Paul Hackett v. Sherrod Brown

[Guaranteed]

Poll question: Paul Hackett v. Sherrod Brown

Who would you prefer that we run against DeWine in '06?

I will admit that they're both good Democrats. But who do you want to see up there in what will probably be an extremely well-publicized race?

[panader0]

1. Why can't they live in different states?

Can't one of them establish residency in another '06 state?

[Guaranteed]

2. I hear ya. nt

[formernaderite]

3. Don't live in Ohio..

but prefer the liberal I know. That would be Brown over Hackett. I have to say, I like what Hackett had to say during his congressional campaign, but found his advertisements to be misleading. Why on earth was he aligning himself with Bush? Just to attract repub voters? Sorry, but we have enough DINO's in the house and Senate already. I want liberals who are proud of what they stand for, no matter the forum.

[Jai4WKC08]

12. Hackett was running in a HEAVILY Repub District

It went like 70% for the incumbent in the previous election.

Winning was impossible without attracting Repub voters.

[formernaderite]

17. so you're saying its okay to "seem"

republican, in order to win. Hmmm...I think that's been the cause of the rightward drift in this country over the last 12 years.

[Jai4WKC08]

24. What I'm saying is

You can't effect change if you can't get elected.

I'm not one who says the Dems should lean to the right or abandon the left. I used to see it that way, but Wes Clark has convinced me that it's not a matter of right or left, and that dividing the party that way is a Repub tactic to keep us weak.

But in special circumstances, like a Dem running for the House in a very red district, I think we have to accept that the candidate will make compromises to promote those of his/her positions that appear more Repub-like.

If you were selling a product, you wouldn't advertise the aspects of the product that are likely to drive customers away. Doesn't mean you change those aspects if they have some other benefit, but you do downplay or ignore them in your ads.

[Awsi Dooger]

4. Hackett, simply on electability

My general belief is ousting an incumbent requires either an implosion by the incumbent, like nearly happened in Kentucky last year, or a very unique charismatic challenger who can wake up and ignite the otherwise contented swing voters. That's why I preferred Edwards over Kerry last year and why I would nominate Paul Hackett next year. Especially in Ohio. Brown may be preferable in office but you've got to handicap the state first and foremost. It's still base red by 2-3 points and we can't afford to ignore that by nominating the more conventional and liberal candidate.

[Zynx]

5. Hackett's riskier, but I think has a better shot at winning.

DeWine won't be easy to knock off. I see Brown getting at a minimum 45% and a maximum of 52% whereas Hackett could get anywhere between 44% and 55% in my opinion. That's the only way I really know how to describe what I think Hackett could do. He could do slightly worse if he runs a bad campaign, but he could do a great deal better. Brown will be in a tighter range of possibilities.

[Awsi Dooger]

9. I think that's a terrific assessment

A GOP incumbent in Ohio is never going to be an easy out. On another lefty blog last week the chief writer listed this race as "virtually in the bag" and I damn near blew my lunch.

Agreed, Hackett has a much greater dispersion. It's possible he could be a loose cannon with a flurry of questionable remarks and earn negative national press. He could also screw up our game plan and win by open lengths via unusual percentage among voting blocks who normally reject us.

Last year we played it safe with resume Kerry. It's high time to learn from that and gamble on greatness.

[IndianaGreen]

11. "Electability" was the Kool-Aid we drank in 2004

That was a failed strategy!

According to most Ohio DUers, Brown has been in the trenches fighting the good fight.

[Polemonium]

14. Exactly, but Kool-Aid makes me feel soo smart.

It's a primary, lets vote for the guy who has policies we most agree with for a change. I know radical.....

[LittleClarkie]

43. I think the opposite is true.

Kerry got it closer than several of the other candidates would have.

We could have run a McGovern-like candidate, and lost like McGovern did. That's nothing against McGovern, btw. But I just don't think anybody else would have done much better, and might have done worse.

But I guess we won't know.

That said, I think Hackett is the electable one here. Brown is probably too progressive for Ohio. Hackett is more bold, but also a bit more conservative in some ways. That will probably play better in Ohio.

[nickshepDEM]

6. Hacektt.

[beaconess]

7. Sherrod Brown's a good guy, but I can't believe he undercut Hackett

like this. He's really better than that.

[Algorem]

8. Waah.Waah.

Hackett's the annointed one,I guess.He's entitled,based on his victory against Schmidt.Why's Brown and the 'career politicians' being so mean to him.Waah.

[ProudToBeLiberal]

13. here's a tissue to wipe away those baby tears

now stop crying. Do you want some warm milk? Perhaps that will stop those tears and the snot running down your chin.

[Algorem]

26. this is better-Brown beats DeWine&Hackett loses,in Columbus Dispatch

poll-

Voters appear far from sold on DeWine
http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/11/07/20051107-A1-03.html

Monday, November 07, 2005

After serving almost 11 years in the U.S. Senate, Republican Mike DeWine is drawing support for re-election in 2006 from fewer than a third of Ohio voters, a new Dispatch Poll shows.

He has two potential Democratic challengers who announced their candidacies only in the past month. Yet the poll shows DeWine in a virtual dead heat with newcomer Paul Hackett and losing narrowly to U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown.

The survey underscores why Democratic leaders in Washington have made DeWine a target. Experts such as Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, already are labeling Ohio’s Senate race next year a tossup.

The significance of surveys taken a year before an election is somewhat dubious, of course. Yet it’s hard to find a bright spot for an elected official — one who has occupied a statewide office since 1991 (he previously was lieutenant governor) — struggling to get backing from 30 percent of the voters...


http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/11/07/20051107-A4-04.html

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/11/07/20051107-A4-00.html

[mtnester]

37. The Disp-ass also heralded Kerry forever

then when push came to shove, endorsed Bush against the vote of its own editorial staff (damn those Wolfes).

I believe what I see in the Dispatch the day they change their name to the Toledo Blade.

[Algorem]

39. it's a poll,not an editorial

[mtnester]

42. Do you know who ran it? I don't subscribe to that paper

and bugmenot does not let me in.

[Vis Numar]

10. This sums it up for me

This paragraph from today's LA Times:

In Ohio, Paul Hackett, another Iraq war veteran, generally opposed a
timetable for withdrawal during his high profile, but unsuccessful,
campaign for a House seat during a special election last summer. But now
Hackett has embraced the idea as he faces off in a Democratic Senate
primary against Rep. Sherrod Brown, who has endorsed legislation that
would require Bush to draft a withdrawal plan by year's end.

[Douglas Carpenter]

15. Exactly --Brown -substance and a proven track record

nothing against Hackett -- I donated to his his race last year for the House.

[WCGreen]

16. Thank you....

Hackett needs to win an election or two that matter and not jump from city council to the Senate...

I watched him on Bill Maher and a number of other political talks shows and he simply came off as a neophyte...

Brown knows his wy around Ohio and Washington....

I want Brown as my Senator...

[Clark2008]

21. Why?

It never ceases to amaze me that people want career politicians to run for higher office.

I think Hackett is smart enough to be a Senator without having all that baggage.

That said, it's not my race to vote in, but I don't get this meme that people have to rise through some political ranks to get to be a Senator or President.

I want leaders, not politicians.

[Algorem]

35. He's smart enough,darn it.

He's good enough.And people like him.

[LynneSin]

18. Whoever doesn't get the nomination should be the 2008 Candidate

Voinovich comes up for re-election in 2008 so the primary loser in 2006 should be the candidate in 2008.

To be honest, I've read good things about Brown, so I think Ohio will be winners no matter who the candidate is!

BTW just because the primary is competative doesn't mean the candidate will be weakened for the general election. In 2002, PA's governor Ed Rendell had a very competative and expensive primary against Bob Casey Jr. And yet Rendell still pulled out a strong win in November.

If anything, competitive primaries with 2 very viable candidates will help raise awareness for both of the candidates and set one of them up for a win in future statewide elections!

[OhioBlue]

30. Isn't Voinovich up again in 2010? n/t

[election_2004]

31. What if Voinovich retires in 2010?

Open-seat race?

[mtnester]

38. George does not know how to DO anything else except be a pol

and a bad one at that...oh, and take graff for himself and his friends. He will run again barring a major scandal (which could easily happen)

[ArtVandaley]

19. Like Hackett, think Brown is more ready for the Senate

Hackett should run for Lt. Gov or AG, then wait to take out Voinavich in 2010.

[FrenchieCat]

20. It's not about "who's ready".....

it's about who can win. Without winning, "being ready" is totally besides the point.

Unfortunately Sherrod Brown IS NOT a breath of Fresh Air.....and he will be very easy for the Repugs to desconstruct. He's offering the stereotypical version of a weak Democrat.

If Brown wins the Dem primary, we lose the general election...which as we all have learned (the hard way).... it that actually counts in the end!

[sendero]

22. What you said..

... is exactly what I think. It's not about who would be a better senator, it's about who can win.

An old-style liberal is just what DeWine knows how to defeat. Having to deal with an unknown quantity with eclectic views will put him on his heels.

I think Hackett has the advantage, and I want this seat in the D column, no matter how much I agree with that particular D on the issues.

[flpoljunkie]

25. Absolutely, FrenchieCat. We need to support a Dem who can win in Ohio.

[mikelewis]

23. I'm gonna say Brown...

because he has the experience to be a Senator. If Hackett wants to run for the House, I'm behind him 100% but a Senator is a bit of a stretch for someone with his experience. I also would support him if he ran for Governor and would urge him to do so. His experience in the military has probably prepared him more for an executive position as opposed to a legislative one. If he should win the nomination, of course I'm going to back him, I'm just planning on voting for Brown in the primary.

[SeanOhio]

27. Agreed

As an Ohioan, I agree with the notion that electability is crucial. While I admire Brown and his record, I just don't think his message will resonate with voters outside of Northeast Ohio--as a fellow Democrat from here in Springfield put it, "He's just another guy from Cleveland."

[Algorem]

28. Just a guy from Cleveland(not) who's won statewide twice.

"...In 2001, when the Republican-controlled legislature threatened to gerrymander him out of office, Brown threatened to run for governor in 2002. The Republicans backed down, preserving Brown's majority Democratic district, and Brown stayed in the U.S. House of Representatives..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherrod_Brown

Hackett's the guy from Cleveland-

"...was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Paul and Beth Hackett, who lived at the time in Gates Mills..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hackett

[Guaranteed]

29. Hate to respond to my own poll, but I gotta say that Hackett

is our man in 2006. The best thing we could possibly do is shine the spotlight on him as brightly as possible. But we can't do that if he's not the nominee.

We need someone who moderates can trust not to be fucking around. Hacket IS that guy. Above all else, he has credibility. THAT is what we need.

He's our McCain. We need to make use of him.

[AX10]

32. I agree.

:kick:

[Algorem]

34. I don't know what you people are smokin but I don't want any.

McCain?Pleh!Being a city councilman in Mayberry does give him some credibility though.I guess.

[mtnester]

40. You know, I look at it from a different angle alltogether..

debates...Brown will debate like the Dem he is, DeWine will beat him because of it...Hackett will scare the pee right out of DeWine live.

I personally would rather watch Mike DeWine cry on live tevision myself. I hate that little toad.

[Algorem]

46. we've all seen Hackett scare the piss out of people in countless debates

He transcends Dem-ness.

[OhioBlue]

33. Hackett - he has the charisma to win

I also don't believe he is a DINO, and don't buy into the argument that he was just a City Councilman, so he isn't qualified. He is a veteran and a lawyer. Thus, he has real life experience when it comes to defense or war issues. His status as a lawyer indicates that he is educated and can obviously understand legislation that comes before him. I don't have a prerequisite that he hold a State Office before becoming our Senator.

[Algorem]

36. "He can read!"-George Costanza

And ya wanna have a beer with him.

[snowbear]

44. How about in your local Ohio polls..?

Is Sherrod Brown really ahead of Major Hackett in your local polls? (Looked like it on a poll someone put on here a while ago) http://eliteleague.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/duh!.gif

Guess the good news for Paul Hackett is that there's still a year to go.. He'll probably do VERY well raising money not just in Ohio, but nationally.

[Algorem]

47. losing in polls does help raise campaign money

[MichDem10]

41. Anyone who is willing to ...

call George Bush the LIAR that he is will get my vote! :kick:

[Algorem]

45. Letters From Constituents Concerning Iraq

Letters From Constituents Concerning Iraq
House of Representatives - September 16, 2003


The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Kline). Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, 165 years ago the U.S. House of Representatives passed a rule to ban discussion, debate, printing of any information or discussion of the issue of slavery. As a result, former President John Quincy Adams, who was elected to the House of Representatives after he was President, came to the House floor night after night, week after week, hoping to change the minds of people and debate the issue of slavery.

Adams, one of the Nation's leading abolitionists, one of the Nation's strongest believers in giant social justice, as a result, because he was prohibited from talking about slavery, came to the floor and read letters that he received from constituents in Massachusetts and constituents around the country. He believed that Congress should discuss slavery and debate slavery, so he allowed citizens to speak through him as the microphone, citizens through using these letters to speak directly to Congress, directly to the American people.

In a similar way, many in this Congress are unhappy that we are failing to investigate what our role in Iraq was. My friend from Texas (Mr. Paul), Republican from Texas, has joined with many of us in questioning and asking for an independent commission to investigate the Bush administration's distortion of evidence of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program, saying that we need to know more in order to deal with the problems at hand more, and as a result, I would like to read letters from petitioners from Ohio, from my District most of them, from all of Ohio, received from Ohio literally thousands of letters questioning, asking that Congress investigate, questioning what we are actually doing in Iraq...

http://sherrod.house.gov/issuesfairaqletters20030916.htm