ZeD☼

good man!

First!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciG-Xs7mBwU

Hi Howie! Welcome Rep. Chris Von Hollen!

How do we beat the Republicans?

no zed phooey

lolo again!

I’d like to see the committees in Congress each have a blog.

Members of Congress and committee staff could start discussions about what they are doing and why.

Citizens could make suggestions about what they think the committees should be doing.

This would make the legislative process more transparent and empower citizen activists.

It would also bypass the traditional media and allow for more in-depth discussions among people who have expertise or interest.

Welcome to Firedoglake, Congressman Van Hollen. I have so many questions I want to ask you– but I don’t want to hog the forum. Let me ask one though. In areas where there has been weak Democratic Party uinfrastructure– like in California’s fast-growing Inland Empire– do we have to wait until Republicrooks like Jerry Lewis and Gary Miller and Ken Calvert get indicted or even go to jail, before we can take these reactionaries on in a serious way?

Welcome Congressman Van Hollen. We’re excited about the things that the DCCC is doing these days and we really appreciate you taking the time to be here today.

50 state strategy!!!

WOOOO – HOOOO!!!

Is the DCCC willing to consider funding attack-blogs directed at target Republicans?

It seems like it would be a good project for online fundraising in 2007. It would give netroots reason to contribute and build the DCCC namelist in the off year.

And the blogs could soften up the target Republicans.

Admittedly, I think this is a better project for the DSCC.

Jim Berryman for Congress in Michigan!

Welcome, Rep. Van Hollen. Great to have you here — looking forward to the discussion today.

Thank you for being a 50 State strategy supporter. You never know where the next Foley district will show up…

In IL06, many think the Dems may have won if there was better Dem infrastructure in place.

Under what circumstances will the DCCC work with local Dems to build infrastructure?

Thankyou Howie and Jane.

Welcome, Congressman Van Hollen.

Can’t tell you how welcome your appearance is, bringing thots of beating Republicans at the polls, instead of fellow Democrats scrapping on the way to the polls.

Now I’ll return to lurking, and learning.

Thank you for visiting FDL!

Mark @ 11

Jim Berryman for Congress in Michigan!

Mark, I don’t know a lot about Berryman (other than that he’s a reformed Republican). I do know that there are– or were, at least– a lot of people looking at this primary. Is Berryman the best in your opinion? Or the most likely to win the general or what? Is a consensus developing in the district?

Welcome, Congressman. I hope this isn’t off topic, but many of us fear that the 2008 election may not be honest. There’s a threat of purged rolls, shenanigans from the DOJ, voter intimidation, phone jamming etc. Is anyone addressing this threat?

Scottir @ 9

50 state strategy!!!

WOOOO – HOOOO!!!

amen!

lolo @ 4

Hi Howie! Welcome Rep. Chris Von Hollen!

How do we beat the Republicans?

Freshman Dems who voted against the McGovern amendment, which would’ve led to withdrawal.

Giffords
McNerney
Mahoney
Donnelly
Ellsworth
Hill
Boyda
Shuler
Wilson
Space
Altmire
Carney
Lampson
Rodriguez
Mitchell

What were they thinking?

Comment Chris?

Congressman Van Hollen, thank you very much for joining us to chat today. I appreciate your leadership of the DCCC — there’s definitely a fresh wind blowing through the grass- and netroots in response to your leadership.

I am very disappointed in the Hate Crimes vote cast by Congressman Christopher Carney (PA-10) whom I supported in his successful campaign to unseat Don Sherwood. As you probably know, BlueAmerica supports candidates who meet a very strict vetting process that Howie Klein exercises on our behalf before inviting candidates to chat. One criterion is support for equal rights, which to me includes prosecution of hate crimes at the federal level. Further, candidate Carney completed an online ProjectVoteSmart questionnaire, saying he favored federal prosecution of hate crimes for orientation and gender.

His recent vote seems a betrayal.

I’ve written to the Carney campaign, requesting an explanation of his vote and a refund of my fraudulently obtained contribution — and gotten no response. I recognize that Congressional offices are rightly attuned to constituents and not out-of-district supporters, so where shall I seek redress from Congressman Carney for his vote? His district’s conservatism notwithstanding, he made — and broke — a promise to supporters to obtain our funds.

It’s even more insulting when Congressman Carney uses tired right-wing talking points to defend his vote in an email to Howie Klein.

Thanks again for appearing here and for answering my question.

Hello Congressman. I second the question of Howie regarding the Inland Empire and Orange County in California. We at Calitics feel that the region is ripe for a greater Democratic takeover – particularly in seats like Calvert’s, Miller’s, Buck McKeon’s, Mary Bono’s, and David Dreier’s (definitely Dreier – support Russ Warner!) – as the demographics change and the inland areas become more populous. The California Democratic Party has talked about a 58-county strategy but needs to deliver on that promise. We appreciate the focus by the D-Trip on corrupt California GOP Congressmen (that’s redundant). Will candidate recruitment and support in this region be a focus?

Joing the chorus of site hosts, let me also welcome you, Congressman, and thank you for joining us and taking questions from the community.

I welcomed you when you were announced in your job, and it’s great finally to have you here with our community.

Welcome, Representative Van Hollen. Keep up the good fight!

Welcome congressman.

There is a growing perception that although the dems want to change the role of combat troops in Iraq, many of them agree with the need to control Iraq’s oil and make use of permanent military bases there to help control events in the middle east. If this is the case, then a dem prez and a dem congress will lead to the same long term result as a gooper one- permanent bases and contracts with american oil companies to produce Iraqi oil.

Can you comment?

Hi Van Hollen welcome to the Lake so what issues do you think the Republicans are going to use to attack us Democrats.

There are a number of questions relating to a “50 state strategy” We are working hard to identify strong candidates wherever they may be and we welcome your help in finding them. I have met with DNC Chairman Howard Dean to discuss ways we can collaborate in this election cycle. Obviously, as the election nears we will have to make difficult decisions with respect to budget allocations however we want to have as many seats in play as possible at that time.

Greetings from Topanga Cayon CA, Congressman Van Hollen. Thank you for talking to us today.

I am delighted to know that you are a supporter of the 50 state strategy and I asume that with a 50 state strategy that even the longshot Dems in very red districts will get some financial help from the DCCC? How will this be allocated? Will there be criteria? OR will there be a basic lump sum that the primary winner can expect?

Carl Nyberg @ 10

Is the DCCC willing to consider funding attack-blogs directed at target Republicans?

It seems like it would be a good project for online fundraising in 2007. It would give netroots reason to contribute and build the DCCC namelist in the off year.

And the blogs could soften up the target Republicans.

Admittedly, I think this is a better project for the DSCC.

The DCCC has a link up to heatherwilsonwatch.com. I think that’s great.

howieklein @ 15
Mark @ 11

Jim Berryman for Congress in Michigan!

Mark, I don’t know a lot about Berryman (other than that he’s a reformed Republican).

Why do you say that? He served in the State Senate as a DEM! Former Mayor of Adrian, current MEA employee, and arch rival of Walberg. Get more info here:

http://walbergwatch.blogspot.c…..ryman.html

Good afternoon, Congressman!

How would you feel about changing the parameters of political campaigning?

First, bring back the Fairness Doctrine, give the FCC some real teeth, and limit ownership of broadcast and print media.

You know, we could slit the throat of the current piggybank (campaign finance) problem –

Make a law that each candidate gets so many hours of broadcast time, to be split between TV and radio; and set the number of ads they’re allowed to run in print media. The government would reimburse the media at a set rate for this time. All media outlets would be required to run these “ads.”

Doing it this way, we could limit the campaign time to say 2 months before the primaries and general elections.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but by the time the elections roll around I’m ready to shoot the TV set!

Can we keep the questions focused on DCCC issues?

It seems like we should focus on Rep. Van Hollen’s specialty and leave questions about other stuff to other discussions.

Any hope for replacing Issa? (CA49)

Welcome, Congressman Van Hollen.

In this blog community we are likely to promote primary challenges for certain Democratic incumbents that are perhaps a bit too entrenched and unrepresentative of progressive values. While it is understandable that your position would preclude you from overtly supporting such challengers, can you pledge to not try to crush them as your predecessor did?

It looks like we had some technical difficulties here. I had welcomed everyone and answered the first question about how we beat Republicans. Here we go again. We need to build on the momentum from the November victories to do everything in our power to change the direction of the country on the domestic front and to change course in Iraq. On the campaign front, we must protect our most vulnerable members even as we stay aggressively on offense. Our frontline program is designed to quickly strengthen the position of members in tough districts that traditionally vote for the Republican candidate for President. At the same time, we are actively recruiting new candidates against Bush Rubber Stamp Republicans and welcome your help in identifying strong candidates.

Jane Hamsher @ 28

Carl Nyberg @ 10

Is the DCCC willing to consider funding attack-blogs directed at target Republicans?

It seems like it would be a good project for online fundraising in 2007. It would give netroots reason to contribute and build the DCCC namelist in the off year.

And the blogs could soften up the target Republicans.

Admittedly, I think this is a better project for the DSCC.

The DCCC has a link up to heatherwilsonwatch.com. I think that’s great.

Jane Hamsher @ 28

Carl Nyberg @ 10

Is the DCCC willing to consider funding attack-blogs directed at target Republicans?

It seems like it would be a good project for online fundraising in 2007. It would give netroots reason to contribute and build the DCCC namelist in the off year.

And the blogs could soften up the target Republicans.

Admittedly, I think this is a better project for the DSCC.

The DCCC has a link up to heatherwilsonwatch.com. I think that’s great.

Jane, you run a blog. As you’ve noted, it takes money to do a good job.

It seems like the DCCC should be investing some money in blogs. Putting up a link is nice, but it’s a much lower level of commitment than writing a check.

Any plans and or laws in the works to push alternative energy and hybrid cars as an alternative to MidEast oil and get Detroit working again?

Thank you so much for joining us here at the Lake, Congressman.

What do you foresee going on in Michigan in terms of DCCC support? In particular what do you foresee for the 9th Congressional District?

Congressman, I talked to Vic Wulsin the other day, a Blue America candidate in OH-2, and made a sizeable contribution. She tells me the DCCC will be providing support for her. Can you give us some idea of what that might be?

Wow!

3 hrs of answers requested in the 1st 20 min. of questions!

Take your time, Congressman, and don’t let our eagerness overwhelm. We’re a little anxious these days. Maybe you can tell.

Just wade right in on whatever suits you. At least that’s just fine with me…. ;->

Congressman, are you able to comment on particular races and how highly they’re being targeted? If so, how does Minnesota look in 2008 :)

Hi Howie! Welcome Rep. Van Hollen!

Howie, I hope your home and neighbors are OK.

Rep. Van Hollen, I appreciate your work and hope all my neighbors in America are OK.

Thirty years of worship at the altar of the “Free-trade” cargo cult has largely destroyed American manufacturing.

And the well-paid jobs that go with it.

What is the DCCC doing to ensure that candidates seeking Democratic nominations dismantle the “trade” agreements which effectively swapped US jobs for heaps of crap from sweatshops?

How can contributors be absolutely certain that their DCCC candidate won’t whore out to the megacorps in the fashion of the Clinton/DLC candidates?

For me and many progressives, this is not an abstract question. (I “attended” the 2000 DNC convention in LA on the outside: as one of the organizers of the protesters’ convergence space and as co-coordinator of the protest medical teams.)

The megacorps that create and profit greatly from the “free trade” cargo cult can buy any pol.

How can the DCCC ensure DCCC candidates aren’t the sort of careerists who sound progressive until elected to office in November – and then roll and take the megacorps’ bribes to sell out American jobs during their floor votes?

How can progressive voters be certain a DCCC candidate won’t sell out their jobs and communities in the same way Chris Carney sold out their freedoms and civil liberties?

What about letting people pick what cable channels they want to watch I have basic cable and hate having to pay for Fox News which just insults Democrats. I want to ditch CNN too because Lou Dobbs attacks Mexicans all the time. I see no reason why any Democrat should pay for something that insults them!

Welcome Rep. Van Hollen. Here in CT we have a challenger for Chris Shays’ seat in the 4th, Jim Himes (http://himesforcongress.com).

My question is, will the DCCC make it a priority to help Mr. Himes in his efforts to unseat War-cheerleader and Iraq frequent-flyer Shays?

We are still having some technical trouble here. In regards to attack blogs and the Heather Wilson Watch.com, we have already launched two radio ads in her district asking her to come clean with voters about her role in the US Attorneys Scandal. We have also produced a series of Web videos including our latest Republican Law&Disorder, they are on YouTube, and on the DCCC’s site, http://www.dccc.org. Other Web videos include one on Rep. Gary Miller, Rep. John Doolittle and our latest on Iraq.

Chirs:

I’m pleased to say that my votes – both in the primary and the general election in 2002 – helped put you in the United States Congress. I was was living in Wheaton back then, and you injected new energy into the politcal scene in a truly admirable way. I’m so happy that you now are working in the Democratic leadership in the House to move forward a new Democratic majority and a progressive agenda.

I since have moved to Virginia, and now live in the 7th Congressional district, currently sat upon by Eric Cantor. Any hope that we might see a real contender here in 2008?

hey pups, it’s VAN Hollen, idn’t – ’scuse…

Congressman

Why should someone like me that contributed and volunteered a lot of time last Nov continue to do the same for Dem candidates in 2008?

The reason for my question is that I believe that Dem candidates by and large pay lip service to progressive values and positions to get us to contribute money but more importantly provide the manpower that goes door to door during a campaign. But who they really represent are the big money corporate interests that provide the big bucks for the campaign.

A case in point – I worked my heart out for Jerry McNerney and contributed a lot of my money to his campaign. He campaigned on getting American troops out of the slaughterhouse of Iraq. Yesterday, he voted against a bill to get our troops out of the middle of a civil war. How can he be trusted? Why should any Dem candidate be trusted to really work for the middle class and not the top 1%?

Congressman Van Hollen, next week we’re going to be having Prof. Tom Schaller on the blog to talk about his recent article in the Baltimore Sun. Tom wrote “Whistling Past Dixie” and his predictions for the 2004 election were uncannnily correct.

In his article Tom cites research that indicates there is no real “center” at the moment, it’s more like a camel with two humps:

The one thing media talking heads agree upon is that the center prevails. Turn on almost any of the nation’s political talk shows and pretty soon somebody will say how crucial it is for politicians to appeal to registered independents and self-described moderate voters.

They conjure for us an image of the distribution of the American electorate as that of a dromedary’s single hump with a large, vital center of thoughtful citizens in the middle, flanked by a downward-sloping share of shrill, radical liberals on one side and grumbling, reactionary conservatives on the other.

In fact, the American electorate has for some time been bifurcating into two rather distinct camps, with fewer centrist voters. The true image is that of the two-humped camel.

On a panel at a Chicago convention of political scientists recently, Emory University’s Alan Abramowitz explained what’s happening.

“Independents made up 35 percent of the 2006 voters, more than either Democrats or Republicans,” Mr. Abramowitz said, based on his analysis of data from the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study. “But most of these independent identifiers were not true swing voters – most of them leaned toward one party or the other, and these leaning independents voted overwhelmingly for their preferred party.”

The lesson Tom draws from this is that on a practical level: trying to pitch a tent over some broad “center” that doesn’t exist is no longer a viable national strategy. The Republicans have learned it — witness the GOP presidential debate last week, it was one rich white man after another sucking up to the extreme right of the party.

Says Schaller:

What are the implications for this fundamental, potentially transformative shift in the American electorate?

For starters, the major parties’ appeals to centrist voters will become less effective and efficient, and should be de-emphasized in favor of a strategy that favors identifying and mobilizing base voters.

Republicans figured this out years ago. Before the 2000 recount had concluded, Bush campaign pollster Matt Dowd wrote Karl Rove a game-changing memo in which Mr. Dowd marveled that the center of the American electorate had disappeared. They had expected split-ticket voters to account for about one-quarter of the electorate, but the figure was closer to 6 percent.

Mr. Rove promptly announced he would target for mobilization millions of evangelicals who did not turn out to vote in 2000.

After the 2006 elections, one might expect Democrats to respond in kind. Their victories were fueled by votes from their base: union families and households, women, nonwhite voters and younger voters.

As the proprietress of this blog and a strong supporter of pro-choice, I’m concerned about rumors I am hearing that potential candidates are being urged to abandon their pro-choice positions and flip flop into “pro-life” candidates in order to be viable in more conservative districts. And watching what has happened to Jerry McNerney since he has been in DC has been extremely discouraging.

In addition to being disheartening, it seems to be — from the perspective of Tom Schaller’s research — quite conterproductive on a practical level. I wonder if you could expand on your thoughts on the subject. As the head of the DCCC you have tremendous power to influence this situation. Do you belive it is a good idea for Democrats to have a strong identity, or should they be looking to be all things to all people? I realize my framing is loaded, but I think the issue is, too.

In regards to your question about a challenger for Chris Shays. Rep. Chris Shays is all over the place on Iraq. Most recently voting again to rubber stamp the President’s failed policies. We believe the seat continues to be winable especially in a Presidential election year when we expect a higher democratic turnout.

Chris at 45 — Please add Jerry Lewis to that list. If the reaction yesterday by Republicans in the House Judiciary Committee was any indication of some smoke meaning a lot of fire, the investigation of Lewis mention by Rep. Sanchez set off a CYA frenzy.

Congressman

Thank you for being here. I have worked and been on the host committee for DCCC events here in New York in 2006.

Last cycle we wanted to get back Congress. This time I am urge you to try to enlarge the number of prochoice members in the House. After the SCOTUS decision in Gonzalez v Carhart, it has become even more crucial to make that issue part of a positive agenda.

My Congressman, Jerry Nadler is sponsoring the Freedom of Choice Act, but as I am sure you know this Congress, despite being a Democratic Congress, is not a prochoice one.

It is important when recruiting candidates or evaluating grassroots candidates, thata prochoice stance by a candidate play an important role to winnowing down to the final choice. Just because a district has been represented by a Republican, it is not necessarily so that one must run an anti choice Democrat. I think proud pro choice Democrats, with Roe so obviously in jeopardy, can run in purple districts, esp. by appealling to pro choice Republican women.

I urge to make that a deciding criterion in your selelction and recruitment policy

Rep. Van Hollen,

Do you expect any problems to occur re: using YouTube in future campaigning, now that they’ve been bought out?

So far, it’s been a wonderful tool for money-strapped campaigns, but I fear heavy-hands might quash such use down the road.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris! It’s looking like out here in California we’ll have a few ethically challenged Reps to target in ‘08 (Lewis, Doolittle, etc.). Are there challengers in place yet for these seats?

Carl Nyberg @ 10

Jane, you run a blog. As you’ve noted, it takes money to do a good job.

It seems like the DCCC should be investing some money in blogs. Putting up a link is nice, but it’s a much lower level of commitment than writing a check.

I wouldn’t turn down an ad if that’s what you’re asking.

Chris Van Hollen @ 45

We are still having some technical trouble here. In regards to attack blogs and the Heather Wilson Watch.com, we have already launched two radio ads in her district asking her to come clean with voters about her role in the US Attorneys Scandal. We have also produced a series of Web videos including our latest Republican Law&Disorder, they are on YouTube, and on the DCCC’s site, http://www.dccc.org. Other Web videos include one on Rep. Gary Miller, Rep. John Doolittle and our latest on Iraq.

Rep. Van Hollen,

I see the DCCC is making an effort to unseat corrupt Republicans. That’s your job.

But your tactics are still centrally controlled.

I think there is potential to be more decentralized.

Bloggers get to be more experimental with message. Blogs can build up communities of activists. And blogs can influence media coverage.

Given all the good stuff blogs have done for the Democratic Party, it seems reasonable for the party to experiment with putting some money into blogs and bloggers, besides simply buying ads to generate web traffic and fund raising.

To answer the question about how Minnesota is looking, we believe that Rep. Michele Bachmann is totally out of step with her constituency. She represents a Right Wing agenda rather than Minnesota values. She voted over and over again against changing course in Iraq and continues to rubber stamp Bush’s policies. She has made a number of reckless and irresponsible statements that do not serve her constiutents well.

Congressman,

Can you please defeat Brian Bilbray? Thank you in advance. I would love to eventually have a non criminal representative.

Rep. Van Hollen,

And what about Congressional committees having blogs to bring them closer to the citizens?

Oh- and need I mention Duncan Hunter and Issa- criminals all!

Hello Congressman!

I live in close proximity to 28 percenters. I need some survival tips.

How would you couch your message not only to mobilize the Dem troops but to encourage R converts? I know some Rs will never give up the ship, but what about those who are ready for the Caine Mutiny? How do we bring them over?

Along the same lines in Minnesota, there are rumors popping up that the DCCC is making some overtures toward recruiting candidates in the Third to run against Jim Ramstad, who recently met with the President at the White House but still voted with President Bush on an Iraq bill. Can you speak at all to those efforts?

“what about those who are ready for the Caine Mutiny? How do we bring them over? “

Strawberries?

In regards to comment #48, we want to thank you for all of your hard work. You truly made a difference as evidenced by the new Congress and the election of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. While we may each have differences regarding specific votes of our Democratic colleagues, the fact is that our Democratic Majority has allowed us to begin to chart a New Direction if not for all of the new Democratic Members you helped elect we would not be in a position to even hold votes on the war in Iraq. As a result of the new Congress, we have passed legislation in the House to bring our troops home. The President continues to stand in the way as demonstrated by his veto and the Republicans in Congress continue to provide a rubber stamp for his policies. We must keep the pressure on and hold them accountable.

Hi Rep. Van Hollen. Welcome! It is good to have you here and even better to have you heading up the DCCC.

Last year we had a very exciting and capable candidate take the most Republican friendly district in my state, considered unwinnable, and without institutional democratic help, take his race to a 51-49 loss. I believe the margin was around 3000 votes when all was said and done.

He has decided to run again in ‘08 and I think pretty much everyone would say that is a great idea given his obvious viability as a candidate. Yet, it appears he’ll may have a self-funding multi-millionaire primary challenger who has no in-district support but is liked by some within the beltway (presumably because of his ability to self-finance).

Do you see a role for you and the DCCC to try and intervene behind the scenes and try and avoid a damaging primary that will probably harm the eventual winners ability to take this seat? I have no doubt that the ‘06 candidate, Eric Massa, will defeat the challenger but given the late primary date here in New York it makes it very hard to recover and rebuild in time for November (all praise to Amy Little and John Hall for managing that trick last year).

Andrew C. White
Democracy for New York

There were a couple of questions on congressional blogs. The DCCC has a blog, http://www.dccc.org/stakeholder. We use it as a way to connect with the Democratic netroots community and to update them on both our legislative and campaign activities. The Speaker also has a blog that you might be interested in checking out that can keep you better abreast of the latest legislative happenings.

Rep. Van Hollen can you give an opinion on contested Democratic primaries?

My opinion:
As long as the primary is positive and civil, primaries can be a wonderful process. It can be a way to spot light a race that might not been seen, a training guide for the candidates AND their staff, and stops the political machines “hand picking” THEIR candidates which might not reflect the views of that district.

Hoping for an answer to my questions at #20 — how can a non-constituent obtain satisfaction from a candidate (now Congressman) he supported who betrayed his supporters to vote against the Hate Crimes Bill?

Some say the DCCC is totally inept at using the web, no interest in two way chats, activist input and poorly prepared.

comment?

TeddySanFran @ 68

Hoping for an answer to my questions at #20 — how can a non-constituent obtain satisfaction from a candidate (now Congressman) he supported who betrayed his supporters to vote against the Hate Crimes Bill?

Yeah!

SNAFU @ 69

Some say the DCCC is totally inept at using the web, no interest in two way chats, activist input and poorly prepared.

comment?

Don’t find this to be true. Jesse Lee, who ran the DCCC blog before he went to work at The Gavel, did a great job. (No slight meant to those who took over, just not as familiar.)

wow. is he cute. has TRex met this guy? oops.

I am delighted that the DCCC is willing to help progressive candidates. I gave a whole lot in the last election, and intend to double that amount at least, and all of it will go to candidates with Blue America support.

I mentioned Vic Wulsin above. She figures she needs $2.5 million to run next year. Can you give us some idea of the level of support she can expect from the DCCC?

rwcole @ 60

Oh- and need I mention Duncan Hunter and Issa- criminals all!

San Diego is in need of serious help all around!

Jane Hamsher @ 71

SNAFU @ 69

Some say the DCCC is totally inept at using the web, no interest in two way chats, activist input and poorly prepared.

comment?

Don’t find this to be true. Jesse Lee, who ran the DCCC blog before he went to work at The Gavel, did a great job.

Yes, I just tripped on over to dccc.org and was wow’d by all the info. I think I’ll check that out more thoroughly before I ask any more silly questions.

Thanks for the strawberries, rwcole. I put them next to the raspberries…

Well, I get the part about being against the war in Iraq but beyond that what are your criteria for choosing candidates?

Although I find Jane’s camel humping analogy disturbing, is choice an issue for you in selection? Domestic spying? Global warming? Pro-business? Pro-free trade? The middle class?

In regards to #54 and a couple of other questions about challengers in California, we have a terrific candidate running against Rep. John Doolittle. His name is Charlie Brown, http://www.charliebrownforcongress.org. We just had our first “Win the House” event last week to help Charlie’s campaign. We also believe Reps. Jerry Lewis, Gary Miller and Ken Calvert are vulnerable because they face questions of ethical misconduct. We are actively searching opponents for Rep. Gary Miller. Do you have any ideas?

Thank you so much for your questions, I am signing off and leave you in good hands with our DCCC Political Director Jon Vogel.

It seems to me that maybe Dems haven’t made a showing in some places is that they are trying to be Republican lite. This may get a few R’s who are sick of GWB, but it will *not* bring out the independents and the folks who have never voted because ‘they’re all the same’.

In my district Mich we have a Republican apparatchik with lots of central funding and the Dem organization is feeble and complaiscent.

Too often help from DCCC turns out to be high-proced ‘consultants’ who don’t know the territory who shoulder locals out of the way and give IMNSHP bad advice. I will not at this time go into specific races, but I’m sure Howie can come up with a few if you ask him.

The blogs are masters of making big difference with low bucks. And we locals are local. We can do a lot of it ourselves with a little instruction. Could we have a manual of how to run a campaign?

This is as good a time as any to remind folks to please stay on topic in a guest thread. And also that you only get one name on this blog – if you are caught sockpuppeting, it can subject you to banning. Just FYI.

And now back to our chat…thank you!

How can we get candidates that actually reflect the voters will, instead of pandering to people in Washington, D.C.? My question is in reference to PA-6. While a lot of money was spent on that district the last two elections, we haven’t gotten over the hump, so to speak. Is there a plan to win a very winnable race such as PA-6?

Congressman Van Hollen –

You may not remember, but I ran Peg Schweinhaut’s last campaign when you were on the ticket with Patty Scher. Good to see you’ve made something of yourself. :)

With regards to funding for Iraq, has the leadership considered forcing the Bush administration to include the funds as part of the overall defense budget, or any other measure that would expose the overall expense as opposed to incremental funding?

got a call ostensibly from Nancy Pelosi staffer in connection with DCCC fundraising. kinda unusual since I’m in MD. I give all my money (which isn’t much) to progressive candidates like Paul Hackett, Ciro Rodriguez and Ned Lamont, via ActBlue. I wont give money to a third party organization like DCCC. Can you convince me to do otherwise?

Thanks for the responses so far. As for helping you with finding good candidates, I would like to direct your attention to Michael Wray in CA-50 (Bilbray), Russ Warner in CA-26 (Dreier) and Ron Shepston in CA-42 (Miller), who will be announcing very soon. These are solid candidates who could use the support in districts that ought to be a focus of the D-Trip. Thanks.

TiredFed @ 72

wow. is he cute. has TRex met this guy? oops.

Oh, I was going say that, TiredFed, but everyone is behaving so nicely.

Congressman Van Hollen, any plans to be on Colbert’s Better Know A District? Already been there, done that? oops again.

I wonder if the dccc has recognized that whenever a democrat speaks out against the administration as if they are clueless children loose in a candy store the demcorat’s approval ratings soar

for instance, when feingold said cheney’s been wrong about everything his ratings soared, when wells embarrassed the president in his speech people started considering him for the next presidential election

when a democrat defers to anything the administration says they lose ground

how does the president get to make novel and bizzare claims like;

“timelines help the enemy”…EVERY successful engagement has timelines, how does he get to say “we are fighting terrorism in Iraq” when it is a FACT he is CREATING terrorists by engageing Iraq

how do the moronic members of the pnac get to decide America’s military strategy, why aren’t democrats LAUGHING when someone like crystal who’s been wrong on EVERYTHING makes any kind of claim concerning the middle east?

when these people make their bizzare claims democrats must laugh out loud with the intonation “you can’t be serious”

Thanks much for being here, Rep. Van Hollen — really appreciate your time and answers today. And thanks for leaving us with Jon to continue answering questions — he’s a great resource on these issues!

Jane Hamsher @ 49
Do you belive it is a good idea for Democrats to have a strong identity, or should they be looking to be all things to all people? I realize my framing is loaded, but I think the issue is, too.

Jane makes an excellent point – one which the MSM can’t even come to terms with.
So why do Democrats continue to court this imaginary vast voting block, (the “center”) when the base is where their true power lies?

do-si-do @ 84

Oh, I was going say that, TiredFed, but everyone is behaving so nicely.

Congressman Van Hollen, any plans to be on Colbert’s Better Know A District? Already been there, done that? oops again.

Let’s keep it respectful please.

Will we see paper ballots from sea to shining sea in ‘08?

Chris Van Hollen @ 64

In regards to comment #48, we want to thank you for all of your hard work. You truly made a difference as evidenced by the new Congress and the election of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. While we may each have differences regarding specific votes of our Democratic colleagues, the fact is that our Democratic Majority has allowed us to begin to chart a New Direction if not for all of the new Democratic Members you helped elect we would not be in a position to even hold votes on the war in Iraq. As a result of the new Congress, we have passed legislation in the House to bring our troops home. The President continues to stand in the way as demonstrated by his veto and the Republicans in Congress continue to provide a rubber stamp for his policies. We must keep the pressure on and hold them accountable.

Rep Van Hollen, I grew up hearing that we Americans should ignore our allies’ human rights crimes and focus on the Soviets’ allies and what they were doing wrong.

Congressman, I’m not a mom. But the moms I know all handle more than one issue at a time.

We progressives are quite capable of opposing Rethugs and punishing Dem incumbents who betry progressive backers.

So the “look at the Rethugs” answer neither satisifies nor honors our true capacities.

I gave money to McNerney ’cause he said he was a progressive who would end the war.

His vote yesterday put the lie to his promises.

The NRA and the Grover Norquist Rethugs took political power by making pols who screw them over on core issues pay for their betrayal.

What mechanisms allow the DCCC to ensure DCCC-sponsored candidates remember to vote progressive when the megacorps come to buy them?

In the absence of such mechanisms, why would the DCCC expect those who supported McNerney or Carney to open up our checkbooks for the next “progressive” candidates the DCCC asks us to support?

Why should I give money to people who ignore me and when I complain effectively tell me to go look at the shiny object they’re waving around their opponents?

Why should I not keep the pressure on the Dem incumbents and hold them accountable?

I know how to do that.

Why should I target the Rethugs instead of the Dem incumbent who just took my money and sold me out?

seems as if we oughta be able ta get Bono- her district isn’t THAT goopery.

TeddySanFran @ 68

Hoping for an answer to my questions at #20 — how can a non-constituent obtain satisfaction from a candidate (now Congressman) he supported who betrayed his supporters to vote against the Hate Crimes Bill?

Hear hear! There are many, many times I would like to talk to a Congresscritter not my own WRT matters that I have a stake in, such as funding, like Teddy (I have a bone to pick with Ciro Rodriguez, too), or when a Committee is delaing with a matter of great importance to me, but none of the members is my rep.

But I get skimmed out because my zip code isn’t ‘right’ — this does not seem fair. Anything we can do?

do-si-do @ 61

Hello Congressman!

I live in close proximity to 28 percenters. I need some survival tips.

How would you couch your message not only to mobilize the Dem troops but to encourage R converts? I know some Rs will never give up the ship, but what about those who are ready for the Caine Mutiny? How do we bring them over?

I’m obviously not the Congressman, nor will I be one, ever. Nontheless, I’d say, regardless of what the DCCC does, you as a constituent can continuously keep after your Rep. & Senators. Also, go after committee chairpersons, etc.

Contact them politely, but pointedly, and doggedly, issue by issue, being specific about what you find lacking, what you want, why… Praise them also, if & when they do something right, even if only thru clenched teeth, because that show of independence on your part will help keep them reading your messages.

Don’t.let.them.ignore.you.

Heck, if I could actually, finally get a personalized letter out of DeWine [right before his oopsidoodle in the last Senate race, heh], you too have a chance to reach out & touch/influence even the scoundrels & the most deeply entrenched.

I think the DCCC needs us as much as we do them. If we don’t step fwd as individuals, the DCCC is hanging in midair, talking to & about ghosts. Campaigns need both avenues to work effectly.

all above imho. ignore at will. i don’t even play one on tv…. *blush*

No offense Jane, but lately all i get as a response is bulk emails asking for money.

Thank you for having me. In reponse to question #38 – we are very excited about Michigan this cycle, and in many ways think that Michigan could be the Pennsylvania of 2008.

In particular we are looking at Knollenberg (MI-09), Walberg (MI-07), Rogers (MI-8), and McCotter (MI-11).

As for MI-09 – we have a great opportunity here, and this could very well be one of our best opportunities for a pick-up this cycle.

Aside from ending the war just what issues are the Democrats planning on pushing?

TiredFed @ 72

wow. is he cute. has TRex met this guy? oops.

Gabblygook!

Jon Vogel @ 95

Thank you for having me. In reponse to question #38 – we are very excited about Michigan this cycle, and in many ways think that Michigan could be the Pennsylvania of 2008.

In particular we are looking at Knollenberg (MI-09), Walberg (MI-07), Rogers (MI-8), and McCotter (MI-11).

As for MI-09 – we have a great opportunity here, and this could very well be one of our best opportunities for a pick-up this cycle.

I know you may not be able to say at this point, but any idea yet who the DCCC will be supporting in this race if there is a primary?

wow, I’m bummed that I missed Chris today…I’m proud to say he’s my Representative. (And yes, gals and guys, he’s as cute as he is in his picture)

Will the DCCC do any candidate recruitment for FL-24? My Congressman Tom Feeney spends more time golfing in Scotland on Jack Abramoff’s dime than he does sweating re-election. Feeney had token opposition last cycle and managed only 58% in district he drew for himself as FL Speaker of the House. In ‘02 Feeney was unopposed.

The midstate I-4 corridor is key for Democratic success in Florida yet for two cycles the eastern end of I-4 (FL-24) has been ignored. Get the magnificent Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz to do some candidate recruitment for FL-24. It should be a top target in ‘08 for the DCCC.

I want to thank Teddy San Fran for asking THE question (#20). I am disappointed we did not get a response.

I welcome any input from Mr Vogel.

Is Rep. Van Hollen done?

the dccc blog page you gave

http://www.dccc.org/stakeholder

was not an active link.

i tried it, and it led me to a search page.

Hey! I didn’t even know that Emanuel was gone. Phew. Thank God for people like Van Hollen. Thanks for being here – here as the chair of the DCCC and here on this blog. Columnists like Edsall claim it can be dangerous to listen to the “radioactive” ideas like the ones that come from actual people and that the party should run away from such dangerous influences and toward the big bucks that are supposed to be in the center – whatever that means. So van Hollen is really really a welcome sign that we might not botch it up with vote-chess strategizing diversions.

In response to question #25 “Hi Van Hollen welcome to the Lake so what issues do you think the Republicans are going to use to attack us Democrats. “
—-
The Republican playbook has been fairly consistent over the past few cyles – they try to warp our record on taxes, nat’l security, and crime – and when they can’t do that they resort to personal attacks that are often false and misleading.

We strongly believe that no attack should go unanswered – and we work closely with our candidates in order for them to quickly inform the public about the truth on their records.

One way in which all of you can be helpful is to participate in the DCCC’s rapid response network which is in place to combat the Republican spin as well as going on the offense to expose our GOP targets for their true records. Its on our website at http://www.dccc.org/rapidresponse

Adie @ 93

Thank you for your helpful reply! much appreciated.

SNAFU @ 94

No offense Jane, but lately all i get as a response is bulk emails asking for money.

I’m not Jane – duh!

Virtually all $$ requests are attached to a “survey”, no? I answer the survey questions, bigtime(!)no-holds-barred, with my honest thots.(read: “ouch”, if that’s how I feel about an issue).
I cross out the $$ part & claim, “unable to contribute at this time,” & send it in.
Some crass & hurtful individuals say I’m wasting my time. But, ya never know…. I’m not being cut from mailing lists… Some day, my screed will be dropped in the “read” pile.

Jon Vogel @ 95

Thank you for having me. In reponse to question #38 – we are very excited about Michigan this cycle, and in many ways think that Michigan could be the Pennsylvania of 2008.

In particular we are looking at Knollenberg (MI-09), Walberg (MI-07), Rogers (MI-8), and McCotter (MI-11).

As for MI-09 – we have a great opportunity here, and this could very well be one of our best opportunities for a pick-up this cycle.

Anyone in MI-10? Candace Miller could use a career change. Rob Denison?

Bono and Dreier have only plus three gooper Cook Report ratings in their districts. We should target those in my opinion. Feeney is also only plus three.

Carl Nyberg @ 102

Is Rep. Van Hollen done?

Congressman Van Hollen had to go. Jon Vogel is on with us. He’s the DCCC political director. (I did a paragraph about him in the intro and mentioned he’d be coming on to answer questions.)

Well, except for being against Republicans and possibly the Iraq war, I still have no idea what the DCCC stands for.

How did people feel about this interaction with Rep. Van Hollen?

Hugh @ 111

Well, except for being against Republicans and possibly the Iraq war, I still have no idea what the DCCC stands for.

Hugh, info like that is in the intro (above). It is a committee of the Democratic Party and the letters stand for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

rwcole @ 109

Bono and Dreier have only plus three gooper Cook Report ratings in their districts. We should target those in my opinion. Feeney is also only plus three.

Perhaps a ham sandwich could be found to run against Bono. It would be both more substantial and more intelligent.

dmac @ 103

the dccc blog page you gave

http://www.dccc.org/stakeholder

was not an active link.

i tried it, and it led me to a search page.

That happened to me too, so I went to http://www.dccc.org and got in that way. there’s a button for their blog. Hope this helps.

In response to Question #24 “Will the DCCC do any candidate recruitment for FL-24? My Congressman Tom Feeney spends more time golfing in Scotland on Jack Abramoff’s dime than he does sweating re-election. Feeney had token opposition last cycle and managed only 58% in district he drew for himself as FL Speaker of the House. In ‘02 Feeney was unopposed.

The midstate I-4 corridor is key for Democratic success in Florida yet for two cycles the eastern end of I-4 (FL-24) has been ignored. Get the magnificent Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz to do some candidate recruitment for FL-24. It should be a top target in ‘08 for the DCCC.”

———-

We are very excited about this district. For those who are not familiar with Mr. Feeney – he is one of the most ethically challenged Members of Congress. As you alluded to – Feeny’s past is finally catching up to him, and the FBI is now investigating his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

While we do not have a candidate yet, we are working closely with the Florida Democratic party and local Democratic leaders to find a strong candidate to take on Feeney.

I’m fairly certain that if we get a good candidate, even more will come out on Mr. Feeney.

JV, under what circumstances will DCCC invest in building local party infrastructure?

Carl Nyberg @ 112

How did people feel about this interaction with Rep. Van Hollen?

Carl, can I ask that we hold off on that question until we’re finished speaking with Jon Vogel. He was the head of the DCCC’s operation on the ground for the northeast and Florida last year and he’s doing it for the whole country this year. He’s the nuts and bolts guy for the committee.

Mr Vogel, thanks for your work to defeat Republicans.

Could you please look at my question 90 and help me out with an answer?

Congressman Van Hollen, no question here at the moment. Just wanted to take the time to tell you that it feels good to be able to say “I voted for that guy” for a change. Godspeed.

Jon Vogel @ 105

In response to question #25 “Hi Van Hollen welcome to the Lake so what issues do you think the Republicans are going to use to attack us Democrats. “
—-
The Republican playbook has been fairly consistent over the past few cyles – they try to warp our record on taxes, nat’l security, and crime – and when they can’t do that they resort to personal attacks that are often false and misleading.

We strongly believe that no attack should go unanswered – and we work closely with our candidates in order for them to quickly inform the public about the truth on their records.

One way in which all of you can be helpful is to participate in the DCCC’s rapid response network which is in place to combat the Republican spin as well as going on the offense to expose our GOP targets for their true records. Its on our website at http://www.dccc.org/rapidresponse

Thanks just signed up!

howieklein @ 113

Hugh @ 111

Well, except for being against Republicans and possibly the Iraq war, I still have no idea what the DCCC stands for.

Hugh, info like that is in the intro (above). It is a committee of the Democratic Party and the letters stand for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Yes, I know but it tells me nothing about what kind of candidates the DCCC wants to support. Steny Hoyer clones I can live without.

On the issue of the ham sandwich vote- I’m willing to donate.

Mr. Vogel,

This may sound stupid but it’s not meant to be. Yestday one of our younger posters told us that more kids would go to Dem rallies and projects except many of them aren’t old enough to drive and renting a schoolbus to too expensive to do frequently. So we learned that we can help Dem youth by providing wheels.

So, my question is, what does the DCCC see as the most important way to connect with us locals on the ground?

Well, I will re-phrase my #20 and #68 for Jon Vogel — hello, sir, and thanks for chatting today, by the way.

Is there precedent for returning campaign funds when a candidate (now Congressman) breaks an explicit promise to supporters, especially those from outside his district? I refer to Congressman Carney’s Hate Crimes vote. Many of us are sorely disappointed in that vote, especially because we supported him due to his promise to favor equal rights and to vote for a federal Hate Crimes bill.

Email to Congressman Carney’s campaign address goes unanswered — could you please suggest another way for supporters to reach him without waiting for the inevitable fundage solicitation for his re-election?

Thanks again for your time here, and for your boss’s time as well.

I’ve noticed that number of people have asked about how we invest in local party infrastructure.

In short, having a strong local party on the ground is critical to our success.

Last cycle, we moved $10 million dollars through the state parties for our GOTV and field operations, and plan on making a similar investment this cycle.

In terms of early party building activities, the most effective way for us to do this is to work closely with our candidates who have the best appreciation for what is going on in their districts.

We have been encouraging them to build their local network of support through houseparties, and with the netroots.

starting this outreach early will be critical to our success in 2008.

do-si-do @ 106

Adie @ 93

Thank you for your helpful reply! much appreciated.

you’re too kind. i’m just a born pest, so this is a way to channel it. *g*

“So, my question is, what does the DCCC see as the most important way to connect with us locals on the ground?”

Connect? I hang here to be in touch with people who are angry at what’s happening to our country and who are passionate enough to want to do something about it. I don’t see that same sense of urgency with those Dems that are in office and it frustrates me.

Mr. Vogel — why isn’t my party screaming blood murder at each day’s new outrage?

Just sayin’………(back to lurkin)

Just sayin…..

Mr. Vogel,

How vulnerable to you perceive Don Young (R – AK) to be? I campaigned hard against him for our Dem primary winner here last year and hope DCCC has plans to keep Young visibly NOT answering questions between now and the 2008 primary. Thoughts?

Hugh @ 122

howieklein @ 113

Hugh @ 111

Well, except for being against Republicans and possibly the Iraq war, I still have no idea what the DCCC stands for.

Hugh, info like that is in the intro (above). It is a committee of the Democratic Party and the letters stand for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Yes, I know but it tells me nothing about what kind of candidates the DCCC wants to support. Steny Hoyer clones I can live without.

Ah… I see where you’re coming from. The best we can hope for from the DCCC is ideological neutrality. Their job is to elect DEMOCRATS, not progressives and not reactionaries or one instead of the other– just Democrats of all stripes. I’m not a Hoyer fan either. So we invite people to FDL like Jerrold Nadler and Brad Miller and, believe me, I try my best to find challengers who are progressive for us to talk to. The DCCC is different from Blue America. They just want Democrats– good, bad and indifferent. If we didn’t have all kinds, Republicans would still control the House today. The DCCC has a role to play. I believe that under CVH it will be a more even-handed role than it has been in the recent past. We’ll have to see.

Any plans to help local rapid response for 2008? Also, we really need to find a candidate for PA-18. Tim Murphy hasn’t had a serious challenger and he’s ripe for the picking — also more corruption.

Howie-
need a definition-
on your post on your site about dems who voted no on McGovern bill, linked from Jane’s post called No Withdrawal, you listed after their names-

reactionary and or electoral whore.

what do those mean?

kinda know what reactionary may mean in this tense, but electoral whore? no clue.

tried to post comment at your site, that day, to ask, but won’t let me submit it, submit button is a dead zone…. is that something you can fix? or is it my browser?

sorry about the OT jane and everybody, but had to other way to contact howie to ask. please excuse this time.

howieklein @ 131

Thanks.

Jon Vogel @ 126

I’ve noticed that number of people have asked about how we invest in local party infrastructure.

In short, having a strong local party on the ground is critical to our success.

Last cycle, we moved $10 million dollars through the state parties for our GOTV and field operations, and plan on making a similar investment this cycle.

In terms of early party building activities, the most effective way for us to do this is to work closely with our candidates who have the best appreciation for what is going on in their districts.

We have been encouraging them to build their local network of support through houseparties, and with the netroots.

starting this outreach early will be critical to our success in 2008.

In Illinois, the state party isn’t the ideal vehicle for helping Dems get elected to Congress.

Speaker Michael Madigan, chair of the party, is pretty focused on Springfield stuff.

Just one more post from frivolous me, then back to lurking:

I just want to thank FDL, Rep. Van Hollan, Mr. Vogel, and Mr. Klein, for bringing DCCC here and raising awareness of party strategy, etc.

It never ceases to be significant and informative. Thank you.

How about the next time a Democrat goes on a news show he or she checks the blogs for a response to Republican talking points to the issue being discussed? We have a wealth of talent here.

to answer Q 29 : Mr. Vogel — why isn’t my party screaming blood murder at each day’s new outrage?

——

The reason we are learning more about these outrages everyday is because of the Democratic majority.

Because of our oversight we are holding George Bush accountable.

To begin with, we have helped bring to light the US attorney scandal and the horrific conditions at Walter Reed and other Veterans Hospitals. And of of course we are holding the President accountable for his failed policy in Iraq.

There is still more do and we are focused on things that affect all of us. We are already starting to look into the connection between big oil and rising gas prices.

We too are outraged about what George Bush and the Republican Congress have done to this country, and will continue to fight.

Jon

Yep- lots of things are improving.

The DLC. Any thoughts?

Thank you for having me, and I look forward to working with you throughout the cycle to change the direction of this country.

I encourage everyone stay updated by visiting http://www.dccc.org/stakeholder

Jon Vogel @ 138

We too are outraged about what George Bush and the Republican Congress have done to this country, and will continue to fight.

Please. Working together (not like pre-Van Hollen) perhaps we can take congress AND THE CONSTITUTION back.

howieklein @ 130

Ah… I see where you’re coming from. The best we can hope for from the DCCC is ideological neutrality. Their job is to elect DEMOCRATS, not progressives and not reactionaries or one instead of the other– just Democrats of all stripes. I’m not a Hoyer fan either. So we invite people to FDL like Jerrold Nadler and Brad Miller and, believe me, I try my best to find challengers who are progressive for us to talk to. The DCCC is different from Blue America. They just want Democrats– good, bad and indifferent. If we didn’t have all kinds, Republicans would still control the House today. The DCCC has a role to play. I believe that under CVH it will be a more even-handed role than it has been in the recent past. We’ll have to see.

this helps alot, howie. thank you.

so, my question is…. under what circumstances will the DCCC become involved in primaries? or will the DCCC focus on the general election? thanks!

Howie,

What a breath of fresh air this DCCC team is! Yeah, not progressive enough for some of us, but what a friggin’ improvement.

FYI, Spin I’m In is upstairs.

Jon Vogel as a Californian I am curious to know if the DCCC works closely with our state leadership and more on point if the DCCC is aware of the cozy relationship between our leadership and the Republican billionaire owners of Pebble Beach Company? PBC hosts the State Democratic leadership’s annual golf retreat/fundraising each spring adding considerably to the party’s coffers.

As you might imagine many of we activist grass roots progressive democrats here on the central coast remain appalled at this untoward cozy relationship of not only sleeping with the enemy but accepting vast sums of money from the very people who represent everything that is wrong with the Republican party.

I wish I could have gotten an answer about Vic Wulsin.

Ed*ard Teller @ 143

Howie,

What a breath of fresh air this DCCC team is! Yeah, not progressive enough for some of us, but what a friggin’ improvement.

That’s my opinion so far too. We’ll have to wait and see what happens when push comes to shove.

masaccio @ 146

I wish I could have gotten an answer about Vic Wulsin.

In the unanswered questions department, masaccio, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger.

Welcome, Chris!
I’m a Deaniac who was SO tired of Rahm Emmanuel’s tactics that I contributed not one penny to the DCCC last year throughout the primary season, and once the November campaign was underway, there were such better ways to contribute (BlueAmerica, etc.) that I still didn’t send anything to DCCC. So I’m really glad to see you on board.

Bob in HI

masaccio @ 146

I wish I could have gotten an answer about Vic Wulsin.

Yeah, I was hoping one of them would have answered that. Maybe they don’t want to give away tactics or even strategy.

Howie, thanks for your explanation.

With that info in mind, I guess there’ll be no answer to the question I left in 42. Or the question in 90.

Which leaves me with the question: has the DCCC any objective beyond the consonant following the incumbent’s name?

And the answer: no.

Thanks for your time, Mr. Vogel.

It’s been an education – again.

Please remember this discussion the next time you wonder why Dems lose votes to third parties.

You’ve again failed to define a second party.

See you outside the Denver convention next year.

When the anti-war protests will make Chicago look like Kumbiyah.

This time, try not to whine when your party is again deserted by the voters your candidates deceived and abandoned.

Doesn’t help the Dems in the macho contest with the Rethugs.

And in the absence of meaningful policy distinctions, image is all the DCCC has to offer.

masaccio @ 146

I wish I could have gotten an answer about Vic Wulsin.

There was a lot coming in and they most likely wanted to make sure they got their talking points out there in as contextual a way as possible, so were looking to answer questions which would further their preset agenda in the limited time at hand. That’s sort of the way these Blue America pre-campaign segments are going. On the surface, my statement might seem dismissive, but it isn’t.

Sooner, better than later, all Democrats need to answer a question. Do you support the work the DLC does?

If Howie’s goal was to establish a vivid contrast between the integrity, responsiveness and accountability of the DCCC vs. BlueAmerica, this chat was tremendously successful. My wee fundage will continue to go to BlueAmerica, while I wish the DCCC best success!

TeddySanFran @ 154

If Howie’s goal was to establish a vivid contrast between the integrity, responsiveness and accountability of the DCCC vs. BlueAmerica, this chat was tremendously successful. My wee fundage will continue to go to BlueAmerica, while I wish the DCCC best success!

That sums it up for me too Teddy. The DCCC can be allies and we need to work with them and keep them neutral in primaries pitting progressives and grassroots candidates against reactionaries and corporate shills. That’s all I ask– neutrality.

howieklein @ 150

masaccio @ 146

I wish I could have gotten an answer about Vic Wulsin.

Yeah, I was hoping one of them would have answered that. Maybe they don’t want to give away tactics or even strategy.

Nor was mine about Don Young. You asked a reasonable question, TSF, and got supported by other commenters – the hate crime legislation IS important and IS very important to Blue America, but they had about 90 minutes to get their message out, gain some trust, and avoid a friggin’ flame war. They knew before they agreed to come to fdl that we’ve been highly critical of not only their predecessors at DCCC, but of the organization itself. With good reason.

Like I was telling some people frustrated at the pace of the House hearing yesterday, please be a bit more patient. The Dem congress has been in power almost four months, but they were out of power for 144 months!

Howie, thanks for your work. I’ll look forward to supporting the Blue America candidates.

Having seen the DCCC close up, my weather forecast for the ‘08 Denver DNC convention:

- “non-lethal” projectiles
- chemical weapons spray / tear gas clouds
- batons
- lots of chaotic visuals
- blood, blood, blood (citizens’)

Cause these DCCC folks won’t have stopped the war by next August.

Why would they bother – it won’t help change any consonants.

It would merely stop the body counts.

Obviously, not an objective for the DCCC.

Didn’t really expect these guys to take a public stand here on issues that the party is divided on or on the sins of fellow dems. They wouldn’t be doing their job if they did. It’s kinda fun to ask the questions though.

Howie-
could you answer my 132?

Baldersash.

The SOLE reason that Van Hollen defeated Connie Morella was the redistricting that occurred before the election.

The Maryland General Assembly radically altered the district lines to benefit CVH. In other words, the State Dem party changed the rules because it had been unable to beat the beloved Morella in previous election cycles.

By the way, I’m a MoCo Democrat. And I fondly remember to outstanding service that Connie provided for her district. She was a good legislator, and a great woman.

witness the GOP presidential debate last week, it was one rich white man after another sucking up to the extreme right of the party

.

Whoops! Strike one.

Dems don’t win without white men voters.

Watch the gooper losers- they’ll show ya how it’s done. Keep supporting a prez with a 28 percent approval rating!!!

I fear our party plans to run its entire ticket in 2008 on the slogan, “Vote for Us — We’re Not Them!” My party can be so much more, and I will support those who help make it so.

PLovering @ 161

witness the GOP presidential debate last week, it was one rich white man after another sucking up to the extreme right of the party

.

Whoops! Strike one.

Dems don’t win without white men voters.

Frankly, that goes without saying. Remember, that’s all that could vote until the 1900’s.

We just don’t need as many of them as they do.

teddy san fran;

have been waiting to be on the same thread with you to give you this-
http://www.bilerico.com/2007/05/003031.php
it’s a letter from the rep you have been trying to get a response from. he wrote one for this site.

I have a real good idea what it means to call myself progressive and liberal. But what the heck is a Democrat besides not being a Republican in name only… the lines are indeed murky in so many places.

I wish Congressman Van Hollen all the best and improvements are indeed taking place but Hugh, TSF, and KM speak for me.

Come back for more Congressman, we have a solid message and respect our constitution more than money.

Thanks Howie and FDL!

** Seriously considering joining Kirk Murphy in Denver…) **

Teddy,

As usual- it will pretty much be every man and woman for themselves. There will be a presidential candidate this time and a platform- but candidates will ignore it when it suits em. It’s all about winning individual races.

dmac @ 132

Howie-
need a definition-
on your post on your site about dems who voted no on McGovern bill, linked from Jane’s post called No Withdrawal, you listed after their names-

reactionary and or electoral whore.

what do those mean?

kinda know what reactionary may mean in this tense, but electoral whore? no clue.

tried to post comment at your site, that day, to ask, but won’t let me submit it, submit button is a dead zone…. is that something you can fix? or is it my browser?

sorry about the OT jane and everybody, but had to other way to contact howie to ask. please excuse this time.

I used “electoral whore” to distinguish between people who really are reactionaries and think like Bush from the ones who are just traingulating and trying to manipulate the voters. I don’t know which is worse.

The comment thing is working ok. I’m still getting ‘em

dmac @ 165

teddy san fran;

have been waiting to be on the same thread with you to give you this-
http://www.bilerico.com/2007/05/003031.php
it’s a letter from the rep you have been trying to get a response from. he wrote one for this site.

Actually, that’s Joe Donnelly and not Chris Carney, but I am enjoying reading the comments in response to the Congressman’s lame explanation. Thanks very much for the linkage!

Teddy SanFran: I noticed the conspicuous lack of an answer to your question and the broader question of keeping candidates honest after election, raised by commenters who supported Jerry McInerny, which would include me. This is a real concern, and they need to formulate an answer to it for us.

Politics is more like a golf team than a football team. Everyone plays their individual match- and if the individuals win enough matches- the team is said to win.

The “manager” doesn’t even get to decide who’s on the team- many of em select themselves. It’s not very organized- and never will be.

The answer is of course to give em hell and never support em again. These guys didn’t want to say that.

Eureka Springs @ 166

I have a real good idea what it means to call myself progressive and liberal. But what the heck is a Democrat besides not being a Republican in name only… the lines are indeed murky in so many places.

I wish Congressman Van Hollen all the best and improvements are indeed taking place but Hugh, TSF, and KM speak for me.

Come back for more Congressman, we have a solid message and respect our constitution more than money.

Thanks Howie and FDL!

** Seriously considering joining Kirk Murphy in Denver…) **

Eureka Springs – please come! There will be the public protests (with arrest risk running from zero to 100%) and oodles of logistical work with no arrest risk at all.

The Dems’ only hope of avoiding massive protests in Denver – after eighteen months in control of Congress – was to have ended the war by July, 2008.

After today, I have no hope they will end the war by next summer.

Let’s use our freedoms – while we still have them.

So won’t you please come up to Denver?
We’ll be waiting for you there.

Eureka Springs @ 166

** Seriously considering joining Kirk Murphy in Denver…) **

if the our occupation of iraq hasn’t ended by then… you can look for me to be there too!

Anyone gonna protest at the gooper convention?

Hi all,

This was so much better than the treatment we got from the DCCC in the old days (last year) and Howie is quite correct, this guy is about beating Repubs, which is fine with me. The strategy is R’s out, Dems in, then fix Dems from within. Chris and Jon do not seem to be so keen to influence primaries — again, a big improvement — but we shall see. And he didn’t ask for money.

Massacio at 170, also Teddy, Kirk, Howie, anyone, this question is for us. How do *we* hold candidates accountable to us, esp ones out of our own districts to whom we have contributed. I have had some luck phoning local offices. The ones in MI at any rate seem less busy than the DC offices and the staff have more time for constituents. But still, what to do about McNerney? It may have been the hydrocarbon rider he objected to, but I’d like to hear the man give his reasons.

kirk murphy @ 173

So won’t you please come up to Denver?

EK – i spent a week in NYC for the RNC with a wonderful group of people…. only later (here at fdl) did i find out that it was kirk’s community!

selise @ 174

Eureka Springs @ 166

** Seriously considering joining Kirk Murphy in Denver…) **

if the our occupation of iraq hasn’t ended by then… you can look for me to be there too!

Yay!

In Seattle I ran with EarthFirst! and the medics.

In LA 2000 I ran hobbled with the organizers and the medics.

In NYC 2004 I ran with the Pagan Cluster and the Bay Area Radical Health Collective

And in Denver ‘08 -

I’ll run with the Firepups.

What a lovely affinity group we’ll make!

rwcole @ 175

Anyone gonna protest at the gooper convention?

Oh yes!

FYI, TSF has a new thread

I know this is late to the party. I was away teaching. But I was wondering if the DSCC and Rep. Van Hollen would consider looking into working with alternative radio to carry their message out. Alternative and college radio stations are quite willing to carry public affairs programs such as interviews with candidates and get out the vote and registration efforts. Lots of progressives in communities and many students listen to these stations because of their independence from the corporate media.

The right wing has, for years, used both AM and evangelical religious “Family Radio” to actually (and if they were non-commercial) campaign for candidates. I’m not suggesting anything that would jeopardize these stations’ licenses…but providing them with well-produced, critical materials about ISSUES like habeas corpus, First Amendment rights, domestic intelligence gathering as well as targeted issues such as tuition, student financial aid, the still active “Solomon Amendment” (the Republicans swear there won’t be a draft…but if you don’t register for it you’ll lose your financial aid), as well as local issues that relate to the activities of the Republican Congressman or Senator in the area.

The DNCC could even consider something quite simple…and that wouldn’t cost them a penny in production costs…like purchasing a subscription of Amy Goodman’s program “Democracy Now” for every alternative station in the country. Have the Congressman get “sponsorship rights” to that program…or maybe a popular music program. “This hour of “Down Home Blues” is brought to you by Mike McCulsky, Democratic Candidate for Congress” sounds pretty good, fosters a lot of good will, and costs pennies on the dollar when contrasted to the huge media buys that are necessary on TV or commercial radio.

Started early enough such campaigns would not seem like some desperate effort to pander for votes…but a sincere recognition that the votes of the young, students, and those that listen to alternative media are worth the effort and MUTUAL support.

Some of these alternative stations b’cast to huge areas, others are very localized. But the often have a pool of non-registered potential voters or unaffiliated voters that make the effort perhaps more worthwhile than trying to get the already registered/committed to CHANGE.

I’m proud to have this man as my rep in Congress, and i’m proud to have voted for him.

Thanks Howie!
at 168
I really wanted to know the answer to that one! And noone seemed able to answer it for me.

I think the triangulators/electoral whores are worse, you never know what you’re gonna get, same as someone who lies and is dishonest……at least the with the others, you know where they stand, know with whom you are dealing.

And no, the commenting thing didn’t work, wouldn’t let me submit a comment, must be on my end-but that won’t keep me from reading it will it?!

HotFlash @ 176

Hi all,

This was so much better than the treatment we got from the DCCC in the old days (last year) and Howie is quite correct, this guy is about beating Repubs, which is fine with me. The strategy is R’s out, Dems in, then fix Dems from within. Chris and Jon do not seem to be so keen to influence primaries — again, a big improvement — but we shall see. And he didn’t ask for money.

Massacio at 170, also Teddy, Kirk, Howie, anyone, this question is for us. How do *we* hold candidates accountable to us, esp ones out of our own districts to whom we have contributed. I have had some luck phoning local offices. The ones in MI at any rate seem less busy than the DC offices and the staff have more time for constituents. But still, what to do about McNerney? It may have been the hydrocarbon rider he objected to, but I’d like to hear the man give his reasons.

HotFlash, this is a great question. I’m so pissed at McNerney I’ve yet to reach the state of civility required for a phone call to his office.

Would a “Blue America” or “FirePup” delegation meeting with the Congressman be appropriate at this juncture?

If so, I’m happy to volunteer to contact the Congressman’s office requesting the meeting – but I’m also happy to let someone in the district do that.

(I merely sent money and congratulations and read all the Congressman’s emeails thanking me and inviting my thoughts – but I’m not a constituent.)

selise, i’m so glad you got to meet and play with those wonderful folks – and I’m glad you had a good time!

Eureka Springs @ 180

FYI, TSF has a new thread

And now it’s gone!

kirk murphy @ 185

selise, i’m so glad you got to meet and play with those wonderful folks – and I’m glad you had a good time!

met a lot of inspiring people… Miami in 2003 and NYC in 2004 – with pagan cluster and the national lawyer’s guild…. and i’d love to be part of an FLD affinity group in 2008. count me in!!

Anyone know what they vote differences were between the two month supplemental and the McGovern Amendment (IAIRC) funded fully until next year…but gave a firm deadline for withdrawal.

Perhaps the folks like McErney think that the two month supplemental is the FASTER and more effective way to get us out.

If the funding stalls in two months then withdrawal has to begin nearly immediately unless Bush undertakes an(other) blatantly UnConstitutional Act.

cinnamonape – selise did some fancy foot work last night.. I think its at the end of the withdrawal thread..

cinnamonape 181

you might want to post your idea at an address/site they gave us today. i like your idea.

http://www.dccc.org/rapid_response_network/

chris bowers has an interesting post up at mydd… and one part of it fits well (i think) in this discussion thread:

We were quite fortune that the splits we saw in IL-06 and CT-Sen did not happen on a wider scale. If they had, Republicans would still control Congress. Gong back further, such a split would also have resulted in the privatization and destruction of Social Security. In the fights that we did win in 2005-2006, victory only happened because the establishment and the movement were on the same page. Neither side can win without each other, as virtually every election made perfectly clear from 1994-2004. The Democratic Party was in the wilderness until the progressive movement rose to challenge the conservative movement. It was only when the progressive movement reached maturity that Democrats took over Congress. They needed us to close the fundraising gap, convince them to run on Iraq, stretch the electoral playing field, keep the base excited, challenge pro-Republican media coverage, and generate new campaign ideas. At the same time, movement challenges to neoliberals and DLC-nexus control over the party have never succeeded unless we have formed a coalition with dissenting establishment elements. Howard Dean getting crushed by a wide array of backroom alliances late in the 2004 primary campaign, but requiring the backing of state party chairs to win the DNC, is a good example of this. We can’t win without each other.

cinnamonape @ 188

Anyone know what they vote differences were between the two month supplemental and the McGovern Amendment (IAIRC) funded fully until next year…but gave a firm deadline for withdrawal.

Perhaps the folks like McErney think that the two month supplemental is the FASTER and more effective way to get us out.

If the funding stalls in two months then withdrawal has to begin nearly immediately unless Bush undertakes an(other) blatantly UnConstitutional Act.

my take is that mcgovern’s bill h.r.2237 funds a withdrawal. the new bill h.r.2206 (that passed yesterday) funds the occupation, but with constraints.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..id=topnewsthis article has the numbers in it.
cinnamonape at 188

Anyone know what they vote differences were between the two month supplemental and the McGovern Amendment (IAIRC) funded fully until next year…but gave a firm deadline for withdrawal.

Perhaps the folks like McErney think that the two month supplemental is the FASTER and more effective way to get us out.

If the funding stalls in two months then withdrawal has to begin nearly immediately unless Bush undertakes an(other) blatantly UnConstitutional Act.

Please Mr VanHollen, find us a viable candidate in MN CD-6, our current Mr Kline is horrible…

p.s. Coleen Rowley isnt a viable candidate..

Can you find us a Tim Walz kindof candidate?

LeftyMN @ 194

Please Mr VanHollen, find us a viable candidate in MN CD-6, our current Mr Kline is horrible…

p.s. Coleen Rowley isnt a viable candidate..

Can you find us a Tim Walz kindof candidate?

What’s wrong with Coleen?

STTP in Ohio @ 164

PLovering @ 161

witness the GOP presidential debate last week, it was one rich white man after another sucking up to the extreme right of the party

.

Whoops! Strike one.

Dems don’t win without white men voters.

Frankly, that goes without saying. Remember, that’s all that could vote until the 1900’s.

We just don’t need as many of them as they do.

Well, if Hillary runs, you can kiss the men goodbye

Michael P. @ 160

Baldersash.

The SOLE reason that Van Hollen defeated Connie Morella was the redistricting that occurred before the election.

The Maryland General Assembly radically altered the district lines to benefit CVH. In other words, the State Dem party changed the rules because it had been unable to beat the beloved Morella in previous election cycles.

By the way, I’m a MoCo Democrat. And I fondly remember to outstanding service that Connie provided for her district. She was a good legislator, and a great woman.

Sorry, but that’s crap. She might have been good, but she voted with Bush every time. (Former constituent – Bethesda)

PLovering @ 196
STTP in Ohio @ 164
PLovering @ 161

witness the GOP presidential debate last week, it was one rich white man after another sucking up to the extreme right of the party

.

Whoops! Strike one.

Dems don’t win without white men voters.

Frankly, that goes without saying. Remember, that’s all that could vote until the 1900’s.

We just don’t need as many of them as they do.

Well, if Hillary runs, you can kiss the men goodbye

What the hell does that mean? Do you have something subtantial to add?

TeddySanFran – I love your posts and I love your passion. You, to me, are a true great American patriot. Keep it up.