election 2007

I have been pushing two special elections, one in Ohio and one in Virginia. Both were in traditionally DEEP red districts. The very fact that we seemed to have a shot at EITHER of them was a big surprise.

What happened in the end was the Republicans held their own. They performed pretty much as expected in both districts easily winning both. But what did happen was the strength of the Democratic challenge forced them to fight harder than they ever had to for these two districts. They had to fight harder than ever to stay where they were.

In and of itself this would be meaningless. But as part of a broader strategy (an extension of Howard Dean's contest every district philosophy) the Democrats did something pretty smart. The DCCC has far more money these days than the NRCC. This is unusual. Generally the NRCC does far better at fundraising. But people are so fed up with Bush that the Republicans are having a really hard time fundraising while the Dems are doing great.

So the DCCC, somewhat uncharacteristically, decided to take a lesson from Howard Dean. So they used some of their surplus funds to make a try for deep red districts. They lost but in the process they made the Republicans spend money they just don't have.

As of last filing the NRCC had $2.6 million in the bank and $3.6 million in debt. Yep they had MORE DEBT than cash. Since then we forced them to spend nearly 20% of the cash they had on hand to hold onto two districts that they never really had to defend before. This plunges them deeper into debt.

Today are two important special elections for Congress: VA-1 and OH-5. Both used to be safe republican districts, but the Iraq Quagmire and Bush's staggering unpopularity have turned them into hotly contested districts. The Republican Party is so spooked over these that they are actually going deep into debt to try and win them. They are pouring money they don't have into these distircts, yet going into election day both seats are still up in the air.

VIRGINIA's 5th Congressional District:

Philip Forgit is aIraq War Vet and a Bronze Star recipient . He served with a Naval Special Warfare Unit as an advisor to the Iraqi Army in 2005-2006. Prior to being called up Forgit was a 4th grade teacher at Rawls Byrd Elementary, winning the 2005 National Education Association (NEA) Award for Teaching Excellence. Bronze Star AND NEA award for Teaching Excellence. Seems like an excellent candidate.

Phil Forgit has been endorsed by Teamsters Local 95, Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, Captain Ted Hontz USN (Ret) Former Commanding Officer, Aegis Training Center, Chap Petersen, State Senator-Elect, 34th District (and someone I have pushed for before!), Sheriff Gerald S. Holt, and many others.

Forgit has a shot at winning, albeit a long shot. What he needs is a high voter turn out. So, if you live in that district VOTE. And if you want to help (from within or outside the district) please contact Forgit's campaign NOW.

Tuesday November 6th is election day in Virginia. If progresssives want to have an influence, they have to focus on low turnout elections like this one. This is one of our best chances to have an effect...if we VOTE!

Here are some resources and recommendations for Virginia voters:

Chap Peterson for State Senate, 34th district:

I've advocated for this guy before, and now is the time to vote for him. Endorsed by AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Fairfax County Coalition of Police, Fairfax County Deputy Sheriffs, Gov. Mark Warner, Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Jim Webb and others. I picked Chap for top attention earlier this year and I place him there again just before election day.

I don't have enough info on other candidates to make specific recommendations for other races right now, but here are some resources to help you decide.

AFL-CIO endorsed candidates for Virginia in 2007

League of Conservation Voters endorsed candidates for Virginia in 2007

Sierra Club Endorsements

Tuesday November 6th is election day 2007. I have been covering as many states as I could to highlight races that are important to progressives, relying on organizations I am familiar with like Democracy for America and its local affiliates and Progressive Majority.

Well, each time I post about this over at Daily Kos SOMEONE wants more. Now it's Utah. Yep...there are things the progressive grassroots can do in Utah as well. So here we go...PROGRESSIVES GET OUT AND VOTE IN UTAH!

First off is a school voucher referendum that needs to be opposed. VOTE NO ON REFERENDUM 1. This school voucher referendum is opposed by the Utah PTA, NAACP - Salt Lake Chapter, League of Women Voters, Voices for Utah Children, Communities for Quality Education (CQE), American Civil Liberties Union, Utah Family Partnership Network, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) - Utah Section, and many others. And there is a scathing editorial in the Salt Lake Tribune urging a "NO" vote on Referendum 1.

Democracy for Utah also has endorsed Ralph Becker for Salt Lake City mayor. Becker has also been endorsed by Salt Lake County Hispanic Caucus, Sierra Club, Utah Black Democratic Caucus, Cal Rampton (former Governor of Utah), and many, many others.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th is election day. Continuing my push to get out the progressive grassroots for the 2007 election on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th, I now turn to Minnesota. This one is for Paul Welstone!

These are the endorsements of Progressive Majority in Minnesota:

Melvin Carter III, Candidate for St. Paul City Council - Ward 1 (Challenger)

Melvin Carter is a 28 year old, African American, first time candidate for Saint Paul City Council. Melvin is a lifetime resident of Saint Paul with a background in community and electoral organizing; most recently he worked on the Policy Outreach Team in the office of Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Melvin is running against a Chamber of Commerce-endorsed and one-term incumbent, Debbie Montgomery. Melvin's election would contribute to shifting the St. Paul City Council from a moderate Council to a progressive Council. Melvin has already secured the endorsements of AFSCME Council 5, Take Action Minnesota, ACORN PAC, and St. Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21, St. Paul Trades & Labor Assembly, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Laborers Local 132, SEIU Minnesota State Council, Stonewall DFL, and six of the 12 DFL legislators in Saint Paul. Melvin is a dynamic leader with potential to make a difference in St. Paul.

Click here to support and learn more about Melvin.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th is election day. If progressives want a solid voice in American politics we gotta influence elections. And off-year, low voter turnout elections like what is coming up TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH are the best chances for progressives to affect the outcome.

Continuing my push to get out the progressive grassroots for the 2007 election on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th, I now turn to Arizona.

Here are two endorsements by Progressive Majority, one of the most effective progressive grassroots organization in the country, for Arizona voters:

Marie Lopez Rogers, Candidate for Mayor of Avondale (Incumbent)

Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers of Avondale is running for reelection as the only Latina in a Latino/a city. She was appointed Mayor in January 2006, has lived in the district for 50 of her 57 years, and is a former member of CWA. She is endorsed by the police, firefighters, AFL-CIO and SEIU. Marie is a strong progressive, and she is the key to halting or slowing legislation from a city council that is dominated by conservatives.

This was previously an agricultural town that is rapidly growing with scores of subdivisions along Interstate-10 west of Phoenix. It also includes Phoenix International Race Way that attracts tens of thousands of people to NASCAR races. Marie wants to preserve the quality of life in Avondale by working for safer streets and neighborhoods, providing efficient cost-effective city services, and ensuring a vital economy through an appropriate balance of residential, commercial and recreational development.

Coninuing my push for progressive victories for election day 2007 this Tuesday, Nov. 6th, I want to highlight candidates endorsed by Democracy for Tennessee. All of these candidates are running in Nashville:

DFT Endorses Candidates in Nashville Elections!

DFA Nashville and Democracy for Tennessee are proud to announce the endorsement of the "Nashville New Wave" slate of candidates running for Metro Council!

These six candidates, running for office for the first time, promise to bring a diverse, new, progressive vision to Nashville that will allow our city to prosper and give hope to the next generation. Representing areas all across the county and campaigning using grassroots tactics, the New Wave slate are ready to take our county back. They are...

SAM McCULLOUGH

Sam didn't set out to run for Metro Council, but residents of his district, long impressed at how he worked to help solve their problems, talked him into it.

Sam believes in improving the quality of his neighborhood and making people's lives better. As a life-long Nashville resident, people have looked to him as a leader.

His persistence has won him the trust of his neighbors and he will become a valuable and trusted voice on the Metro Council.

To help get out the vote for Sam, email here: jim@democracryfortennessee.com

SHANE BURKETT

If progressives want a solid voice in American politics they sure as hell better vote, vote carefully and, ideally, get out the vote for the best candidates. And off-year, low voter turnout elections like what is coming up TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH are the best chances for progressives to affect the outcome. So from now until Tuesday, get busy to prove progressives are a force in American politics.

Continuing my lead up to the 2007 elections on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th, I now cover the Democracy for America and Progressive Majority endorsements for Washington State.

Jackie Minchew- Everett City Council - Position 7 Endorsed by Democracy for Washington, Democracy for America, Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters...and many more)

Charlene Rawson - Everett City Council - Position 4 (Endorsed by Democracy for America, Democracy for Washington, Everett Firefighters, The Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters...and many more)

Al Runte - Seattle City Council - Position 3 (Enddorsed by Democracy for Washington, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77...and many more).

I am continuing my leadup to election day 2007: TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th.

In Oregon there are two ballot measures worth consideration:

Yes on 49: Healthy Oregon

This measure tries to balance environmental and development interests. It has been endorsed by the Audubon Society of Lincoln City, Audubon Society of Portland, Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Bike. Walk. Vote., Coalition for a Livable Future, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Democratic Party of Oregon, League of Women Voters of Oregon, Oregon AFL-CIO, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Oregon Natural Resources Council Action, OSPIRG - Environment Oregon, Sierra Club, Working Assets, AFSCME, American Farmland Trust, People's Food Co-op, Oregon Winegrowers Association, and many others. I have to say I consider this an AMAZING coalition. You can see the full list here. You can see a breakdown of what is in the measure here.

Yes on 50: Healthy Kids

Measure 50 will fund quality health care for the children of working families not covered by insurance. It will strengthen programs to help smokers quit so that thousands of adults can live to see their kids grow up, too. And it will save taxpayers millions by cutting medical costs from secondhand smoke-related illnesses and reduce insurance costs for small businesses. Supported by American Cancer Society, Oregon PTA, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, Oregon Alliance of Retired Americans, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Children First for Oregon, Oregon Nurses Association, Basic Rights Oregon, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, American Lung Association of Oregon, Oregon Alliance of Children’s Program, Coalition for a Healthy Oregon, National Council of Jewish Women (Portland Section), American Jewish Committee, Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, Women’s Rights Coalition, Stand for Children...pretty much everyone except big tobacco. Again, I am impressed with the coalition that has come together over this. Find out more here.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th is election day. If progressives want a solid voice in American politics we gotta influence elections. And off-year, low voter turnout elections like what is coming up TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH are the best chances for progressives to affect the outcome.

I now turn to some California endorsements from Democracy for America's Silicon Valley group and from Progressive Majority, one of the most successful grassroots organizations around.

First, Silicon Valley: (with links)

Los Altos City Council

* Randall Hull (also endorsed by the California League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club)

Palo Alto City Council

* Pat Burt
* Dan Dykwel
* Sid Espinoza
* Yiawey Yeh (also endorsed by Sierra Club and California League of Conservation Voters)

Palo Alto Unified School District
( vote for three only )

* Claude Exran
* Wynn Hauser
* Barbara Klausner
* Camille Townsend

Sunnyvale City Council

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th is election day for 2007. PLEASE VOTE! These low turnout elections are the ones that progressives can really influence by getting out the vote. Progressive Majority is one of the most effective grassroots organizations in America today. These are their endorsements in Pennsylvania for Tuesday November 6th:

Bill Scott, Candidate for Chester County Board of Commissioners - At Large (Open Seat)

Bill Scott is running for one of three open seats for Chester County Board of Commissioners. Except for one four-year term, the Chester County Board of Commissioners has been controlled by conservatives. Bill served as the chair of the West Chester Democrats from 1998 through 2006 and is an elected member of the Democratic County and State Committee. He also served on the West Chester Borough Council for two terms, two of which he served as the chair. Bill is running as a team with Kathi Cozzone - together they have recently won endorsements from both the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. The team will face Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell in the general election.

Click here to support and learn more about Bill.

Kathi Cozzone, Candidate for Chester County Board of Commissioners - At Large (Open Seat)

Kathi Cozzone is running for Chester County Board of Commissioners. Kathi brings extensive background in financial management and planning to the Board of Commissioners, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility for county operations. Kathi ran for County Controller in 2005, and narrowly lost in an open seat race. Kathi is running as a team with Bill Scott, and together they recently won endorsements from both the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. The team will face Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell in the general election.

If progressives want a solid voice in American politics they sure as hell better vote, vote carefully and, ideally, get out the vote for the best candidates. And off-year, low voter turnout elections like what is coming up TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH are the best chances for progressives to affect the outcome. So from now until Tuesday, get busy to prove progressives are a force in American politics.

Some time ago I wrote about a progressive, Gary Anderson, running for Mississippi state insurance commissioner against an incumbent who favored insurance companies over average Americans. This left many victims of Katrina without recourse if their insurance companies tried to refuse to pay out what the victims deserved. My friend from Mississippi who knows many Katrina victims sent me this report:

Most of the people who DID receive money from the insurance companies received only a fraction of what it would cost to replace what they lost. There was the on going battle of wind vs water issue. That even Trent Lott had to deal with. He sued state farm and they settle out of court kind of quietly... However, when Bush visited the coast he promised Trent that he would rebuild his waterfront house. I think it would be interesting to look into what really happened in that case. No one I talked to was happy with the insurance settlements that they received. Now premiums are so high that many people can only afford the basic coverage. Insurance companies were boasting at how much money the gained last year, mainly because they didn't pay the proper amount of money to the people who lost their homes in the disaster. Also, many people have not had the money to fix or rebuild their house and today is the 2 year anniversary.

If progressives want a solid voice in American politics they sure as hell better vote, vote carefully and, ideally, get out the vote for the best candidates. And off-year, low voter turnout elections like what is coming up TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH are the best chances for progressives to affect the outcome. So from now until Tuesday, get busy to prove progressives are a force in American politics.

This comes from New Jersey for Democracy. First remember that an election is coming up. Off year elections have HORRIBLE voter turnout, which means more than ever, YOUR VOTE COUNTS. It is the chance for progressives to have real upset victories. So, with that in mind: GET OUT AND VOTE ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th!!

And here are some endorsements from Democracy for America for New Jersey progressives:

DFA National Endorsements in New Jersey

Ed Zipprich for Red Bank Borough Council

Ed Zipprich has been a Democracy For America activist for years; he's attended the DFA Training Academy and Night School. A leader of Monmouth for Democracy, and a member of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats and Democracy for New Jersey, Ed has helped to build New Jersey's progressive community from the grassroots up. Let's show him our thanks by helping him win his race:

Visit Ed's website

This comes from New Jersey for Democracy. First remember that an election is coming up. Off year elections have HORRIBLE voter turnout, which means more than ever, YOUR VOTE COUNTS. It is the chance for progressives to have real upset victories. So, with that in mind: GET OUT AND VOTE ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th!!

And here are some endorsements from Democracy for America for New Jersey progressives:

DFA National Endorsements in New Jersey

Ed Zipprich for Red Bank Borough Council

Ed Zipprich has been a Democracy For America activist for years; he's attended the DFA Training Academy and Night School. A leader of Monmouth for Democracy, and a member of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats and Democracy for New Jersey, Ed has helped to build New Jersey's progressive community from the grassroots up. Let's show him our thanks by helping him win his race:

Visit Ed's website

Gina Genovese for State Senate, LD-21

Gina Genovese, running for State Senate from the 21st-- that's in Union, Essex, Morris and Somerset Counties-- was the first Democrat ever elected as Mayor of Long Hill, and became the highest-ranking openly gay official in the state. During her tenure, she opened the budget process to the public and signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Gina has opened doors for the LGBT and progressive communities in her town while working to build a sustainable future. Visit her website to help her get to Trenton!:

Progressive Majority is one of the most effective and important Progressive organizations out there. They focus on local elections, helping new people enter politics as progressive, grassroots candidates within the Democratic Party. They help progressive challengers in primaries as well as helping progressive Democrats against Republicans in the general election. If you are dissatisfied with both parties, THIS IS THE ORGANIZATION FOR YOU. Progressive Majority has around a 70% success rate in getting their candidates elected, which beats pretty much any other grassroots organization I am familiar with. And they focus on pretty much all levels from school board on up.

Here is their latest primary election succcess. Let's help them in supporting these excellent winners for the general election.

In Washington state's Tuesday's primary election, 11 of our 27 candidates faced primaries, many of them stiff challenges.

As of this morning, 10 of our 11 candidates have won their primaries and moved on to the general election this November. This is another day of victories for Washington state progressives, and for progressives across the country!

Snohomish County: A New Progressive Majority.
The most important race in the primary was for Snohomish County Council, where Brian Sullivan won the Democratic nomination against a long-time elected official. As his district is strongly Democratic, he faces only token conservative opposition in the general election. Sullivan replaces a conservative Democrat and changes the balance of power on the council from conservatives to progressives!

When Katrina hit, we all watched the Bush Administration celebrate McCain's birthday party, Condaleeza Rice shop for shoes in NYC, and, of course, New Orleans flood in a comlpetely avoidable disaster that happened as a direct result of Republican "Drown Government in a Bathtub" policy.

But what most people missed is that Mississippi got hard hit as well. Back then, one of my coworkers had grown up in Mississippi and her family is still in rural Mississippi. She didn't talk about Katrina much, but once I asked her and the devastation to her family, financially, emotionally and psychologically, had been enormous. And the insurance companies were dicking everyone around, refusing payouts if people had gotten a single cent of help from the government.

Americans died needlessly and the survivors are now being screwed by the same right wing extremist policies that let the disaster happen in the first place.

Democracy for America, one of the more effective progressive organizations around, is eyeing the election for Mississippi Insurance Commissioner to get someone on the ground in Mississippi who might actually HELP people rather than hurt them. From DFA:

The fight to bring health care to every American is not just a national issue. It is a local one too. Governors, state legislators, and insurance commissioners are taking the lead on health care, often making a difference when no one else will.