"The Time Has Come"

by John Lapp, Wed Jan 11, 2006 at 09:23:29 AM EST

"The time has come that the American people know exactly what their Representatives are doing here in Washington. Are they feeding at the public trough, taking lobbyist-paid vacations, getting wined and dined by special interest groups?... the American people have a right to know."
-- U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, 11/16/95

The "Republican Revolution" that rode to Washington on the Contract with America in 1994, pledging to clean up politics, has become the most corrupt Congress in history. The Republican Party and the wealthiest, greediest special interests in the world have fused into one massive money machine -- with a cabal of crooked lobbyists like Jack Abramoff greasing the wheels.

I know we can win in November and this Jack Abramoff scandal helps prove it. Republicans are already facing the worst approval ratings for Congress since 1994, and this reveals to all of America what the Republicans have been doing in the shadows ever since Tom DeLay came to power. For years now, it appears as if a bill that does not have something to hand out to a Republican donor, arranged by their gang of shady Republican lobbyists, the Republicans don't think it's even worth voting on.

This is not "politics as usual," this is wholesale corruption. Months and months ago, we saw this coming, and we unleashed what I think is one of the most powerful political resources ever created: a website called Tom DeLay's House of Scandal. And now with Jack Abramoff's plea deal it becomes even more relevant.

The White House's agenda is singularly focused on big tax breaks for Wall Street while neglecting real relief for Main Street families. Last year we witnessed record high gas prices, soaring costs of home heating, and the near-prohibitive expense of quality health care and prescription drugs -- and there is no plan in sight from Republicans to address any of these problems.

Even the chief Republican Revolutionary himself, former Speaker Newt Gingrich understands what is at stake, "This is not one bad person doing one bad thing," Gingrich said of Abramoff during a recent luncheon speech at a D.C. Rotary Club event held at the Hotel Washington. "You can't have a corrupt lobbyist without a corrupt member or a corrupt staffer on the other end."

The bigger problem for Republicans isn't the Abramoff scandal, it's the fact that the scandal underscores how little the Republican Congress has paid attention to issues important to American families.  There is a real cost to the pervasive culture of corruption in Washington and it's paid at the pump, in monthly energy bills, and at the drug store counter.  Americans won't stand for a Congress that is absolutely indifferent to the challenges they face at home.  That's why the polls show that Americans prefer a Democratic Congress.

National and District-by-District Polling

An analysis of recent national and district polling data shows that Americans are increasingly dissatisfied with the direction of the country, the lack of progress on the country's problems and the weak leadership from the White House and the Republican Congress.

The central theme overwhelming apparent from both national and local polling is that Americans wants change in Washington.  From the rapidly declining approval of their own individual congressman to the free fall in approval rating of the U.S. Congress as a whole, Americans are making it increasingly evident they want change to the current policies and practices in Washington.  Americans want to elect new leadership in 2006 who will take the country on a new path

This sentiment among the electorate provides an important opportunity for Democrats. With the president's approval ratings at an all-time low, Congressional Republicans are desperately searching to put some daylight between themselves and the White House.  Republicans now realize that their votes over the last five years of blindly following the president have become a liability.

In all other nationalized midterm elections that changed our country's political landscape -- 1974, 1982, 1986, 1994, and 1998--there was a common theme: change vs. status quo.

Below is a sample from recent national polling and DCCC polling highlighting the desire for change across the country.

Americans think the culture of corruption that has invaded Washington will be one of the most important issues in 2006

  •     According to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll conducted December 16th - 18th , about half of U.S. adults believe most members of Congress are corrupt.  49 percent of respondents said the majority of members of Congress are corrupt. The results make it clear that the perception of congressional politicians is largely negative.  These results also make it clear that Congress' image could emerge as an election topic, with 55 percent of respondents saying corruption will be "the most important" or a "very important" issue to consider when voting in November 2006.  [CNN/USA Today/Gallup, 12/16-12/18/2006]
  •     In early December only 32% of Americans believed that we were on the right track with nearly two-thirds (60%) of respondents believing the country is heading in the wrong direction.  [Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research 12/07/2005]
  •     When it comes to the poster boy of Washington corruption, former Republican majority leader Tom DeLay voters in his own district would prefer a Democrat candidate.  49 percent of voters in the district said they would vote for the Democrat and only 36 percent said they would vote for DeLay in 2006. [CNN/USA Today/Gallup, 12/1-12/4/2005]
  •     Maybe worst of all, a Harris poll found congressional Republicans with a dismal 27% approval rating even before the Abramoff scandal broke wide open. [Harris, 11/ 8-11/13/2005]

    Americans prefer an independent voice as a representative in the Congress, not a rubber stamp for the President's agenda

  •     Voters are increasingly less inclined to vote for a candidate in support of President Bush's agenda.  Only 16% of respondents are more likely to support a Congressional Candidate who is a champion of Bush's policies, whereas 37% are less inclined to support a candidate in support of Bush's agenda.  [Quinnipiac University 12/6/2005]
  •     Furthermore, in DCCC polling in individual congressional districts, we find that voters prefer a "Democrat who will balance the President's agenda" by an average of 14 points to a "Republican who will consistently support the President's agenda."
  •     Congressional approval ratings continue to decline.  In the latest Quinnipiac University Poll Congressional approval had dropped to 27%.  [Quinnipac University 12/6/2005]
  •     In a USA Today/CNN survey in 2002, only 12% of the electorate wanted a member of Congress who opposed the president's policies. Today, that same survey has that number at 58%.

    Historically, voters have almost always "hated Congress but loved their Congressman." In the current political environment, however, that is just not the case. Recent DCCC polling in several individual congressional districts across the country shows the high rates of dissatisfaction with Republicans in Congress is translating into a lack of support for individual Members of Congress. In fact, in polls conducted since March of this year, not a single Republican incumbent garners more than 43% support for his or her re-election.  In many cases, Republicans are seen as a rubber stamp for the Administration and for the now-indicted Tom DeLay.  

    Generic Congressional:
    Associated Press 1/6/2006
    If the election for Congress were held today, would you want to see the Republicans or Democrats win control of Congress?
    Republicans                 36%
    Democrats                   49
    Neither (vol.)              12
    Not sure                       3

    Incumbent Re-election:
    CNN/Gallup/USA Today 1/9/2006
    Most Member of Congress Deserve to be re-elected: 42%

    Congressional Approval:
    Associated Press 1/6/2006
    Approval: 34%
    Disapproval: 63%

    Bush Job Approval:
    Associated Press 1/6/2006
    Approval: 40%
    Disapproval: 59%

    Right direction, wrong track:
    Associated Press 1/6/2006
    Right direction: 32%
    Wrong track: 65%

    So that's the picture.  But in addition to the broader themes, I wanted to leave you with one candidate to get to know.  Googling around, this comment from Sara on a MyDD thread jumped out at me:

    "I think we have an interesting candidate for the Sixth Congressional District.  He was a DFL'er, but then served in the Ventura Administration, but now has announced for Congress -- Tinklenberg.  He will run as a DFL'er in the district that went nuts for Jesse Ventura, and apparently Ventura will endorse him.  He is also a Lutheran Pastor -- and a fairly significant part of that district is Swedish Lutheran.  The Sixth is north of the Twin Cities, running from the Wisconsin Border to just beyond St. Cloud.  The Eastern part of the district is exurban Twin Cities -- the West is mostly German and Irish Catholic and much more tied to farming.  Tinkleman's big issue is transportation."

    So here's a little more info on El - I'll leave you with this, and look forward to a fighting 2006 with you.

    Sincerely,

    John Lapp, DCCC

    RACES TO WATCH: ELWYN TINKLENBERG (MN-06 - OPEN SEAT)

    Elwyn "El" Tinklenberg is the President of the Tinklenberg Group, a Minnesota transportation consulting firm.  From 1991-1997, he served as the manager of public services for Anoka County, before being appointed Commissioner of the Department of Transportation by then-Governor Ventura.  Tinklenberg also served as mayor of Blaine from 1986 until 1996 and has been a member of various transportation boards and alliances across the state.

    House Race Hotline listed MN06 among Democrats' top four 2006 pickup opportunities, reaffirming MN06's importance to both local and national Democrats, and realized in advance that "Dem Elwyn Tinklenberg has the [MN06] nod all wrapped up."(House Race Hotline, 10/21/05) Political handicapper Stuart Rothenberg remarked, "One early Democratic candidate with an interesting profile for '06 is Elwyn Tinklenberg, a retired minister and Minnesota transportation official in the administration of former Reform Party Gov. Jesse Ventura. While Tinklenberg has held local office, he sounds more like a minister than a politician."(Rothenberg, Roll Call, 06/30/05) The Minnesota AFL-CIO, Labor's voice in Minnesota, has endorsed Tinklenberg's candidacy in MN06.  The AFL-CIO wrote in their endorsement letter that they chose to endorse Tinklenberg because of their belief that he is "a candidate who will stand up for the interests of working families." Republicans running in MN06 are forced to battle each other and squander their funds until their primary in September.  The late primary date leaves them with only two months to run a general election campaign, compared to Tinklenberg's year of campaigning.

    Tinklenberg is a top recruit for Democrats this cycle.  If you would like help out the Tinklenberg Team, please contact: Dave Riordan
    Website: www.tinklenbergforcongress2006.org
    Contact:
    Email.
    Phone: (763) 258-4728.
    Committee:
    Tinklenberg for Congress
    PO Box 49787   Blaine, MN   55449

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    38 Comments

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    Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    I'm hoping you received contact information for several candidates intersted in running.  Could really use your help in expanding the playing field.  Really appreciated your help with Mike Weaver (legislator and Vietnam veteran) who has now filed against Rep. Ron Lewis in KY-02.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 10:00AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    Hi John.  I met you this morning.
    by Matt Stoller 2006-01-11 10:31AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    Great to see you again.

    I think we originally met at one of Simon's dinners.  He sings your praises all the time.

    -- what did you think of the Race Review this morning?

    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 11:34AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    It was quite interesting.  I'm particularly interested in Republican recruiting, since that seems to be a clear tell on the direction of 2006.

    Thanks for this diary, and please stop by often.

    by Matt Stoller 2006-01-11 04:37PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    Democratic recruiting for Congress is pretty good but two clear problem areas are the Deep South and, at least comparatively, the West Coast.

    The Deep South, the states that voted for Wallace in 68 and the Dixiecrats in 48, are flat out embarrassing.  Republicans hold 24 seats and BarryWelsh.org reports that 19 of those seats are unopposed.  That's 4 of 5 in LA, 2 of 2 in MS, 5 of 5 in AL, 4 of 7 in GA, 3 of 4 in SC, and 1 for 1 in Ark.

    Less than half of the Republican seats in the outer south are uncontested: something like 17 of 41.  A high figure by national standards but one that will come down.

    The 6 uncontested seats in California, 2 in Washington (although they seem to have been filled), and 1 in Oregon are not a high percentage but are disappointing to me.  As a comparison, only 4 of the 20 Republican seats in the Rocky Mountain states are uncontested.

    Good regions : the Great Lakes (39 of 45 GOP seats opposed), New England (5 for 5) and the MidAtlantic (23 of 30 opposed).  The Rocky Mountains (16 of 20 Republicans opposed).

    by David Kowalski 2006-01-11 06:55PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    I hear you.  A bunch of our frontliners have been running strong without nominal opposition -- take Matheson, Moore, and Herseth -- red districts, blue members.  In contrast, almost all of the GOP Romp list have challengers.

    So I think there is no question we have out-recruited them.  They'd even admit as much. But they'd also say that they don't have to because they have the majority.  They can Dean Smith, stall, Four Corners it up.  Their game -- outraise us, kill our guys in the crib (our top challengers like Ellsworth, Shuler, etc.) before they can define themselves.

    That's why the help of blogs and other progressive movmeents to shore up our challengers is so critical.  To shore uup our folks.  Republicans run their campaigns like a precision machine -- particularly their K Street project and the pay-to-play atmosphere that comes with that.  

    We have to be able to come darn close to matching them.  They have more big high-rollers.  But I think our small donor grassroot and netroot universe is better.  This cycle will tell.

    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:14AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    Hey, I saw the email. If I wasn't so busy working my butt off on the races I'm already working, I'd have remembered to give the effort a hand. I certainly hope we get those candidates you've targeted.

    Mike Weaver really understands what it's going to take to win that CD. I'll be in Kentucky the 11th-12th of Feb, with Change for Ky, so I'll try and touch base with him again.

    by Jerome Armstrong 2006-01-11 05:26PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Jerome Arnstrong, where are you?
    Thanks.  Just a friendly nudge -- any good results on the folks I sent you?  Would be great to get them in.  Gotta, gotta, gotta get as many boards in the water as possible if we are going to take advantage of a wave.  But you knew that...
    Weaver was so impressed with all that you have done.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:16AM | 0 recs
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    Agreed...
    In NY-19 Sue Kelly has done nothing except rubber stamp everything Bush and Delay tell her too.

    John Hall is a progressive democrat with national name ID and fundraising ability.  He will win the Democratic primary and bring another principled and honest Democrat into the House.

    Learn more about John and his bold policy to 'Redefine National Security' at:
    http://www.johnhallforcongress.com

    by epv72 2006-01-11 10:10AM | 0 recs
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    Fun Facts on Sue Kelly -- health care
    Kelly Voted To Create Exemptions From State Health Insurance Laws, Took Big Donations from Insurance Companies. In June 2003, Kelly voted against legislation to create association health plans, which would allow small companies to band together to buy insurance for their employees. The legislation exempted association plans from many individual state insurance regulations, while placing them under the regulation of the Labor Department.  Critics argued that the bill allowed the health plans to bypass state laws mandating that insurers cover specific diseases such as breast cancer, autism and mental illness.  Those protections are vital to patients and insurance companies would not cover the conditions if left on their own. [HR 660, Vote #296, 06/19/03; CQ Weekly, 06/21/03]

    *    Kelly Took $335,851 from Health Insurance Industry. Kelly received $335,851 from health insurance PACs and employees between the 1994 election cycle and May, 2005. [Center for Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org]

    Kelly Sided With Big Drug Corporations And Against Seniors By Opposing Re-Importation Of Cheaper Drugs. In 2003, Kelly voted against allowing millions of Americans to re-import U.S.-made prescription drugs from industrialized nations, including Canada, the European Union nations, Australia, Iceland, Japan, Norway and Switzerland. Some drugs cost as much as 1,000 percent more in the United States than they do in other countries that impose price controls and other limits on costs. The bill contained measures to ensure patient safety. Importation would be allowed only if the FDA approves the drugs and the facilities where they are made. Drugs would have to be packaged and shipped using counterfeit-resistant technologies similar to those used to secure U.S. currency. Any drugs imported by a pharmacist or wholesaler that weren't packaged in this fashion would have to be tested for quality and purity. The bill passed 243-186. [HR 2427, Vote #445, 7/25/03; Scripps Howard News Service, 7/25/03; Los Angeles Times, 7/25/03]

    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 10:15AM | 0 recs
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    Fun Facts on Sue Kelly --- Education
    Kelly Voted to Eliminate Department of Education.  In 1995, Kelly voted for the FY 1996 House Budget Resolution that called for the elimination of the Department of Education.  The budget passed 238 to 193. [H Con Res 67, Vote #345, 5/18/95; Washington Post, 5/26/95]
    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 10:16AM | 0 recs
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    Fun Facts on Sue Kelly -- Tom DeLay
    KELLY IS BEHOLDEN TO SCANDAL-PLAGUED TOM DELAY

    Kelly Took Campaign Contributions From Scandal-Plagued Tom Delay, Then Voted To Weaken Ethics Rules. Kelly took thousands in campaign contributions money from ethics-tainted Tom Delay (R-TX) then voted to gut ethics rules to help protect DeLay. From 1994-2002, she received $12,020 from DeLay's political action committee, ARMPAC. Throughout her career in Congress, Kelly has voted with DeLay 90% of the time. The House Majority Leader has been admonished three times by the House ethics committee and is currently under scrutiny for his ties to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is at the center of an influence-peddling investigation involving Native American gambling interests. At the outset of the 109th Congress, Kelly voted to weaken House ethics rules in an effort to protect Delay from further scrutiny. The new rules curtailed the ways ethics investigations could be launched, requiring at least one Republican to agree before the ethics committee begins an inquiry. This change would have allowed the Republican members of the committee to unilaterally kill any complaint filed against one of their own by refusing to act on it. Porter also voted to allow DeLay to continue serving as House Majority Leader, even if DeLay was indicted. H Res 5, Vote #6, 01/04/05; Washington Post, 01/05/05; Associated Press, 04/14/05; Center for Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org; Political Action Fund,

    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 10:17AM | 0 recs
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    Fun Facts on Sue Kelly -- Social Security
    Kelly Flip-Flopped on Privatizing Social Security. Kelly has flip-flopped her Social Security privatization position from supporting it to outright opposing it. In 2002, Kelly told the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) she would vote for mandatory privatization. On the 2002 NTU candidate survey Kelly indicated that she agreed with the following statement. "I recognize that Social Security will default on its obligations to future retirees unless fundamental reforms are made. Therefore, I will work and vote for a gradual transition to a system that creates obligatory personally-controlled retirement accounts with reasonable safeguards, reduces payroll taxes in order to encourage private saving, provides a modest tax-funded program for low-income seniors, and protects the basic benefits promised to current retirees and those who will retire in the next decade."  Kelly flopped on her social security privatization position in 2004 when in an AARP survey, Kelly said she would oppose the privatization of social security. AARP, which advocates for the needs and interests of individuals 50 and older, says social security privatization not only hurts the financial health of Social Security but also poses a threat to the retirement security of millions of Americans and their families. [National Taxpayers Union, 2002 Candidate Survey; AARP, 2004 Candidate Survey, www.aarp.org]

    Kelly Flip-Flopped on Protecting Social Security. In the 2004 AARP survey, Kelly wrote, "I strongly support preserving and protecting the Social Security system and ensuring that 100% of Social Security surplus is set aside for future obligations." Then, Kelly voted for the 2005 budget conference report that spends $1.1 trillion of the Social Security Trust Fund over five years to pay for other government spending. According to the non-partisan Congressional Quarterly, "the budget deficits in the conference agreement are produced, however, only by using surpluses in the Social Security trust fund. Without counting these Social Security surpluses, the deficit would be much larger. If the Social Security funds are excluded, the FY 2006 deficit under the conference agreement would be $571.5 billion, instead of $382.7 billion, and the FY 2010 deficit would be $470.8 billion, instead of $210.9 billion. Over the five-year period, the agreement counts $1.1 trillion in Social Security funds to produce these deficits." The budget agreement passed, 214-211. [AARP, 2004 Candidate Survey, www.aarp.org ; H Con Res 95, Vote #149, 4/28/05; CQ House Action Reports, "The Budget Agreement," 4/28/05]

    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 10:20AM | 0 recs
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    Alright,
    keep it coming!!
    by epv72 2006-01-11 11:17AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Alright,
    Sue Kelly is target rich.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 11:51AM | 0 recs
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    Help us take back the 19th!
    Wow...thanks for those rapid-fire Kelly facts! We're on the ground in NY-19 and also excited about this race and the five excellent Dems who have tossed their hats into the ring.

    As a group, take19 has been blogging about Kelly and running a google ad (search for Sue Kelly and you'll see our ad) that tries to educate people about her phony moderate credentials. Recently, she was a key vote in the House on cutting $50 billion (eventually lowered to $40 billion) on federal student aid programs, home heating assistance, and child support enforcement. Not exactly a moderate position!

    But this district still has a slight Republican majority (35% vs. 32% as of Nov. 1 with the bulk of the rest unaffiliated) and to pull this off, we're going to need help, particularly from NYCers who will be willing to take MetroNorth and walk door to door and get the word out about Kelly. Help us show the voters who the real Sue Kelly is: the one who falsely claims to be a moderate.

    by Take19 2006-01-11 01:08PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Help us take back the 19th!
    That's great.  Chrstina Reynolds -- our research director -- is the best I've ever worked with.  If you want to e-mail her directly, her e-mail address is:

    reynolds@dccc.org

    She has many, many fun facts.  The key will be choosing the best ones...

    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:17AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Help us take back the 19th!
    Thanks John, I am about to post a diary with the audience results from the first big candidate debate.  I know you guys like to sit in your offices and stare at numbers all day ;)
    by epv72 2006-01-12 02:21PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Help us take back the 19th!
    Well -- I do like to get out and about a bunch.  My homes away from home.  KY, IA, and Long Island -- with Iowa first and foremost.  My son was born there and it just feels like home.

    So IA-01 (Nussle open) is a special priority for me -- on top of being our best Democratic pick-up opportunity in the country.

    If you're ever in Des Moines -- the best greasy spoon with a fantastic brunch -- the WAVELAND CAFE.  Order the Waveland Breakfast Special or biscuits and gravy.  There is a reason I was 40 pounds heavier when I lived in Iowa -- but it was a happy 207 as opposed to a leaner, meaner 172...

    by John Lapp 2006-01-13 09:45AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Help us take back the 19th!
    Grew up on LI, Huntington, Israel's district, family still there.
    by epv72 2006-01-14 05:50AM | 0 recs
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    Thanks for highlighting Tinklenberg
    We have some intriguing congressional candidates in MN this year
    by thief 2006-01-11 10:38AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Thanks for highlighting Tinklenberg
    Indeed -- looking forward to many spirited races in MN this year.

    I try to highlight one race periodically.

    Anything you can do to help Tink would be appreciated.

    You'd like him -- soft-spoken, in it for the right reasons.  Nice guy.  But tough enough to beat back whichever Republican comes out of the bloody primary.

    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 10:51AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Thanks for highlighting Tinklenberg
    Will consider helping him.

    A friend worked with Tinklenberg at the MNDOT. The friend found him to be overly image conscious, though a good manager. I actually think that's a good thing now that he's running in the public eye.

    Everyone at MNDOT missed him once the Lieutenant Governor took his job.

    by thief 2006-01-11 12:33PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Thanks for highlighting Tinklenberg
    I live in MN-06 and will be voting for Elwyn Tinklenberg. I was a big supporter of the Scotty Mortensen campaign but now that he has withdrawn it is time for unity behind the Democratic candidate.

    The 4 rethugs running are really pushing their far right wing rhetoric hard to win their parties nomination.  Tinklenberg just stayed right where he stood.

    Do we have any MN-06 polling info?

    by Demrock6 2006-01-12 04:21AM | 0 recs
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    MN-06 polling info.
    I haven't seen any yet.
    by thief 2006-01-12 05:34AM | 0 recs
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    Re: MN-06 polling info.
    My guess is that there will be numbers out of MN-06 soon.  With a spirited senate race and a bloody GOP field, I bet we see numbers quite often.  You should also e-mail their campaign and ask for updated info.

    I've put their contact info at the top...

    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:19AM | 0 recs
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    Lapp Fun Fact
    while at Murphy Putnam Shore, worked with us on netroots favorit Ginny Schrader's race in PA 8.
    by epv72 2006-01-11 11:20AM | 0 recs
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    SIMON ROSENBERG
    Is a one-man wrecking crew when it comes to holding GOPers accountable for the culture of corruption.  You should really come hear one of his screeds.  I hear they are going to bronze his soap box.  He was outstanding this morning at the briefing.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 11:37AM | 0 recs
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    Good Bye
    Need to head back in a meeting.  But will check back tomorrow a.m.

    Thanks.

    by John Lapp 2006-01-11 11:54AM | 0 recs
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    Re: Good Bye
    thnx for dropping by.  Just wanted to say that I think that Sara's writing style is great and easy to read and that the professionals would do well to emulate it.
    by Abby 2006-01-11 07:43PM | 0 recs
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    Re: Good Bye
    I enjoy Sara's writing content and style quite a bit.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:20AM | 0 recs
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    Good bye again -- check in later.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:20AM | 0 recs
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    You Can't Avoid This Issue
    John,

    You came back and responded to every question except mine, even though mine had been given a 3 rating by three separate MyDD users.  What is especially egrigious is that none of the other comments have received any other rating except for one comment that has been given a 1, which is worse than not being rated at all.  Thus there is every indication that the community liked my question.  

    You can't just parachute in here and avoid the hard questions.  You can't just talk at us.  You need to talk with us.  

    I represent a lot of people who want to know why the DCCC is behaving in such a juvenile manner.      

    So to repeat:

    Why is the DCCC refusing to post candidate bios and pics on the candidate pages?  I know, for example, that you guys have not put up Jerry McNerney's bio or pic on your website despite repeated requests from his campaign.  On the other hand, you have put up Steve Filson's pic and bio.  Everyone knows you are tacitly backing Filson, but refusing to put up McNerney's info is just infantile.  And you're pissing off a lot of people out here.  

    by Matt Lockshin 2006-01-12 09:46AM | 0 recs
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    Re: You Can't Avoid This Issue
    check out our campaign page -- we have posted campaign info for all of our candidates -- including Mr. McNerney's.  Periodically we feature candidates (as with Lois Murphy and Baron Hill) as part of our CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE.  Thanks for your interest and comments.
    by John Lapp 2006-01-13 09:47AM | 0 recs
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    I have a question for you John
    John,

    Why is the DCCC refusing to post candidate bios and pics on the candidate pages?  I know, for example, that you guys have not put up Jerry McNerney's bio or pic on your website despite repeated requests from his campaign.  On the other hand, you have put up Steve Filson's pic and bio.  Everyone knows you are tacitly backing Filson, but refusing to put up McNerney's info is just infantile.  And you're pissing off a lot of people out here.  

    by Matt Lockshin 2006-01-11 06:14PM | 0 recs
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    Re: The time has come...
    We haven't.  But there have to be viable alternatives.  We haven't always offered up such.  But if you look at people like Sheriff Brad Ellsworth -- running against Hostettler -- one of only 11 folks to vote AGAINST Katrina funding they sure have an alternative now.  Here is a short bio on Ellsworth.

    IN-08 - Brad Ellsworth v. Hostettler
    3rd Quarter Cash-On-Hand: Ellsworth - $257,833
    Democratic Performance:       46.5%
    2004 Kerry:              37.8%
    2000 Recalculated Gore:      42.4%

    Committee:
    Ellsworth for Congress
    FEC ID #: C00412346

    Biography:
    Brad Ellsworth
    Brad Ellsworth is the Sheriff of Vanderburgh County (Evansville) and began his law enforcement career as a patrolman in 1982. While a sergeant supervising the Narcotics Section, he instituted the first DARE program in Vanderburgh County schools. In 1999, he was elected Sheriff of Vanderburgh County in his first campaign for public office.  Ellsworth graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 1981 and got his master's degree in criminal justice from Indiana State in 1993.  Ellsworth has twice received the Sheriff's Silver Merit Award, was named the Sons of the American Revolution Police Officer of the Year in 1996, and served as President of the Indiana Sheriff's Association.  In 2003, he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor an Indiana governor bestows.  

    Ellsworth is a star candidate -his $257,833 cash-on-hand is a stunning advantage over Congressman John Hostettler, who ended the 3rd quarter with only $27,576 cash-on-hand.

    by John Lapp 2006-01-12 09:08AM | 0 recs
    Shadow_head_small
    Re: The time has come...
    Just for the record, aside from the Vietnam Pogrom, Nixon was pretty damn liberal. He even got us out of Vietnam!

    Matter of fact, the whole damn country's pretty damn liberal (except for a dark coven of the Satanic overprivileged, and a few groups of deceived lower middle class fools in places like Utah).

    You say:

    The electorate is Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri.  Families who work together, eat dinner together, go to church together who the elitists in NYC and SF snub their noses at.

    WRONG!

    The "electorate" is an over-funded computer voting hacker ranch in Idaho, which really needs to get raided by the FBI.

    The only reason Republicans win any elections at all these days is because they own the computer voting racket.

    by blues 2006-01-12 04:04PM | 0 recs
    Shadow_head_small
    Missouri and other states
    Missouri:

    Any hints of possible competitive House races from your perspective?

    In 2004, most of the races weren't close. Only the open seats (Cleaver and Carnahan were close, and MO-5 was only close due to Jeanne Patterson's pocketbook).

    Right now, I'm not sensing any close House races. Sam Graves, despite looking and playing the part of a slimy politician, may move on without too much trouble. Although, Sara Jo Shettles could get some momentum. I know that Charlie Broomfield didn't get too far in 2004.

    Also, I hope that the Democrats in Missouri can capitalize on the fact that Matt Blunt and his Republican buddies wore out their welcome in under a year.

    Kansas:

    If Nancy Boyda runs again (which is rumored), I hope she can improve on her 2004 showing.

    Dennis Moore's only announced opponent is Maynard C. "Chuck" Ahner. Ahner supports teaching Intelligent Design in schools. Right now, I'm not too worried about him topping Kris Kobach's showing.

    And the final part veers away from campaigns, slightly.

    The Republican Talk Caucus:

    This is the portion of the Republican Party that handles the duty of repeatedly making one minute speeches. The members include A.G. "Joe" Wilson, Marsha Blackburn, Virginia Foxx, Jack Kingston, and Patrick McHenry.

    Basically a large portion of their job involves (a) talking up the economy in speeches [IOW, making at least one "The Economy Rules You" speech every week], (b) talking about the newest event in Iraq in speeches, and (c) constantly saying "Yes Sir, Mr. DeLay".

    If you see a speech on THOMAS with the title of "STRONG ECONOMY", "ECONOMY BOOMING", or "ECONOMY SO STRONG THAT YOU CAN BREAK CINDERBLOCKS OVER IT'S HEAD", it's made by one of the usual Republican talkers.

    I might be overlooking an important RTC member or two.

    From what I know, Wilson is not opposed yet, Blackburn will be, Foxx could face a Mayor, Kingston is facing a Reverend, and McHenry is facing someone (probably his 2004 opponent).

    Ok, that's all

    by RBH 2006-01-12 07:05PM | 0 recs

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