No, not for a cup of coffee. Our-- yours, mine, ours-- Act Blue page is kicking ass. It's only been a few short months since Crooks and Liars, Firedoglake and Down With Tyranny combined our fundraising activities and we're already the second biggest money raiser in the whole system, right after our pals at Daily Kos, Swingstate Project and MyDD. [We never got around to some worthy candidates like Darcy Burner (WA), Linda Stender (NJ), Tim Walz (MN), and Gary Trauner (WY) and the Netroots Page is a good place to donate to those folks.]
We want to try something different today, something a little unusual. Today it's all about $5 contributions. We always appreciate any contribution, big or small. And this week we have a goal. We want to get 1,000 contributions between the 3 blogs, that's 5 grand in total-- and 1,000 people who will feel part of the great victory we sense is coming in 20 days. We want everyone to feel part of that November 8 and everyday after-- how we saved our country from fascism. Take a look at our candidates. $5.00 for any one of them is what we're asking everyone to think about this week-- between today and next Wednesday. Starting now.
It looks like New York State, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana are going to have blue waves sweeping over them. Look at Colorado for a moment. There are 4 excellent Democratic candidates for the 4 Republican-held seats-- and they could all win. We've had Bill Winter, Angie Paccione and Jay Fawcett as Blue America guests. We never got around to Ed Perlmutter, who is being heavily aided by the DCCC-- no less worthy of grassroots help but less needful. But Bill, Jay and Angie are all within striking distance of taking seats from the far right. And all three-- plus Ed-- are progressives, nothing like the DLC-oriented Salazar Brothers.
Across the country in New York State, races for GOP held seats are tightening up and favoring Democrats. Tom Reynolds is behind by double digits. Blue America candidates Dave Mejias, Eric Massa and John Hall are all within the margin of error facing their right wing incumbents. And in the open seat around Syracuse, our guy, Mike Arcuri, is ahead. This coming Saturday we'll be talking to one of the most brilliant and charismatic candidates in the whole country, Kirstin Gillibrand, another progressive poised to take a seat away from a Bush rubber stamp. I just added her name to our list in fact. That's half a dozen potential seats.
Next door in Pennsylvania a similar story is shaping up, maybe even stronger. Santorum has been among the walking dead all season but on the House side, we have Blue America challengers leading in several races, including Lois Murphy, Joe Sestak, Patrick Murphy, and Chris Carney. And Steve Porter has a reasonable chance as well. Minnesota looks great and even gerrymandered California has great potential this year with reasonable expectations for Charlie Brown, Jerry McNerney, David Roth and Robert Rodriguez. Even Francine Busby's campaign, once written off as moribund, has come to life this week.
Ohio should be contributing a Democratic U.S. Senator, a governor, and 3 or 4 House members where really loathsome Republicans like Mean Jean Schmidt, Bob Ney and Deborah Pryce have been slithering. There is no part of the country where Democrats aren't poised to make gains.
Last night Siun sent me a cool report from an Ohio TV station talking about our "Had Enough" song and video campaign and that's the kind of response we're getting everywhere. In fact, after you've contributed your $5, if you want to give some more, let me make a suggestion. One of our very generous regular contributors has offered to match up to $1,000 in small contributions that go into the Blue America PAC. The money will go towards a radio advertising campaign for last weekend's close runner-up, Angie Paccione. So give your $5 to anyone on the list and if you feel flush, give another contribution to the Blue America PAC. We don't need much to pay for a whole campaign for Angie. In fact, Jacquie has it all ready to go.
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rootz!!
How come Jim Webb isn’t on here?
He’s on the Kos/My DD netroots list. We don’t have every candidate
But, by all means, Raven, make a case for Webb if you feel strongly about him
My first political contribution. Ever.
This could get addictive, huh?
How fun is this! I’ve topped out on Charlie Brown, so I gave five bucks each to:
Roberto Rodriguez — $5.00
Blue America PAC — $5.00
Coleen Rowley — $5.00
Victoria Wulsin — $5.00
Jon Tester — $5.00
Tony Trupiano — $5.00
Jerry McNerney — $5.00
Progressive Patriots Fund — $5.00
ActBlue — $5.00
deluxe!
jayt @ 4
I am here to tell ya . . .
My first contribution, it’s been a dry employment picture lately, to Angie Paccione so she can kick that Marilyn Monster Musgrove homophobic helmet hair piece to the curb.
You’ve done a great job with this Howie.
LindaR @ 6
Wow, fah-byoo-lusss!
Done!
jayt @ 5
I can’t say that didn’t cross my mind. You should feel part of saving our nation
Millineryman @ 8
It looks like we’ll get to the amount we need to deploy our radio ads to help pull Angie over the finish line– and get rid of that wretched Musgrave
I did this a while back, giving $5 to each candidate on one of the Act Blue pages I visited. I was … disappointed isn’t the right word … to get letters from almost every candidate I donated to about a week afterward. I figure, I’m only giving the campaign five bucks, I don’t live in their state or district, I’d rather they saved the postage and administrative costs and used that money to win their race!
I was able to search for him on “Blue America”. Make a case for him. I guess I have two things in mind. First, Allen is just a total scumbag and it seems to me that Webb is a way better choice. I understand that dyed-in-the-wool democrats may have a problem with his conservative history and his attitude toward women at the Naval Academy and I won’t argue with them. Second, because I am an Vietnam Vet I trust someone who has been in a war (and has a son in Iraq) to have a better understanding of what is going on and how to end it. I read Webb’s books and, while I liked his writing, I did not care for his characterization of the VVAW. Despite this I think he is by far a better choice than Allen and worthy of support.
Howie Klein @
4
grrtigger @ 13
I know what you mean. I wish there were a check mark for “please don’t acknowledge” or something like that. I still get campaign mail from Charlie Brown’s campaign. Hello? Is there ANY chance I’m not voting for this guy?
grrtigger @ 13
I think the same way. That’s an old DCCC op. You’ll find that most of the Blue America candidates don’t do that.
I have a couple questions and I need some free legal advice.
How much does a political yard sign cost?
Local ordinances differ, but when is a political sign illegally posted? (Obviously private residences should be allowed to have signs without them being stolen, although the Republicans have stolen mine every election.)
If a sign is illegal can anyone remove it?
I heard a promo on AAR where Bobby Kennedy Jr. said that 70 million people will use E-Voting machines. Is this why Rove and his White House Gopers are so confident?
yikes, my lil’ clock hits the bigtime. thx, howie! (and i made this particular clockface in a bit of a hurry, i’m WAY better at cutting and pasting now…)
OK, since it’s being matched…
Francine Busby (CA-50) $5
Ben Cardin (MD-Sen) $5
Mike Caudle (OR-HD-39) $5
John Hall (NY-19) $5
Amy Klobuchar (MN-Sen) $5
Larry Kissell (NC-08) $5
John Laesch (IL-14) $5
Ned Lamont (CT-Sen) $5
Eric Massa (NY-29) $5
Angie Paccione (CO-04) $5
ActBlue $5
Now go get us some airtime!
Subway Serenade @ 18
I’m worried about it too– especially in Ohio
AnnR @ 19
Ann, the clock looks great! And the Angie Paccione clock is up at Down With Tyranny
I’m in NY-20, where Gillibrand is a fabulous candidate who is running against a real piece of work, John Sweeney. Looking forward to her appearance here on Saturday.
The latest on Sweeney:
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/001829.php
I just donated $5.00 to each of the candidates on the list. Woo hoo!
Ok, I gave my junk-food money (I rarely cook, so this should be an adventure) for the week in $5s. It’s good for my country and my backside!
Primordial Ooze @ 20
Just so you know– only the Blue America PAC money is being matched, not the individual candidate donations today.
Love the funky little clock! I want one.)
Howie, Do you have any brief update (poll info) on Porter?
D’oh. Lemme check whether I can dredge up another $5…
Nevertheless, I don’t regret what I done did.
AnnR @ 19
Hi AnnR! (Good name)
Your lil’ clock is so cool.
Great, I’m sure all the other candidates are just as worthy. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to help Angie out.
As someone who was gay bashed before hate crimes were on the books, seeing Musgrave go down in defeat would be something I would savor.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 26
Porter is making an important announcement Friday. I don’t know what it will be. Hopefully he’ll have the 2 police officers who arrested English when he picked up the teenage male prostitute.
Take a look at the work one of the local bloggers, Enimatic Paradox has done in Connecticut. Lindsey and his wife, Jane, have raised the money for a “Time to Throw Nancy Johnson Out” campaign.
grrtigger @
13
There are boxes that you can uncheck/check on the ActBlue pages- I have always unchecked the box about getting a communication from the candidate for exactly the reason you say. At this point, I’m happy if their time/money goes elsewhere.
Howie, BlueAmerica, and FDL — you guys are the best! (Yes, I know you’re not all guys).
Howie was the first one — besides Commandante Kos — to take the time, take a look at Jay Fawcett, and take seriously the fact that the Netroots could have an affect on CO. He felt, as I knew, that we could turn CO blue again like it used to be.
I wasn’t sure it would be this year, but I knew the plates were shifting, and I knew the people were fed up with the shiftless Republicans who were ruining/running our country.
Imagine what we could have done with support from the DCCC or other support from the DC establishment. They don’t have the tools (yet) to come out to the hinterlands, evaluate candidates, or get a realistic view of a race.
That’s where we come in.
I urge all of you here to make that donation, do some work, call some voters in your race, do just a little bit extra. Howie has worked his ass off and surprised me every step of the way with his confidence in CO and our candidates. None of us should wake up November 8 and say “If only I had…..”
Let’s send a message to Rahm, “The Dean”, Tweety, Witless, Ol’ 60 Grit and the rest of them that they get no where without us, no votes, no mission, no grassroots support. Yeah, they might have a nice fellowship with a cushy job and cocktail weenies to spare, but what is that worth if the people are forgotten, if the ideals are dropped so you can go to a nice party every Friday night?
And let’s send Karl a message to stick that $100Mil where the sun don’t shine, cuz you can’t fool all the people all the time. The ‘Nets are going to prove that come November.
OMG, That’s what I call a briefing. I think he’s one of my underdog favorites. (tough to decider)
OK Howie, I hope that $10 (instead of $5) donations to Blue America count. ;)
Howie!
Howie has been kicking back, relaxing for the past few days…
NOT.
…but I heard a rumour that Howie supported Zell Miller!!!! OMG teh traitor!!!
[snark]
Zappatero @ 33
Welcome to FDL, Buddy. How’s it lookin’ on the ground there? Will we take all 4 Republican House seats in Colorado Nov 7?
Primordial Ooze @ 37
I made me a better person. Now I RESEARCH the hell out of every candidate before donating!!!
You learn more from your own mistakes than from those of others…
All the research in the world couldn’t help you figure out which way zig-zag would go!
Howie Klein @ 39
Okay- I’ll do another one of those “double ups”, *just for someone who hasn’t given via Blue America before* - so that you (whomever) can see how easy it it, and how good it feels.
Be the first to claim this offer here, and I will kick in $5.00 (plus tip) to the candidate you have donated to- so
1) claim here 2) go donate $5 3) I’ll donate to same candidate.
Jacqrat @ 36
A whole batch of radio station contracts just came in. One is called Rebel 105.9. Oy vey! What kind of station is that, Jacquie? They’re in Portsmouth, Ohio. And some country station in Ohio too, WRAC.
Valley Girl @ 42
I had an e-mail from Armen in Robert Rodriguez’ campaign this morning saying he loves you
Another $70 puts the Blue America PAC over $25,000. That’s just fourteen $5 donations.
I’ll take #14. Who wants lucky #13?
hi back LindaR!! re. ‘AnnR’…uhm, “imitation is the sincerest form…”??? (and i second janes’s earlier comment re. the fabulosity of your coiffure).
Howie Klein @ 44
Uh, better not tell TRex.
I gave $100 to Jerry McNerney earlier today. I used to live in that general area of California, and I believe he can take Pombo out.
I’ve also been giving money (much more than just $100) to Darcy Burner, who is trying to unseat Dave Reichert in WA-08. Unfortunately, she was never deemed appropriate for Blue America because she has gotten some help - only recently - from the DCCC. I can think of a few other Blue America candidates who have also gotten DCCC help, but they made it here and she didn’t . So I don’t quite get it.
And I won’t waste my breath at this very late date trying to convince you, Howie, why she should have been on your list to begin with.
Okay Howie -
Just donated $5.00 each to:
Steven Porter
Jon Tester
Victoria Wulsin
Francine Busby
Angie Paccione
Coleen Rowley
Ben Cardin
Lois Murphy
Progressive Patriots Fund
Act Blue
Thanks for all you do!
Howie Klein @ 44
Howie- that’s funny! Those guys were great! And, it was Late Nite, and I was in a particularly Late Nite mood! DOUBLE UP!!!
OK,
But this is my very last contribution. $50 each to Tony Trupiano and Roberto Rodriguez. If the DCCC is coming into the second tier races, let’s help some of these other patriots who are even further below the radar.
Howie Klein @
11
I would agree with Howie that enfranchising people in this process is exactly the point. Hurray for you, jayt.
Any more ex-virgins in the house?
Pachacutec @ 47
check out this election-jamming video!!
http://www.takebackthecapitol.org
AnnR @ 46
:like puppy with patted head:
I’m kinda tapped out this week (after contribs. to Charlie Brown, Robert Rodriguez, and Diane Benson) but I haven’t said my last word…..
New Poll from WSJ
Clusterfuck with 38% JAR
Gooper congress with 16% JAR
32% see gooper party positively- 49% see it negatively.
Some are saying that these are not very good numbers for goopers goin into the elections.
Okay, we have two $5 DOUBLE UP offers in play- one from me and one from RBG. (RBG’s offer is not a match for mine, bec. he is not a virgin donor at Blue America. Mine is for a virgin donor.
Thanks for reminding me to give to Darcy Burner’s campaign. She’s running neck and neck with Dave Reichert right now, who was one of the few Washington legislators who voted for the Torture Act, even though the man spent a career in law enforcement. He’s been a rubberstamp for the Bush Administration on most issues. To me, it sounds like he’s a good man to get rid of.
shoephone @ 48
You don’t have to convince me. I’ve thought she was great all along. I would have hustled more to get her for an interview if Markos and them hadn’t gotten her up on the Kos page.
Is the problem with my $5 double up offer than no one else wants to admit to being a virgin donor at BlueAmerica?
I’ll do it for Jim Webb but my “case” fell pretty flat.
Valley Girl @ 61
OK, $10 ea for Charlie Brown, Jerry McNerney, David Roth and Robert Rodriguez, in my small way supporting running the far right out of California on a rail. With tar. And feathers. And of course a small tip for ActBlue.
Thanks to all of you! Every day seems more exciting, more scary, more empowering. What a ride!
NBC demonstrating that you can burn up trick or treaters with a match in three minutes or less. Kind of anti social- but practical I guess.
Hmm.. I thought Howie said “make the case”…but Webb has been highlighted elsewhere, for sure. raven316 @ 62
If I don’t get a virgin match on this thread, I’ll post info for you, and we can do it another way. But, Howie has done a huge amount of work in getting the candidates to appear here, and I want to honor that. DO you have a second choice candidate for your $5?
When I went to sleep last night our Act Blue page was at $304 thousand and something. It’s about to hit $319,000. When Jane first proposed merging FDL, Crooks and Liars and DWT Act Blue pages, I told her we’d be able to hit $250,000 by election day. Then I upped it to $300,000. Now I’d afraid to guess!
I added Kirstin Gillbrand a few hours ago because she’s our guest Saturday. And there are already 41 contributions to her! I’m so proud to be on a team with all you people!!!
Here you go, Howie:
ActBlue $5.00
Jerry McNerney (CA-11) $5.00
Tony Trupiano (MI-11) $5.00
John Laesch (IL-14) $5.00
David Roth (CA-45) $5.00
Victoria Wulsin (OH-02) $5.00
Coleen Rowley (MN-02) $5.00
Blue America PAC $5.00
And thank you, Howie, for all you do.
I always thought Darcy Burner got somewhat of a bum rap at the Lake, the way her campaign ad was savaged on the front page a while back. That unfortunately detracted from folks seeing what a fine candidate she really is.
I threw in for you
ActBlue $1.25
James Webb (VA-Sen) $25.00
Total $26.25
Valley Girl @
65
op99 @ 68
I love her and I think she’s going to make a really good member of Congress
Hey gang — just got home from getting my hair done, and Howie has morphed into the Blue America telethon. I LOVE it!
PS — Am doing C-Span in the morning for an hour from 7:30 am ET to 8:30 am ET, just FYI for everyone.
OK, a fiver each for the Colorado candidates. Anything not to have to look at that ***** Musgrave every time I turn on the TV! Also I like the idea of a Dem winning in the Springs. You’ll be able to hear wingnut heads exploding all the way up here in Denver!
Go, Christy!
rwcole @ 57
Oh there we go again “some people are saying”
Heh heh; the shoe’s on the other foot, eh?
raven316- that’s great! but I’m confused as to how I should proceed now!
rwcole- have you donated yet via BlueAmerica?
Yea, Christy. Setting tivo now. BTW Moyers on PBS tonight the show will be about net neutrality.
Valley– Yes I have.
Just made my third or fourth visit (and contributions) to ActBlue. I LOVE the fact that so many really qualified candidates are running and that so many of them are WOMEN.
rwcole @ 78
Sigh. I figured. Still looking for a virgin who wants to make a mere $5 double up match for the candidate of their choice at Blue America.
Anyone have a favorite who can’t afford to donate today?
Howie - I don’t want to belabor the point. You have done great work with the progressive candidates, and I, for one, first learned about many of them from you.
But I’m confused about the protocols on choosing candidates for a “page”. When I look at the Kos page, I see lots of names there that are also on your page. Lamont, Tester, Sestak, McNerney, Massa, etc.
Please clarify for me, and then I’ll drop it.
Aeolus @ 51
Isn’t this the guy that funded an entire congressional district radio campaign? My hat is off to you, sir.
Christy: Congrats on C-Span…I guess I’ll be going to work late tomorrow.
ccmask @ 81
What a nice offer from you!!
Thanks, gang - and thanks so much to everyone for all of the donations to the candidates. This is such an important time for all of them — and this could be the difference in one last mailer or another ad buy. You guys rock!
I’ll be on C-Span in the morning with Paul Mirengoff of Powerline again. I thought we had a good show last time, and Susan will be hosting — I think she’s fantastic. I’ll be doing the show remote from WV, so that should be interesting for me.
grrtigger @
13
Agreed! Small fry like myself can only give so much and I’ve even repeatedly unchecked the box that says to contact me. In my case, it is usually the overtime I’ve worked. But when the bill comes in November, it will now be more than that.
I don’t need or want to be contacted! I get my links to give, via this site and Daily Kos and have repeatedly told the callers from the DSCC and the DCCC that Act Blue is my only donation vehicle.
Finally, does it make sense for me to get thank you letters for donations like the one I just made? Answer: NO, spend the money against Repugs. Small fry is how you classify my donation below:
ActBlue $9.00
Charlie Brown (CA-04) $10.00
Jerry McNerney (CA-11) $10.00
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20) $5.00
John Laesch (IL-14) $5.00
Amy Klobuchar (MN-Sen) $5.00
Chris Carney (PA-10) $5.00
Ned Lamont (CT-Sen) $5.00
Victoria Wulsin (OH-02) $5.00
Angie Paccione (CO-04) $5.00
Coleen Rowley (MN-02) $5.00
Joseph Sestak Jr (PA-07) $5.00
Blue America PAC $10.00
Eric Massa (NY-29) $5.00
David Mejias (NY-03) $10.00
Total $99.00
Thanks for setting it up this way! This is wonderful way to allow us to spread the love (or donate against a number of hated Repug’s)! I know that the directions said $5.00, but I had to spend more on some, considering my resentment the recipient of my contribution is running against! Also, Act Blue is providing a wonderful service and my small contribution to them is worth it!
shoephone @ 82
Normally we add first and then other organziations follow.
I ask our candidates 4 preliminary questions. I want to know if they are 100% on protecting women’s choice and if they will stand up against bigotry– even against society’s most despised minorities– and if they will actively support legislation to get corporate money out of politics and if they support a Murtha-like solutiuon to Bush’s quagmire in Iraq. If they’re ok with all these things then I grill them and then Jane grills them.
Valley Girl @ 85
I can’t afford to donate to Blue America PAC. That’s *my* favorite. but I understand if you want it to go to a candidate. In that case, I like Robert Rodriquez.
I can’t afford to donate to Blue America PAC. That’s *my* favorite. but I understand if you want it to go to a candidate. In that case, I like Robert Rodriquez.
You got it Jacqrat!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 86
OOoh! Susan is HOT! (Redd already stole my heart, last time she was on) I’ll set the alarm for 4:30…
ccmask @ 90
Thanks, Dude! :)
Jacqrat @ 89
hmmm… DID YOU SEE THIS CCMASK? I would guess that Blue America PAC is included.
Unfortunately, Bush will still be serving as President after 11/04/08, all the way into Jan 09. Unless we impeach the bastard, like we should. :)
dudette? or is my memory gone?
“If they’re ok with all these things then I grill them and then Jane grills them.”
um. Is it warm in here, or is it just me?
Done. Thanks for everything you do Howie/ActBlue/FDL/C&L!
Valley Girl @ 95
I’m in California! EVERYONE is DUuuuuude.
Jacqrat @ 96
LOL-
Jacqrat @ 98
Ah… guess I’ve lost touch with my roots, Dude!
And, thank you for all of the pro bono work you have been doing- your expertise is beyond $$$.
Yeah, I saw it Valley. Got it.
*dudette
Kick ass tomorrow, Christy, like you do every day. You’ll be great.
Is Nate around? I kicked in for Charlie Brown, solely because I found Nate’s decision to uproot and move from Hawaii to California for this race inspiring.
Work/lead/inspire others
FIGHT BACK!!!!!!!
ccmask @ 101
Sorry if I offended, Truly I usually see people’s spirits, not their gender. Yours is smokin’-hot! Thanks!
alright, $5 on all to win. (and now awaiting the call from the credit card company re. unusual account activity).
Howie Klein @ 88
Okay, that is some more clarification. I really can’t guess what happened behind the scenes with the interviews, but everything I’ve heard from Darcy in person tells me she is in sync with every part of the criteria you listed.
I went to her fundraiser last Saturday and she is very, very impressive. We need for her her take that House seat. She is currently polling 4 points behind Reichert.
I also got to meet and talk with Joe Wilson that day.
Good idea for the small request. Some of us are already doing close to our max for our local people, but giving just a little more makes you feel like a part of the whole team.
Just gave a few for Cardin and Tester - I hope they count? (Already gave to my local - Webb.)
Valley Girl @ 42
Okay, my unemployed a$$ take you up on that. This would be a first time contribution. 5 bucks to the PAC and 5 bucks to Busby. Give me 30min to get my card back from my partner, and It Will Be Done.
Thanks to you for popping my cherry, ActBlue-wise.
Just went back and hit up my candidate, Carol Voisin. Am I missing out on how to contribute in one fell swoop for “your” candidates and those not on the front page?
Jacqrat @ 104
J- well, you didn’t offend me, and I suspect you didn’t offend CC. I was just making a clarification bec. there have been some rather funny gender mis-identifications here at FDL. For the longest time, e.g., I thought Cozumel was female, because a lot of his comments were exactly what I would have said! Pretty funny!