We want Democrats to win. And we want to stop genocide in Darfur.

Can we do both at the same time?

Actually, yes. Voters consistently say that Darfur should be a priority. And a recent scorecard on Darfur showed Democrats leading the way. Detailed analysis inside.

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(note: I originally wrote this for dailykos, where I think the syndrome is most pronounced, but i'd love to see some feedback here too)

I'm a pragmatist, most definitely, I like to think of myself as a pragmatic progressive populist. I like to win, I think we need to. We also need to beware of making winning the only thing. For instance back in early 2004, I remember when we had the first blogosphere announcements of the kos dozen.The criteria that people voted on were varied and numerous, some people voted tactically, some based on analysis of poll results and previous trends, some based on strength of character. You name it.

Personally, I loved the entire process, and it's one of the things I lament the most about the change in "netroots endorsements", but I digress, perhaps part of it can be chalked up to things like redstates constant taunting and their increasingly "inventive" math to try to paint anything we do as unsuccessful, but it seems like pragmatism has been the watchword of the day, to the point that we (the blogosphere) have been ready to throw good candidates under the bus, or leave them at the bus stop at least.

However, what of the giant killers?
(much, much more behind the cut)

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I already voted so I can't vote anymore, but if you haven't you should really vote in Barbara Boxers Pac for change

Here are the standings right now:

Bob Casey (PA)   19%
Claire McCaskill (MO)     15%
Sherrod Brown (OH)     14%
Barbara Ann Radnofsky (TX)     11%
Pete Ashdown (UT)     10%
Jim Webb (VA) 8%
Amy Klobuchar (MN)      6%
Erik Fleming (MS)      5%

Now, I have nothing against Bob Casey, not at all, I think he will be an excellent next Senator from PA and is a definite step up from the heinous Santorum, but that's THE top tier race that everybody is paying attention to, while that money could be used so much more by Tester, Carter, McCaskill etc.

Anyway, if you agree, I urge you to join up and vote!

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Campaign fund raising as a challenger is something I would not wish on my worst enemy.  Doing the ask does not bother me.  Pitching to strangers is something I had to do repeatedly in the early years of XMission.  However, I've had a higher hit rates selling chocolate Santas as a teenager than with donors who have traditionally given high amounts to Democrats in other races.

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The Salt Lake Tribune reported on a immigrant couple who have tried to follow all the necessary rules to become U.S. citizens.  It is a good example of how broken the legal immigration system is.  This couple has worked hard to become part of their community and have a naturalized son.  I don't think they are asking to be treated specially, simply fairly, and that is not what the existing system is giving them.

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