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We've taken in over $70,000 dollars for Donna Edwards over the past 48 hour as a counter-fundraiser to Nancy Pelosi's support for the regressive, entrenched Al Wynn. If anyone needs more convincing, please watch the above video as Donna eloquently decimates Al Wynn over Iraq, the repeal of the estate tax, bankruptcy, Schaivo, protecting oil and gas companies and other regressive votes that have supported George Bush and kept ordinary Americans from getting health care.
It's just been announced that Emily's List is stepping up to the plate, both in supporting Donna and challenging Pelosi and the inside-the-beltway establishment.
Please welcome Donna in the comments, and join with us in giving to her campaign today.
(Thanks to Valley Girl and Dean from the FDL Editorz for the video)
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Hi Donna!
Welcome, Donna! I just love the speech you give above. It’s so impassioned. Wynn just did not know what to say.
(And thanks to Valley Girl for putting it together..)
Donna is awesome in this video - I’m heading over to contribute to her campaign right now!
I’m in for $20.
I’m in, go for it Donna!
Jane and everyone at FDL, so great to be with you. Thank you for your tremendous support. I’m very humbled and, of course, completely pumped up to continue this battle with your help. Jane, on a personal note, I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well.
Hi Donna!
Hey there, Jane!
Jane! Hope you are well.
Donna, inspiring speech. Still had my credit card out from the Rabbi, so tossed some your way. Best of luck to you.
Glad to see you’re up and about again, Jane!
Hi Donna! Hi Jane! Good to see ya both, and Jane, a miracle recovery?
Welcome Donna! Thanks and lets hope we can break the incumbent protection racket!
Donna Edwards @ 6
I am Donna, I’m at Howie’s house eating fruit shakes and being treated like a queen.
I’m really excited at how everyone has been stepping up to the plate for Donna’s campaign. I honestly believe Jane Hamsher, in the midst of her personal trials, embarrassed the HELL out of Emily’s List and forced them to reconsider their attitude in MD-04. Donna Edwards should be running for President of the United States. When the Founding Fathers decided on Democracy instead of another form of governemnt they had never considered that there would be lowly characters like George Bush, Dick Cheney, Rahm Emanuel and Al Wynn who would wind up in office. I believe they thought it would come down to candidates with lofty ideals and powerful values like Donna. Welcome back to FDL Donna. WE LOVE YOU!!!
Just in case anyone asks, I’m not just in this race to make a progressive statement, I’m in it to win and make progressive change in Congress. We can stop this war, we can provide universal, single-payer health care, we can educate our children without testing them to a blank stare, we can clean up our air and water and protect the earth from destruction. We just need the political will and stronger, resolute voices to get that job done. I’m ready.
Donna: Hi! And welcome. What’s your position on civil marriage equality for all?
I second Howie’s sentiments @ 13!
If I had some money, I’d donate it. Rock on, Donna E. Decimate the B*stahds.
Donna Edwards @ 14
I’m in.
Thanks for the great sacrifice you are making to serve the citizens of your Maryland district, and for the wonderful example you provide for other candidates all over America. You are the epitome of “more and better Democrats!”
I’m in for a C-note.
Go get ‘em Donna!
Ed, I believe in marriage equality for all and that to the extent that governments offer benefits of marriage (taxes, health care, etc) they must be offered non-discriminatorily — that’s about civil rights. We can’t control what churches choose to do within the confines of our respective congregations and religious traditions, but we can control what government does.
It is indeed about political will. Can someone please explain why Dems in congress alway capitulate?
And I’m in!
Donna explain your defintion of universal health care with a single payer scenerio.
Donna I’m so happy Emily’s List has decided to endorse you. You’re just the kind of candidate they should be getting behind.
What’s the story on EMILY’s List? I don’t see Donna Edwards listed on their candidate page. Is this breaking news?
Hello Ms. Edwards,
I have a question that I am asking all of the candidates, with a preamble:
My husband was a Vietnam vet and POW, who was tortured by his North Vietnamese captors. He suffered from his injuries for over thirty years, until his fatal heart attack two years ago.
What will you do to stop torture as the law, policy and practice of the United States?
With gratitude,
For Dan,
Heather
WOW, that was great Donna. I am in AGAIN!
Franco
Great, Donna! Thanks! So you’re saying you support my right to enter into a civil marriage - not the second rank civil union - with my partner of 9 years?
TeddySanFran @ 25
Nope. She ain’t there on the list…
… nice video, VG!
Hi Pastor Man — just left you at AMERICAblog. I grew up as an Air Force brat. My family received health care at facilities run and paid for by the government, we did not receive bills, we made appointments without excessive delay, we received prescriptions when needed. That’s a single payer system that was available for all — if we chose, we could have purchased private insurance, but the Air Force system was our floor, not our ceiling. With 6 children, my parents would never have been able to purchase private health insurance but it did not mean that I shouldn’t have been able to receive ENT care when I most needed it. So, we know how — we just need to do it.
Donna, what is your reaction to the Mukasey nomination, with Senators Schumer and Feinstein saying they will vote to recommend his nomination.
TeddySanFran @ 25
Yes, FDL is the first place it’s been announced
WOW!
I met Donna at TBA - and was wow-ed.
I gave when the $100,000 push started but gotta give again! Donna is precisely the type of candidate we need!
Donna how would you implement a new universal health care system in USA? I am looking for rational facts with content and a plan.
Hi, Donna!
Welcome back.
You’re gonna win.
Is waterboarding torture? That’s a brightline test, no gray area. It’s torture and any nominee for the highest law enforcement officer in the land should be able to answer the question and agree to enforce international human rights standards. And, if Mukasey cannot stand apart from the other elements of the Executive Branch on this one, then he should not be confirmed.
It is totally fitting to be able to break the EMILY’s List news on FDL — so, on this one, give them some props!
Donna, go go go!
We’re pulling for you! and telling our friends and neighbors in MD, too!
And JANE! you are OUR patriot!!!!
Hi, Donna! Great to see you at FDL.
My question is short and practical:
Money is so, so important, but if folks also want to drive over/up/down from nearby states to volunteer for your campaign, who can they email to get the ball rolling?
howieklein @ 33
That has to be embarassing for Speaker Pelosi, headlining a fundraiser the same day the challenger gets an EMILY’s List endorsement….
And Al Wynn,
Yikes!
Nancy Pelosi (R) CA
This is not exactly OT. Most of us are doing this anyway, but Democrats.com is running a donor strike: to donate to individual candidates only. We now have a petition to sign:
http://www.democrats.com/donor-strike-2007
Welcome Donna and congrats to you and Jane for the Emily’s list endorsement! YES!
Pastor Man, I think the first place that we can look to move toward implementing a new vision for health care could begin with the Medicare system — I know that’s the basis of the DEMS moves with SCHIP. The problem is that we can’t try to back door expanding the reach of Medicare — we need to be honest with folks about what we’re doing and why — giving small business and others an opportunity to buy in to Medicare — expanding the pool of those covered so that healthier folks like my son are included in the pool with older folks and those in more need of health care. And, let’s not forget the value of covering preventive care and ensuring that we can truly negotiate drug prices. I have some other ideas, but tough to do in a single blog.
TeddySanFran @ 41
Pelosi knows no shame. This is also the week that the Maryland Sierra Club named Donna their Conservationist of the Year. Al Wynn’s record on the environment is a typical Republican record. He has often opposed Pelosi’s positions. How can she look herself in the mirror?
What about Nancy Pelosi’s support for the regressive, entrenched Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the regressive, entrenched Republican Trojan Horses who disguise themselves as Dems like Shumner and Ferragamo DiFi. It ain’t just Al Wynn. Psst–Hello/Wakeup Comatime is over. You don’t have a Democratic Party worth jack in the House or the Senate.
When are you going to notice that every key vote goes Bush’s way? How many years is it going to take? How many key votes. Mukasey got stuffed in your kazoo and so did warantless wiretapping, Telco Immunity, and complete ability of the attorney general to say there is no such thing Virginia, as illegal wiretapping. There is no representation against Bush whatsoever.
Welcome to the Fire Dog Lake police state that you live in.That’s what apathetic ignorant America has wrought for you. It’s like so many novels–they feed the populace Britney, Paris, and Nicol and they sit on the couch fat, dumb, and happy.
howieklein @ 46
Maybe she will stop by, see this fabulous woman and give to Donna herself.
Who could resist?
Jeffrey — great question. Money helps, but this we’re going to get over the top with shoe leather and telephone calls and really reaching out to voters. So, we’re doing canvassing on the weekends, phonebanking, and other voter contact. It would be great to have you and others in the district. Send an email to adrienne@donnaedwardsforcongress.com
But of course recently silent Chukie is spelled Schumer. What good is he doing ya? He votes with Bush on every key vote. What you have is the Bush Rubber Stamp Congress–Bush Judiciary Committee and Bush Intel Committee. Talk about an anorgasmic screwing, man the so called Democrats in the House and Senate have sure delivered on it for you.
Chuck Schumer and Feinstein in the lead story in the NYT playing their usual role as stuanch Republicans. There is no two party system any more folks. It died long ago. And you cheered and had a drink that night in 2006 when you thought the “Dems controlled both sides of the aisle.” What a farce!
Pete Pierce @ 47
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TfAyX8l5-g
I believe that Nancy Pelosi cannot be a successful speaker unless she has someone like me in the 4th CD - someone who’s willing to stand for progressive values and bring other Democrats along. As long as she has to whip the vote in the 4th CD, we’re in big trouble. Lastly, the fact of the Speaker’s endorsement of Cong. Wynn has been positively galvanizing for me and for all of you. So, my suggestion is to thank the Speaker for helping us raise so much dough and build such a bonfire under this campaign. I suspect we may have raised more money through the Speaker than Cong. Wynn raised at his fundraiser — good job for the netroots!
Ms. Edwards, I’m so glad to see you here, and glad to see you going so strong for our district. Keep on keepin’ on!
I’ve donated as much to your campaign as the law permits. I’ll be reviewing the Hatch Act, to see what I’m allowed to do as a volunteer - as I recall, I’ll be OK as long as I don’t bring politics into my workplace, or associate my employer with my campaign activities outside the job.
In the meantime, I’ll be making a nice donation to Cindy Sheehan’s campaign. Nancy Pelosi’s “concern” about MD-04 deserves some reciprocal concern from me toward her district, IMHO.
Stay strong and committed, and take good care of yourself!
LS @ 50
Just highlighting my question again, Ms Edwards:
@26
Hello Ms. Edwards,
I have a question that I am asking all of the candidates, with a preamble:
My husband was a Vietnam vet and POW, who was tortured by his North Vietnamese captors. He suffered from his injuries for over thirty years, until his fatal heart attack two years ago.
What will you do to stop torture as the law, policy and practice of the United States?
With gratitude,
For Dan,
Heather
Ms. Edwards,
Thank you so much for running again! I donated to your campaign a few days ago, and it felt really good to be excited about a Democrat these days.
I’m telling all my friends about you, and I don’t live anywhere near Maryland.
Damn guys 4,098 donors $173,217 after I finished mine. Way to go! Nothing new to add just “give ‘em hell Donna” (if that’s not too shrill).
Heather,
I’m sorry for what your husband and other suffered. Your husband’s experience is the most compelling testament as to why the United States should not be engaged in torture. I support specific laws that would apply both to the military and to our intelligence services that specifically prohibits torture and identifies torture techniques that are prohibited. I would empower committees within the Congress that would provide oversight to our intelligence agencies and military to ensure that we are not engaged in torture. I support the efforts of military flag officers demanding these specific prohibitions. In my current job (I’m on a leave of absence) I have supported the efforts of human rights organizations seeking such policy changes.
Will there be opportunities to debate your opponent, Ms Edwards, or is he running a Rose Garden campaign and ignoring you this time?
PS I love the look on Steny Hoyer’s face when you are speaking about the Irak Occupation in the video!!
Thank you, Ms. Edwards. I appreciate that very much.
With gratitude,
Heather
TeddySanFran @ 58
And the look on his face after you shake his hand..he’s up against the wall in the standing fetal position!!!
I’m blown away by the support of so many of you from around the country who are supporting our campaign. This is not just about the 4th CD — it’s about the direction of our country. So we need to begin right here, right now, to make the change we know must happen. When Al Wynn brags about his contributions from oil and gas companies, banks and credit card companies, insurance companies, developers, telecom companies, we’ll brag about our 4500 donors from all across the country who believe that we can do better. They’re not asking for an earmark, they don’t want access to the House floor, they don’t want a special interest giveaway — our donors and the American public just want a little bit of democracy, doused with some common sense, sprinkled with some diplomacy and transparency, sifted all across the country and the world.
Love Henny Stoyer in the background.
When Ms. Edwards is talking,
he looks like he’s about to choke.
Softail @ 56
That’s awesome!! Funny, I never thought of dollars as being heartwarming before. :)
It just means so much more than that…
TeddySanFran, we have a couple of debates coming up. The first is on this Thursday, November 8 at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD, at 7:30 pm. If you’re in the area, come on over. I’m looking forward to it. We’ll try to shoot some video so that you can see the highlights.
Donna, you’ve got the power!!! You go, go, go get ‘em!!!
Best wishes Donna! You are everything we could hope for in a candidate.
Wynn a no-show at first debate
~~~GAITHERSBURG, Md. — At the first debate of his 2008 campaign, Rep. Albert Wynn (D-Md.)endured criticism from primary challenger Donna Edwards and even the debate sponsor, but he was not there to defend himself.
Edwards continued to accuse Wynn of not taking the election seriously and joined the sponsoring Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in criticizing his constituent service.
Wynn declined to debate Edwards for much of the 2006 cycle, but he has made a concerted effort to show that he is putting forth more effort this cycle after she nearly beat him in a shockingly close result.
His campaign manager, Lori Sherwood, said that Wynn was absent because Congress is back in session and that he would attend future debates.
His proxy, Prince George’s County Councilman Will Campos, assured that his presence in Wynn’s stead was evidence of the congressman’s renewed sense of obligation to his constituents and the business community.~~~
Well, it’s time for me to sign off. Thanks and let’s keep it rolling. I’ll be visiting again, soon.
ooops. Stay in touch with us, please. www.donnaedwardsforcongress.com
My wife and I were pleased to send you $ and look forward to sending more in the near future.
Donna!
howieklein @ 33
Wow. Jane, way to go!
OT But…
I can’t resist. I just saw John Edwards at the Step it up 2007 rally in New Orleans. He was eloquent, presidential and empassioned! What a great candidate. He is a great candidate! He really cares about climate change! What a refreshing change!
I shook his hand and said “John how do you feel about the Constitution?” He said “I like it!” I said I thought senator Dodd had some great ideas about the Constitution and he said he agreed! I told him good luck and I hoped that he wins! He thanked me! Wow. Such passion!
GO Dodd! Go Edwards! Stick up for the constitution!!!
Donna Edwards @ 61
Thank you, Donna. This is a keeper!! :)
Donna - I love your answer to 52 above. I am the moderator of the Facebook group “Donna Edwards Fans - MD-04” - please have your campaign manager or team contact me so that I can actually do something useful with that group, or “flip” it to smarter, more creative minds than mine.
Also, I made a tiny donation to the Campaign which I will buttress once some well-earned vacation pay arrives later next week.
I am in MD but outside your district. I know that Free State Politics has been all over Al Wynn and supportive of you. We love you to death here, and look forward to Al Wynn’s sharp increase in personal income once leaves lower-paying Congress for higher-paying K Street as “former Congressman” Wynn. Or he can go back to writing deeds for a living, no shame in that.
Knock ‘em dead, Donna!!
Biodun @ 42
Yikes! indeed, Biodun. It was a real eye-opener to watch a longer version of the debate. Donna is one of my very favorite candidates and it’s been clear for a while that she is exceptional.
But, I did not “get it” as to how really really pathetic Wynn is until I saw him in action. Yikes!
Wynn is my congressman. He is also a buffoon. I’ve had to vote for him in the past due to a lack of a credible (or any) Dem challenger. Thank God that’s over.
Timjbd @ 77
“buffoon” captures his persona very well!
test
If “marriage” is a product of cultism ( a cult by any other name- religion- is still a cult) and the state is not suppose to be involved with cults would it not be simpler if the state simply got out of regulating marriage and simply issued civil union contracts for all?
If anyone wished to be “married” they could go to the cult leader of their choice be it priest, rabbi, minister, what ever and have a legally meaningless ceremony conducted.
To be recognized for any and all legal reasons one would have to go to the nearest city hall and fulfill the requirements for a civil union.
“Marriages” would become a hollow term much like “esquire” as a title is now simply an empty honorific.
Greetings, Donna Edwards, from New Jersey. I chipped in my little bit to your campaign blindly based on Digby’s and Atrios’s say-so, and seeing the video and your words above, I’m so glad I did.Here’s to your winning and making the Congress a better place! America will follow suit.
Donna, it’s such a privilege to have candidates like you — people who have records we can be proud of, ideas that will help our country, and the gumption to stand up and be counted when it is most important. I supported your first campaign even when many people said it was a lost cause — and we almost proved them wrong!
Now, Al Wynn is running scared. He hasn’t changed his ways, but he realizes that he now faces accountability that just wasn’t there in the past. Come February 13 he’ll have to start looking for a job instead of collecting fat checks from corporations and not backing up his constituents. I’ve returned to Virginia from Maryland since your last run, but my folks are looking forward to February 12 and having a representative they can be proud of.
YOU GO GIRL!
Donna Edwards @ 14
Now, this is the kind of straight-forward statement we Progressives want to hear.
With luck we’ll all get to see you go to work on these and other issues.
Donna Edwards @ 62
Wonderful!
Hi Donna,
I’ve donated to you a couple of times, most recently through BlueDog. I know its really hard work campaigning, so thank you, thank you, thank you for your willingness to stand up for the rest of us.
Hi Donna,
My wife and I live in your soon-to-be Congressional district in Silver Spring. We’ve sent you money and cannot wait for you to send Mr. Wynn packing.
Edwards for Congress!