FITZ!

Fitz!

Thank you, John Kerry.

You’ve shown that you have the conviction to stand up to DC Dems in general and support CT Dems, specifically.

Go Ned!

Wasn’t he also the same Dem who refused to donate some of his excess campaign funds to needy Blue candidates? Though, this is great that he’s supporting Lamont with his presence.

Not wanting to be a wet blanket, but Kerry won’t really be a stand-up guy for the netroots until he gets up off of that wallet and lets some of that 14 million bucks out to help make it a Dem majority.

Credit where credit is due here, although it’s hardly a surprise that there’s no love lost between Kerry and Loserman after the ‘04 primaries.

Yeah, Kerry’s a mixed bag. My own working theory is that Kerry is a decent guy with shit-for-brains staff. That’s subject to revision as new data come in.

Cap’n Phealy @
5

Not wanting to be a wet blanket, but Kerry won’t really be a stand-up guy for the netroots until he gets up off of that wallet and lets some of that 14 million bucks out to help make it a Dem majority.

Credit where credit is due here, although it’s hardly a surprise that there’s no love lost between Kerry and Loserman after the ‘04 primaries.

You know, I too wish that many Democrats — Kerry included — would do that. There is, however, such a thing as positive reinforcement and I don’t think denying him credit for what he’s doing right because he doesn’t fit into the perfect mold at the moment is exactly the right way to go about encouraging others to do likewise.

Way to go Big John. He did a pretty good job of explaining himself in the Kos Diary. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Go Ned!

I’m a bit late for the last thread (darn work, taking up valuable blogging time!), but I wanted to put in a good word for Judy Feder in VA-10. She a strong progressive, the Dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, in short, exactly the sort of person you want in Congress. She has a good shot at taking down sixteen-year incumbent Frank Wolf.

My thoughts exactly, it’s great that he’s out stumping for our candidates, unlike much of the rest of the DCCC, but I’ll reserve my full praise until he tosses some of his warchest on the pile in furtherance of our larger goals.

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Thank you John Kerry. I wish you had contested Ohio, but what you are doing now takes a lot of guts. Holy Joe is not the only fraud out there, and there are too many democrats willing to give Holy Joe a free pass. Kerry is doing much more than Schumer and Reed.

xyz: I agree: Barak, Russ, Hlliary(two-faced weasel) and my beloved Al Gore are on notice! If they don’t show up with Ned in Conn. by November 5th, they will BE DEAD TO ME!

Geeno @ 6

Yeah, Kerry’s a mixed bag. My own working theory is that Kerry is a decent guy with shit-for-brains staff. That’s subject to revision as new data come in.

Agree completely, and happy to think it wasn’t just me. Going back to my lurker status now.

I applaud Kerry for his support today. The Courant ran an article today about Lamont’s lack of Democratic support. Maybe people will start putting two and two together. The machine that Ned is up against is enormous. If pre-primary activity from Lieberman are any indication, the next two weeks are going to get messy. I think Kerry is helping because he wants to.

Sidenote: Dad from MLN and the Kiss Float are at the event with Kerry now. They also made a stop at the Lieberman/Bob Kerrey event at noon today — when Kerrey was driving by the float, he rolled down his window and said “Love the Kiss!”.

Next stop – Joe’s Volunteer Rally!!!!

Thank you, FDL’ers for all of your float support. You guys are awesome!

OT, but I wish Bill Frist would weigh in on whether Michael J. Fox is “acting” like he has Parkinson’s and put an end, finally, to this madness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..00691.html

beth @ 13

xyz: I agree: Barak, Russ, Hlliary(two-faced weasel) and my beloved Al Gore are on notice! If they don’t show up with Ned in Conn. by November 5th, they will BE DEAD TO ME!

Beth, you’re right. I forgot Gore. He’s on notice too. And he seriously was one of my top choices for 2008. And Feingold too.

Well, none of these folks can’t say that that they weren’t warned. We have been all over them to show support for Lamont.

Clark, Kerry and Edwards are all great candidates. I’ll be happy to support any of them in the primaries.

Russ Feingold, Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama and Al Gore – I will actively work against each of them unless they get to Connecticut for Lamont before the election.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Wow. Simply, wow.

Some people have some strange priorities.

mc,

why do you want a comment from Frist on MJF? The Fat Bloated Oracle Limbaugh has already spoken on the matter — isn’t that enough? What are you, some kind of skeptic lib’rul?

gibblet @ 18

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Wow. Simply, wow.

Some people have some strange priorities.

I find your critique substantive and compelling.

*xyz @ 11

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Once again, no Hillary fan, BUT….she said she would do anything asked of her by the Lamont campaign.

I totally disagree..

I would like lots of people to poney up $$$ for Ned right now, but I am extremely thankful for Kerry’s personal appearance. It’s a hell of a lot better than Harold Ford, Jr; Obama; Clinton I and Clinton II; Schumer; Reid, and all of the other spineless DC Dems who are helping the anti-candidate, Lieberman.

F*ck ‘em if they can’t take a joke. And they will never get another dime from me!

Thank you!! Thank you!! Jane.

I don’t post much because I pay by the minute for my connection and actually have no business being on line. My grandmother would call it “living above my means” — however, I open the pages and read them offline and have seen a lot of undue criticism of Kerry. Thanks so much for highlighting it.

EPU’d on the previous thread:
Taylor Marsh does an excellent breakdown on Kerry’s hard work and spending on his party.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/arc…..p?id=24686

IMO, Kerry’s REAL problem is his membership in the DLC. He would be so much greater without it. (I blame them–and Clinton–for his lousy campaign.) I tell him so everytime I contact him in a PS. :)

Cozumel @ 21

*xyz @ 11

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Once again, no Hillary fan, BUT….she said she would do anything asked of her by the Lamont campaign.

Cozumel @ 21

*xyz @ 11

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Once again, no Hillary fan, BUT….she said she would do anything asked of her by the Lamont campaign.

She’s not doing enough. I have drawn my own conclusions based on her behavior.

phoebes @
4

Wasn’t he also the same Dem who refused to donate some of his excess campaign funds to needy Blue candidates? Though, this is great that he’s supporting Lamont with his presence.

Kerry does have some cash but he really, really has outworked anyone nationally for our various candidates. He has given money, raised money and gone all over the place. A lot of politicians have worked hard and given money for the cause but none as much as Kerry. I do hope he gives some more but I can only praise him at this point.

thingwarbler @ 19

mc,

why do you want a comment from Frist on MJF? The Fat Bloated Oracle Limbaugh has already spoken on the matter — isn’t that enough? What are you, some kind of skeptic lib’rul?

It’s just that Frist has magical medical video powers and, well, he’s a doctor and everything…

*xyz–Hillary I actually do understand. Various speculative rumors have her as the Majority Leader before long if Dems win the Senate. Like most Dem Senators, she’s too afraid of Lieberman bolting (and therefore losing her chance at Majority Leader), and not confident enough to help Lamont out to avoid that scenario.

Obama is a mystery to me–there’s no chance of him becoming Majority Leader. I noticed yesterday, to great annoyance, the title of his new book, “The Audacity of Hope.” Where’s his own audaciousness? Again: afraid of Lieberman, insufficiently audacious to aid Lamont in countering those fears.

Not to be a homer about it, but on the ground I think Kerry’s been quite good stumping and fundraising for other candidates.

I take back my “irk” of yesterday toward Senator Kerry when he e-mailed a request for contributions to candidates in the four critical Senate races. Sent him $ for each of the four and $ to ActBlue for Lamont and Rowley. And, thank you, Senator Kerry for all that you and Teresa are doing.

Jane Hamsher @ 7

Cap’n Phealy @
5

Not wanting to be a wet blanket, but Kerry won’t really be a stand-up guy for the netroots until he gets up off of that wallet and lets some of that 14 million bucks out to help make it a Dem majority.

Credit where credit is due here, although it’s hardly a surprise that there’s no love lost between Kerry and Loserman after the ‘04 primaries.

You know, I too wish that many Democrats — Kerry included — would do that. There is, however, such a thing as positive reinforcement and I don’t think denying him credit for what he’s doing right because he doesn’t fit into the perfect mold at the moment is exactly the right way to go about encouraging others to do likewise.

Agree. Also, if you read through the transcript, when Kerry answers questions about that issue, he states that what he and wife Theresa has done in other ways is the equivalent of what is being asked. He’s been funding Dems all over, plus funding the DNC, DSCC and DCCC. So there’s more here to consider.

btw, in the transcript, RevDeb twice says “John” but I think she’s not talking to the Senator here; given the context, I believe these are references to Jon Jennings, the Kerry staffer who helped set up the meeting and has been our contact for other meetings. Any way, great job Deb.

Has Lamont asked Hillary to campaign for him? What about Bill?
He could ask Obama, but I’m not sure how Obama’s cachet translates into CT votes.
Either of the Clintons campaigning for Lamont would be a big boon.

If he asks, and then it becomes public (through an unfortunate leak) that they refused to campaign for him, mightn’t that be negative publicity they’d rather avoid?
I’m not sure.

Jane -

With your kind permission (while we’re pondering the subject of wondering where the dough went), let me repost my comment appearing in the previous thread with an addendum consisting of two questions:

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
38

The following excerpt from a transcript of NPR’s interview yesterday with Karl Rove caught my attention (emphasis mine):

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2….._1025.html

MR. ROVE: Well, a lot of — and a lot of organized volunteer activity. You need to have, you know, you need to have the staff and the infrastructure and the materials to give to your last — your large army of volunteers to get out to vote.

Now let’s look at what immediately preceded the comment that caught my attention so that I can avoid quoting that comment out of context:

(snip)

He spoke with us at Radio Day, a talk-show interview fest held under a large tent on the north lawn of the White House.

MR. ROVE: I see several things. First of all, unlike the general public, I’m allowed to the see the polls on the individual races. And after all, this does come down to individual contests between individual candidates.

And second of all, I see the individual spending reports and contribution reports. For example, at the end of August in 30 of the most competitive races in the country — the House races — the Republicans had $33 million cash on hand and the Democrats had just over 14 million (dollars).

MR. SIEGEL: And all of that money, I assume, would put a lot of television advertising out there.

(snip)

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Cap’n Phealy @
5

Not wanting to be a wet blanket, but Kerry won’t really be a stand-up guy for the netroots until he gets up off of that wallet and lets some of that 14 million bucks out to help make it a Dem majority.

Credit where credit is due here, although it’s hardly a surprise that there’s no love lost between Kerry and Loserman after the ‘04 primaries.

You guys should read the kos diary linked in the story. He gives a pretty compelling argument about how much he’s raised for candidates, how much he’s given personally, and why it might not be the greatest idea to raid his war chest.

But-but-but!!

I thought King Kos told me to hate Kerry this week!

I’m so confused!

Audrey, left a note for you at the end of the last thread.

marky @ 30

Has Lamont asked Hillary to campaign for him? What about Bill?
He could ask Obama, but I’m not sure how Obama’s cachet translates into CT votes.
Either of the Clintons campaigning for Lamont would be a big boon.

If he asks, and then it becomes public (through an unfortunate leak) that they refused to campaign for him, mightn’t that be negative publicity they’d rather avoid?
I’m not sure.

I’m thinking he asked them to stay away to avoid and quid pro quo. Maybe Kerry hasn’t asked him to promise anything in return.

Just a WAG.

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 31

Jane -

With your kind permission (while we’re pondering the subject of wondering where the dough went), let me repost my comment appearing in the previous thread with an addendum consisting of two questions:

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
38

The following excerpt from a transcript of NPR’s interview yesterday with Karl Rove caught my attention (emphasis mine):

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2….._1025.html

MR. ROVE: Well, a lot of — and a lot of organized volunteer activity. You need to have, you know, you need to have the staff and the infrastructure and the materials to give to your last — your large army of volunteers to get out to vote.

Now let’s look at what immediately preceded the comment that caught my attention so that I can avoid quoting that comment out of context:

(snip)

He spoke with us at Radio Day, a talk-show interview fest held under a large tent on the north lawn of the White House.

MR. ROVE: I see several things. First of all, unlike the general public, I’m allowed to the see the polls on the individual races. And after all, this does come down to individual contests between individual candidates.

And second of all, I see the individual spending reports and contribution reports. For example, at the end of August in 30 of the most competitive races in the country — the House races — the Republicans had $33 million cash on hand and the Democrats had just over 14 million (dollars).

MR. SIEGEL: And all of that money, I assume, would put a lot of television advertising out there.

(snip)

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Nice, nice catch.

How can Hillary come out for Lamont, an anti-Iraq war candidate, when Senator Clinton seems bent on keeping troops in Iraq?

Does anyone know if Ned actually has spoken to these dems and literally ASKED then to get their asses to CT? has he been refused? Do they not take his calls?

Anyone know how this works? Staff to staff?

I say call them and get a direct answer and offer to send a jet to pick their ass up.

And Massachusetts’ other Senator quickly called Bush on his new (old)line of Iraq propaganda. Makes one proud to be from the Bay State.

Thanks to both Senators, Kerry and Kennedy.

Thank you, John Kerry! I would hope some of the spineless Democrats (Schumer, et al)will take note of your principaled stand.
In the netroots we have long memories…and we’ll remember that you stood up for Ned Lamont. THANKS!

TRex @ 32

But-but-but!!

I thought King Kos told me to hate Kerry this week!

I’m so confused!

Nah, that was in response to comments by the other aide who didn’t get the memo on how to answer the question.

John Kerry is a class act.Too bad the swift boaters did such a job on him.The same crowd
is now working their magic on Harold Ford~

Monday, Amb Joe Wilson and Barak Obama were here in Phoenix campaigning for our AZ candidates. Amb Wilson was on the local AAR radio program taking calls and answering questions.

Here is the link to the mp3
http://mikenewcomb.net/audio/JWILSON.mp3

Thankfully I asked two questions, getting the info out about Kyl and his false statements inserted into the Congressional record and then submitted to the Supreme Court!

OK -

Boxer managed to campaign for Joey even though they differ on many issues. Hillary could do it easily… she’s smooth.

Hi, btw.

Excellent. Good on ya, John Kerry.

Kos apparently is still a denaiac and can’t accept Kerry doing anything positive. No politician is goig to shine all the time.. it’s the nature of the beast they are always triangulating something. Kos has a big ego for a little guy even though he claims not.

Lots of things are going down that we can’t see. Would it be a reach to see that everyone has something on everyone else and play them like puppets because of that?

One should only become involved in politics after coming to the unshakable and immutable conclusion that all politicians are self serving assholes who balance power, votes, and money as a way of getting what they want. They’ll pick yer pocket on a whim- and break the hearts of the naive without regret.

So once you know what you’re dealin with- yer decisions can be much clearer- “Which of these self serving lyin machines serve my purposes best in this election.

Never allow yourself to feel any affection for the fuckers- you might as well fall in love with snakes.

Sally @ 33

Audrey, left a note for you at the end of the last thread.

Ahhh! Thanks Sally. Maybe Bell didn’t buy ads here–or on a different station. I only get one. I don’t get radio either. Talk about deprived! ;)

That’s so reassuring, though.

OTOH, Perry’s ads against Bell are AWFUL. They’re recycled from the last election and you can tell. Naugebauer’s(sp) are recycled too. Hope they both backfire.

rwcole @47

I think Ned Lamont is cut from the same clothe… Time will tell…

Twisted Martini @
8

Way to go Big John. He did a pretty good job of explaining himself in the Kos Diary. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Go Ned!

likewise, on the funding i$$ue. to be clear: that’s a far cry from wiping the slate clean of the missteps from his 2004 campaign.

DefJef @ 46

Kos apparently is still a denaiac and can’t accept Kerry doing anything positive. No politician is goig to shine all the time.. it’s the nature of the beast they are always triangulating something. Kos has a big ego for a little guy even though he claims not.

Lots of things are going down that we can’t see. Would it be a reach to see that everyone has something on everyone else and play them like puppets because of that?

I thought Kos was a Wesley Clarkiac? ; )

TRex @ 32

But-but-but!!

I thought King Kos told me to hate Kerry this week!

I’m so confused!

OOOPS! Now I’m confused. I thought King Kobe was the boss of us!

OT – Well, about as off topic your general run of the mill “double-standard” “cronyistic” “rubber-stamping” Republican antics can get; I guess…

WASHINGTON – Rep. Chris Cannon is asking a judge for leniency for his former chief of staff, David Safavian, who was convicted of obstructing a federal investigation into his ties with lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

“Has David made mistakes? Of course,” Cannon wrote in his letter to the judge requesting probation.

Safavian got his start in lobbying alongside Abramoff before becoming a partner in Janus-Merritt Strategies. He took a leave of absence to become Cannon’s chief of staff in 2001, leaving open the door to return to his firm.
During Safavian’s tenure with Cannon, the congressman took positions that helped several of Safavian’s former clients, including the online gaming industry, telecommunications firms, a media giant and an American Indian tribe.
Cannon’s spokesman has said the two simply agreed on those issues.

er…yeah, right.

Read it in all its glory at http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_4545824

rwcole (47), you pretty well describe most of the human race.

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
31

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Stephen, I sense you have a great point here but I still don’t get it. Could you help out a dense Balrog and explain?

Thanks.

I don’t know whether an appearance from either Billary would help Lamont per se. Whether or not she actually showed up, it could help Ned if Hillary would say, “Ned has been courageous in challenging us all to rethink our premises about Iraq. Given what we see happening every day in the news, it now seems that Ned showed a lot of judgement, insight and courage in doing what he did. He’s helped redefine what we all think about Bush’s disastorous foreign policy. And we’re all going to have to think about this a lot harder and be willing to stand up to President Bush and the lame arguments he continues to make. That’s why I think he’d make a great Senator.” If she said that, then Bill could come in and close the deal.

What else could she say that would be helpful?

Cozumel @
21

*xyz @ 11

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Once again, no Hillary fan, BUT….she said she would do anything asked of her by the Lamont campaign.

Coz: she reneged. Disclosure will come by and by.

I agree that Kerry deserves another look, based strictly upon his actions. I was terribly disappointed when he let Bush steal Ohio. No doubt he was following the wisdom of the borg democrats in DC. Resistance is futile. Stay the course. Don’t rock the boat.

Kerry has never been magnetic like Clinton. But if he has learned his lesson about rejecting the timidity oozing out of the “expert handlers” from DC and is willing to step up for us, we should step up for him. God knows establishment democrats willing to put it on the line for real people are few and far between.

I would say stop complaining that he is not doing enough, and complain about those who are doing NOTHING.

By the way republicans, our gay congress members are WAY better than your gay congress members. Ours help the party win (Frank), instead of dragging it down (Foley). So there! NYAH NYAH NYAH!

rw

So once you know what you’re dealin with- yer decisions can be much clearer- “Which of these self serving lyin machines serve my purposes best in this election.

Never allow yourself to feel any affection for the fuckers- you might as well fall in love with snakes.

This may be true for many, but not for all. I believe you would not say this about Ned Lamont if you met him. It takes about 30 seconds to realize this guy is real.

scarecrow (56), if she said that, it would help Hillary, too, mucho. And thanks for the spotlight information. I confess I read directions as a last resort.

OT – has this made the broader news circuit?

punaise @
174

Salon.com front pager:

U.S. generals call for Democratic takeover

Disgusted with the leadership of the Iraq war, two retired generals say the GOP must go. Plus: More than 100 current military personnel join a campaign to get the U.S. out of Iraq — now.

By Mark Benjamin

Oct. 25, 2006 | WASHINGTON — Two retired senior Army generals, who served in Iraq and previously voted Republican, are now openly endorsing a Democratic takeover of Congress. The generals, and an active-duty senior military official, told Salon in separate interviews that they believe a Democratic victory will help reverse course from what they consider to be a disastrous Bush administration policy in Iraq.

[…]

Cozumel @ 51

DefJef @ 46

Kos apparently is still a denaiac and can’t accept Kerry doing anything positive. No politician is goig to shine all the time.. it’s the nature of the beast they are always triangulating something. Kos has a big ego for a little guy even though he claims not.

Lots of things are going down that we can’t see. Would it be a reach to see that everyone has something on everyone else and play them like puppets because of that?

I thought Kos was a Wesley Clarkiac? ; )

Markos was not a Deaniac. He wasn’t anti-Dean, but he was very unimpressed with some of his personnel choices during the campaign, not without cause.

And here TRex and Kos had me thinking we really all did have long memories.

Love ya, Jane, but the war is on *now*. We need money from Kerry, period. He could give the DCCC a cool million without significantly lowering his 0.005% chance of winning the ‘08 Democratic nomination. Your post just might have led some of Kerry’s minions to think he can get away with shutting the wallet and still win the netroots love. Not a good move.

One should only become involved in politics after coming to the unshakable and immutable conclusion that all politicians are self serving assholes who balance power, votes, and money as a way of getting what they want. They’ll pick yer pocket on a whim- and break the hearts of the naive without regret.

Can’t agree, rwcole, though this is probably true for many in Washington. But I am represented by Patrick Leahy, Jim Jeffords and Bernie Sanders, so I know there are people of integrity in Congress.

scarecrow @ 56

I don’t know whether an appearance from either Billary would help Lamont per se. Whether or not she actually showed up, it could help Ned if Hillary would say, “Ned has been courageous in challenging us all to rethink our premises about Iraq. Given what we see happening every day in the news, it now seems that Ned showed a lot of judgement, insight and courage in doing what he did. He’s helped redefine what we all think about Bush’s disastorous foreign policy. And we’re all going to have to think about this a lot harder and be willing to stand up to President Bush and the lame arguments he continues to make. That’s why I think he’d make a great Senator.” If she said that, then Bill could come in and close the deal.

What else could she say that would be helpful?

Ned needs to bring remaining “low information” Dems home. Joe still has a chunk of them, in no small part because Bill got through to them for Joe prior to the primary. And that is where they remain. Bill could undo that, and if he does not, it’s not because he’s ignorant.

TRex @ 33

But-but-but!!

I thought King Kos told me to hate Kerry this week!

I’m so confused!

It’s a blip in the Blogitburo. Don’t theropods do nuance?

Pachacutec @ 57

Coz: she reneged. Disclosure will come by and by.

Cryptic. Does this have anything to do with those who met with WJC and what they know but can’t tell?

Or is this more of a Karma thing?

Q: How do you keep a Balrog in suspense?
A: I’ll tell you later.

Second Looks?

2008 My List based on who I think can win AND run the country.

Gore/Edwards (if Gore decides to run)

Edwards/Clark

The Dark Horse Pairing: Edwards/Obama

Thoughts?

scarecrow @ 56

I don’t know whether an appearance from either Billary would help Lamont per se. Whether or not she actually showed up, it could help Ned if Hillary would say, “Ned has been courageous in challenging us all to rethink our premises about Iraq. Given what we see happening every day in the news, it now seems that Ned showed a lot of judgement, insight and courage in doing what he did. He’s helped redefine what we all think about Bush’s disastorous foreign policy. And we’re all going to have to think about this a lot harder and be willing to stand up to President Bush and the lame arguments he continues to make. That’s why I think he’d make a great Senator.” If she said that, then Bill could come in and close the deal.

What else could she say that would be helpful?

Anything that any dem party leader does at this late date has to be nearly bombastic. No standard-issue appearance or livingroom photo op or $5000 contribution.

It has to be so dramatic and compelling because (woulda shoulda coulda) I believe Ned would now be flying high and primed to win this one big if they had come out for him immediately after the primary.

Now Hillary and the rest will have to blanket the state with extraordinary and passionate appearances. It’s not over yet, but it would be a miracle if they did this, in my opinion.

Pachacutec @ 57

Cozumel @
21

*xyz @ 11

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Once again, no Hillary fan, BUT….she said she would do anything asked of her by the Lamont campaign.

Coz: she reneged. Disclosure will come by and by.

Pach: Okay. I’ll take your word for it.

punaise @ 61

OT – has this made the broader news circuit?

punaise @
174

Salon.com front pager:

U.S. generals call for Democratic takeover

Disgusted with the leadership of the Iraq war, two retired generals say the GOP must go. Plus: More than 100 current military personnel join a campaign to get the U.S. out of Iraq — now.

By Mark Benjamin

Oct. 25, 2006 | WASHINGTON — Two retired senior Army generals, who served in Iraq and previously voted Republican, are now openly endorsing a Democratic takeover of Congress. The generals, and an active-duty senior military official, told Salon in separate interviews that they believe a Democratic victory will help reverse course from what they consider to be a disastrous Bush administration policy in Iraq.

[…]

I just finished it. WOW. I think it will be getting around tomorrow. I think this deserves a whole post here at FDL.

Kerry deserves some big netroots praise for his willingness to buck the Incumbency Protection Racket

Except for the fact that Kerry is happy to fall back on it for his own job.

Sally @ 60

scarecrow (56), if she said that, it would help Hillary, too, mucho. And thanks for the spotlight information. I confess I read directions as a last resort.

You’re welcome. I find that if I have to check the instructions to see how something works, there’s something wrong with that particular model. This seems to be true for electronic equipment, computers and programs, cars, and [ducking, looking into places to hide] some women I have known.

I think Kerry worked his guts out for us in ‘04. He made his mistakes and I’m not sure why he conceded when he did (pure pragmatism, most likely, after looking at conceivable scenarios), but he’s worked harder for this country than any of us has or ever will.

RW at 47:

LOL! I mostly agree (although it pains me). We’re all pretty egotistical at times (SWEEPING blanket generalization alert!) and when you add in money and power, well…you know. I think some of our pols try, which is sometimes enough. (Thanks Russ!)

shooogarp at 71 — it got one, first thing this morning. And why am I now depressed that I put a lot of work into a post that no one remembers. SIGH (kidding…)

…Nice shade of Pink Lipstick.

Former VA Gov. Doug Wilder has endorsed Webb.

That is quite helpful.

-GSD

GSD at 78 — and it’s about damn time, too. Although holding it off until the last couple of weeks could be a good momentum boost — we’ll see… (she types, hopefully)

Christy Hardin Smith @ 76

shooogarp at 71 — it got one, first thing this morning. And why am I now depressed that I put a lot of work into a post that no one remembers. SIGH (kidding…)

Not true, m’Lady. A lot of us Spotlighted that one all over.

Balrog @
55

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
31

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Stephen, I sense you have a great point here but I still don’t get it. Could you help out a dense Balrog and explain?

Thanks.

Balrog -

What is the difference between cash apparently paid during the Connecticut senatorial primary campaign to volunteers for Senator Lieberman and money that, in his interview yesterday with NPR, Karl Rove mentioned spending for organized volunteer activity?

Thanks to John Kerry for slogging thru the mire of campaigning for Dems this year and for all that he’s doing. But a mil or two for campaign ads would sure be nice. Especially sinc the Rethug “volunteers” and “absentee voters” are just getting warmed up.

Hillary will not run for president.
Hillary will not be majority leader.

Also at Salon.com and quite good. I’ve spent time in Rexburg, Idaho and if there are doubts there, the Republicans are in trouble elsewhere.

The reddest place in America

There may be no spot in the U.S. more Republican than Madison County, Idaho. But even in this overwhelmingly white, Mormon enclave, the doubts are creeping in.

http://www.salon.com/news/feat…..index.html

Jenny from the Blog @ 44

OK -

Boxer managed to campaign for Joey even though they differ on many issues. Hillary could do it easily… she’s smooth.

Hi, btw.

Yep, she’s smooth alright. Politically perhaps lithe, urbane and even svelte too.

DefJef @ 49

rwcole @47

I think Ned Lamont is cut from the same clothe… Time will tell…

EXCUSE ME????? You’ve got to be kidding.

Lamont is anything like a standard pol. He doesn’t have a smarmy, self-serving bone in his body – which is why his campaign has been so simple and down-to-earth.

I think it’s sad that you are both so cynical.

I look at Howard Dean, who I did not support, and I admire him immensely for the DFA infrastructure he has established and the 50 state strategy he set up via the DNC.

Balrog @ 55

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
31

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Stephen, I sense you have a great point here but I still don’t get it. Could you help out a dense Balrog and explain?

Thanks.

So the paid ‘volunteers’ in the CT For Lieberman campaign are derived from a page and petty funding technique out of the Karl Rove playbook.

Wondering how many Republicans are missing large amounts of petty cash expenditures during the final days of a campaign.

I voted for Kerry. On this, I have no regrets.

Pachacutec @ 65

scarecrow @ 56

I don’t know whether an appearance from either Billary would help Lamont per se. Whether or not she actually showed up, it could help Ned if Hillary would say, “Ned has been courageous in challenging us all to rethink our premises about Iraq. Given what we see happening every day in the news, it now seems that Ned showed a lot of judgement, insight and courage in doing what he did. He’s helped redefine what we all think about Bush’s disastorous foreign policy. And we’re all going to have to think about this a lot harder and be willing to stand up to President Bush and the lame arguments he continues to make. That’s why I think he’d make a great Senator.” If she said that, then Bill could come in and close the deal.

What else could she say that would be helpful?

Ned needs to bring remaining “low information” Dems home. Joe still has a chunk of them, in no small part because Bill got through to them for Joe prior to the primary. And that is where they remain. Bill could undo that, and if he does not, it’s not because he’s ignorant.

Yup. Unfortunately, coming in for joe in the primary was nigh impossible to avoid. And once done…it’s more difficult to undo.

Not getting immediate major support right after the primary hurt a lot. It’s appalling that Joe wasn’t slapped back damn quick by the powers that be.

If he’d been running on the CFL ticket before, more power to him. But he wasn’t.

Joe’s got to go.

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 81

Balrog @
55

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
31

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Stephen, I sense you have a great point here but I still don’t get it. Could you help out a dense Balrog and explain?

Thanks.

Balrog -

What is the difference between cash apparently paid during the Connecticut senatorial primary campaign to volunteers for Senator Lieberman and money that, in his interview yesterday with NPR, Karl Rove mentioned spending for organized volunteer activity?

*ding*

Thanks Stephen.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 76

shooogarp at 71 — it got one, first thing this morning. And why am I now depressed that I put a lot of work into a post that no one remembers. SIGH (kidding…)

Sorry. Been super busy lately and I haven’t gone back yet. Hmmmm. Let’s see…last two weeks. Got married. Moved. Sold my business. Started new job. Cleaned out garage. Cleaned out garage (again, after moving). Stomach Flu (thankfully after the wedding).

Love your posts Christy.

reviser @ 63

And here TRex and Kos had me thinking we really all did have long memories.

Love ya, Jane, but the war is on *now*. We need money from Kerry, period. He could give the DCCC a cool million without significantly lowering his 0.005% chance of winning the ‘08 Democratic nomination. Your post just might have led some of Kerry’s minions to think he can get away with shutting the wallet and still win the netroots love. Not a good move.

didn’t realize that you had the inside scoop on his finances and the campaigns audit issues. He said he couldn’t touch certain funds so he raised new money instead. Have you done the same?

Hi all,
I’m chiming in for a minute then I need to go to the top and read the thread.

It was an interesting though short meeting and I have LOTS to say about it. I was at a minister’s retreat and managed to get an internet connection to check my e-mail and there was one from our contact at Kerry’s office asking me to come in and meet the Senator along with someone from BlueMassGroup.

The entire exchange, audio and transcript can be found here.

I had met Charley a couple of times before so we knew each other a little before going in to the meeting.

I will be writing extended thoughts about it on my web site and perhaps crosspost at BMG, but the short version is that I think Dau’s triangle is now in effect. I think Kerry’s guy called us to do damage control on a story that was started by Chris Bowers at MyDD about the $$ and the media picked up on it. The story ran in the Boston Globe last Sat. and the first thing the media asked Kerry after the Deval Patrick event was about the $$.

He has said that he is willing to/wants to meet with us after the election. . . . lots to do and lots to talk about between now and then.

Now I gotta go up and read what you all have said.

RevDeb

If Senator Clinton is not going to run for the presidency, I wish she would declare her non-candidacy soon. The coyness on this matter is revolting.

GSD @ 78

Former VA Gov. Doug Wilder has endorsed Webb.

That is quite helpful.

-GSD

Webb should be raising holy hell that his full name doesn’t appear on the ballot here in NoVa.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..00566.html

Christy Hardin Smith @ 76

shooogarp at 71 — it got one, first thing this morning. And why am I now depressed that I put a lot of work into a post that no one remembers. SIGH (kidding…)

CHS, I spread the word over at NLS.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 76

shooogarp at 71 — it got one, first thing this morning. And why am I now depressed that I put a lot of work into a post that no one remembers. SIGH (kidding…)

I remember, cuz I got the front-page shout! Also because Christy’s post was eloquent and compelling. Definitely spotlight-worthy.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 86

Balrog @ 55

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
31

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Stephen, I sense you have a great point here but I still don’t get it. Could you help out a dense Balrog and explain?

Thanks.

So the paid ‘volunteers’ in the CT For Lieberman campaign are derived from a page and petty funding technique out of the Karl Rove playbook.

Wondering how many Republicans are missing large amounts of petty cash expenditures during the final days of a campaign.

How about a group of us answer this question? I would really like to know the answer (was trying to get some traction on expenditure data yesterday).

Tonight on Larry King Live: Harold Ford, Clair McCaskill, Ben Cardin, and the Dixie Chicks, plus a few others.

What would be best comparison races to dig into?

Christy Hardin Smith @ 76

shooogarp at 71 — it got one, first thing this morning. And why am I now depressed that I put a lot of work into a post that no one remembers. SIGH (kidding…)

sorry Christy – it was below the fold so I missed it

carolyn urban @ 64

One should only become involved in politics after coming to the unshakable and immutable conclusion that all politicians are self serving assholes who balance power, votes, and money as a way of getting what they want. They’ll pick yer pocket on a whim- and break the hearts of the naive without regret.

Can’t agree, rwcole, though this is probably true for many in Washington. But I am represented by Patrick Leahy, Jim Jeffords and Bernie Sanders, so I know there are people of integrity in Congress.

carolyn urban, I greatly admire your congressional representatives, and I donated to Bernie’s campaign when he first decided to run for that senate seat (he’s one of my heroes). The people of Vermont that I know are clear-eyed, down to earth Americans, grounded in their history and in the Constitution. You have a right to be proud.

I’ve written what I felt about this issue enough that I don’t feel the need to repeat myself. This sums it up pretty well:

http://www.taylormarsh.com/com…..stID=24686

The article I was referring to was here:

http://www.taylormarsh.com/arc…..p?id=24686

I’ll just add this. I’m not a big Kerry supporter, and have not been for some time. You might say I’m a bit disenchanted. Nevertheless, I gave to his senate campaigns once upon a time, and remember that every one set records for spending by both sides. I’m sure if Kerry decides to run for the Senate in 2008, he’ll need tons of money for that.

OTOH, if he runs for President, he’ll need the kind of money that would have built skyscrapers or aircraft carriers not all that long ago. If he’s sitting on $14 million right now, he’s probably sitting on less than ten percent of what he needs.

The man’s done plenty. There are more important things to argue about, even amongst ourselves, and far better things to be pissed off about.

Jane – thank you for standing up for Kerry. He promised Ned right after the primary that he would campaign for him. He has done fundraising for him and has supported him. The only other politicians who have done as much are Wesley Clark and Teddy Kennedy.

Thank you John Kerry for supporting Ned. And thank you for taking the netroots seriously.

Someone asked if the Lamont campaign had asked other Dems to campaign for him. I do think that’s a valid point. I remember an article a month or so ago in which Swan made it clear that this was a Connecticut race and he wanted to keep it local. It makes sense that he would feel the two Senators from Mass would be appropriate.

Hillary has done a fundraiser for Ned – recently – even after the bad polls. I don’t know what to make of her or Bill not campaigning for Ned – I don’t know if they’ve been asked.

But it is clear to us all that the Dem establishement has been hedging their bets since August 8th, and it’s disgusting.

Jane Hamsher @ 7

Cap’n Phealy @
5

Not wanting to be a wet blanket, but Kerry won’t really be a stand-up guy for the netroots until he gets up off of that wallet and lets some of that 14 million bucks out to help make it a Dem majority.

Credit where credit is due here, although it’s hardly a surprise that there’s no love lost between Kerry and Loserman after the ‘04 primaries.

You know, I too wish that many Democrats — Kerry included — would do that. There is, however, such a thing as positive reinforcement and I don’t think denying him credit for what he’s doing right because he doesn’t fit into the perfect mold at the moment is exactly the right way to go about encouraging others to do likewise.

It’s strange that two weeks before an election the call goes out that Kerry and others in safe races should turn over their money to the DSCC. This is interesting coming from Chuck Schumer who gets his money from the same NY sources that Lieberman does.

It would seem that this circular firing squad is not in The Dems best interest. Yet, who arranged it?

Disclosure will come by and by.

this closure: welcome buy and buy

is there a day that goes by without a hearty chuckle inducing visual courtesy of watertiger?

I can’t stay online any longer! But will check back later. OT:

In case it was missed:

Democratic field organizer missing since Saturday found
By The Associated Press – 10/25/2006
ANACONDA — A field organizer for the Montana Democratic Party in Butte and Anaconda who was reported missing Saturday has been found.

Robert Hollister Reneau, 26, was located at a convenience store near Bonner at about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

He was taken to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula after being found by Missoula County sheriff’s deputies and is ‘‘very ill,’’ said his mother, Susan Campbell Reneau. She said illnesses he contracted while working for the Peace Corps in Africa make him become disoriented.
http://www.helenair.com/articl…..506_02.txt

Also, I haven’t told anyone this before, but I think it’s my fault that Howard Dean is the head of the DNC.

A looong while back I was signing a petition to get rid of McCauliff and was writing in the comments section that we needed someone who could energise the party and Dean just came to mind. So I said: We need Howard Dean! When I went back after spreading the link to the petition around and looked at the comments, Dean’s name was all over the place in the comments, but I couldn’t find it prior to my entry.

Why am I saying this? Because a) I’m proud as punch that my single remark caused such a landslide and b) as a reminder that you never know when an offhand thing we say anywhere at anytime can make a difference. You guys are great in that you know this and I just love all you do to make our hopes turn into reality.

Love you bunches….gotta go.

1970cs @ 2:07 pm (#104)

It’s strange that two weeks before an election the call goes out that Kerry and others in safe races should turn over their money to the DSCC. This is interesting coming from Chuck Schumer who gets his money from the same NY sources that Lieberman does.

It would seem that this circular firing squad is not in The Dems best interest. Yet, who arranged it?

My guess, which I linked to in my previous comment, is that this has more to do with internal (DLC vs. not-DLC) politics in the Democratic Party.

1970s – that’s a great, great point. I bet it was orchestrated by Schumer who clearly is backing his soul mate, Lieberliar.

And how convenient that the attempt to blacken Kerry’s name would happen only days before Kerry is scheduled to attend an event in support of Lamont.

And isn’t it also coincidental that the same day Kerry shows up to campaign for Lamont – Lieberman has Bob Kerry show up (of all the other days to have him come to CT).

It does stink to high heaven.

Thanks a lot Schumer. Just smear politics as usual.

GW Clusterfuck on Iraq:

“Ah can’t get NO

Satisfaction”

Well you’ve only had four years to clean up yer fuckin mess you scum suckin cretin- what’re you doin complain to ME–NOW!

This prairie seems pretty empty. Guess it’s time for Atlas Juggs to saddle up. Where’s my riding crop?

Audrey – Wins the daily double bizzaro post, imo.

Hope Robert Hollister Reneau will be alright. many of my friends and a relative have received similar gifts while serving in the peace corps.

Audrey – Could you start writing Russ wherever you go? *s*

punaise @ 106

is there a day that goes by without a hearty chuckle inducing visual courtesy of watertiger?

Bad bad punaise…hearty chuckle is very different from spew alert! Next time, really warn us, OK? :)

Where is Obama ? Has he showed up for Lamont ? No.How about Bill Clinton,Has he showed up for Lamont ?Well at-least Kerry showed-up.And the so called leaders of the Party and the much talked about doesn’t have the guts to support their party’s primary winner.

YAY Kerry! I rescind the bad stuff I said about him yesterday. I just send him $20 in thanks. I was wrong about you, Mr. Kerry, and I apologize.

BARBARA FUCKING BOXER is another matter. She deserves not one fucking SHRED of support from any anti-war Dem.

Her tacit support of Lieberman is the ultimate betrayal. YOU CANNOT SUPPORT JOE AND BE ANTI-WAR.

You can’t have one without the other.

Barbara Boxer deserves our scorn, hatred and vituperation. I hope, in 2010, when her cycle comes round, you will remember this betrayal and work against her as hard as I will.

Professor Foland @ 27

*xyz–Hillary I actually do understand. Various speculative rumors have her as the Majority Leader before long if Dems win the Senate. Like most Dem Senators, she’s too afraid of Lieberman bolting (and therefore losing her chance at Majority Leader), and not confident enough to help Lamont out to avoid that scenario.

Obama is a mystery to me–there’s no chance of him becoming Majority Leader. I noticed yesterday, to great annoyance, the title of his new book, “The Audacity of Hope.” Where’s his own audaciousness? Again: afraid of Lieberman, insufficiently audacious to aid Lamont in countering those fears.

Not to be a homer about it, but on the ground I think Kerry’s been quite good stumping and fundraising for other candidates.

I’ve been slammed all day, so I’m late getting to this post, Jane. I only hope Kerry being in Connecticut does Ned Lamont the good he deserves. Kerry’s gotten a lot of criticism lately, much of it undeserved. As Cujo359 linked above, Kerry’s done a lot this cycle, which I’ve posted on several times. That cannot be said for other insider DC Dems, which is shameful. Ned deserves better and so do the Democrats of Connecticut. Oh, and you are right. Kerry is a mensch. Here’s the very latest news, which just broke:

Kennedy, Kerry give $1 million to Democratic campaign committees

The Associated Press
BOSTON

Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry tapped their sizable campaign kitties on Wednesday to donate an additional $1 million to the committees aiming to elect a Democratic Congress.

The Massachusetts Democrats donated $500,000 apiece, half to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and half to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Each works on behalf of the party to elect members to the respective chambers.

Democrats believe they have a chance this fall to regain majority control in each chamber.

“Senator Kennedy believes that November 7th is a critical opportunity to reverse the damage done by the Bush Administration and put this country back on track,” said Kennedy spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter.

Kerry spokesman David Wade added: “It’s crunch time and he’s going the extra mile with Sen. Kennedy to make sure Democrats have the chance to put America on the right track and reverse the radically wrong course these Republicans have taken our country.”

Kerry had previously donated $1.015 million to the Senate committee and $500,000 to the House committee, while Kennedy had given $1 million to the Senate committee. Kennedy also has raised over $9 million for his fellow Democrats this cycle, while Kerry has raised over $11 million.

Nonetheless, all Democrats have faced pressure from party leaders and outside groups such as moveon.org to draw down their campaign accounts to improve their success of regaining control of the House and Senate.

Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, has been accused of hoarding money in preparation for another White House run in 2008.

On Tuesday, Kerry defended his record, saying recent depictions of how much money he has in the bank are “inaccurate.” The most recent report filed for the “Friends of John Kerry” committee showed the senator had $8 million in the bank.

Kennedy, meanwhile, is up for re-election this fall but facing a little-known challenger. He will still have $6.8 million in the bank after the donations.

Disclosure: I’m doing some non-exclusive web advising in the final weeks of the 2006 cycle for the Kerry camp.

LieBerman is holding the pros in the Dem. party hostage…That’s “pros” for prostitutes.

Obama? What stand has he taken lately? Mr. Nice Guy to everyone?

The whole bunch are spineless. Small wonder there’s a Green Party. I may join myself.
e.r.
Stamford

Need to remind Schumer et al to NOT let Mark Pryor anywhere near that dough!

Obama showed up here in Colorado yesterday to campaign for “Ed Perlmutter”, a nobody running in a rural Red-State district here. But he won’t campaign for Lamont??

Please Call Obama, Ask Him to Campaign with Lamont

Please make this call for the good guys. Here is what I suggest for “talking points”:

1.) Joe Lieberman’s $387,000 slush fund is compromising democracy in Connecticut.

2.) Prominent Democrats should speak out against Lieberman’s slush fund, lest they undermine their status as leaders in the fight against the “culture of corruption” in DC.

3.) Lamont needs visible and vocal support from prominent Democrats like Obama to offset Lieberman’s illegal activities.

Once again, Obama’s DC senate office phone numbers are:

voice: (202) 224-2854
fax: (202) 228-4260

Kerry is not the only presidential hopeful with a boatload of money. Evan Bayh is one of several mentioned in the original story. Here is his data from OpenSecrets:

2001-2006 Total Receipts: $12,142,264
2001-2006 Total Spent: $3,815,800
Cash on Hand: $10,578,491
Debts: $0
Date of last report: September 30, 2006
First elected: 1998
Next election: 2010

Three million dollars would make a real statement about Bayh.

Pound on him, not Kerry!

BREAKING — $1 million more from Kerry and Kennedy!!!

Kennedy, Kerry give $1 million to Democratic campaign committees

The Associated Press
BOSTON

Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry tapped their sizable campaign kitties on Wednesday to donate an additional $1 million to the committees aiming to elect a Democratic Congress.

The Massachusetts Democrats donated $500,000 apiece, half to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and half to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Each works on behalf of the party to elect members to the respective chambers.

http://www.taylormarsh.com/arc…..p?id=24726

just donate some money Kerry

ask, and ye shall receive, srgtick!

Jane

Thank you for this wonderful post.

Yes. Donate some money, Kerry. You have a huge chunk of OUR money from 2004. We need it to win the neck-and-neck races across the country.

Your excuse on ABC’s This Week that you campaign for others, rather than donate, is weak, particularly since your intention in making these appearances is at least 50% (but surely more) to promote YOUR OWN candidacy. YOU get face time. But the candidates across the nation — not Ned, but countless other Congressional candidates — need MONEY to run ads.

Balrog @ 55

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
31

Do you see a pattern developing with respect to organized volunteer activity? Where’s the dough?

Stephen, I sense you have a great point here but I still don’t get it. Could you help out a dense Balrog and explain?

Thanks.

So the paid ‘volunteers’ in the CT For Lieberman campaign are derived from a page and petty funding technique out of the Karl Rove playbook.

Wondering how many Republicans are missing large amounts of petty cash expenditures during the final days of a campaign.

It gets worse in that interview, and it can all tie together.

Bad polls, petty cash nozzle, or a peculiar change in voters’ opinion on Iraq from one day to the next?
Rove on NPR:

Lieberman went from being way behind to being narrowly behind on Election Day, because as the election got closer, people had to think about the consequences to America of winning or losing.

On NPR’s All Things Considered, Karl Rove explained why Iraq will not negatively affect Republicans on Nov 7th. He used the example that the blue state of CT had a Democratic primary. In this primary, the main issue was Iraq. And the fact that Joe Lieberman came back from double digits to lose by a thinner margin, proves to Rove that opinions against Iraq are fine in the weeds, but when the lever gets pulled, voters think of the consequences of defeat in Iraq, and they pull for the war.

listen for yourself:
http://www.npr.org/templates/s…..Id=6376549

READ for yourself

MR. SIEGEL: There are also a lot of stories about people being very disturbed about the course of the war in Iraq and about people who feel that this is not the way it was supposed to happen.
MR. ROVE: No war ever happens the way it was supposed to happen. I’d love for somebody to show me a war that rolled out exactly the way that it did. I do know this, though: The people, as they get close to the voting decision, focus on the issue of what — the consequences of winning and the consequences of losing. And I think we saw this earlier this year in a blue state among blue voters and that’s the Connecticut senatorial primary. There was only one issue: Iraq. Thirty-four of the states voters are Democrats eligible to participate in the primary. Forty percent of them turned out. Just over 7 percent of them voted to get out now, in a blue state.
Lieberman went from being way behind to being narrowly behind on Election Day, because as the election got closer, people had to think about the consequences to America of winning or losing.
MR. SIEGEL: How then do you read — or how then do you look ahead to the election in terms of Iraq policy? If the Republicans maintain majorities on the Hill it’s a ratification of the Iraq policy?

The program went on to back Rove up by talking about Lieberman’s 12 point lead in the latest poll stressing that Joe lost to Ned in the primary.
OK, the idea that the cash nozzle aimed at CT’s streets was there to narrow the gap at the last minute suddenly seems more credible. Either that or Rove’s just took a bad poll, ignored incumbency, and spun a new GOP narrative based on those scraps. How far and wide will that narrative be heard and believed?

Q: How do you keep a Balrog in suspense?
A: I’ll tell you later.

lot’s of very interesting stuff in the pipeline, apparently. Tim Tagaris said the same thing. And I’d like to point out that for all the bashing Kerry has taken because his staffers stupid remark, HR Clinton, Reid, Boxer, and Schumer have apparently decided that the blogs are to the Dems what hte Xian Right is to the left: Convenient cash cows and votes to be stroked or ignored as the DC establishment dictates.

And to those of you asking about Obama: He picked Joe Lieberman as his Senate mentor. In January of 2004. It is the single most disturbing thing about him, IMHO.

Good for Kerry.

More people should be stumping for Lamont.

Jim @ 4:39 pm (#128)

And I’d like to point out that for all the bashing Kerry has taken because his staffers stupid remark, HR Clinton, Reid, Boxer, and Schumer have apparently decided that the blogs are to the Dems what hte Xian Right is to the left: Convenient cash cows and votes to be stroked or ignored as the DC establishment dictates.

If the remark you’re referring to is the one about the “anonymous blogger”, then it’s not stupid, IMHO. They were referring to a website that was set up anonymously by a self-described “Democratic official not affiliated with the DSCC”. Its URL was:

http://www.heyjohn.org/

I write “was”, because it’s no longer in operation. As far as I know, no one ever publicly accepted responsibility for this site. For all any of us knows, it was just one Democratic politician trying to knock down another one. It may have even been a Republican trying foment arguments among Democrats.

Fortunately, Kerry, Kennedy, and Rahm Emanuel (yes, I’m surprised to be praising him) have made responsible gestures.

Thanks for this post Jane. John Kerry has done more for our candidates than anyone else. I respect him for it.

So Jane,

Are you saying Kerry is a “stand up guy” just because he’s a major Democratic player willing to go to bat for your guy Ned Lamont?

Isn’t John Kerry the same John Kerry who was swiftboated in 2004 and lost that battle?

Isn’t this the same John Kerry who lost the 2004 Presidential election by fraud and conceeded quicker than you can say howdy?

Ned ought to feel real proud with a man like that backing him. Not!

Troubled

I am very impressed with Kerry. He has learned a lot of lessons. Yeah, it may be too late, but if he were the nominee in ‘08, I would support him in a minute.

*xyz @
11

Jane – I agree completely.

Public support for Ned Lamont is my single most important litmus test for 2008 presidential hopefuls. Kerry, Edwards and Clark have passed with flying colors.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama – they are currently failing. Barak needs to go to Connecticut and Hillary needs to send her husband there to campaign for Ned.

If Hillary and Barak don’t act soon, they’re finished. Period.

How can I be loyal to a candidate who stabs their own party in the back by failing to support the Democratic nominee? I simply cannot.

The window of opportunity for Hillary and Barak is rapidly closing, never to open again. Will they act now?

From a purely political perspective, I don’t understand what Hillary and Barak are doing. If they support Lamont they gain strong support from millions of active, motivated progressive Democrats and loyal Democrats across the country. If they do nothing, they lose our support and gain significant and long-lasting enmity. If they think that we have a short memory about important matters such as this, they are fools.

I just don’t get it.

Me neither but I share your disgust and committment to hold Hillary & Obama accountable for clearly hardball is the only tactic that we have left. Could they both be so insecure they fear Ned Lamont – if so I only have two words for them: tough luck.

No doubt the support given Ned is personal. Holy Joe did an end run around the Biden Lugar amendment, sealing off all efforts to symbolically bring Bush back to Congress over the IWR. Joe is the only Dem to want to invade Iraq, regardless of WMDs. Like Schumer, he is neo-con on the middle east.

Every time Kerry tried to gather strength on filibusters, Joe would obstruct.

Question, who will get his votes? The GOP as usual, quid pro quo for their help, or the Dems, as he’s holding them up, as well.

what is with the pink lips?