I think you guys should support Larry Kissell for the next netroots endorsed candidate, but Kirstin Gillebrand is a good choice, Paul Hodes as well, and any of our three challengers in CT

Jack Carter for sure.

-C.

My friends/colleagues Patrick Murphy and Jenni Safford are getting married today.

Don't worry about the wedding registry; we'll take care of that.  But how about showing some love to the campaign today?

If you're asking for Senate candidates, too, then I'd like to humbly recommend Jack Carter in Nevada.  I'd like to point out that he was also at Yearly Kos.

Sarah

www.bluenc.com is a local NC blog, I forgot to mention that

Andrew Duck (MD-6) is another Iraq War veteran in a longshot race against a hard right Republican, Roscoe Bartlett; who, if you'll recall, is the guy who gave the Rev. Sun Myung Moon his robes when he, Moon, crowned himself Messiah in a Congressional office building. Bartlett has had yet to face a credible opponent in his 14 years in office; for that reason, despite the conservative nature of the district, I think his seat is less safe than it seems. And if anyone can unseat him, it's Duck.

Nancy Boyda in KS-02

She is running against Jim Ryun, incumbent wingnut.

She held him to 56% in 2004, and that was with the GOP pumping in a million dollars in late October and morphing Nancy into Osama in an ad.

This is not a solid R district and Kathleen Sebelius will be at the top of the ticket in a year KS Rs are demoralized.  

http://www.nancyforcongress.com/index.ph p

About Nancy

From 1994 to 2003, Nancy Boyda bicycled across Kansas nine times. With each journey, she saw a new snapshot of a growing Kansas--and with each passing year, she became more passionate about helping her state grow even stronger.

Nancy believed that Kansas is best when its citizens have good jobs, affordable health care, and outstanding public education. So in early 2003, she committed herself to turning these ambitions into reality. She began a full-scale, full-time campaign to return a common-sense voice to Congress. But America wasn't ready in 2004.

Now in 2006, Nancy is running again. This time people all across the Kansas's 2nd District are demanding a change in government. Nancy's bold leadership is uniting this grassroots energy into a campaign that will restore the ideals of democracy.

Nancy's determination is not new. She graduated with honors from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, where she received dual degrees in chemistry and education. She began her career in 1978 working as an analytical chemist and field inspector for the Environmental Protection Agency. Over the next two decades, she also held management positions in several pharmaceutical companies, including Marion Laboratories.

From these years of hands-on experience, Nancy has developed common-sense ideas about how to boost businesses in Kansas, cut the costs of medical care, and ensure that health insurance is never considered a luxury for any Kansan. She is eager to work with both parties as a moderate, independent voice for the hardworking people of the Second District.

Nancy is married to Steve Boyda, an attorney with a firm in Manhattan. She is the mother of two children and five stepchildren, and a member of Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka.

I support Jack Carter and John Leasch as well.  

But I would like to nominate Linda Stender who has been making her race in NJ-7 more and more competitive.  There is a good blog Dump Mike covering the race and bluejersey covers this race and the entire state.   There is also NOT Ferguson for Congress and blue 7th PAC.

The case for Madrid:

1) One of the best takeover opportunities in America. A "must win" if the Dems hope to take back the House.

2) Bush just raised $375K for her opponent, Rep. Wilson, yesterday.

3) Minority and female representation. Now that the Busby and Rodriguez specials are finished,  are no longer on the list, you've got a bunch of white men and one white woman. Let's get some diversity going.

4) Strong blog presence in the district. Here are just a few blogs that have been covering the race:

http://www.madridforcongress.com/blog
http://www.democracyfornewmexico.com
http://nmfbihop.blogspot.com/
http://whatdoiknow.typepad.com/
http://maggietoulouse.blogspot.com/

1) Air Force retired, taught at the Academy, bronze star in Gulf War I. Unimpeachable (well, ahem) military credentials.

2) Willing to go after Dobson. (Click on the "viral ad" on this page.)

3) 6 Republicans are fighting for the seat. They may bloody each other up enough for us to win.

4) 20-year Republican seat. Joel Hefley was on the Armed Services committee - he didn't say squat about body armor, penatagon's lack of plans, PTSD, or WMD. Me must attack on these issues.

5) Club for Growth and Focus on the Family are poised to kick Jay's ass once the [R] fight is over. Let's help him now.

Jay's campaign blog.

PeakDems blog.

He went to YKos and sucked in the info - he sees the strength and benefits netroots can bring - and he needs to use each and every tool to win this race.

Can all of you imagine the kick in the stomach to  Dobson if Jay wins this race? And the next days' headlines? (And oh, by the way, Dobson is 2 to 1 DIS-approval in Jay's internal polling.)

Well she's not in the Northeast, but she's part of a solid blue coastal area that is the Democratic analogue to the South.

Linda Stender has continued to shock everybody. She did it last quarter by having a killer fundraising drive that left her with $300,000 cash on hand. The race has been upgraded twice recently; Cook moved it from likely Repub to lean Repub, and Chuck Todd (I think) now lists it in the top 50 most competitive.

Linda Stender unapologetic in her stands; she's determined to run that ever-present Bush/Cheney/DeLay rubber-stamp Mike Ferguson out of town. She's got tremendous grassroots support, and if she continues on her current trajectory, she will win this race. Furthermore, in the context of the Northeast strategy, if we can get a two or three term Democratic incumbent in this seat (and Linda Stender would make a phenomenal one), real realignment might take hold in this district/region.

Her local blog support is strong. It includes Dump Mike, Blue 7th PAC, NOT Mike Ferguson for Congress, and the state blog powerhouse Blue Jersey.

Visit Linda's campaign website here.

One the netroots should have done some time ago is Jerry McNerney in CA-11 (Northern California's San Joaquin Valley, snaking down east of Oakland). I say should have done because McNerney-- who has a compelling story-- had to use an awful lot of energy and resources to defeat an Inside the Beltway shill that Rahm Emanuel was pushing (despite McNerney's endorsement by the California Democratic Party Convention and most of the district-based Democratic clubs in the area). It was a classic case of a truly progressive, grassroots, independent-minded candidate against a Boss-driven empty suit whose only strong suit would have been, "I'm better than Pombo."

Not that that isn't a strong suit. Pombo is undoubtably one of the very worst of the worst of the Republicrooks infesting Capitol Hill.

There are a wealth of local bloggers all over this race. Start with the comprehensive SAY NO TO POMBO and move out into Pombo Watch, Progressive 11th Blog, CA-11 Blog and half a dozen other California-oriented blogs that cover the race thoroughly.

It's a district that was gerrymandered to protect neighboring (reactionary) Democrats by putting lily-white, upper-income Republican neighborhoods into one odd-shaped central dumping-ground. BUT, Pombo's outrageous, over-the-top behavior is too much even for moderate Republicans, let alone independents. He is very vulnerable because of his public advocacy for selling off the National Parks.

We have a district ripe for change, an egregiously bad and weakened incumbent, and an exceptionally good candidate with a strong local following who has already come closer to beating Pombo than anyone. It's not likely that this will be a DCCC priority because McNerney isn't likely to buy into Emanuel's bullshit consultant-driven advise. This is one the netroots should adopt whole-heartedly. And when he wins, we won't be groaning about him voting with Republicans to screw workers and consumers for the sake of Big Business interests, the way many of us do when we look at some netroots candidates we have helped in the past, like Stephanie Herseth, Melissa Bean and Ben Chandler (all 3 of whom, by the way, were among the 42 Democrats who joined the GOP for the day yesterday to give Bush his moronic Iraq occupation resolution.) After Jerry wins, he'll be there for real Democratic/American/progressive values and principles.

Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic candidate in New York's 20th Congressional District, endorsed as part of the DFA-List, endorsed by 21st Century Democrats, EMILY's List, SEIU 1199 (Kirsten will be speaking at a rally for Columbia Memorial Hospital Workers, June 24 in Hudson, NY after which DFA and SEIU people will be petitioning together for her), and even our dear, dear (Oh Dear!) friends at the DCCC have added her to their Red to Blue list.

Blog support for Kirsten Gillibrand begins with:

20TrueBlue

The 10,000 Things

Troy Polloi

Working Families Party blog (she'll have the WFP ballot line this fall)

NYCowboy

Saratoga Spirit

Adirondack Musing

Democracy in Albany (which seems to be having technical difficulties as I type this).

Sadly, I was going to add dadablog, but he has ceased to be, he is an ex-blog (probably because he's personally too damn busy as one of the 2 primary volunteer coordinators for the campaign.

And of course, Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region's blog (and group) as well as:

Democracy for Otsego and Delaware Counties

Democracy for Saratoga Springs

Democracy for the Greater Glens Falls Area

DFA: Columbia County

DFA: Greene County

the Mid-Hudson Progressive Alliance

and our friends at Democracy for New York City.

Oh... and one of our own home grown favorite Netroots candidates Brian Keeler.

It would be awesomely cool if she was added to the Netroots list as well.

it's on topic if you factor in dave harris's fight against joe barton, who opposes net neutrality.

matt, how can you and mydd justify running the watertower ad when you are taking the lead in the fight against the telco's who want to end equal access for all?

do you guys need the money bad enough to run ads that are in diametric opposition to your stated values, and the values you want your readers to embrace?

you got me all fired up w/your neutrality panel at ykos, then you take money from the enemy.  what's that about?

before you take the atrios stand, that your readers are smart enough to see thru the bs in the ad, i would ask, what about the casual surfer or first time reader who wanders in?

for the record, skippy refused the same ad.

Phyllis Busansky in an open seat, FL-9, is worthy of consideration.  I'd also second the nomination of Jay Fawcett in CO-5 (open seat) and Bill Winter in CO-4 (running against Rep. Tom Tancredo).

1.  Jerry McNerney.

2.  Linda Stender

3.  Mary Jo Kilroy

4. Tim Walz

5. Nancy Skinner

And keep an eye whoever emerges to oppose Jim Walsh in NY-25 and don't forget to look at Tessa Hafen in NV-03 if she ends up being the one to take on Jon Porter.

{As a side note I think this process should be, could be and would benefit from being much more open and democratic.}

John Courage in TX-21
www.courageforcongress.org

In the Senate, I would suggest Jack Carter.

I support John Laesch because he has the virtues I want in my Representative. Someone with ties to the land. Someone who has served his country. Someone who has idea's -  a health care policy for the common good. A man who understands fairness and is outraged by the corruption in Washington. He will serve us far better than Mr. Hastert.

John Laesch His website.

Another Conundrum My blog.

Please support John Laesch. You mentioned Denny's ethical problems of late, but most of what is not appearing in the papers, but has been blogged about locally, and covered over years in the local press, is that the Prairie Parkway project that the latest scandal is tied to is so roundly hated locally.  

Here, the project is known as "Hastert's Disaster" or the "Prairie Porkway."  Denny has made so very many enemies by shoving this unwanted and locally reviled sprawlway down the region's throat, I'd be surprised if John Laesch's race is the longshot everyone seems to assume it is, even without Denny's scandalous profiteering.  

If you would like proof of that, visit www.sprawlway.org.  It's a good site, done by one of the many grass-roots groups in strong opposition to the Prarie Parkway.  But it is partisan, so go instead to the news section, where they have compiled all the local press stories related to the project since 2001.  Start there and read forward and the picture quickly becomes clear.

As for blogging.  Who has time? I used to blog about local events, but currently, in addition to my full time job, I am the volunteer media coordinator for John's campaign.  

I volunteered for John's campaign on-line after reading a diary he posted at DKos.  Right now I am expending every available hour I can squeeze out of my schedule on that effort.  I feel like I've dropped my keyboard and reported to active duty, though, and suspect it will stay that way until the election this November (I have even found myself mulling over whether I could afford to take a leave of abscence if necessary-an insane thought, because the answer is "only if I wish to reside in my car").

Certainly, the more I see of how dedicated John is, the less inclined I am to back down.  That impression he made on YKos?  He makes it here in IL-14 every day, person by person by person.  So John - and Jen, and all his dedicated volunteers -  have succeeded in turning this small piece of the netroots into a hyper-active piece of the grassroots (and I have never actively volunteered for a campaign before!).  

Shouldn't that count for something when you ask the "does John have netroots support?"

This is a winnable race. Moreover, he's running against Tom Tancredo, who's responsible for most of the anti-immigration hysteria that's sweeping the nation. A victory against Tancredo would likely put an end to much of the anti-immigration madness that's out there.

Winter is also a Fighting Democrat, having served in both the Navy and the Marine Corps.

Finally, he's come out in favor of net neutrality.

You can find his website here and his blog here.

How could you have met a candidate at YearlyKos and not met Charlie Brown?  He is running in CA-04 against John Dolittle.  Dolittle has a ton of ties to Abramoff and is so currupt he hired his wife as a "fundraiser" then funneled all campaign contributions through her, after she took her 15% commission, of course.

Charlie is a real person and if he can shake enough hands in CA-04 he'll win over that district, he's got a real shot but could use all the support he can get.  Oh yeah, and he's a fighting Dem.

Nancy Skinner is absolutely worthy of support, and she's in a district which we should be winning (along with the rest of the state of Michigan). While she might be quieter among the national netroots, she's very active at Michigan Liberal, which is rapidly becoming an important resource for Michigan Democrats.

Also worth looking at are MI-07 (my choice, Fred Strack), MI-08 (Jim Marcinkowski), and MI-11 (Tony Trupiano). With enough work, Michigan could be the last little push that puts us in the majority.

Just putting in a second to the many calls for Linda Stender and advancing a nomination for Jim Webb.  

Linda Stender enjoys a lot of local blog support, and she recently appeared on Larry King Live, where she denounced Ann Coulter for maligning the 9/11 Widows.  Stender is articulate, brave and progressive.  She should be supported.

Larry Kissel in NC-08 should also be considered.  The incumbent switched his vote on CAFTA, and he could barely beat a nominal candidate during the last election cycle.

Larry KISSEL and Linda STENDER

John Laesch!  This may be a long shot, but we if approach every what appears to be non-competitive race as unwinnable, we will never win a race.  John has shown he's bright, smart, and that he will fight for the same things we want - an end to the Iraq war, bring our troops home, affordable health care for all, a decent minimum wage, etc.  All those things that the current congress and Dennis Hastert will not address.  

John Laesch is worth supporting.  He'll fight, he won't back down and he won't let the DCCC and/or the DLC turn him Bushlite.  He's got a good netroots following certainly over at DKos and his own home turf.  He listens, he takes advice, and he understands he has to act quickly and respond to lies and all the negative spin the repugs and Hastert will spew forth.  He's worth at least taking a look at and listening to what he has to say.  Oh, he has a great sense of humor that comes through in his diaries and responses.  Please, at least look at him before you say he can't be Hastert.  He can if we give him the support he needs.
   

Just before the 1st Quarter FEC filing, Blue Jersey got word Linda Stender had set herself a high cash-on-hand goal, and was thousands of dollars from it, because she was shooting high. With a short turn-around, we set up an ACTBLUE page for her and raised more than $1700- in just a few hours. She way exceeded her goal.

Stender's a solid progressive running in a CD that Cooks has upgraded from Strong Repub... to Likely Repub... to Leans Repub. Her rise was sudden, with a bullet. We didn't expect it, and now it's what everybody's talking about. She's got solid netroots support - Blue Jersey & Dump Mike included - and is also a veteran of 8 winning elections from Mayor up through state assembly.

Without her even having to ask for it, people are  pounding out opposition research on Rep. Mike Ferguson. NJ-7 is in play.

Tim Barnwell is running in Texas 26th.  He's out every day working the grass roots.  The incumbent Republican, Michael Burgess, although closely associated with Tom Delay, and traded money with him and Duke Cunningham, is rated as one of the least effective congressmen, and #26 of 32 in Texas.  Burgess is also the one behind the "Flat Tax".

Barnwell's campaign, as well as the antics of his opponent are covered on several blogs - I'll probably miss a few:

North Texas Liberal:
http://northtexasliberal.blogspot.com

Gonzomuckraker:
http://gonzomuckraker.blogspot.com/

Whosplayin?:
http://www.whosplayin.com

Barnwell's campaign website:
http://www.barnwellforcongress.com

MySpace profile:
http://www.myspace.com/barnwellforcongre ss

Bill Winter in C0-06.  This man engages the Netroots on an almost daily basis.  

http://www.winter4congress.com

This guy IS the American dream.

Born an orphan, and a fighting Dem as a Marine.  This guy gave his own kidney to his sister so she could live.

AND... he's running against Tom Tancredo.

I want to nominate both

John Courage (TX-21)

and

Chris Carney (PA-10)

Fighting Dems' and kick ass guys.

We really should be talking about Larry Kissell -- he's the real deal. I am not, by nature, an optimistic person, but I do think that he can unseat Robin Hayes (R) in November. And from the get-go he's been active with the netroots, posting at the national sites and building a standing relationship with BlueNC.

His biggest problem will be money (Hayes is one rich mother), but it's not a problem that can't be overcome. Kissell won't have to outspend Hayes to win. We can put him over the top.

Bill Winter is a man who has earned my respect, and that's saying something tremendous.

He's engaging. He's authentic. He's a fighter

Democrats hold the governorship, both sides of the statehouse and both Senate seats. But we have only a 1-seat majority in the Congressional delegation and don't have even one woman serving in Congress. That last fact alone is shameful.

This year, the 7th district, in the central part of the state, has a great opportunity to change that. Assemblywoman Linda Stender (www.LindaStenderForCongress.com) is well-known in one of the 4 counties of the district, having served as mayor, freeholder (county exec) and state assembly.

Linda is our best hope yet of unseating a right-wing extremist who serves as a rubber stamp for the Smirking Chimp. Incumbent Mike Ferguson (www.DumpMike.com) is the #1 recipient of drug company money in the House and #3 in Congress overall. He consistently votes in their favor and against patients and consumers. He is also the #1 recipient of Tom DeLay's PAC money, and STILL refuses to return it! Fergie even tries to pass himself off as pro-environment, even though the League of Conservation Voters gave him only a 17% approval rating.

The brewing civil war in the GOP -- hard fiscal conservatives vs. fascist ayatollahs -- is in full swing in central Jersey. This district is primarily Republican, but they tend to be moderate on social issues. Fergie has allied himself with the most vicious extremists. Moderate Republicans, especially pro-choice women, would flock to Stender.....they just have to know she exists, and that's why she needs money.

And she isn't waiting around. In the first quarter of this year, Stender raised more money than our 2004 candidate raised all year -- and he was an investment banker. She has already been endorsed by Democracy for America, Emily's List, Garden State Equality, Blue Jersey and others. I expect the DCCC -- which has long ignored our district -- to endorse her sometime this year.

If we want to overturn one of those 15 seats in the House, there are few opportunities better than in Jersey's 7th district.

For those of you in this district who want a bumper sticker: go to www.cafepress.com/stender. Profits will go to the campaign.

Can I vote twice?  Hey, I did grow up in Chicago.  Here in colorado Jay Fawcett and Bill Winter are both tremendous candidates.  While I hadn't met Fawcett until he came to Yearlykos, he's many times attended Drinking Liberally in Colorado Springs.  And even though there is no DL chapter in Bill's district I've lost count the number of times he's spoken with and listened to folks here in Denver.

In addition, both continue to engage us online as several Coloradans have linked to above.

So, unfortunately, I can't pick just one.  I want them both to win, and each has the polling to show they can win those districts. And winning these districts would really kick the GOP in the shorts.  Come on, retiring Mad Tom Tancredo and putting a Democrat in the middle of SpongeDobson land?

I'm a citizen in IL-14 who back in Feb. decided that I was so upset with the current administration that I needed to do something. Since all politics is local I decided to look at who is running against Dennis Hastert. Joh Laesch appears to be the real deal.

Yes it's a David and Goliath type race but David did win!

Thanks,

Tony T

A few months ago, Mother Jones named Richard Pombo as the #1 enemy of the world's oceans. He sponsored the most recent bill to drill in ANWR. These are just a few reasons I think Kid Oakland was spot on when he said we all live in Richard Pombo's district.

I saw Al Gore's movie last night. Made a pretty compelling argument for what we're doing to "our only home" and how the actions of the U.S. are impacting the whole world.

I know Jerry McNerney well enough to know that he understands all this and more. He's been a wind engineer for 20 years--long before it was fashionable and everybody was talking about it. Jerry not only gets the energy and environmental issues our world is facing, he has practical, hands-on experience at solving them.

As Gore pointed out, we have the technology right now to start reversing the damage we're causing, we just need the political will.

McNerney not only has the credentials and the knowledge, he has the will.

Jerry McNerney gets my vote!

I have posted my (rather long) list of reasons here.

Dennis Hastert has amassed a dangerous amount of power, so much he is now able to effectively shut down bills supported by the Senate, president, and House Majority Leader.  I believe he is a real and present threat to the health of our House.  I fear that no matter how much work we do to elect new representation, without a change in Speakership our hard-fought-for representatives will simply end up out in the hallway.

As for his opposition, John Laesch has excellent credentials, and is a thoughtful and diligent candidate.  He will make an excellent representative, and deserves netroots endorsement.

Carolyn
Soapblox/Chicago blogger
my Citizen Kane blog

Stephanie Studebaker for OH-3!

http://blog.oh02.com/2006/06/04/my-own-o dp-comments/

http://www.blogesque.com/?p=431

http://www.buckeyestateblog.com/node/169 2

http://www.buckeyestateblog.com/node/153 9

http://www.myspace.com/stephaniestudebak er

http://www.dfalink.com/profile.php?id=22 3127

She definately has blog support!!!

The point of the netroots endorsement is to beat Republicans directly, lock down their resources indirectly, and support local infrastructure (including the 50 state strategy)

I think part of our goal is to reform the Democratic party as well, by supporting grassroots/netroots-friendly reformist Democrats against unsatisfactory Democratic incumbents.  And certainly here in Massachusetts, that's where the majority of the action is - other than Governor, Republicans are irrelevant and most of our important contests are between Democrats.  Yet Massachusetts will never live up to its potential as a showcase of progressive politices for the nation, if we don't shake things up and elect better Democrats.

Would you consider modifying the statement of purpose to define a bit more clearly how netroots endorsement applies to these kinds of races?

You want to pick a leader for this position no one has really paid attention to but, who will have a chance to be a force in the Congress for many years to come......  Then look no further than Peter Welch cannidate for the seat held by Bernie Sanders in Vermont. He's someone who during the 1980's almost singlehandedly organized and prepared a Democratic takeover of the Vermont state legislature.  He's someone who after not being in that state's Senate for a decade was unanimously elected/restored to the position of President Pro Tempore which he had held when he left in 1988!! (Note I'm not even a Vermont resident, but I think that having this man whip the Republican's attempt at installing another idioic "northeastern moderate" women would be very nice as well...)

The NC-08 Kissell race is especially important to the Netroots for two reasons:

1.   First, he's a pro-choice candidate.  The race that is receiving the most attention in NC, NC-11, features a pro-life democrat.  This is the progressive issue that most differentiates democrats from republicans.

2.  Second, it is truly winnable.  Unlike many other races we have been interested in, the district is about 50% democrats and only 30% republicans.  It is a whole lot easier to get a democrat to come back to the fold that to get a republican to cross party lines.  

The polls have put Larry Kissell ahead of his opponent, despite the fact that his name recognition is in the teens!  Money really can make a difference in this race.

We should pick candidates the way we pick stocks -- look to the fundamentals that indicate whether or not the candidate can win.

Normally, one would expect a national party to do this, however, the national parties have gotten caught up with the idea of narratives (such as fighting dems, or big tent on choice) which get support from national media, but don't translate to votes at the polls.

Larry Kissell (NC-08) built his campaign from the ground up in a fashion that makes him the perfect candidate for Netroots.

He's never shyed away from the blogosphere either! He respects us, we should return the favor!

Linda Stender is a straight-talking, no-nonsense Assemblywoman who is ready and determined to take on our Delay/Bush clone, Mike Ferguson.  I just got a piece of literature from Fergie that looks like a campaign piece.  But it's technically not.  And we all paid for it with his franking privilege.  I can't wait for November to get this guy out of Washington.

Linda Stender is perfect for the 7th--as tunghoy and rosi mentioned, she's sensible and moderate fiscally (whereas Fergie loves all of George's tax cuts for the rich) and she's pro-choice.  Just like the majority of the voters in the 7th.  She can win.  In my dreams, she always does!!

There are so many Democrats in our district who think that Dennis Hastert cannot be beaten and that we should simply wait for his retirement, which he claims is set for 2008.  Even the State Party seemed affected by this ennui.

But the worm is turning for "The Coach".  He deserves the comeuppance for his total corruption, but there is a better reason to knock him out of office now.

There are many who say that all of Denny's dirty tricks to change the rules in Congress are directed against the Democrats.  I disagree.  The Republicans have the majority.  Denny doesn't have to do the things he does against the Dems.  In fact, he does it to hold the Republicans in line on behalf of the Administration.  He is not just another Republican in Congress.  He is part of the Bush Administration.  This election in Illinois is not about expanding a Democratic margin in Congress.  It is about the Presidential election of 2008 and the reversal of the things that Denny has done to eliminate Congressional oversite over the Executive branch, whether the investigations start on the Right or on the Left.

The IL-14 race is a national race.  We need to take this seriously as a nation.  Laesch CAN win this one (especially as Coach's corruption gets more and more attention).

Laesch understands this.  This is why he is running.  Support John Laesch.

Larry Kissell

He's progressive and smart.  He will positively represent WE...THE PEOPLE!

Please get behind turning the red states blue

NC can go blue with just a little more education to our republican media influenced citizens

If we want our country back we must send progressives like Larry Kissell to DC

I'm proud to add my name to the endorsement of Bill Winter in CO-6.  I am a fellow veteran, and believem me you know where Bill stands, and more importantly that he will stand

To quote Molly Ivens, "This is not atimtfor a candidate who will offend ho one.  It is time for a candidate who takes clear stands and kicks ass."

It is a perfect description of Bill Winter.

Ypu can read his blogs on this site.

He really can beat Tom Tancredo!  Winter storm warning at Tancredo HQ!

Larry Kissell is exactly what the 8th district, the Democratic Party and this country needs!

He's got great grassroots support, an excellent campaign staff, and is right on the issues.

Kissell can win the 8th district...but he needs your support.   Please endorse Larry Kissell!

If you don't endorse Larry Kissell the kitty here gets it.

RICH SEXTON in NJ-3

Rich is particularly blog-friendly doing podcasts on BlueJersey, Daily Kos and my little spot ("Lassiter Space")

He's a naval academy grad and sharp as a tack. I especially think a proper military sensibility is crucial for our country right now.
Jay

My vote is for Larry Kissell - NC 8th - although i'm not in his district, it is my pleasure to work on his campaign and to do everything to get him elected.  

Mr. Kissell is running against Robin Hayes who votes strictly the party line....Hayes came out against CAFTA, before he was For it!

http://www.newsobserver.com/291/story/25 4053.html

Jack Carter (NV Senate) [ see upthread for more ]
John Laesch
Jerry McNerney
Charlie Brown
Nancy Skinner

And that is just off the top of my head.

BTW, how freaking amazing is it that we have such an embarassment of riches this cycle?
Ye gods, every since one of the candidates mentioned here are totally "A list" and deserve our absolute support.

I'm blown away!
-C.

Anna Lord - Colorado House District 21. I know this isn't the biggest race in the country but it has a lot of low level tags that work. Anna is a true progressive - ask Jay Fawcett if she has understood the meaning of ticket loyalty. (By the way, I also HEARTILY endorse Jay for netroots - he also REALLY understands and shows down ticket loyalty - working for all of the local campaigns to help them succeed. Thanks, Jay - Zappatero, everything you say is true).

Anna has been blogging for several years in a variety of places. I have posted several of her pieces on Kos and Soapblox Colorado. She understands and enjoys the blogsphere (after she is elected I will have permission to open her other logs to Kos and MyDD). She is fighting against people who have the "I don't want to kill government, I just want to starve it enough that I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it " (actual Colo Spgs Republican quote). An opponent who wrote a resolution for a school district that would have allowed a voucher run on the state education system - even after the Colorado Supreme Court had rejected vouchers. Sound familiar?

But, her opponent has been chair of the local Fort Dobson machine in the early 1990s as the Dobson machine wound up. He has been the conduit for a significant amounts in support for stealth voucher candidates attempting to secure control of one of our local school districts and then levering it into a conduit for vouchers for the entire state. He is the Fort Dobson Karl Rove. Where better to send the netroots message?

Colorado Springs is seen as one of the epicenters of the neo-con machine. Netrooting to those candidates opposing the machine is critical.

And netrooting these candidates is critical for up tickets. Colorado Springs is a focal point for Jay Fawcett and CD-05, a major piece of the Take Back the House campaign. And finally, Anna has managed to raise dollar for dollar with her opponent to date. We know there is the potential that money can get dumped in late so we want to gain a lead to make that dumping of money riskier for the other side and to pull money away from Jay's competitors. Finally, Colorado Springs is a key piece in taking back the Colorado Governorship. If Bill Ritter can just tie in El Paso County, Colorado will be true blue.

Angie Paccione CO-4

Angie is running to defeat Marilyn Musgrave in this Red district.  If any are aware of what an enabler Musgrave has been to Bush policies, it's worth a piece of the action to get involved in this race.  Angie is a fighter who has made her own way in life as a student, athlete and teacher; in the process earning a PhD.  This district has taken on a more bluish tinge in the last several elections.  With the growing realization by the agricultural community that Democratic policies have always been fairer to farmers and ranchers, this could be the year that this district goes blue.  It's doable.

In the battle to re-take the House we need to realize Kissell is the best value. The problem with the "Northeast Strategy" is that those races are in VERY expensive media markets where the Dems have to raise $2 to $3 million just to be competitive. NC's 8th district is a MUCH cheaper market. If Kissell raises anywhere close to $1 million it's almost impossible for him to lose.

If you haven't seen my diaries pro-Kissell and anti-Hayes running on the right side of MyDD the past few months, then you haven't been paying attention!  Instead of repeating what all those Kissell supporters above said, I'll provide links to my diaries for those curious for more information.

Kissell Fundraising Picks Up

Poll Numbers Look Good for Kissell

Robin Hayes Lame attempts to pass legislation

Larry Kissell:  Perfect Netroots Candidate - this was written the last time nominations were open

This one is winnable.  The excitement is spreading in NC in and out of the district.  While the netroots members have been generous each time I post a diary and I'm sure each time others post diaries, this endorsement could provide the resources that put Larry over the top.

I disagree.  Its only a pipedream if we treat it as such.  Remember that post-redistricting, Edwards and Vo pulled off victories in their districts with similar dynamics.  The vote has been trending upward for the last 5 elections and Barton won by the smallest margin in 2004 that he ever has to a very left of the left environmental candidate.  In addition to my working on that persons campaign in '04, I believe I can speak to a wider range of issues in this district.  Consistantly, even in Texas, the war in Iraq is at the top of the list in polling and the Repubs get it wrong every time.  

Additionally, netroots candidates have lost primary and special elections...I do not believe those were in vain.  Everyone needs someone to get out and step up but it takes money to do it.  I don't need a million to run ads because Barton can spend ten.  I won't tell you to give me thousands because I can beat him at this or that.  I know what I need to do in a smart way, in conjunction with the party's GOTV efforts to win.  If I had 2000 folks donating $5 a month, it would fund the phone, field and print programs in this race...period.  It doesn't take millions.  I don't pay staff, political consultants have donated their time.  I don't pay for office space, political groups have donated space.  I don't pay walkers, people have volunteered to carry out that part of the plan.

Most of this race is like life, just showing up.  Politics in Texas are different than any where else.  I continue to be in a paper a week, an event a week, and building to several exciting events, all with very little cash but tons of hard work by Michelle and the rest of our volunteers.  Think twice before saying its a pipedream...what we have already started here is amazing!

I promise, you will be hearing more about me, from different venues than most of the others on this board.  The way to reach folks is to find them when they weren't thinking about politics...:)

(Thanks annatopia!)

DAVID T. HARRIS
FOLLOW ME TO DC

Thanks so much Matt for including me!  I had entirely too much fun at YK to call it work but learned more and came back more fired up than I thought was possible.  I am looking forward to next year.

don't think because he's running against Hastert his campaign is a long shot. it's not. IL-14 is bluer than it used to be. there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the Speaker. and it's growing daily. Hastert's highly profitable and suspect land deal is going to be big trouble for him.

please consider a netroots endorsement for Laesch. it would be so valuable in this race.

I'm not generally a big fan of backing long-shot races, but I'd really like to make Dennis Hastert have to fight for re-election.

George W. Bush only won the district by about 10 points, and it's almost certainly trending Democratic (as are the rest of the Chicago suburbs).

Plus, Laesch has been very involved at Daily Kos. Most candidates just post essentially to ask for money. He got us involved by having us research LTE  writers ties to Hastert.

I have to second the Courage nomination. He has stolen multiple Smith press events.

Courage also has multiple blogs following the race:
TX-21
Burnt Orange Report
Just Another Blog
Capitol Annex
...and more.

He has won two national netroots campaigns including Democracy for America's Grassroots All-Star and Feingold's Progressive Patriot award. The district is over 50% Austin and the Courage campaign has massive grassroots support.

Making him the Netroots candidate too, would be the tipping point that is needed to win 1 of the 15 seats need to take back the house.

IL-14 candidate John Laesch

www.john06.com

Al Weed is a 42-year military vet, and a farmer running in rural Virginia. He's a second time candidate, who lost in 2004 because he supported the war and stands up for progressive social values. The war won't hurt him this time around, and with Jim Webb at the top of the ticket instead of John Kerry, Al will be in a much better position.

This district is a microcosm of all the national issues that run in favor of the Democrats, and it's itching for change.

1. The war is hitting southside harder than most places, with Martinsville boasting the highest recruitment rate in the US.
   
2. The hollowing out of rural America is obvious from one look at this district, with parts in double-digit unemployment for years, the district hemorrhaging jobs overseas, and farms closing down due to the sickly tobacco market.
   
3. The culture of corruption is all over our representative, and hitting home. Virgil Goode got 80k from Mitchell Wade (the Dukestir's briber) to secure a deal which ultimately went sour and may leave the struggling city of Martinsville to foot a $500,000 bill.
   
4. The independent backlash will be devastating to Virgil Goode. He was elected as a Democrat, and kept winning elections because he was lovable. He's not so lovable now that he's covered in the stench of corruption, and anyone who shows up to vote for Jim Webb will vote against his republican incumbent while he's in the booth.

This is a cheap district in which to run a campaign, but it is rural and it is poor. We outraised Virgil in Q1, but we're going to need more to cover a district larger than NJ. Netroots money will go farther here than elsewhere, spent on a well-organized ground game (we have Paul Hackett's '04 field organizer!) and pointing out corruption. This election is winnable. Virgil Goode is the first Republican to represent the VA-05 since the Civil War -- help us take it back.

ANGIE PACCIONE is running against Marilyn Musgrave, a former professional basketball player and reelected by a wide margin to the Colorado legislature in a district in which her party was a minority.

ANGIE PACCIONE is running against Marilyn Musgrave. Angie is a former professional basketball player and reelected by a wide margin to the Colorado legislature in a district in which her party was a minority.

At the latest Pennsylvania State Democratic committee meeting, this past weekend, delegates from all parts of the Keystone State had one name on their lips; Tony Barr.  The Write-in miracle of the May 16th primary has gone from the grassroots to the Mountain tops.  The energetic challenger to the Shuster PA-9th would-be dynasty shook every hand possible during the latest State party meeting and was among the last to exit the building.   Tony Barr was also well-received at all of the caucus meetings that the Republican Gerrymandering of PA Congressional districts required him to attend.

The write-in campaign that began in a kitchen in Claysburg, is rapidly attracting legions of eager volunteers.  GOP inter-party chaos and voter disillusionment with the failures of the Bush administration make Tony Barr a very attractive alternative.  Those out of town cynics and beltway pundits who think that it will take a tsunami to unseat a Republican in the PA-09th would do well to locate their hip-waders and camcorders and start looking for higher ground.  It's getting mighty moist in the PA-09th CD.

Learn more about the Tony Barr campaign at tonybarr2006.com

Larry Kissell-Larry Kissell the right man for the right job. endorse him.

Both have better chance than John Laesch of IL-14. However it is true that the Hastert race in 14 has more media potential.

I'd really like to see an endorsement of Bill Winter for the CO-6 seat.  Tom Tancredo needs to go.  He's a racist pig who cares nothing for his district.  Mr. Winter, on the other hand, has strong ideas and convictions, far beyond the building of a fence (ahem).  

He stands a strong chance of winning, even in this conservative district.  I believe he deserves as much support as possible.

I think this seat is ripe to be taken from Robin Hayes this year.  With Hayes being known as a rubber stamp for Bush's foreign and domesic policies, the 8th district, stretching from downtown Charlotte to Fayetteville, is ready for new representation. If Kissel can obtain national support, our chances of having accurate representation here in urban Charlotte might actually be realized.

--if you're wondering who Robin Hayes is.... well, here he is making headlines just LAST YEAR!:

GOP lawmaker: Saddam linked to 9/11

Thank you.....

Did I say Kissell?

The momentum is building and this is definitely a race to push push push. Larry is a Fighting Schoolteacher and he can win this thing.  The people of in NC 8 are going to continue to get screwed by Hayes unless Larry puts a stop to it.  

I think this seat is ready to be represented by a true progressive voice in Washington.  Jennifer Lawless is the perfect candidate to be endorsed by the netroots--she has come out in support of reproductive freedom and medical marijuana and against the Iraq War and the Patriot Act to name just a few.  Most recently, she criticized her opponent, James Langevin, on his failure to support net neutrality.

It's time for Rhode Islanders to have a representative on the Hill who embodies what they need and want.  NOW is the time to demand representation that stands for the true values of the netroots.  To demand nothing less would not only be a tragedy but a disservice to the people like us who deserve consistent progressive representation in Washington.

Jennifer Lawless is just that and she will represent the people from the ground up on the Hill.  Jen is a candidate who will assist in being the progressive advocate for RI and has the leadership and vision to be an accurate representative of the Netroots.  She is a current professor at Brown in political science (she wrote a book) and has been dedicated to the progressive causes that need to be stood up for in RI.  I believe that now more than ever we need a representative of true democratic ideals; not a Trojan horse for the Bush Administration.

http://www.lawlessforcongress.com

Please help clear the Hayes from our BlueNC sky.

Please let netroot root for Larry Kissell.

Larry Kissell is a straight-talking, intelligent, schoolteaching citizen who has the cojones to run against one of the wingnuttiest members of Congress.  

Robin Hayes promised the voters of the 8th district that he would vote against CAFTA, which has dealt a huge blow to manufacturing in the area.  Instead of voting the way he'd promised, the way that would have protected his constituents, he towed the party line and screwed his district.

If Larry Kissell can just have enough money to have TV and radio ads repeating Hayes' promise to vote against CAFTA over and over and over, then he's got a great chance of winning this one.

Netroots rise up!

The 8th district has been begging for a serious challenger for Robin Hayes. Kissell has come through....As a true representative of the constituents of NC-08, Larry Kissell will be a voice for teachers, textile workers, working parents, and those of us just trying to keep our head above water as we pay escalating gas prices and health insurance premiums. As one of the top 5 richest members of Congress, Hayes has no way of knowing what it is like for those of us who struggle to make ends meet.
NC-08 needs Kissell, not someone who courts big oil, pharmaceutical companies, and the top 2%.

If Kissell continues to forge ahead and garner support across this district, he will win. He needs the money to do it. Support Kissell with your words and your wallet!

Please endorse Larry Kissell!

I've known Larry Kissell my entire life and you would be well advised to support such a great man!

Please support Nancy Skinner.

Michigan's Ninth District has been steadily trending Democratic: Kerry got 49% of the vote, Senator Levin carried the district in 2002 and Governor Granholm also got 50% of the vote.  

I've met Laesch a couple times on the campaign trail.

He's a solid candidate; IMO he's better than most Dems running for Congress.

Laesch really sees the big picture on the int'l scene. And he's not a wimp that will go along with conventional wisdom.

I consider Laesch and Seals the most promising candidates in Illinois.

Archpundit derided Nancy Skinner who ran for Senate against Obama in the Dem primary.

I met Skinner in the primary and she's OK, but nothing exceptional.

I don't want to say anything about her in a public forum but I would recommend talking to her former campaign staffers before jumping on the Nancy Skinner bandwagon.

A great talk radio host is not necessarily a great candidate.

There's a reason Rush, Hannity, O'Leilly, etc. are staying where they're at. And it's not because they're less popular than Nancy Skinner.

I'd like to make a plug for Nancy Skinner. Obviously, she's a media personality, which means she's beautiful and well-spoken and able to think on her feet. But it also means she "gets" media--whether it's radio or blogs.

The first time we met, we talked about how to get more support for Michigan Liberal, Michigan's best local blog (IMO, though I've got no affiliation). She was aware of its recent history, and aware of the importance of local blogs to rejuvenating politics in MI.

Now, I'm not a local blogger, though after YearlyKos, I'm a blogger recognized as such in my local political party, where I serve as Vice Chair. But there is a reason, as a MI resident and someone who works in the auto industry, why I'd like to see Skinner get some support. You see, I've got the privilege of being represented by John Dingell-MI. Which is great, I love Dingell and love working with him. Except that I'm well aware Dingell is as well known as Dingell-Big 3 as he is known as Dingell-MI. Dingell's (and the other MI politicians) past support for the auto industry is one of the many things that has made it flabby. We need politicians who think creatively about ways to force--and help--the auto industry compete. Skinner has committed to doing that. So I'd love to see her get the blogosphere's support!

Endorse LARRY KISSEL!!!!