Accountability and Iraq is our frame.  We think it does really well in districts around the nation.  But it's not the only winning framework to use, the only narrative that works.  Check out this stunningly good ad from Jennifer Lawless, primary challenger to Jim Langevin in Rhode Island's 2nd district. The ad is by Laguens, Hamburger, Kully & Klose (LHKK).

While the ad doesn't use the accountability framework and doesn't touch on Iraq, there are some clear pieces you'll recognize.  She draws an incredibly strong contrast.  She picks a fight.  And she doesn't mince words on an incredibly sensitive subject.  I would add that Langevin voted against the war, so the Iraq issue isn't as potent here.  

I think this is great stuff.  What do you think?

There's more...

Jennifer Lawless, who is challenging anti-choice Rep. Jim Langevin, in the Democratic primary in Rhode Island's 2nd District, released her first ad - "Knock" - today.  It can be seen here:

bw

It is a very upbeat ad and I think it could be effective.  While her first ad, it is less of a biographical piece but tries to draw stark contrasts to her opponent.  While not heavy on policy positions or anything, she does mention that, unlike her opponent, she wants out of Iraq now, supports women's reproductive rights, and will fight back against the Republicans.  She also labels herself as "the real Democrat" - even more important for her since Lamont beat Lieberman (Lawless created a new site www.LangevinEqualsLieberman.com).  Unlike other ads that have been featured on MyDD, Lawless takes Iraq head on and proudly touts being a progressive Democrat.

There's more...

The 'I'm the next Ned Lamont' refrain is becoming quite common among progressive primary challengers.  

So far, I've heard it from Donna Edwards, who's running against right-wing reactionary Congressman Al Wynn in MD-04, Jennifer Lawless, who's taking on conservative Jim Langevin in Rhode Island, and John Bonifaz, who's gunning for Secretary of State of Massachusetts.  All three of these candidates are taking on entrenched machine players, and trying to pull the Democratic Party closer to primary voters.

I'm particularly intrigued by Donna Edwards, who has a really powerful claim to legitimacy in her attack on Wynn.  What she says about Wynn is absolutely true.

"Albert Wynn is Maryland's Joe Lieberman."

"Wynn has taken a go-along-to-get-along approach to the Republican legislative agenda. Wynn has voted with Republicans on the Iraq War authorization, the Bush-Cheney Energy Bill, the Bankruptcy Reform Bill, and the Net Neutrality Bill. It's time for Mr. Wynn to answer for his record. Even Joe Lieberman didn't vote to repeal the Estate Tax for the wealthiest Americans."

Now, aside from his incredibly poor legislative record, is Wynn out of touch with his constituents?  That's the question, and it's a weird district so that's tough to figure out.  

If you have insight, please chime in.  And if you hear of any other candidates calling themselves the 'next Ned Lamont', put that in the comment thread as well.

Update: I'm not looking for nominations, I'm looking for non-Presidential candidates who have explicitly compared themselves to Ned Lamont or issued statements on Lamont.

There's more...

I just noticed that progressive challenger Jennifer Lawless is challenging anti-choice Democratic incumbent Congressman Jim Langevin in Rhode Island's Congressional 2nd district.  Normally this kind of race would be quixotic, and I know little about Rhode Island politics.  The polls don't look good, but her fundraising totals are exceptional for a 'hopeless' race.  She can compete with the amount of money she has, and Rhode Island is a liberal state dominated by a political machine (sound familiar?).

Anyway, would those savvy in Rhode Island politics chime in on this?  I'm not advocating for this one way or another, I'd just like to learn more.

Update: This race looks interesting. Langevin is Schiavo politician, which includes all the standard right-wing cultural touchstones. Patriot Act, flag burning, etc. On a MyDDish note, Langevin voted for the COPE Act, and Lawless is for net neutrality.

There's more...