In terms of quality of candidates we've interviewed and blogged with for the Blue America series, it doesn't get any better than Tony Trupiano. Please take a look at his session over at Firedoglake. John Amato introduced Jane and I to Tony and we're as floored by his dedication and commitment to core progressive values and principles as John is. Since that late September chat the Blue America ActBlue page has raised nearly $5,000 for Tony's campaign. Not bad for a rag tag grassroots outfit, huh? But is it enough to win him the seat? It isn't. Rahm Emanuel and the DCCC should be helping with that. They're not. Let's really help Tony win this seat. MODERATOR NOTE- Please read on- donations for this ad buy should go to Blue America PAC, rather than to the individual candidate page.
A couple days ago one of the most impressive TV ad makers in America, Lars Sandvik , sent us an ad he had put together for Jim Webb. Only Webb isn't using it. I asked him if he could adapt it to one of the Blue America progressives. He said "yes" and, like everyone who works on Blue America, Lars has done everything pro bono and made sure everyone else involved would too. So which campaign would most benefit? John, Jane and I don't have any fancy Beltway consultants — thank God — but we have something way better: Markos. We got Markos to go over all the races with us and figure out which race would be most likely to benefit from this particular ad and where our limited budget would actually do enough… not just enough to send a message, but enough to swing a few points and win an election. In the end the four of us all came to the same conclusion: Tony Trupiano.
Tony's opponent is a posterboy for the whole concept of being a rubber stamp. He is one of the least independent-minded congressman in Washington, even to the point of being a bit of a laughing stock. A complete mama's boy, he became hysterical at the one debate he had with Tony and wound up making an idiot out of himself and then refusing any further debates. Since he actually gerrymandered the district for himself as a state legislator, he feels quite certain he's got this baby in the bag. He must be reading MyDD because he just gave away 80% of his campaign warchest — all those legalized bribes for so many favors to so many corporations– to the RNCC.
We can win this race. Tony's doing very well on a shoestring budget. Some real air time the last week of the campaign could put him over the edge of victory. And we're not just talking about a generic "Democrat" here. We're talking about someone who will fight, and fight hard, for the basic tenets of a progressive America. If Tony gets into Congress he will immediately become one of the most important and articulate champions of working men and women. And I can tell you one thing — Tony Trupiano will never vote to sabotage habeus corpus and Tony Trupiano will not agree to throw any minorities under the bus for his own career advancement.
Look at the Blue America ActBlue page. You've raised nearly half a million dollars and every $5 and $10 and $20 donation was pure grassroots. This is probably the last time we'll come asking for help in this cycle. If you have anything left you can spare, please consider going to the Blue America PAC and donating for television time buys for Tony now. We have to pull the trigger on Monday. So whatever we can raise between now and then, we put on the air.
MODERATOR NOTE- Please note donations for this ad buy should go to Blue America PAC, rather than to the individual candidate page.



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Go Blue!
In fact… have you ever heard of a U.K. band called A House?
Imagine what things will look like if in a month the Republicans still control both houses of Congress. Pressure-on!
They had an anthemic U.K. hit called “Call Me Blue Again” that I’m trying to get Crooks and Liars to post. Perfect for Nov 8
Oklahoma kiddo @ 3
I don’t want to imagine that because it will mean we don’t even have a shred of democracy left.
Here’s the A House song I was talking about. Great Dem them song!
Howie and crew- you have accomplished so much! I just went to the grocery store and discovered that I had left my debit/credit card behind- sitting next to my computer- had it out to donate to the Roth campaign. Getting to be its regular place for online political shopping!
Just to highlight something I almost missed- the donations should go to BA PAC and not to Tony as an individual candidate- correct? Or does it make a difference?
Hey, Tony!
I’m sitting here at Diane Benson for Congress HQ in Anchorage with a dozen other volunteers. We’re so pumped by my reading to them about you, we’re each going to
pony upuh, puppy up (Howie will explain about pups) $5.00 for you for $65.00 total, to kick off your drive here and to thank other fdl folks for supporting Diane earlier today.Good Luck!
MICHIGAN is BLUE!
We can kill Rogers too!
GO Tony “the Trooper” Trupiano!
Valley Girl @ 7
Yes, to the PAC please. That’s where we need it for the TV ads
oddball @ 9
Michigan should be blue. We have some great candidates this year and it looks like we’ll win the statewide races.
Tony’s a great candidate and we’re really excited about this. Markos thought that we could really have an impact on this race with a last-minute ad buy and I’m going to be kicking in myself.
Very exciting, Howie.
Jane Hamsher @ 12
Me too!
I am really excited….
Been doing a lot of walking and talking. I repeat, Michigan may be a bit bluer than even you think.
Can you say Tidal Wave?
It must be a Landslide!
Earlier I e-mailed Jane because I almost passed out when someone stuck $9,475.00 into our page. I looked him up on google and it looks like he’s related too a really out there fascist who’s running for office in Tennessee. Maybe he wants to make up for his relative or something!
Yes, to the PAC please. That’s where we need it for the TV ads–Howie.
Howie- can you edit this post to emphasize this? Another line at the bottom maybe IN BOLD? If you are not able to do this I will, if it’s okay. I KNOW you said Blue America PAC in the piece, but people are so used to giving to individual candidates that I think there could be some mistakes- I almost did it wrong myself!
Balrog @
1
Hey, that’s my line! Count me in for 5.
Howie Klein @ 15
Now that has to be the coolest thing I have heard all day.
I told you…..I’m exxxxxxxxxxcited
Valley Girl @ 16
Jane, can you do that?
Okay, set me straight, have a $20 I can spare. I need to put it in “Blue America PAC” and label it for Tony Trupiano, right?
Or do I scroll down and put it right next to Tony under the Blue America PAC link above?
Oddball, let’s hear your outlook for Michigan. Can you handicap the races?
Thank you for your great efforts, and I hope it works!
I am sick of hearing that Rahm Emanuel has denied money to this or that of OUR candidates. In addition, I have been reading that Emanuel vetted prospective candidates, and chose those who are more PRO-WAR. Yes, you read that right: PRO-WAR.
I am not in the democratic party to support fucking WARS. I am here because I OPPOSE war in general, but especially needless, fraudulent wars such as those which the current maladministration is wasting American lives on.
After this cycle, the democratic party needs to SEVERELY curtail the power of Mr. Emanuel, unless he shows SERIOUS commitments to representing the true wishes of HIS OWN PARTY’S CONSTITUENCY.
Otherwise, I’m outa here. More importantly, many other voters will also be outa here.
Rayne @ 20
You don’t need to label it. Everything that comes into the Blue America PAC account this weekend is for Tony’s TV spots. If we make another $30,000, the good folks there are going to see a lot of Tony commercials
(MOD note: “another” added to clarify what Howie meant! another $30,000!)
I just put $50 in the blue america PAC, didn’t mention Tony’s name, but maybe ya’ll are just figuring anything that comes in tonight is for Tony?
Is Mr TRex sir planning on posting tonight?
ah, excellent! and wouldn’t it be fun to see Tony plaster the district this last week?
Howie, bless you, money going in the pot right now; we need so very badly to excise the Republican elements from House seats in Michigan.
McCotter is horrible; he’d be a great start.
For some bizarre reason we have more than our share of bad eggs. I would love to be shet of Mike Rogers in MI-8 and Pete Hoekstra, along with Joel Knoellenberg and Candace Miller, but we start where we start.
Getting an excellent candidate like Trupiano elected is just great with me!
OT
Prof. Smartass is google bombing the Governor of Calf. if you would like to help, here’s his site with the full story :
http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/
Rayne @ 26
That’s what Jane thought and it’s what John Amato thinks and Markos and me too. Tony would be someone who could set a new gold standard in Congress
clink clink, my Lincoln is in. wish I could do more!
Howie- I added some notes to the post- (moderator comments at the end of the first para and at the end of the article. re:PAC ok? reload to see.
OT with apologies
Your daily gas and oil prices
Average price for regular gasoline 10/27/06 in 50 states and DC
$2.90 plus 1 state : Hawaii
$2.80 plus 0 states
$2.70 plus 0 states
$2.60 plus 1 state : Alaska
$2.50 plus 1 states
$2.40 plus 6 states
$2.30 plus 3 states
$2.20 plus 14 states
$2.10 plus 15 states
$2.00 plus 10 states : Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Average national price: $2.203, up $.001 from yesterday
Down 36.8 cents from same time last year.
Highest recorded national average price: $3.057 9/5/2005
Highest average price: Hawaii $2.922
Lowest average price: New Jersey $2.035
http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/sbsavg.asp
Nymex Crude Future $60.75, up $.39 from yesterday
Dated Brent Spot $58.48, up $.15
WTI Cushing Spot $60.75, up $.39
Gasoline prices are flat to rising slightly. Oil markets mark time going into the weekend.
Valley Girl @ 30
that’s awesome. Thanks
AND he’s for impeachment so he’s got my money. Thanks, Tony
Recluse @ 33
I bet he’s for more than impeachment– although that’s a good starting point
Howie,
Gov. – Granholm by 7 – 10 pts
Senate – Stabenow by the same
Marcinkowski gaining fast in MI – 8 still down though. I am hoping the Democratic tidal wave will help sweep. The key is Livingston County.
Look for Trupiano to ride the Democratic wave. The great Carnacki came to me and said we gain a seat here!
Look for:
MI-1 Stupak D
MI-2 Hoekstra R
MI-3 Ehlers R (although Rinck will make it suprisingly close)
MI-4 Huckleberry D (seat pickup)
MI-5 Kildee D
MI-6 Upton R
MI-7 Walberg R (Michigans Bible Belt)
MI-8 Marcinkowski D (You heard it here first..seat pickup)
MI-9 Knollenberg R (although the CW could change to Skinner very soon)
MI-10 Miller R
MI-11 Trupiano D (seat pickup)
MI-12 Levin D
MI-13 Kilpatrick D
MI-14 Conyers D
MI-15 Dingell D
Michigan will be a very blue state after Nov 7.
The oddball has spoken!
Howie Klein @
6
Let’s give it some rating love.
OK…digging deep…deeper…I know there’s something left down there…Ah Ha! There it is. I’m off to Blue America.
oddball @ 35
I did a story on Clark, the guy who’s running against Upton. He’s a long shot but he’d be a great congressman. Right now he’s doing a “Had Enough?” bus tour of the district and blairing our song at every stop.
Damn. The tubes are slow tonight.
Oh and before I forget.
$10 to Blue America. I am looking forward to the media buys on my local television. I tell you how it plays when it plays.
Amato introduced Jane and I to Tony
JANE AND ME.
R Flanagan @ 41
You right!
So R Flanagan, what about Jane and you? *g*
Strange! Act Blue gave me a ‘credit card denied’ message. I tried it again with the same card and it went through : )
Howie- you said “If we make $30,000, the good folks there are going to see a lot of Tony commercials” - but I think that might be misleading- because total donations given to BA PAC are already over $30,000 right now.
However, the PAC account doesn’t (I assume) have this amount on balance right now, because of $$ already disbursed for ad buys for other candidates.
CAN YOU Clarify this? I’d hate people NOT to give bec. they mistakenly think that some target has already been met.
Oddball — oh man, you must give me some data on that MI-4 Huckleberry D (seat pickup)…stat!!!
I know I’ve had a bit more shiraz and merlot tonight than usual, but wow, I think I’m seeing things. You really have data for MI-4???
Holy crap. That’s MY district!!!
Howie,
Just threw some in but is it too late to give to individuals? Would like to give some to Angie in Colorado after I heard her odious opponent tried to have Michael Schivo thrown out of their debate.
Valley Girl @ 45
Oh, I meant another $30,000… but it is more a fantasy than a goal
Mr. Trupiano says:
I believe we must bring our troops home as soon as possible…and hold the Bush Administration and this Congress accountable for its manipulated pre-war intelligence, poor planning and contracting abuses that have placed our troops at greater risk and wasted billions of taxpayer dollars
American leadership in the world is fueled by making certain economic policies the top priorities: national investments in an educated and skilled workforce, groundbreaking federal research and development that lead to new jobs in new industries, and a steadfast commitment to using the American people’s competitive spirit and innovative genius.
Protect Good Wages with Real Wage Insurance.
Preemptive Retraining, Not “Burial Insurance.
Health Insurance and Mortgage Protection Between Jobs.
Make Taxes More Fair for Those Who Work for a Living.
Smart Energy (Alternative Energy).
Honor the Sacrifice of Our Troops.
CocoaBeach @ 47
Never too late
CocoaBeach @ 47
Good question. Is there an overall cut-off date? If so, when?
Hey Rayne, pour me some!
Cozumel @ 50
NEVER TOO LATE!!
LindyH @ 39
Cozumel @ 44
ActBlue must be really getting hammered tonight (which is good!). Kos said this is the critical night to give since the campaigns will be making final decisions on spending this weekend.
Twisted Martini @
17
You’re right. Have I no shame?
In my defense, I saw a chance for the zero post and knew that ‘Go Trupiano’ or ‘How about a nice round of applause for Howie and all the heroes at FireDogLake?’ would have blown my chance.
Engaging in self-criticism…
Twisted Martini — here, I’ll even break out the nice Spiegelau red wine glasses for you; already polished off the merlot, I’m afraid (French Rabbit, actual French merlot from a box, yum!). Working on some Fat Bastard shiraz, already decanted and breathing in my new decanter.
[glub-glub-glub-clink!]
“I and I” worked for Bob Marley and still works for me.
Cozumel @
44
You were over your limit giving $9480. Once you knocked it down by $5 you were fine.
Speaking of blue, Tigers down, with score Detroit 2 St. Louis 3, bottom of the 4th.
Hubby off at the pub watching with the peeps. My best buddy just left after polishing off the merlot to go watch the game with another friend.
Guess I’m just going to have to spend the game with you fine folks and the rest of the shiraz.
Thanks Rayne! You just motivated me to pour some Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon. Cheers!
And go Tigers!
Bob Marley.
I found this at Juan Cole in an article about the evangelical vote and why they are upset with Bush:
So while it will be great if they vote against Bush or just stay home they have a very different agenda.
Twisted Martini @ 60
Heck you two, wine taste best when shared with nice people so I better go pour some. Plus I need to toast myself for donating for the second time today. Not sure if I can afford to keep reading this blog much longer! ;)
Cards!!
Scotch!!
Trupiano!!
Hugh @ 63
Rural voters have abandoned them too– as well as middle class voters. I guess all their chickens are in the KKK basket and the completely no-information voters.
I’m new around here but I likes your style to the tune of $25.
Thanks raven. Welcome. Where are you located?
Athens, GA.
Howie Klein @ 68
Wow, I feel so part of this exciting support our candidate with money session. I put up again for Tony Trupiano (?), Laesch (against Hassert), and Colleen Rowley (she rocks, going up against the spooks, truly feminist/military/whistleblower she is already a hero.
Thank you Firedoglake for all of your efforts for our candidates.
We’re working hard here in the midwest. Hope to post a photo of our pitchfork/torch brigade at our bigtime Halloween Parade here in Galena tomorrow night. One of our banners will read Fight Truth Decay.
Anyway…..from Galena, Illinois
AZ Matt — thank you, thank you for donating. I know, I’m in a similar pinch here; if I hadn’t gotten a check from hubby a couple days ago, I wouldn’t have been able to donate to Tony, too. Going to be a while before the clients cough up next payment, unfortunately.
Thank goodness there’s a worldwide glut of wine rendering prices so cheap (cheaper than beer, yay!). Bad for vintners, but good for us to enjoy together and still stay in the budget.
BTW, nice bit from E. J. Dionne about Michigan; gives you some idea what Tony’s home state is like right now. Would be SO happy to have both Tony and Governor Granholm in office.
carmen — that rocks! “Fight Truth Decay”!!! I think I might have to get some t-shirts printed up with that for Election Day!
Thanks for your support, hope that Laesch kicks Hastert’s tush out of office!!
I used to go fishin in Keoukuk!
carmen @ 70
Shrub is on my local news in an “exclusive.”
Spkr of the House Pelosi?
Shrub: “not gonna happen”
Shrub on Dems: “You are not a political party with solutions if you focus on me. You don’t have solutions on Iraq if you focus on me.”
Shrub on being a divider not a uniter: “Been surprised at Washing, not the first time this town has been divided I do my est not to call out people. I did my best to change the tone, That is the most dsappointing part of my time here. I will do my best to unite in my last two years, but war is tough.”
http://nedlamont.com/blog/1993…..october-23
This just makes me ill.
~~~$639,892 on Monday October 23
That’s how much Joe Lieberman raised in one day this week.
One day.
That’s a whole lot of petty cash to toss around the streets of Connecticut. It’s also a Senator who will owe a lot of favors if provided the opportunity to return to D.C. These checks don’t come without expectations, folks. Expectations concerned about finding common ground with President Bush instead of the common good for the American people.
Ever wonder why a Senator inexplicably votes for the Bush/Cheney energy policy? ~~~
AZ Matt @ 64
Right on Matt, I donated twice today as well.5 each to Ned, Webb, Tester and Massa, and 5 to the PAC for Tony!
Howie,
Am kicking in another $20 for Act Blue Pac.
You’ve done a terrific job. Thanks.
How would Bush know that war is tough?
Check out this video on You-tube-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa2-bFlASpo This GOP creep refused to release the Combating Autism Act from House subcommittee despite the unanimous passage by Senate. The video shows how a constituent was escorted out of Barton’s office by the police, after his staff called parents of children with autism “vile.” There’s an Iraq War Veteran – Dave Harris who is running against himin Texas’ Sixth district. Check him out here-http://followmetodc.com/
Howie, I just realized who you are outside the blogosphere.
OK, OK, sometimes I’m a little distracted and don’t always pay attention, but wow.
Can you suggest to Neil Young that he do a deal with Apple for a Neil Young iPod loaded with all 50 gazillion songs he’s done? U2 did that classic red & black iPod, I thinkin’ fringe for Young’s, lots and lots of fringe.
OK, sorry about that, I’ll go make a $25 contrition to the PAC……
Back later to see Mr TRex sir if he turns up. Got a question for him.
From the Guardian, Saturday, October 28, 2006:
“Republicans facing ‘electoral hurricane’ in face of centrist Democrat push”
Howie Klein @ 66
I think ‘Had Enough’ will work. My business partner thinks the repugs will close the gap because the Dems ‘don’t stand for anything’. We’ll see. Like I told him, answering a poll on the phone is reactive. Actually being motivated to vote and doing it is proactive. Apples and Oranges.
Valley Girl @ 75
Or a morally bankrupt bankruptcy bill. Or a phantastically immoral pharmacy benefit bill.
Tortureman sold his soul, and it wasn’t for rock and roll.
dab from CT @ 77
Bless you Dab
Oklahoma kiddo @ 81
Linky?
Hey Dab, sent you a response- check to see if it came through.
Ruby Tuesday @ 80
The Apple guy who makes those decisions is an FDL lurker. He’ll see your comments.
CNN.com is a fucking joke. Their screaming headline right now is about “fictional sex keeps race boiling.” You have got to be kidding me!
This is OT, but I’m a little late to the math lesson thread…
I just wanted to say this about Senator Feingold’s support of Ned Lamont:
Senator Feingold sent a Patriot Corps field organizer here to Connecticut. She’s one of the hardest working, most dedicated people here on the ground in CT, working 15-20 hour days, 7 days a week. I see that as far more of a contribution than some Senator who sent a couple thousand dollars from his PAC or deigned to send an email in his name. Big whoop. Feingold has the vision to actually train and invest in progressive field organizers, which is far more than most Democratic “leaders” do. Our Patriot Corps organizer has been absolutely invaluable to our efforts here in CT.
I hope Feingold will be here before election day to help support Ned. But even if he doesn’t, he’s still done more than anyone else on this list (save perhaps Edward, who actually showed up) just by sending a highly trained person to work on grassroots organizing here in the state.
Every Democratic “leader” sitting on a pot of dough (hello Hillary? Kerry?) isn’t a leader as far as I’m concerned if they’re not investing in building a stronger Democratic field organization. Wellstone and Feingold both had a vision for this through Wellstone Camp and the Progressive Patriot Corps. It’s a shame that more “leaders” don’s show this kind of leadership.
MayDaze @ 85
Why wouldn’t Webb use the ad above, it’s really good. Negative but in a funny way.
I have been giving to him, I’d like to know he’s going to bring it all down the wire.
Hey Apple guy. I work on a project that is putting college courses on iPods. In the “Notes” function we need the ability to hyperlink to video files on the iPod like you can to the audio files. This functionality would greatly enhance the educational potential of the iPod. And then, we need them to become cell phones so we can figure out a way to do assessments.
thanks
Still a bit freaked out about Pach’s post. Did phone banking today.
Heard that several of the people mentioned in the email WERE planning on coming to CT.
Am concerned and confused.
‘FLAMING’ ROSE AND THE BURNED DEMOCRATS
United States Embassy in Berlin Organizes Forum for Bush-Cheney Democrats, As a Counter-Operation Against LaRouche
Oct. 27 (EIRNS)–On Oct. 31, at one of the conferences jointly organized by the United States Embassy in Berlin and the Friedrick Ebert Foundation, on the coming American Congressional election, a key operative in the fascist network which, in the United States, has called for the mass murder of Muslims, is being featured. The panel will feature Peter Ross Range, the editor of Blueprint—the magazine of fascist Joe Lieberman’s Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) in the United States. The event is being chaired by senior Social Democratic Party figure Karsten Voigt.
http://www.larouchepub.com/pr/…..terop.html
Howie I sent Act Blue another 60$ for your campaign. I remember Tony came by here in the summer and asked us not to forget him.
I’m only half joking about the fringe, but totally serious about seeing a broad range of Young’s work over the decades available in some sort of format. He’s one of the best. I know he’s worked on some sort of major retrospective on and off for years.
(I have many iPods, many types of iPods, I give them as gifts to people as young as 16 and as old as 58. I loves me some iPods, yet still have not enough of them, nor a decent database that can hold my music library on yet. Does that help?)
OK, rock and Mac geek signing out for now,
enjoy the party people!!!
I am so blown away I can barely type. Thank you rayne and raven. I’ll post a photo from our big Galena parade tomorrow. You know – Galena, Illinois is where U.S. Grant left to fight the civil war and he brought 9 generals from our little town.
I can’t wait to tell my friend Kim that you’re going to print a teeshirt of his Fight truth decay.
I love you guys!
Decade, that would be a catchy name for an album!]
Ruby Tuesday @ 97
yeah, but now it has to be Decades and Decades and Decades…..
Hey gang, wanted to encourage you to SPOTLIGHT the LAST thread to Matt Lauer and Neal Shapiro at NBC.
I don’t recall seeing anybody mention SPOTLIGHT in the thread. I did it; p*ssed me off royally. Still so damned disgusted over the Slimeball’s comments, torqued that Lauer enabled him, so I SPOTLIGHTED that last post:
We came up with a couple of other good Halloween banners: Hands off of my habeus corpus
and Drain the Swamp 11-07-06
Anonymous NedHead @ 89
Thanks, NedHead – this is the feedback I got this afternoon. I don’t think we should diss Russ, or Edwards.
(And it was also reiterated that the campaign hadn’t been asking for outside help, i.e. visits, earlier. Though Obama’s behavior was confirmed.)
The others…have at ‘em. They deserve to be exposed and held accountable. I’m effing sick of “triangulation”. They should all be sent back to civics class so they can bone up on the meaning of democracy.
Hey Nuckle Heads – Joey lost the election in a record breaking primary. You have thumbed your nose at thousand of Democratic voters in CT – and we won’t forget.
Biden said Lieberman is a “close personal friend,” that his son and Lieberman’s son attended Yale together, and that his daughter-in-law was the matron of honor at Lieberman’s son’s wedding.
“It’s a matter of personal honor,” he said. “It’s not possible for me to campaign against Joe Lieberman.”
“Unless we get a political settlement in Iraq in relation to the distribution of oil, local authority, and the role of the central government, there’s no possibility we are going to be able to succeed,” he said. “Joe and I aren’t alone in believing that the establishment of a liberal democracy there is not going to happen in our lifetimes.
http://www.journalinquirer.com…..&rfi=6
Don’t forget Wesley Clark, dab. I’d like to see him in the picture in 2008.
Barack Obama is an empty suit. At least Biden is honest, if wrong.
ccmask @ 102
Well what are a few thousand voters’ opinions compared to those family ties. Biden’s chances are gone.
Senator CapitolOne never had a chance.
Anonymous NedHead @
89
Thank you very much for posting that information. It really is very helpful in understanding what is going on “behind the scenes”- i.e. not always evident to those outside.
GO NED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UptownNYChick — I got a similar comment from Carl Levin (D-MI) about Lieberman, that he was a personal friend and he’d have to stay out of the mix in CT because of the friendship.
You know what that tells me? We need to cycle out ALL of our old-school Dems. They’ve been in DC too long if they put personal friendships ahead of democracy.
UptownNYChick @ 106
It’s also personal honor when JoeBidet and HoJo get together to pass bills that favor the insurance lobby, the finance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.
After all, they sold their souls fair and square. T’would be dishonorable to renege.
Twisted Martini – I sent $50 on behalf of you, some more for me plus a tip.
ccmask @ 103
Man oh man, that speaks volumes about where lie the priorities of the incumbent class. And, it ain’t “we, the people”. Thanks for that quote and info, ccmask.
ifthethunderdontgetya @ 104
Oh, absolutely. I love Wesley Clark and he was an early supporter of Ned’s. He made several appearances with Lamont earlier this month. The same for Edwards, who came in August – and Kerry, who came the other day. Also Kennedy and Howard Dean.
It just blows my mind that democracy means so very little to folks who want us to vote for them when they run for president. Apparently principles have no place in political life – except for folks like Ned who are either vilified or ignored by the establishment for speaking the truth and not taking PAC money.
Ardant @ 111
Thanks Ardant! I appreciate the love! And we’ll all reap the benefits.
Yeah, I liked that one. Dipshits. Maybe they should make that announcement to the troops.
UptownNYChick @
106
Gone? As if he ever had any.
Wesley Clark is a man of valor and courage-taking the hard right versus the easy wrong.
Twisted – you are welcome.
Cripes, I think I need to go finish that last glass of shiraz offline because I’m getting torqued off.
You know, my spouse and his best friend of 25 years used to work for the same company — and then eventually, they worked for competing companies. They’ve worked longer now for competition than with each other. If they EVER put their friendship ahead of their jobs, they’d have lost respect for each other; they respect each others’ talents, skills and drive to win too much. They’ve ragged on each other, hooted about the other guy’s company, but they never let it get in the way of doing their jobs and conversely, in the way of their friendship. If it gets too close to work turf, they simply change the subject; they know how to firewall and compartmentalize effectively.
If these two corporate cutthroats can do it, why the hell can’t Senators, especially when they’re supposed to be playing for the same damned team under the same damned owners???
Grrr…where is that shiraz?
dab- and it so pisses me off that Lieberman accuses Ned of trying to buy a seat in the Senate because he is using his own money in the campaign, and not accepting money from lobbyists and PACs. God, I wish Ned would hit this hard to explain the difference between Lieberman and himself in this “bought and sold” agenda.
Rayne-torqued off, or just torqued?
Very bizarre Twisted.
Nothing – not even in the bulk mail filter.
Definitely a problem with Yahoo. Apparently one out of every four or five is getting through.
Rayne- I think that many Senators see themselves as part of the Leisure Class, not as public employees.
Me, I like Al Gore, Wes Clark, Russ Feingold and Mr. Kucinich.
They all gotta come clean on the “third rail” of American Foreign Policy, though.
sad to say, it may not happen. And if Nance won’t go for impeachment, well then, we will never restore our so-called “morality” in the face of so much immorality in the name of our dear country for a long time.
I do not love every position Jim Webb has taken or has now, but I love his independence from the “parties”. He is a huge and enormous part of the future imho. He was against the Iraq War long before “shock and awe” and his son is serving this very minute as a Marine and it is PRIVATE for him and his family. I can argue with an intelligent man.
I cannot argue against a tool.
dab from CT @ 122
you got another addy you want me to send to? Gmail maybe?
Late nite’s up
Patriotboy at Jesus’ General has an hilarious video up for Corker – Bob Corker ain’t miscegenated http://patriotboy.blogspot.com/
Check it out!
Valley Girl @ 123
They certainly schedule as if they’re part of the leisure class – 100 “working” days a year that last about 5 hours each. It takes a Congressperson to make George Bush look like he’s a hard worker.
Morris Sheppard @ 129
Thanks for the feedback- Campaign Finance Reform big time anyone? Maybe this is something the netroots can go after. I figure that many of the 365 minus 100 days are spent courting and nurturing PACs and lobbyists
AZ Matt @
127
I saw that, is hysterical
Valley Girl @ 120
VG,
I have never had such a bad taste in my mouth as I have watching what’s going down in this election.
My first political experience was campaigning for Eugene McCarthy – even though I was too young to vote. And remember the disappointment of ending up with Humphrey.
I remember voting for McGovern in 1972 and being totally freaked out that the landslide was so great they called the election for Nixon as soon as the polls closed on the west coast.
I remember sobbing when Reagan won in 1980 (need I say more).
And I was one of tens of thousands in D.C. protesting Bush’s selection at the 2000 inauguration.
But this is personal. We had a goddamn election here in August – and it apparently makes not the slightest difference to those who control what was once my own political party.
Everything about this general election in CT is appalling. From the Republican money Lieberman is raking in hand over fist (which apparently is just fine with Bubba and Billary’s minions), to looking the other way while swiftboaters trash Lamont on Joe’s behalf, to the negative role the media is playing (repeating over and over again the bogus 17 pt Lieberman lead, and the Dem party’s refusal to publically support their own candidate in the election.
What is unfolding is simply reinforcing everything we have been discussing for the past six years, e.g. what’s wrong with the Dem party. The fact is – the past three months has totally shaken my belief in the Dem party.
Cards WIN 4-2!
dab- only a brief answer, bec. it’s late. I know exactly what you mean, and I am so pissed off about what has been going down in CT- or, more largely, those in the D party who have chosen to completely ignore/ invalidate the results of the primary. The only consolation I can find at the moment is that Ned’s campaign really has rocked the boat. Jane was hammering at Lieberman IRRC even before Ned announced his run. So, at the very least, I’m sure that Jane will do what she can to make sure that this issue doesn’t go away. Matt Stoller’s (?) comments about how the national attention on the CT senate race is completely in line with what I heard from my best friend who I stayed with in CT during the primary. People are just fed up with the immersion. Ned & co. made a very good decision imo not to do robocalls, and for phone bankers only to talk to live people. I can only hope that people in CT are truly fed up with hearing his (L-man’s) whiny voice on the phone. (I assume that the L-man campaign are still leaving robo-calls). I am still very hopeful about the outcome of the CT race.
Howie Klein @
87
Really? Hey Howie, can you get me an iPod? :D
Valley Girl @ 8:31 pm (#134)
One ray of hope is that no poll results have been announced since the last two debates. I don’t know if they’re customarily announced on Saturdays or not (at least since August, none have in the CT-SEN race). I’d have to think the debates caused some change in people’s perceptions of all three candidates. What that will mean, I’m not sure. We’ve hashed and rehashed the numbers, but this is a three-way race, so conventional wisdeom about insurmountable leads isn’t all that wise in this race. About 15 to 20 percent of Lieberman’s supporters have to decide they like someone else better. That’s the bottom line. The remaining undecideds don’t count because there are so few of them.
dab from CT @ 131
I remember sobbing when Reagan won and then John Lennon was killed. It seemed that the two were almost one. I couldn’t believe it. I hated Reagan from Death Valley Days when he was hawking what was it? General Electric? Something like that. I was shocked, completely shocked, that people bought his absolute insincerity. Those were the first years that I heard the terms Young Republicans. As a 60’s demonstrator that was inconceivable, maybe later when you were older, but a young republican?
carmen- my political take on things/ local knowledge has huge gaps (like a 10 year gap) because I was living in England when Reagan won. At the time, I felt more connected with UK politics. The Brits were always eager, too, to attack the US, despite the UK being a more racist and more sexist society. It was sort of like living in the twilight zone. Ah well, just a sort of free-association response. And, it doesn’t really cover all the bases in your comments. But, I do know that my core values were formed as a Viet-Nam era college person. Ray-gun was not popular in CA at the time, at least among those of us with a liberal persuasion.
I can’t believe Webb didn’t use that ad: it’s one of the four or five best I’ve seen this season.
Back to the subject at hand…the stakes in Michigan’s 11th are higher than any of us thought.
Yesterday I realized something: If Tony Trupiano doesn’t win right now, in 2006, then Thaddeus McCotter will be in Congress until 2012.
Seriously. I live in the 11th, and there is NO ONE in the District to challenge McCotter in 2008 or 2010 if Tony doesn’t win. McCotter will be entrenched, possibly a chairman or ranking member of a committee, in line to receive millions for his future war chests. Any opposition will be like the placeholder he ran against in 2004.
(For those wondering, I can tell you right now that Tony WILL NOT run again if he loses. So put any thoughts of a rematch in 2008 out of your minds. Ain’t gonna happen.)
Barring scandal, corruption or McCotter foolishly deciding to run for the Senate (and sad to say, he’s no fool), the only hope we have is the redistricting after the 2010 Census…because more than likely Michigan will lose another seat in Congress and the 11th could simply disappear.
So come on, Blue America! It’s Tony now, or forget about this District for the next two elections!
dab from CT @
93
Cause, meet effect? Similar pressure behind the scenes prompted the DSCC to get religion late this week. I’m hoping my post will add extra incentive to the people named.
I’m a day late, but at least I’m not a dollar short. (Actually, I am, but through the miracle of plastic…)