Let's Beat the BlueDogs - and Blanche Lincoln

You're making a mistake by going after Sen. Gillibrand. She's not a Blue Dog, there are WAY worse Democrats in the Senate, and I have been pleasantly surprised by her actions thus far. Save your money to use on the REAL troublemakers!

Allen is a good DINO (Democrat in name only) and has never met a supplemental appropriation for DOD he didn't like. He is popular with the country folks in Leon county, but much less so in Tallahassee. Al has not shown much promise so far. His web page for example on health care merely attacks Allen for voting against the present very bad bill. Allen has a good case in voting against this specific bill, but Al has not shown any good sense in how to combat. If Al is going to make any inroads he has to get a better grip on issues, but he is a charismatic speaker and could take the seat if he had enough good advice on how to woo the rednecks without losing the progressives.
I can empathize some with Allen joining the Blue Dogs in the sense that unless you are part of a group in the House, you have little clout. I agree that most of them are pretty far right, but for example I think Allen voted against the Stupak amendment. He argued at last week's town meeting correctly that it went "too far" since there is already a law that says that federal money can't be used for abortions. I personally think that it would be in the best interests of everyone if abortions were fully funded. However, the Democrats are wary of losing the Catholic vote in the next election if they look too abortion positive.

I so agree you should NOT go after her. At first I was hesitate about her, not sure if she would truly represent us here in Ny. But she has so far done a great job

I live in rural NY on the other side of the state from her. Yet she has given support to many things unique here in New York, such as dairy farms.

She also has come out very supportive of a PUBLIC OPTION

Do not target her...she surprised us all here in the state...with her progressive views and stands.

You gotta take a look at our district in northern Michigan now represented by Bart Stupak. His amendment to the health reform bill would trash everything accomplished since Roe v. Wade. I'm a 62 year old white guy that has no business telling a woman that which only she, her family and doctor should do with her body. Stupak casts himself as a "moderate democrat." But his home is at "C" street and it shows. I'll do some soul searching and see if I can't recommend someone that's really good. I hope you'll do the same. Thank you.

My Representative, Mike Thompson (D-CA-1), voted FOR the House health care bill, despite his membership in the Blue Dog Coalition. I am not sure WHY he belongs to this group, as his voting record is fairly progressive. As mentioned, he voted and spoke for the health care bill and the public option, and voted against the Stupak Ammendment. He wants to end combat operations in Iraq, is pro choice, supports the civil rights of LGBT people and is a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. He has a great voting record and gets things (like harbor dredging, as an example) needed in his district. One time when I bitched at him in an email (I am never actually rude), he personally called me on the phone. I had always thought if my Rep didn't know who I was, the people who read the emails did, and then I found out he reads his own email! I would not support an effort to unseat him. He is an excellent Representative. Is he merely the exception that proves the rule, or perhaps, do we need to know more about a Rep than whether or not s/he belongs to a particular bipartisan coalition?

If you know you can spot a winner, someone who thoroughly understands the issues, is well read, an independent thinker, can challenge others and support his position, Shows strength and conviction, is able to relate to real people in the read world and he actually would like to run for office. One conversation w/ Mark you'll know what I'm talking about. He's a rare find. (My talent, being able to spot people like Mark). Myself, I am a Progressive and an activist. I know this guy has what it takes. If I had to compare him to someone in politics today, Mark strikes me to be most like Paul Krugman. He's highly intelligent, experienced, can communicate, is confident but not arrogant or insecure. Mark is a micro/macro thinker. He's well read and current.

Contact
Mark J Simmer
3778 Alvin Place
Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 321-8101

Regina Thomas has announced her candidacy to run against 'Blue Dog' Democrat John Barrow in the House. She has served in the State Senate and has proven to be much more progressive in her past performance there. We will be launching her campaign next Thursday, December 10th with a fund-raiser. I will provide details to anyone interested, and will post her website soon.

South Dakota is a very red state, about 2/3 vs. 1/3, more or less.

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin is our only Representative. She is a Blue Dog. She voted against Health Care reform. She has completely lost her bearings. We watch her TV advs where she brags about voting "her South Dakota values" when she spoke against and voted against reform.

Unfortunately, her values are "South Dakota Republican values." She has become a quasi-Republican so that she can be reelected.

We need someone to run against her. She does not support President Obama. Many of us underdog Democrats are extremely disappointed with Stephanie and will no longer will vote for her. We will sit out the next representative election unless a qualified challenger defeats Stephanie.

It appears today that without a challenger to run against Stephanie, in 2010 her seat in the House will become a Republican seat.