There are two special Congressional elections on December 11th, 2007. Both are Republican districts that suddenly look like possible Dem pickups. Neither will be easy, but they are panicking the Republicans to such a degree that they are having to sink money they don't even have into these races. Yep...the Republican party are going into debt to defend these two seats, meaning that fighting them here will make it easier for Dems to pick up seats in 2008. OH-5 is getting lots of attention on Daily Kos, and if I get some info on how you can volunteer some time, believe me I will let you know...probably ad nauseum. The other race, VA-1, is getting less attention. This is partly because it is more of a long shot (like many of the 2006 pick ups!) and partly because the Dem candidate (as is typical of Virginia) is more conservative. But to me, it is an opportunity not to be missed. Forcing the Republicans to go deeper and deeper into debt even before 2008 hits us is just too sweet. So, for those who want to help, I present to you the VA-1 Special election in 2007.

From Phil Forgit's (Democrat for VA-1) website:

Philip Forgit is a Veteran of the Iraq War and a Bronze Star recipient . He served with a Naval Special Warfare Unit as an advisor to the Iraqi Army in 2005-2006. A Naval Reservist, Philip was mobilized from his former job as a 4th grade teacher at Rawls Byrd Elementary .

Philip is a nationally recognized teacher , winning the 2005 National Education Association (NEA) Award for Teaching Excellence.

Philip lives in Williamsburg with his wife, Dawn, also a school teacher, and their three children. They attend Grace Convenant Presbyterian Church where Philip serves as a Deacon and Chair of the Mercy Ministry.

Philip Forgit for Congress
Vote December 11th

Support a Veteran AND an Educator for Congress. 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.

If you want to help, here are some ways you can help scare the pants off the Republicans:

Canvass for Philip – Newport News
Every Saturday and Sunday
2 Hidenwood Shopping Center
Newport News , VA
Contact Jamey at Jamey@forgit2007.com

Canvass for Philip – Stafford
Every Saturday and Sunday
Location TBD
Contact Missy at missy@forgit2007.com

Phone for Philip – Hampton Roads
Every Monday through Friday
2 Hidenwood Shopping Center
Newport News , VA
Contact Jamey at jamey@forgit2007.com

Phones for Philip
Every Monday through Friday
Location TBD
Contact Missy at missy@forgit2007.com

Or contact the Forgit for Congress Campaign and offer to Volunteer or Donate. This is a real chance to make in roads into a solidly red district, quite possibly win an off-season pick up, and set us up for some big wins in 2008.