Please join me in welcoming Larry Kissell back to FDL. He was one of our Blue America candidates in the 2006 election cycle, and lost his race by a scant few hundred votes. He has already announced his candidacy for the seat in 2008, and we are thrilled that he has come by to talk with everyone here this morning. As always in Blue America threads, please stay on topic and be polite. Any off-topic conversations should be taken to the prior thread. Thanks! — CHS
In a squeaker this past November, Larry Kissell lost his bid to represent the NC-8 by a mere 329 votes — a very slim margin that illustrates the point perfectly that every vote counts and that get out the vote efforts are crucial to candidate success in every state, every district in the nation. That Larry pulled within a little over 300 votes of his opponent — Robin Hayes — is a credit to his hard work and dedication on the campaign trail, and to his wonderful candidacy, because the district is traditionally very conservative.
I know we really ought not play favorites in the Blue America races that we showcase for you guys, but Larry was one of the candidates that I was pulling for in a big way. His chat with us on FDL back in June highlights why, Larry said at one point:
What folks in my district talk about are the kitchen table issues that impact their daily lives. They want a Congressman willing to stop all the bad trade deals ruining our economy, a strong advocate of education and something finally done about high energy costs with a significant investment in alternative energy.
You can see why we like him so much, can't you?
In Howie's write-up for that day, he highlighted a number of things about Larry and his opponent, but one thing really stuck out for me — Howie linked up a number of essays that Larry had done for his campaign website. Usually you click through those and find a lot of wishy-washy, rinsed through the political spin cycle manipulation. Not with Larry. His writing was a straight-forward examination of the issues, and a frank discussion of the difficulty at coming to solutions for a lot of them, but still proposing avenues to look into for the future.
Being honest with your potential constituents about who you really are and what you honestly stand for? Now THAT is leadership.
As you guys are well aware, campaigning is not only hard work, but it is very expensive these days. And Larry is carrying quite a bit of campaign debt from the 2006 cycle — as he tries to keep momentum going for a run in 2008. From Larry's press release about running again next time:
The fight for the future of this District is too important to postpone another day. That's why I'm running for Congress in 2008 starting right now.
After today's recounts, I offer Congressman Hayes a belated congratulation for his victory now that the votes have been counted.
When I started my run for Congress I said it's not about who you are or how much money you have, it's about what you stand for. The folks who voted for me knew I stood with them.
And while the 2006 election is officially behind us, I recognize that the future is already upon us. My vision of the future is simple, help those who have been pushed aside by the Washington politicians and special interests.
The Kissell campaign could use any help you are able to give with campaign debt. You can donate here, if you have the extra funds to do so. But more than that, they are so grateful for all of the support that our Blue America readers have given them — in donations of time and campaign work, as well as funds — and they wanted to come by today not just to talk about the future candidacy, but to also say thanks to all of you.
Related posts:
- Kagen, Kissell Among Those Vowing to Vote Against Any Health Care Bill: Source
- Blue America Launches New TV Initiative in Arkansas — And We Need You
- Blue America: Meet Linda Ketner
- What We Learned from the Supplemental: If Obama Wants a Public Plan, the Blue Dogs Will Do It
- Robert Greenwald’s Message to Virginia And Not Larry Sabato
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HOWIE is a GOD…and so is Blue America!
top tier race in 2008! welcome.
Please give Larry a big welcome, gang. I’m so pleased that he’ll be joining us today to talk about his candidacy.
Oh, and FYI, since Howie is on vacation at the moment, you guys are stuck with me today. I’ll try to be as fun as Howie — but we all know that Howie is irreplaceable.
Thank you guys so much for having me back. And thank you Christy – that introduction was nothing short of humbling. All you guys really do keep me so inspired. It’s an honor to be here and spend a little time with you on this gorgeous North Carolina afternoon.
Hi Larry! Welcome! Glad to know you are rarin’ to go for 2008 – we’ll be here backing you up.
Larry at 5 — we are more than happy to help out. You and Vic Wulsin were heartbreakers for me this election cycle — but it is all the more reason to help you kick things up a notch in 2008. :)
Speaking of the 2008 race, Larry, what sorts of things did you learn from GOTV efforts that you can share with us — good and bad? We did a lot of work trying to get folks involved in local campaign efforts and some national ones, but we’re always on the lookout for more ideas on what our readers can do to help campaigns. Especially early in the cycle when the work can really catch on in the absence of a lot of media hype and spin.
Christy Hardin Smith @
4
“Stuck” is hardly a word I’d use, Ms. Hardin Smith.
Larry, did you use “Have You Had Enough” in your campaign? If so, what impact do you think it had? Hopefully it will be obsolete for the 2008 campaign….
LARRY!
Thank you Jacqrat! All of us here are ready to hit the ground running knowing you good people have our back.
Given all the obstacles, it truly is amazing what we did accomplish in this race thanks to the generousity and recognition of regular working folks such as yourselves. Together, we really can make a difference. All you guys from FDL to Kos to our own local BlueNC need to take a serious bow for the 2006 success stories, of which I’m honored to feel a small part of.
Larry !!
Your campaign’s communications with your far-flung constituency were among the best — actually, the best, in my view. From a technical standpoint, my hat’s off to you and yours: I always knew, as a small donor, exactly where your post-11/7 efforts were headed. I knew exactly when you’d announced for 2008. And, thanks to our beloved commenter egregious here at FDL, I knew exactly how to help with the recount.
Speaking of recounts, count me in for 2008. There’s so much good to say about you, sir, and I focus here on a small part of what Larry Kissell did right.
Thank you for your leadership, your courage, your patriotism, sir, from a former North Carolinian who marvels and wonders what’s happened there since I left in 1982.
Thank you, Larry Kissell.
How late did I stay up watching your results? We’ll get it next time Larry. You’re the best. Great to have you joining us again today.
Christy, the volunteer effort here in NC’s 8th was nothing short of amazing. The Day of Action where we had over 800 turn out to knock on doors was just incredible. The way that kind of thing happens is example. I guess folks know I did a lot, and I mean a lot of knocking on doors starting very early. You just keep at it. The latest technology in good old fashioned politics really is just good old fashioned politics. Talk to folks.
What are your plans for the near term?
I heard the “Have you had enough” jazz number at the Edwards-Kissell rally in October … people seemed to really like it.
Hi Larry. You and your staff are to be commended on a well run campaign. It bodes well for the future.
Quick question… Do you think NC-08 will be a bit more Hispanic in ‘08?
How did you handle having a full-time job while campaigning? Money is one obstacle real, working people must overcome when becoming active in electoral politics. Without trust funds, wealthy spouses, or special-interest-employers who expect a post-victory payback, real people face the challenge of putting food on the table. Not to pry, but how did you manage, Larry?
Defjef, I’m spending a lot of time just thanking folks now, everyone that embraced our campaign and all those just learning about us now. Of course, I’m raising money to retire our debt and gearing for 2008. And I am a working person, so I’m back at school too.
Hi Larry, thanks so much for joining us here today. It’s really a privilege to be able to support and work with candidates not just in the short term run up to the election, but over time — in some places it’s just going to take a while to lay the groundwork to get progressive candidates in office, but we want you to know we’re in it for the long haul.
And I’m over to ActBlue right now to make a donation.
Christy Hardin Smith @
4
Hey, Larry, we’re with you!
Christy, did you notice that Howie posted a couple of comments here from Buenos Aires Thursday morning?
ET 22 — yes Howie just cannot stay away.
Whose concerted effort will lay bare the incumbent’s performance, bringing sunshine and transparency to his constituents over the next two years? Who will lead this Robin-Watch in the District? Are there eyes-and-ears in DeeCee as well?
Seems like your Congressman is more disliked the more he’s seen and the better he’s known by his employers. Rollcall Vote by Rollcall vote, Robin’s employers must see his mendacity.
========
Who’s Next?
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Teddy, it’s hard. My incredible staff just made this look easy. I think most folks know I put quite a bit on credit cards, my staff offered to go for months without pay, and frankly there’s still quite a bit of debt. How we did it though, was just through the recognition and generosity or regular working people, small donations, about 10,000 of them I think.
By the way, I’m sorry if I’m missing any comments here. It’s fun to try and keep up though! I’ll get to as many as I can before I need to run do some family time – another sacrifice of campaigning I’m happy to say I’ve been able to catch up on with my wife and girls the past week or so.
Teddy at 24 — that’s a great idea. I know that SouthernDem has done some great regional work (and I think some supporting Larry’s campaign, if I remember correctly), but I don’t know that any local bloggers have a dedicated Hayes watch sort of site. That can really be invaluable for highlighting things to local media outlets — it becomes almost a heads up to local reporters for things to ask about at press conferences and media events. Something that has worked very well for other candidates who had, previously, been able to sweep a lot of shady conduct under the rug without some citizen work for accountability and sunshine.
Ed*ard at 22 — I did. Poor Howie — he wanted a vacation away from it all, but I’m betting he’ll pop in to say hi a few more times as well.
Hi Jane! Thanks for having me. And thank you for that so much too!
Also great to hear Howie is getting some vacation time! He’s earned it. That’s where the family and I are headed ourselves for the day.
Guys, I really appreciate it. I’d love to come back, check in, and keep you all posted if you’ll have me.
I do need to run, but thank you so much for the warm welcome and kind words. It really does mean the world to me.
Take care, and God bless.
Larry Kissell @ 29
Larry, thank you for fighting the good fight – you are an inspiration.
Thanks so much for coming by, Larry — and let us know how things are going as the campaign progresses. No doubt we’ll be talking with you again soon!
Larry – a small portion of your credit card debt just got transferred to mine via Act Blue. For the first, but certainly not the last time: good luck in 2008.
Also, gang — just to throw this out for the thought process to get going. We’ve already started looking at districts and candidates who have expressed interest in a 2008 run. Howie has spoken to a number of our Blue America folks and will likely do some sort of update for everyone at some point. But we really want your input from your districts and your area on this as well — so please give us a heads up on people who deserve a good look for Blue America, or folks who need someone great to run against them. More information is always good at this point — but, as you can tell — we’re starting earlier this time around.
Larry Kissell @
29
And thanks to FDL for keeping the Blue America dialogue going from week to week since the election!
Indeed, every state should have a Spazeboy and CTBob – video and blog combination, the new weapon of democracy.
Hi Larry,
Being from the state just north of yours, I didn’t follow your campaign too closely. Can you give me (us) a quickie version of your thoughts on the Iraq situation?
(Don’t worry, I’m not trying to catch you out. I’m a retired veteran who writes extensive criticism of the Bush administration’s policy and strategy.)
Best,
Jeff
Christy Hardin Smith @ 33
CA-centric focus:
- help McNerney fend off a GOP challenge (Pombo?)
- primary challenge to Ellen *adjective deleted* Tauscher
- Charlie Brown rematch with Doolittle (maybe sooner than 2008!)
- Roberto Rodriguez rematch with McKeon
Jeff Huber:
Good to see you around these parts.
If you folks don’t read Jeff’s blog, Pen and Sword, I recommend it.
Kekinny, at downwithtyrrany, posted this morning with a reminder that Blue America has its work cut out for 2008:
Obvious targets for pickups are those districts where the incumbent’s party is opposite the PVI rating. (This is House Campaigning 101. Just look at the Dem and GOP targets in 2006.) The problem is that when you look at the current House makeup, there are 46 Democrats representing districts with a Republican PVI and only 13 Republicans in Democratic PVI-land. On top of that, 21 of the 46 Democrats are in districts that are PVI 5R or greater.
Gulp!
That means that in the next election cycle, there are going to be a lot of Democratic seats with big targets on their backs. No doubt, incumbency will help many Dems retain their seats, but with the GOP only needing to pick up 16 seats, Democratic control is by no means assured.
http://downwithtyranny.blogspo…..ching.html
punaise @
37
If Rodriguez runs again, wanna bet VG returns to her roots?
Larry Kissell @ 29
Best wishes to you and your family for Festivus!
Jeff Huber @ 36
Hi Jeff, Larry had to run but I took the liberty of checking his website for your answer. Try here: Kissell calls for Iraq Wrap Up.
Nice to have Larry come by. And thanks to Jane/Christy and Howie for setting these up so we can stay in touch.
Also, retiring those debts is really important, so candidates we support don’t face such a personal financial risk after the election. If they know we’ve got their backs, they’re more likely to run in the future. So I hope those who can help will do so. I’m in.
punaise @ 37
CA-centric focus:
- help McNerney fend off a GOP challenge (Pombo?)
- primary challenge to Ellen *adjective deleted* Tauscher
- Charlie Brown rematch with Doolittle (maybe sooner than 2008!)
- Roberto Rodriguez rematch with McKeon
For those of us blessed in CA with a Speaker, there’s always IL-14
============
John Laesch 2007
============
to look forward to!
I recognize we need to mainly look at potentially vulnerable Republicans for ‘08 but FWIW, I compiled a list of Democratic congresscritters who voted
o For the Military Commissions Act
o For the Bankruptcy bill (technically known as “Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act”)
o Against Net Neutrality (technically the “Markey of Massachusetts Amendment” to the “Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006″), and
o Either did not vote or voted in favor of the Terry Schiavo act.
I’d like to see some better behavior from these folks in the 110th Congress.
Larry….
One think that concerns me is that, having shown how vulnerable Hayes is, the DLC/Blue Dog types will decide to find someone to run against you in the Democratic primary in 2008. Is there anything that people like us can do to ensure that doesn’t happen?
Also, in terms of your 2008 election, who do you think would be the best (and worst) Democrats at the top of the ticket?
Christy Hardin Smith @
33
Please make Tom Tancredo go away. The man is an embarassment to this city and this state.
CHS—great comment about local and regional blogs. We should think about how we can spotlight their efforts. Perhaps it’s a state/region a week?
Doug from SD, Southern Muse, EvergreenPolitics, are all local blogs I’ve discovered only because they were somehow linked here.
Jeff – thanks for Pen and Sword.
I’ve appreciated your essays and perspective.
Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Brownandserve @
45
Sorry about the bad link. It should point here.
RBG at 48 — I’ve been trying to familiarize myself with some of them, because it was SO helpful having that local perspective for CT and PA and VA and…well, you see where I’m going. And if we are going to try and be competitive in a lot of places, we all need to familiarize ourselves a bit more with the resources available — or that need to be available.
It is just over 700 days until the next general election. Unlike 2006, the upcoming Presidential election will suck a lot of oxygen and money out of the House races. Will Blue America avoid helping fund the Presidential races?
Ed*ard Teller @ 52
We’ve begun some strategic thinking and discussion about this, but not with any conclusion yet. However, I can say we are considering using Blue America to stick with congressional races, while staying out the the presidential primaries. That’s one of the options, and the case for it inlcudes what you’ve written, as well as a sense that we’re developing something of a core competency for congressional stuff. We also like how congressional races tend to help build local infrastructure.
Having said all that, we just haven’t conducted our strategic discussion and review to completion yet.
Ed*ard at 52 — We’re talking about all of that, trying to figure out the appropriate approach. It’s tough when you have so many angles and issues in the mix, and we haven’t decided just yet. But being able to concentrate on Congressional races that weren’t getting enough support this time around was a very valuable effort — and it was much appreciated not just by the candidates themselves, but also by a lot of folks behind-the-scenes in the Democratic Party. And frankly, we really enjoyed being able to help in places where it made such a huge difference — and with candidates we all really loved.
PeteCO @ 47
Mr. Tancredo should be encouraged to move to Florida and run for office there. I’m sure he’s quite popular now.
Tancredo calls Fla a 3rd World country
Southernphilosopher at 17 — so glad folks liked the Have You Had Enough? song. One of our regular readers and his music partner wrote the song together — they used to be part of a band called the Squirrel Nut Zippers — and we all LOVED it. :)
Pach and Christy,
FYI, I think Blue America should stick to the congressional races. I’m concerned that the hype and glamor – or whatever – of the presidential contests will dilute the effectiveness of the model we’re working on and are beginning to make very, very effective.
Sounds like a good subject for some healthy, open debate. soon…
I’d just like to agree with and expand on punaise’s idea of challenging some of the more conservative incumbent Dems in safe seats, like Tauscher.
Hi, Larry, welcome. I am a transplanted Tar-Heel in Georgia. I was born in Eden, NC up on the VA border. Both my parents graduated from UNC in 63 and 64 respectively. I have been visiting my grandparents in Eden every summer and Christmas until 2005 when my grandmother passed and my grandfather moved to Georgia.
Over the years, I have watched Eden crumble and decay. It seems every time we visited since the Reagan 80’s, the area has been in an ongoing state of economic collapse. There used to be a Fieldcrest mill there, where my grandmother worked for 36 years before getting laid off without a pension when the mill went out of business.
I have wondered if there’s any way back for these rural American communities. Thank you for the work you are doing for North Carolina and I am crossing my fingers for 2008.
Ed*ard Teller @ 56
I am with you on this, ET.
RE: “Soon” I think we have to wait for Howie to come back from Terra Del Fuego, and that is after Xmas. I MISS Howie!
Ed*ard at 57 — that’s certainly a concern — that and the fact that very strong emotions run through the Presidential cycle in terms of individual candidates in the primary, and we are still trying to figure out how that is going to play out. Should we consider endorsing a particular candidate? If so, that will be really difficult on readers who support someone else — how do we deal with that? Should we just do our individual thing, because you know everyone who blogs here certainly has their own individual opinions…and how will that work? Is it possible to keep your opinions on something like that out of your writing if we decide not to do anything with it? (And that’s a really TOUGH question.) Lots of things to consider, but it’s a new one for us because the blog is a young blog. So we’re just starting to talk about all of that and see if we can figure out the best path.
I’d also agree with staying with the Congressional races – at least until the Presidential situation has clarified.
Ed*ard Teller @ 12:16 pm (#57)
Yes, it would be. That quote in your 11:56 am (#39) comment explains part of the problem – in a sense, the Democrats overachieved in this election. OTOH, the philosophy of finding candidates that fit a district’s constituency, as happened in Chris Carney’s PA district for instance, can counter some of that disadvantage. I don’t know how many more elections this will be true, but for now it also looks like trying to find districts where a little money can go a long way is also viable. I was surprised how many places that was true this time around.
Christy @ #61,
Exactly. I remember back in January and February 2004, watching Dem presidential debates on C-SPAN, thinking “I like some of these candidates a whole lot better than the one who will probably get the nomination.”
It might be really hard to keep Blue America out of the presidential race if the Dem ticket emerges to be something like Gore-Tester or Gore-Webb, unless we formulate some ground rules on this within the next six or seven months.
Here’s some interesting news of a possible open Senate seat in 2008-Sock Puppet Allard, the most boring man in DC, may not run again. Adolf “Tom” Tancredo (R, Unspeakable) may be interested in taking his place. Unbelievable? Read on….
http://www.rockymountainnews.c…..46,00.html
Ed*ard at 64 — well, there will be no formulating until Howie gets back at the first of the year. Frankly, I could use a little bit of a break from discussions of…erm…civility for a little while, let alone something this huge in terms of impact for the blog. So we’ll all have to wait until Howie gets back — and we’ll go from there. :)
Hi everyone! I have been catching up with family and missed the email letting me know Larry would be here.
I’ve been meaning to stop by and thank everyone and it seems today it will be on topic. You are all wonderful and I know that in 2008 you will give deserving long-shot candidates a financial and emotional boost with your support.
We do not have a dedicated Robin Watch site, however we do follow him closely at The Southern Dem and especially at BlueNC. We actually have a media following now, so we have been able to get stories in the papers. A dedicated site is a great idea, though. I think we also need one for Virginia Foxx.
Thanks again. This community is amazing.
PeteCO @ 64
Pete, I am gonna go out on a limb here and take a wild guess. I’m sensing a pattern…. perhaps you might have a SMIDGE of contempt for Tancredo?
I am for Larry Winters and Angie Paccione in CO – all the way.
re my #64,
by using the term “we” I’m not implying that I’m in on this process beyond being another pup here. I just send money to Blue America occasionally.
The more open the decision making process is on how to set paramaters for which races to cover in 2008, the more money people will easily give.
Betsey at 67 — Great to see you. And back at you. :) Thanks for all of the hard work you guys did the last election cycle — wonderful stuff!
Ed*ard at 69 — I took at as a “we, the community” sort of we. That’s what you meant, right?
Christy Hardin Smith @ 66
LOL!
I imagine Howie’s negotiating with a penguin who says he bought Jenna’s cellphone on the black market – including the passwords to her secret myspace site….
Jacqrat @ 68
Well, the constant railing at immigrants who built the suburban purgatory that is his district is a little irritating, for starters. That and the fact that he’s an arrogant one-note prick who casts a cloud over an otherwise mostly tolerant community.
Oh, and if you want local blogs, we got yer local blogs right here;
http://www.squarestate.net/frontPage.do
http://www.coloradoconfidentia…..9CE62EAB80
lol Ed*ard — actually, I think it was “not Jenna” whose phone was stolen, but I could be wrong. And Howie heard some good stories which I hope he will share about their escapades at some point.
p.lukasiak @ 46
Larry had to go, but several of us (some with the campaign – I’m not) had a casual discussion about that. During the campaign the Cumberland Co. Dems offered very little help. They still have hopes that Tim Dunn can run. Dunn received a very, very luke warm reception from Mecklenburg County. Mecklenburg can’t carry the general, but it can heavily influence, if not carry the primary.
I think if we just do our best to keep national attention on this race – events like this are wonderful – then Larry can beat anyone the DCCC or the Blue Dogs throw at him. Did you see Chris Cillizza’s friday blog post? He already lists this race as one of the top ten most likely to flip. Cillizza might not be my favorite, but that attention is nice. We just need to keep it up. (without wearing everyone out from it)
Christy @ 70 – Thanks. I’ve learned more in one election cycle backing this campaign and reading the different blogs than I have in 20 years of running and working on small local campaigns – or at least it seems that way.
ET—I’m with you. Even in this off year, the FDL threads have seen some minor spitting matches about potential presidential candidates. It will only rachet up as we get closer to the primaries and there are lots of other blogs that can/will host those conversations. There’s almost no way we can avoid those conversations, but personally, I’m not much interested in participating in them.
Where I think we succeed is in spotlighting local efforts. What’s impressed me the most in the last few months was how a cantankerous musician from AK and a fancy shoe-wearing gal from VA could make such a positive impact on one campaign…not that I’m encouraging the cantankerous part.
Ed*ard Teller @ 52
That certainly raises a whole other set of questions as well. I’ve not made a personal decision about the 2008 Prez nomination, or even made a decision about whether I’ll make a decision.
Has FDL? BlueAmerica?
RBG @
77
More cantankerous than usual if I don’t finish my current project this weekend, RBG! Thanks for reminding me. Later, gang…
oh my, my favorite place is on the Outer Banks and I just get so happy when we go over the state line from VA!!
NC rocks and so does Mr. Kissell.
Congrats!
Christy Hardin Smith @
70
seconded.
Although Jenna is the wilder one, it was Barbara whose cellphone and purse were filched at the nightclub in Buenos Aires.
[rw, you know I love you, man, but please stay on topic during the Blue America threads. Especially since the campaign folks come back through and read and this one, along with the Jenna/Not Jenna commentary are off topic. I’m guilty as well, so let’s all try to stay on Blue America discussions please. Thanks!– CHS]
OT FYI general alert: speaking of egregious, she was very upset last night about the titillating speculative banter on Russian spy threads, and pretty much said goodbye. I hope she’ll be back.
Betsy Muse/The Southern Dem @
75
No Kissell fatigue here! Can’t wait for the rematch. You have my support to derail any primary challenge to Larry; I’m onboard. Let’s remember, Larry’s earned a rematch. Others can find alternative paths to power; the campaign he ran and the success he had shows he’s the man to beat WATB Robin, and he will.
TeddySanFran @
81
I gotta believe BlueNC won’t mind a little extra traffic…and don’t forget to click on a few ads while you’re there.
Thanks TeddySanFran! We aren’t working under the assumption this race will be easier. NC has a Governor’s race and a Senator’s race along with the Pres race, so it will be a completely different ball game. We’ll need all the help we can get!
Thanks RBG – If anyone does stop by and you see Stormbear’s daily cartoon posted, he’s one of the Sharpe bloggers and he did a great job.
driftglass comments on the Gore GQ interview
punaise @ 84
I visit FDL only during the day, but from reading Jane’s post on language and all 600 plus comments, the night ecology at FDL seems to alienate and drive people away.
Update: Please, I don’t mean open up a can of worms. Just an observation and my 2 cents.
Folks, we are straying way off topic in this thread. Please stick to the Blue America issues (yes, I know, I’ve strayed as well, sorry about that) and take the OT stuff to the prior thread. Thanks. Campaign folks come back and read through here to answer questions that were missed sometimes, and we try to stay on topic for them so they don’t have to weave through a lot of extraneous conversation.
sorry, my bad: I thought the on-topic self-discipline was specifically for when the candidate was here “live”.
new thread
punaise at 92 — we’ve heard from a number of the campaign folks that a lot of the questions raised in these chats were good prep questions for townhalls and such, and they come back through sometimes and print off the thread to cull for questions. Am just trying to keep it relatively on topic where we can.
Christy – I guess that means so no potty mouth either! :~)
So, OnT:
Will Larry Kissell’s website stay live through the next two years?
Will we far-flung supporters monitor Rahm’s plans for the district?
Will Larry Kissell’s campaign’s excellence in timely, inclusive, online communicating with far-flung supporters be made a best practice for BlueAmericans’ campaigns?
What effect will a Dole retirement have in NC? Could Robin step up to contest an open GOP primary there? Other squeaker House winners have done the same elsewhere. How does NC law work wrt running to keep one’s House seat while simultaneously seeking one’s party’s Senate nod?
And many, many, many thanks again to Larry and his family, friends, supporters, students, and community for scaring Robin but good!
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Who’s Next?
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Christy, thanks for subbing for Howie!
Teddy — I believe the website IS going to stay live. I’ll e-mail the campaign and let you know if that is not the case. Thanks for asking!
punaise @ 92
Ditto.
I was on a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia de Scaramento in Uruguay and I missed the whole chat. Damn! Like everybody, I am so happy that Larry is not going to miss a beat in pressing the race for this seat. I for one will be there for him in 2008.
Southern Dem, you may have been unpaid but you were a huge part of Larry’s campaign. Your campaign blogging was among the best of this election cycle. Take a bow, please.
Part of the reason there is a democrat problem in North Carolina is no Democrats are helping we the people. 500 American citizens, sick and disable , were disenfranchised from the American health system, in North Carolina. Do Democrats think sick and disble humane beings deserve health rights? They must NOT> The North Carolina Board of Medicine disenfranchised 500 people from having care for the disease Borreliosis. It’s also called Lyme disease and doctors forgot people with pets from new england travel… that ticks can jump off of one pet to another. They ignore science and research that proves maternal transmission of this illness. The public health in North Carolina is sick. American citizens want and expect and need democrats to start helping Americans. We the sick people should be allowed to go to the doctor and take medicine. Not a single democrat in North Carolina acts as if they know this even as it made all papers this summer. We are asking for trouble if the Democrats treat the people like the republicans. Blue Cross Blue Shield is sueing doctors that treat lyme and the thousands of treatment failures that occur each year. Hope you and your family never get this disease that democrats treat like lepers in a ditch.
I voted for him this year.
But I should have been more involved than I was…
“WORK” is not a 4-letter word for nothin’!
However, I committ myself to this: I’ll work to do whatever I can to get him elected in 2008.