Cody lawyer who says he was prompted by Cubin's relatively weak showing in the primary election to organize the new group, said Cubin has allowed the position to lose power since vice president Dick Cheney held it.

Simonton said Cubin has voted to reduce the powers of the states, giving more to federal government, was silent during the right-to-die case of Terry Schiavo and hasn't been fiscally responsible. “She's fallen out of touch with Wyoming and the principles this state holds dear,” Simonton said. “She's had a hand in the largest deficit spending ever in this country. “She's voted to increase the federal government's power and hasn't protected public lands,” he added.

Simonton said he's also disappointed in her role during the debates about the war in Iraq.
“She's been a rubber stamp for the administration. We have no strategy for pulling out,” he said. “Right now if we pull out, the place will fall apart and into civil war. Simonton said he also was disappointed in her for votes about bonuses for combat veterans while giving Congress a pay raise at the same time. “Here at home we support the troops and they need that bonus,” he said. “But she gave herself a raise without giving soldiers one.”

He began to research Democrat Gary Trauner of Wilson and found him to be a candidate more to his liking. “I see him as a young, energetic leader who has some solid ideas,” Simonton said. “He has the kind of eagerness and intelligence to make a good representative. “Voting for him is better than following the GOP's same plan year after year,” he added. “We need to make a change.”

Leo Brown | September 26, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Republicans for Trauner | TrackBack (0) Congress, Wyoming

CO-7 and Social Security

The Denver Post has an article on Democratic fundraising in Colorado.

In the article they note some of the funding is going to ads calling attention to Rick O’Donnell’s past flirtation with the anti-Social Security crowd, something O’Donnell new regrets.

Writing for a Newt Gingrich publication in 1995, O'Donnell called for the end of Social Security, saying it was time to "slay the largest government 'entitlement' program of all."

The Washington Post reports on Ed Perlmutter’s turn in the Democrat’s weekly radio address on Social Security.

"We can and must stop them - right now, before it's too late," Ed Perlmutter said in the Democrats' weekly radio address. "Just last year, Democrats stood up to President Bush and the Republicans in Congress, and fought back against this dangerous proposal and defeated it." ...the Republican plan would "threaten senior citizens who worked hard, played by the rules and simply seek to live their golden years with some financial stability and security." Instead of looking out for taxpayers' interests, Republicans "are sending billions of dollars to special interests in giveaways that taxpayers are paying for," he said. "There has never been a more critical moment to ensure that we take our nation in a new direction.”

The last time President Bush decided to spend his political capital, he went after Social Security, one of the significant turning points in the 2005 collapse of his popularity. It seemed the longer President Bush pushed his program, the less popular it became. The AARP and America’s seniors did not take the GOP plan lying down. Ed Perlmutter, in contrast, has won the AARP’s Outstanding Legislative Service Award. This is an issue where America trusts the party that invented Social Security.

Leo Brown | September 25, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: CO-7 and Social Security | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Congress, Policy Issues

Are the netroots liberal? Or just partisan?

Over at the National Journal, John Mercurio shares a comment he got from Western Democrat's own Jonathan Singer. Here's the comment, since archives are subscriber-only:

You write, "Liberal bloggers, who, much like the Club for Growth, encourage ideological purity over party loyalty, cheered Chafee's victory."

I really don't believe that the top issue for the progressive netroots is "ideological purity." In some ways, I think you may have it backwards. The concerted netroots effort to go after Lieberman started when he went on FOX News to bash Democrats over the war, not because of his stance on the war (which was longstanding).

The netroots have supported a number of non-doctrinaire Dems who are willing to stand up for the party, most recently with Jim Webb. Brian Schweitzer, a favorite of many, certainly isn't in line with the left of the party on the issues of coal or guns, but he remains extremely popular. Other Western Dems -- Trauner in WY, Grant in ID, and Fawcett in CO -- show up on the Daily Kos/MyDD/Swing State Project ActBlue page even though they are not hard-core liberals.

Taking a look at unscientific approval ratings from Daily Kos readers, more moderate/conservative Democrat Harry Reid has a significantly higher approval rating (70 percent) than more progressive/liberal Nancy Pelosi (36 percent).

There are certainly issues upon which the netroots look for politicians to fall in line. Social Security, Iraq and Net Neutrality come to mind. But the netroots does not take the same tack as groups like Club for Growth on these issues. There was no challenge -- not even talk of challenging Ben Nelson, for instance. He may not agree wi