MyDD :: Netroots Actblue Page

Netroots Actblue Page

by Matt Stoller, Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 02:15:38 PM EST

We've created a netroots Actblue page. Here's who's on it, and why.

Ciro Rodriguez - progressive in a primary

Francine Busby - special election Democrat in a Republican district

Ned Lamont - progressive in a primary

Jon Tester - progressive in a primary

I smell an ideological/pragmatic combination.

Anyway, if you have thoughts on this page, let me know in the comments. In your comment, indicate whether you've given through an Actblue page in the past few years. Or send me an email at stoller at gmail.com if you don't feel comfortable commenting publicly.

Tags: Netroots, blogosphere, Actblue (all tags)

Permalink :: 35 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Sorry, must plug my own new ActBlue page too: http://www.actblue.com/list/Nathaniel%27 s+List

My ActBlue page

by Ament Stone of California on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 02:17:21 PM EST

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

indicate whether you've given through an Actblue page in the past few years.

by Matt Stoller on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:21:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Pete Ashdown (none / 0)

How about adding in Pete Ashdown? Probably the most net-savvy candidate in this election (he own's Utah's first ISP), he's going up against Orrin Hatch and needs financial help. Visit http://www.actblue.com/list/bloggers4pet e or www.peteashdown.org
I know he's not in a primary or special election, but I think everyone who moans about how bad Hatch is should take a look at Pete. If you don't live in Utah, vote for Pete with your pocketbook.

by brett on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 03:02:02 PM EST

Re: Pete Ashdown (none / 0)

indicate whether you've given through an Actblue page in the past few years.

by Matt Stoller on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:22:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pete Ashdown (none / 0)

I have given to Pete Ashdown through ActBlue and he got it. So it works.

by brett on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 05:16:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

How about adding Chuck Pennacchio to the list? He's a Progressive in a primary in PA up against a huuuuuuge DINO. Pennacchio's got an Act Blue page up already for linking. I thought I had contributed via Act Blue in the past, but I don't seem to have a login so I guess not.

--
Albert Yee
Philadelphia, PA
http://dragonballyee.com/blog

by Albert on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 03:11:41 PM EST

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

He's not viable.

by Matt Stoller on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:22:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

You can help make him 'viable' monetarily. I already think he is. I know I won't be giving money to an anti-choice, pro-Alito, pro-Roberts, anti-embryonic stem cell research, anti-child safety lock, anti-living wage, anti-universal healthcare candidate.

--
Albert Yee
Philadelphia, PA
http://dragonballyee.com/blog

by Albert on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:50:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

in what world (none / 0)

could we help someone who has barely raised a few grand become competitive with a candidate with universal name recognition and millions of dollars?

What, if we magically raised $80K for him?

You don't have to give to Casey. There are plenty of other good Dems and organizations desperate for money.

Pennachio doesn't even have the potential for viability.

by kos on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 06:26:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: in what world (2.00 / 2)

so kos, you're saying we, the people who live in pa like chris, should all get behind mr. DINO Bob Casey who would do all he could to overturn Roe v. Wade, more than bend over backwards for the gun lobby [even the NRA wants child safety locks]. a guy who came out in favor of two of the most radical right wing SCOTUS justices we've ever seen. a guy just as in line with the current administration's stance on embryonic stem cell research as is Sen. Man on Dog. just a dispicable candidate. that's what you're suggesting?

maybe you should go read an advance copy of your book.

if you don't think $80K will make a difference, why bother trying to get your readers to chip in to any race.

who the fuck am i supposed to support in my state then? tell me, mr. CA. piss off.

--
Albert Yee
Philadelphia, PA
http://dragonballyee.com/blog

by Albert on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 12:46:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: in what world (none / 0)

oh yeah, and also, Mr. DINO's statement yesterday on the Patriot Act:

CASEY STATEMENT SUPPORTING THE PATRIOT ACT - 2/10/2006

For Immediate Release: February 10, 2006

Contact: Larry Smar 215-567-4190

Casey Statement Supporting the PATRIOT Act

PHILADELPHIA-U.S. Sen. candidate Bob Casey today issued the following
statement in response to the announcement of a bipartisan agreement on a
PATRIOT Act compromise:

"The agreement on the PATRIOT Act reauthorization is a victory in the
war on terror and a triumph of bipartisanship. This agreement should
clear the way for the renewal of this vital law and will continue to
give law enforcement the tools that they need to target terrorists and
prevent another terrorist attack. We cannot let the PATRIOT Act expire
and we cannot give the terrorists an opening to plan another attack. I
am pleased that the reauthorization addressed some of the issues
regarding the protection of the rights of Americans.

"I hope that the Congress will now turn to other pressing homeland
security issues like increasing the security of our rail system, ports,
chemical plants, nuclear power plants, and other potential targets.
This is especially important for Pennsylvania since the Commonwealth has
a number of these sites. We must also make sure our first responders
are properly equipped to react to another attack or natural disaster.

"Protecting the U.S. and our interests against another terrorist attack
and neutralizing terrorist threats will be one of my top priorities."

--
Albert Yee
Philadelphia, PA
http://dragonballyee.com/blog

by Albert on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 12:50:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: in what world (none / 0)

Kos, not only are you disrespecting Albert by telling him that his candidate couldn't possibly win against Casey. But you are disrespecting the democratic process, Pennacchio's supporters, and the people of Pennsylvania.

Money buys elections, we get that. But the point is that it needs to change. People are fed up with their government, a government that can't even manage to get food and water to New Orleans during a crisis, a government that has made a huge mess by starting a war in Iraq, a government that is cheating and lying to the American people, illegally spying on them in the name of the "Patriot Act", something Casey apparently supports.

No one is going to buy my vote, especially not a candidate who takes money from Lockheed Martin and Wal-Mart

by palib on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 02:47:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: in what world (none / 0)

So a candidate's "viability" is determined by name recognition and how much is already in the candidate's coffers?

by kmartino on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 02:58:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

With respect. Well, some, anyway.

I haven't checked through here since November, 2004, shortly after realizing how completely wrong you were about that election, and how much time I'd wasted believing you were right.

For you to brush off someone like Yee, and someone like Pennachio for that matter, who's way more on your side than Pennachio's opponent is not very impressive.

Let's say Pennachio is a long shot. But so is the whole project of reversing 10 years and more of triangulation, playing it safe, running out the clock, and still losing by a field goal every single time.

It ought to be important to the kind of people reading this site and the kind of people running this site to prefer Pennachio over the kind of Vichy Democrat you just absolutely know Casey is going to be. If you guys are worried that that wrecks your "in" with the big boys, then you've graduated to being part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Show some guts. Show some vision. Show you're not angling for the position of Shrum the Second. And put Pennacchio on that bleeping list.

You, too, kos.

by thomasn528 on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 10:45:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

And yes, I've given through an ActBlue page.

by thomasn528 on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 10:53:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Matt, we hear from Kos below why he thinks Pennacchio isn't "viable" as you put it.

What is your reasoning?

by kmartino on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 02:54:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

For the record - I have not given thru an ActBlue page.

by kmartino on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 02:56:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Karl-

Why is he not viable? Because he is down 50 some odd points in a poll, has zero name recognition, little money, and is up against someone who has both money, recognition, and whether we like it or not- a hugr base of support.

Together, bloggers can make differences in targeted races. But, we will never, ever be able to take a candidate from 2 percent to 50. That is just the reality. We have to pick our battles, and get n early. Going after Bob Casey might make us feel good, but in the end, if Chuck cracks ten percent in the polls, I will be shocked. I am a firm, proud liberal, but really, this is not the fight we want to pick, because we will lose very, very badly.

Progressive Philadelphia Politics: Young Philly Politics

by DanielUA on Sun Feb 12, 2006 at 06:23:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

I see you're not too proud to lie down. Thanks Dan.

--
Albert Yee
Philadelphia, PA
http://dragonballyee.com/blog

by Albert on Sun Feb 12, 2006 at 11:42:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Pennacchio IS viable, only the mainstream media (apparently, that includes THIS site) refuses to acknowledge it. Unfortunately, until they do, it will be hard for Chuck to get traction.

Why do I insist he's viable? Well, if you've been paying attention, you already know. In every poll in which voters are given even the most basic of information about candidate positions, Casey tanks. If Chuck Pennacchio is included, he out polls Santorum and Casey.

To insist that we ignore a candidate like Chuck is to hand the position back to Santorum -- Casey is so far out of step with Pennsylvanians that he will continue to lose his numbers and end up on the short end.

To complain about how Casey got selected and to ignore Pennacchio is to ensure no change next time around. BUT if progressives make ALOT of noise at party meetings all over the state, WHEN Casey loses, then we'll have some credibility next time when we come in and say -- NOT AGAIN.

Tom Ford "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right"

by Tom Ford on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 03:03:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

The media now generally mentions Chuck's name, along with Alan Sandals. How do they poll? Together, in a poll with like 4 percent margin of error, the two of them combined for three percent. Three! I mean, hell, with the margin of error, he could be at zero. At this point, lets stop blaming the media. Chuck is now polled, and he comes across as an extreme, extreme, extreme long shot. What do you want them to do, make up for the millions of dollars that he does not have, but needs?

Please, lets be realistic. Target races early, and help us build a base of progressives. Why does everyone think we can so easily skip steps along the way?

Like buildng a third party, building a progressive bench is hard work, that will take a long time. Yet, instead of putting his energy into that, Chuck has decided he should be a Senator. Nice guy or not, that just is not how it works.

Progressive Philadelphia Politics: Young Philly Politics

by DanielUA on Sun Feb 12, 2006 at 06:39:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Using your logic of only voting for viable candidates, why don't you vote for Santorum? He's so viable he won last time against an ANTI-CHOICE democrat.

by palib on Sun Feb 12, 2006 at 08:30:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Huh? In other words, that means you acknowledge that a candidate who is down by 50 percent (50!) in polls, and has zero money, will lose, and lose badly?

I love long shots. I don't love suicide missions. Chuck is leading you straight down one.

You, like me, are from PA. Why don't we focus our efforts on building a real bench so this kind of thing is not generally an issue in the future? Why doesn't Chuck?

Progressive Philadelphia Politics: Young Philly Politics

by DanielUA on Sun Feb 12, 2006 at 11:10:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Not interested in laying down like you.

--
Albert Yee
Philadelphia, PA
http://dragonballyee.com/blog

by Albert on Mon Feb 13, 2006 at 11:58:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Plugging my candidate (none / 0)

Al Weed is a progressive fighting Dem running in Virginia's 5th CD. He's challenging Virgil "MZM Scandal" Goode, who pulled a Cueller in 2002, defecting to the Republicans for a seat on the Appropriations committee.

Virgil's well funded, and Al faces a primary against DLC-Democrat Bern Ewert (who secured the backing of our state party chair 6 months before he announced, and has been raising money on ActBlue despite the fact that the FEC has published no filing from his campaign) so we'll be pulling out all the stops on the netroots part of the campaign, using every available resource we can find. (michael.snook <at> gmail.com if you have suggestions!)

Until the campaign blog is up and running, I'll be using my own blog, Dynamic Pressure as an unofficial campaign blog, and Al's website has podcasts of some of his public events -- apparently he's one of three fighting Dems already using this resource -- so anyone can keep up on him and listen to what he's all about.

Al's a great candidate and he needs netroots support. Help him out!

Progress is Personal | Connie Brennan | My opinions are mine alone

by msnook on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 03:16:07 PM EST

Re: Plugging my candidate (none / 0)

indicate whether you've given through an Actblue page in the past few years.

by Matt Stoller on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:23:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

suggestions (none / 0)

ActBlue was how I gave last election. I would recommend making clear which cases are primary-versus-DLC-candidate, and also explaining with details why people should prefer the challenger (I'm on your side, but right now the details are slim.)

Can you put Lamont at the top? I think that's the theme of the list, and it's a good one to highlight.

The blogpac description is a little vague. Where does blogpac money go? To bloggers to pay for them advertising a candidate? Or to candidates chosen by bloggers?

Also, a few typos in the page (favorite, e.g.)

by sdedeo on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 03:56:12 PM EST

Check the Front Page? (none / 0)

Bowers just posted a list of 8 House races that would become likely Dem pickups except for a lack of money. Wouldn't that be a good place to be starting?

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 03:59:57 PM EST

and yes, a couple times.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:39:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Tim Walz would be my obvious choice for an addition. He is part of Bowers 8 who need money.

I donated Walz over Actblue (I believe it was $100), as well as to Ciro Rodriguez (only around $10 or $20). I have also given to Jon Tester who is on your list, just not through Actblue.

by PatMN on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 04:14:19 PM EST

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

One nasty side effect of bankruptcy "reform" has been that, even for those of us not in danger of bankruptcy, credit card issuers have been jacking their rates up like crazy, in the knowledge that most of their customers no longer have any escape. As a result, for the past year my political giving has been near zero, as I've concentrated on retiring the debt I incurred trying to make 2004's disastrous election a little less disastrous (not to mention my diabetic spouse's high medical bills).

Still, I've started the giving cycle again. Mostly modest $25 contributions, but they add up. (And Ciro's getting $50.) ActBlue was my preferred donations vehicle in 2004, and it still is.

If you're always playing the fear card, it's a pretty good sign you're not playing with a full deck!

by Mathwiz on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 05:20:24 PM EST

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (3.00 / 1)

Patrick Murphy's race for the Eighth Congressional District in PA is going to be one of the MOST competive races in 2006
www.murphy06.com;

"A Democratic campaign aide in Washington, asked which veterans showed the most promise, listed two: Tammy Duckworth, in Ill.-6, and Patrick Murphy, in Pa.-8."
http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/Th eHill/News/Campaign/020906.html

But first he needs to be a LIFELONG REPUBLICAN in the Primary

Patrick Murphy is a:
Bronze Star getting
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/12240 238.htm

Constitutional Law Teaching
http://aboveavgjane.blogspot.com/2005/12 /interview-with-patrick-murphy.html

Dynamic Speaking
http://ourcongress.org/story/2005/8/5/91 017/60058
http://dragonballyee.blogs.com/philly/20 05/08/hot_hot_heat_me.html

All Around Good Guy
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/enterta inment/columnists/stu_bykofsky/1213754/1 2137544.htm
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1 11-01172006-598621.html

Who is also a damn Good fundraiser
http://aboveavgjane.blogspot.com/2006/01 /money-money-money-money.html#links

The District is one of the most WINNABLE districts in the County - Plus it is in Chris Bowers' Backyard!

Kerry won the district by over 3.42%:
http://democratluntz.blogspot.com/2006/0 1/here-are-some-of-preliminary-results.h tml

Kerry won Bucks (which represents most of the District) by nearly 10,000 votes:
http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/E lectionReturns.aspx?Control=StatewideRet urnsByCounty&ElecID=1&OfficeID=1 #B

Rendell won Bucks in 2002 by well over 57,000 votes:
http://web.dos.state.pa.us/cgi-bin/Elect ionResults/county1.cgi?choice=9&eyea r=2002&etype=G

Al Gore would have won the district by nearly 4%
http://www.ncec.org/redistricting/distri ct6491.html?district=pa108

The District is become even MORE democratic every day:
With long time Republicans so disolusioned with the DC Republicans that they are switching parties:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1 11-11212005-573308.html

And the Ds picking up a ton of seats in the 2005 elections:
http://www.bucksdemocrats.com/displaynew s.asp?id=35

Fitzpatrick is way TOO conservative for the district:

As a local political website noted: "Bucks County has entered the Republican mainstream by having a Congressmen who walks lock step with Rick Santorum."
http://www.ourcongress.org/story/2005/6/ 26/16118/3792

Some votes to prove it:
Stem Cell Research - no
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll204. xml
Right to privacy - no
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1 11-08112004-346221 .html
Protecting Civil Liberties - no
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll414. xml
Getting involved with a family tragedy - yes
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll090. xml
Shipping more jobs oversees w/o any protection for American workers - yes
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll443. xml
Stripping Supreme Court jurisdiction in 1st Am cases - yes
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll257. xml

Fitzpatrick's ethical lapses:

Tons of DeLay's money and a voting record to match
http://www.dccc.org/houseofscandal/membe rs/MichaelFitzpatrickPA-8.html

Fitzpatrick says he'll donate $5,500 contribution tied to Ney
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1 11-01182006-599173.html

Fitzpatrick gets busted lying about voting to change the rules to protect Tom DeLay
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archive s/007472.php

Campaign money linked to Abramoff
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1 13-01222006-601336.html

by sfrotman on Fri Feb 10, 2006 at 11:19:05 PM EST

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

I would like to reccomend Christine Cegelis in the Illinois 6th. She is a Progressive in a primary running in an open seat. In 04 she earned 44.2% of the vote against incumbent Henry Hyde - the highest total ever by an opponent of the 30-year Congressman. By your own analysis of the House races, she can win she just needs some money.

No I have never given to ActBlue, I'm sorry to say that I did not used to be this involved in politics, but I recently decided to stop complaining and do something about it. So this year I plan to donate heavily.

Thank you

by blue in tampa on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 09:16:15 AM EST

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

Knowing absolutely nothing about your financial situation, I would encourage you to donate as early as possible to any candidate you care about. Emily's List (Early Money is Like Yeast) was founded on the idea that the sooner you give money, the more likely a candidate is able to raise money and awareness and it gets the ball rolling sooner, stronger, better.

Unfortunately that sometimes means giving candidates money years before they ever run. You get more value for your money and you get to be involved from the very beginning.

by palib on Sun Feb 12, 2006 at 08:36:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Netroots Actblue Page (none / 0)

My family has given through Actblue and when I get done with this I'm going to give a little money to Rodriguez in TX.

Oh, and for a candidate who you need to look at, Rosalind Kurita down here in TN. She is up against a DINO in Ford, but, more than that, she is the far more viable candidate in the general election.

by BobbyDem on Sat Feb 11, 2006 at 01:14:19 PM EST

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