Tell the DSCC and Shumer to shove it.... Hackett should run!

[julialnyc]

http://www.cleveland.com/politics/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/ispol/1128850235291450.xml&coll=2
snipped.........
And when summer ended with no top Ohio Democrats willing to challenge DeWine, party leaders in Washington were happy to have Hackett jump into the void.
Indeed, only two weeks before Brown changed his mind, he said he had no regrets about his decision: "I love what I'm doing and it's hard to walk away from something you love," he said.
As for Hackett, he said: "He's smart, he's capable. He has a good understanding of the issues."
Not surprisingly, Brown's reversal has infuriated the Hackett camp. Hackett not only had begun assembling a staff in recent weeks, he also had bought a $130,000 motor home for campaigning around the state, says friend and adviser Michael Brautigam.
"He did that when he firmly committed to the race, right after Brown looked him in the eye, and said, 'I'm not running. Good luck,' " said Brautigam. "Politicians who shake someone's hand, look a person in the eye and say one thing and then do exactly the opposite is what's wrong with politics in America today."
Brautigam said Hackett is considering his options this weekend while on drill duty with the Marine Reserves. He said Hackett was dismayed by a phone call Thursday from New York Sen. Charles Schumer, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, hinting "that Paul should get out of the race." Hackett is "not interested in getting in a bloody internecine fight in a primary when the real target should be Mike DeWine," Brautigam said. But if Hackett doesn't run for the Senate, he said, he's likely to bow out of politics.
"Paul is truly not a professional politician. Being stabbed in the back by the Democratic Party will likely cause Paul to go back to his family and his small business, and the Democrats will continue their addiction to losing," said Brautigam.
(much more)

[madfloridian]

1. Please correct that to the DSCC. Not the DNC...Schumer is head of DSCC

Please.

Hey thanks. :hi:

I agree with you that this could be a problem, BTW

[julialnyc]

3. sorry... I just typed too fast... it's changed

N/T

[madfloridian]

6. Thanks.

:hi:

[shance]

118. This is not the first time Schumer's played election tyrant.

Schumer's also played nasty in Pennsylvania along with Governor Rendell in Pennsylvania and have annointed Casey when there is another better suited Democrat named Chuck Pennacchio.

[John Q. Citizen]

2. Why the attack on the DNC when the story doesn't even

mention them?

[Tiggeroshii]

4. I thought Schumer supported Hackett

I thought the guy was one of the reasons Hackett even decided to run! This is so fucked up on so many levels it makes me sad. I think the DNC needs to be telling Brown to shove it... What's WRONG with these people?!

[madfloridian]

5. No, apparently Brown is running now...they want Hackett out.

I am not in that state...so not my business. Just concerns me. I hear Brown is quite good.

[Tiggeroshii]

7. But Brown said he wasn't gonna run.

Yeah, I guess it's not our business if we don't live int he state, but for cripe's sake, what ever happened to keeping your word on these things instead of puncturing the party like this? Brown shouldjsut wait till '10 when he can run against Voinovich. two weeks is too long. Just messing things up for the Democrats, that's all...

I think Hackett will win the primary, no matter

[julialnyc]

10. I just hope he stays in the race and doesn't leave politics

He is such a breath of fresh air......... and a hope that the democrats will branch out and support new faces that bring diversity and original experience

[Tiggeroshii]

14. Seriously.

[femrap]

43. I live in Ohio.....believe me we want Brown over Hackett.

Seriously, no one outside of Cincinnati would have heard of Hackett if it hadn't been for this 'Special Election' in the 2nd District...and of course it was the state of Ohio (whose election was rigged).

Hackett is a Reagan Democrat. Sorry...but I will take Sherrod Brown anyday over a Reagan Democrat....you didn't hear Hackett in person. I did...twice. I wasn't impressed with him the first time...so I went again. Ugh. Pug Lite.

I am so glad Brown is running...he will be a good Senator. Hackett has no experience and he is a Pug Lite....

Guess he can sell the motorhome to Brown to use for the campaign....

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

48. I am not in Ohio but followed Hackett's run for Congress and didn't like

him. In the debate against his opponent, he said we were fighting for our freedom in Iraq. I wanted to vomit.

[ohio_liberal]

52. I call bullshit

Where in Ohio do you live?

Sherrod Brown is not going to win in rural Ohio. Paul Hackett can. There aren't enough Dem voters in the large cities to offset the rural voters and those rural voters don't want an established politician like Sherrod Brown.

Sherrod Brown is a fine Congressman but he needs to keep his word and stay out of it for now. Challenge Voinovich in 2010.

[Kukesa]

62. I second your bullshit call.

I live in southern Montgomery Co. and worked diligently for Kerry/Edwards. The Dem H/Q wrote off the south suburbs and concentrated on the inner city and northern suburbs.

We told them, we begged them, and they wrote us off.

Hackett can win here; Brown cannot.

Screw the honchos.

Let's go back to what worked in the primary -- net roots.

[VolcanoJen]

85. What do you mean, "we"

I live in Ohio and I can guarantee you that nobody in the southwestern parts is interested in nominating Sherrod Brown as the sacrificial lamb who will be rituastically disembowled by the Republican party and Mike Dewine.

Go ahead and support Sherrod Brown if you want, and go ahead and slander Paul Hackett as "Pug Lite" if it makes you feel, I don't know, better than the Cincinnatians who continue to support him. He showed us the recipe for syphoning Republican votes down here, and we can follow his lead, or continue on with our addiction to losing.

[Kukesa]

90. Brown chaired a Social Security presentation

in Dayton this spring; it was co-sponsored by local labor unions and held in a big union hall.

Lots of publicity and lots of invites from "liberal" groups.

It was poorly attended and the hall was nearly empty.

This is the type of enthusiasm and support Brown can expect in Montgomery Co.

[VolcanoJen]

92. Yep. But bring Paul Hackett to Blue Ash, throw in a little Max Cleland...

... and 5,000 people show up.

Go figure. :-)

[julialnyc]

94. and even more will donate

I gave to Hackett and I don't even live in Ohio. Paul Hackett can raise tons of money from his name recognition and would constantly have media attention (Lord only knows what will be happening in Iraq and nobody will get more air time than Hackett)

[femrap]

112. Support whoever you want....if you like warriors, fine...

vote for them.

Brown has been in the US House since '92. 2 terms as Sec'y of State for Ohio and 4 terms in Ohio House of Reps...

Hackett has a couple of years on the city council of a small town.

I wasn't impressed with him....seemed arrogant, self-absorbed, wouldn't listen....I just didn't like him. I was not inspired.

Others like the warrior mentality....I really prefer a candidate who would work toward peace. Carrying 80 pounds and busting into people's homes in Falluja doesn't qualify as experience for Senate.

[julialnyc]

124. Warriors? You mean our troops?

Statements like that are very simple minded

[femrap]

125. hackett made a big point at a debate of his ability to carry 80 pounds

on his back while he busted down doors in Falluja. Statements like this don't impress me....but if you like them, fine.

Hey, if you are in nyc (your name ends in nyc)....wanna trade places? You can come here and work for hackett...deal?

Can you have a political discussion about a candidate and be civil at the same time?

[ICantBelieve]

143. Well, that was uncalled for...

I live outside Philly and I did go to Cinci to work for Hackett. People there loved him--and hated Schmidt. I met him. He was polite enough. He told me not to call him "sir"--tough not to with the way he carries himself, really. I've heard good and bad things about him from people who know him well. Yeah, he's "arrogant." Talented people often are.

You sound like someone who just plain doesn't like the military. That's fine. But that doesn't mean Ohio should put up someone who can't win. And it doesn't mean you should misrepresent Hackett's view of the war. Remember, he called GWB and SOB. I didn't see the debate you're speaking of, but from everything that was said around me while I was in OH-02, it was pretty obvious that Paul never believed in it.

This is what primaries are for. Let them duke it out.

[CAcyclist]

137. I did hear Hackett on the radio

and I did like him. If Brown is better, than good for him, but why wasn't he running before?

[mandyky]

8. This is why we lose elections

Same thing happened in Teaxs, they went with Chris Bell instead of Morrison when Morrison had already run against DeLay and made huge inroads. Why does the party only want grassroots money but not for us to run? It undermines everything Howard Dean is trying to do. Who's gonna wanna get volunteers and staff lined up when the DSCC and the DCC come in at a later date and pull out the rug? It sucks god damnit!

[julialnyc]

11. democrats need to invite the public into their private party

Hackett caused the most excitement in ages and they want to pay back a loyal politician to THEM not us. I'm sure Brown is a great guy and could be a good candidate, but the people are exited about Hackett and he seems to have more likelihood of winning (not to mention he was basically drafted in to the role)

[mandyky]

13. I am livid!

Absolutely livid, I tell you! LOL

[VolcanoJen]

87. Damn straight and spot-on, mandyky.

You nailed it.

[Kukesa]

91. Perfect, mandyky, perfect. n/t

[NoPasaran]

98. You mean Nick Lampson, not Chris Bell

Chris Bell is running for governor and is a very fine fellow.

[mandyky]

116. yeah that's who I meant

LOL I was so mad last night

[CAcyclist]

138. Because our power scares them.

They want the power but if it's our money we are donating to our own candidate , they don't control the process so they have no hold over the candidate. They can't dictate to the candidate which positions to have and how to vote. We will have that power and that scares the living daylights out of the consultants and other insiders at the top of the food chain.

[Zhade]

154. Why? Easy: it's harder to control the grassroots candidates.

Even the Dem party isn't all THAT democratic.

[I Have A Dream]

9. Who do they have that could bring in more votes and care more...

about Americans? I just don't understand politicians sometimes.

[mandyky]

12. Nominate this thread!

We need to call Schumer and our Democratic Senators about this ASAP!
Is tomorrow a Federal holiday (Columbus Day)? When will they be in their offices! I am fucking furious about this one!

[julialnyc]

15. let them know what you think

http://www.dscc.org/

[Tiggeroshii]

17. There's no email address for such a thing, we should al lbe calling them?

[mandyky]

19. Tomorrow might be the Columbus day holiday!

But Tuesday, we need to be on this like stink on shit!

[Tiggeroshii]

21. I left a message, but we shouldn't let them rest without a call about this

during hours. But I also think their voicemessage box should be super full with these messages when they come back to work.

[julialnyc]

29. good idea, they should have a full mail box!

N/T

[julialnyc]

80. here

http://www.dscc.org/about/contactus/

[Tiggeroshii]

16. I have this idea people need to be telling HAckett to stay int he race

WE should probably be giving him a barrage of emails verbalizing our support for him nationally. I think if they realize his support is far greater nationally than Brown will ever have, the DSCC, Brown and Schumer will eventually comet o their senses...

[mandyky]

18. Does Hackett have a website yet?

Link?

[Tiggeroshii]

20. I contacted them through the email on his old one

www.hackettforcongress.com

[julialnyc]

24. not working

I just tried

[Tiggeroshii]

sorry, it's .com

www.hackettforcongress.com

[julialnyc]

22. I wish I could give money

If a pouring of donation came in it would send a big message to Shumer and company!

[Tiggeroshii]

23. You probably still can through his old website that's still up.

Maybe?

At least give them a call

[phone] (phone)

[julialnyc]

26. oops... sorry, I responded to the wrong message

Donation link isn't working.

I'll try calling when my husband gets off the phone

[Tiggeroshii]

30. I just tried calling, you'll get a message, but it's his law office so

It seems like the number still works, so if you can leave a message and tell them what you wanna do! =D

If I wasn't a poor college student, I would donate somethign =\

[helderheid]

40. AGREED

[Old and In the Way]

25. Is it a bad thing to have a primary between Brown and Hackett?

I've always thought that primaries allow us to choose the best candidate that represents our core values. I'm not taking sides in this because ultimately it will be the Democrats in Ohio who decide which candidate reflects their interests....but I would think a primary will do nothing but energize the base for the GE against DeWine.

[julialnyc]

27. I agree with you in some ways and disagree in other ways

First, I don't trust any of the Ohio voting, but secondly I think a united party could raise much more many and not give DeWine ammunition by smearing each other before the GE.


But I do see your point

[ICantBelieve]

145. Have a primary

I think they should have a primary and behave themselves. Why is that too much to ask?

[madfloridian]

28. He got a call to drop out.

That is the issue.

[sandnsea]

89. Peculiar, isn't it

If Brown had gotten in first, then everybody would be saying it's good for the Democratic Party to have dissenting voices. But because it's the lefty hero Hackett, who supported victory in Iraq until a few weeks ago, well that's just a different story altogether. The problem with the Democratic Party is that it truly is full of whining babies.

[julialnyc]

93. no, hackett was urged to run until

katrina hurt repukes poll numbers giving Brown a false sense that he could beat Dewine, but the numbers will change and he should have known that hackett has a much better chance

[sandnsea]

104. 6 weeks later?

More likely Hackett's wishy washy position on Iraq is beginning to worry Democrats in Ohio and the Senate. In any event, I don't particularly care which one of them takes on DeWine, although Brown is the proven progressive. The key is fully supporting the final candidate, no matter which one it is. It's the hypocrisy that bugs me, not which one wins.

[Clark2008]

131. Wishy-washy?

It's not wishy-washy to both support the troops and hope they acheive their objectives while still not supporting the overall war.

Supporting the troops simply means you want them to survive - and to survive well - no matter what the politicians do back in DC; however, we all know that people who initially supported this stupid war now don't - for whatever reason.

It's not wishy-washy to support the best possible pull-out that saves both trooops' lives now AND American lives later by preventing a hot-bed of seething terrorist training camps, a la Afghanistan.

[CAcyclist]

141. You know, sandandsea, the more I read your opinions,

the less I care what you think.

[PittLib]

102. Yes! Yes! Yes!

For the love of God ... primaries are key! What is the interest in doing away with them, excepting of course $$$? It is infuriating. Take the power out of the hands of the people and you not only disillusion voters, but threaten the very notions of democracy! Why do so few people understand this?! :banghead:

[mandyky]

117. The point is not 2 Dems in the primary

Brown told Hackett he didn't wanna run, 2 weeks later Schumer talks Brown into running. Sticking by one's words would be nice.

Hackett had already gone to Washington and met with leaders and supposedly got a positive nod.

[Old and In the Way]

121. Do you think this is the 1st time in the history of primary campaigns

that this has occured? I understand Hackett's appeal here, but from what I've read, Brown may be more progressive on issues than Hackett. I look forward to their primary...I think it will do nothing but push each to take a more progressive Democratic agenda into the GE.

I'm happy to see 2 good Democratic candidates, either of which should be able to take DeWine out, engaged and willing to fight for that seat. May the best man win.

[Tatiana]

31. Seems like an ego thing.

Brown's been trudging along in the House and now this upstart who lost a Congressional race (though just barely) might get handed a Senate seat.

I think Brown feels as though he deserves to be Senator. And maybe he does. But sadly, this isn't about what he deserves, but who the grassroots in Ohio want for their Senator.

Hackett needs to develop a tougher skin; politics is a dirty business. Brown has every right to run. Hackett can beat him in the primaries fair and square, if he is indeed the candidate Ohio dems want to field.

Personally, I think Hackett will be a more exciting candidate. Sometimes it's a good thing to get away from the status quo politics-as-usual candidates and get fresh meat (and a fresh perspective on the issues). Hackett doesn't seem like a "yes" man, which probably has some party leaders worried.

[KittyWampus]

81. who the "grassroots in OHIO" want? Mighty big assumption there. Seems more

like grassroots on the internet. And SOME grassroots activits not ALL.

I agree 100% with the rest of your post and wonder how much of this is accurate reporting anyway. We know what Hackett's rep said happened. There's two sides to every story.

[fujiyama]

169. I agree with you

that politics is a rough and dirty business and maybe Hackett does need to gain a better understanding of how nasty it can be. But this is what's wrong with politics today and is what drives many decent people away from it - there's no taking anybody at their word, even those in your own party.

Brown certainly has a right run...but how do you say, "no" one minute, then two weeks later decide, "yes". It's nonsense. Atleast he should have told Hackett that he was seriously considering it and that he would let him know when he had made up his mind. Of course, it's possible he did say that and all we are hearing is Hackett's side.

Ultimately, I think Hackett might a more interesting candidate. His biography helps, especially in rural areas of OH. Brown has won statewide and that is definetely a plus (after all the real goal is defeating DeWine), but the last time was about ten years ago.

Maybe a primary is what's needed. I hope it doesn't get too bloody. I would rather have the eventual candidate have as much cash and support as possible to take on DeWine. There isn't even a hope of taking back the senate (or even evening it for that matter) without taking this seat. It's a must win.

[Cocoa]

32. would Hackett really "bow out of politics?"

I hope he doesn't, I hope he sticks it out, maybe runs for another seat.

Maybe this was an idle threat, but it doesn't make Hackett look very good, at least at first glance.

[mandyky]

33. This is what is wrong with politics

quote

Not surprisingly, Brown's reversal has infuriated the Hackett camp. Hackett not only had begun assembling a staff in recent weeks, he also had bought a $130,000 motor home for campaigning around the state, says friend and adviser Michael Brautigam.

"He did that when he firmly committed to the race, right after Brown looked him in the eye, and said, 'I'm not running. Good luck,' " said Brautigam. "Politicians who shake someone's hand, look a person in the eye and say one thing and then do exactly the opposite is what's wrong with politics in America today."

/quote

[julialnyc]

35. exactly!

I hope that the people let him know that we want him!

[mod mom]

34. I too want Hackett to run. Here is a good article someone forwarded me:

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=10393

American Prospect – October 7, 2005
Divvying Up Ohio
Skip the primary: Send Brown to the Senate and Hackett to the House
By David J. Sirota

If elections are ugly things, primary elections are downright hideous, especially on the Democratic side. Ronald Reagan's famous Eleventh Commandment -- paraphrased as, "Thou shalt not speak badly of a fellow party member" -- is rarely respected, no matter how much it is publicly venerated.

Few argue that these primaries weaken a party's ability to ultimately win the seats it is aiming for. Primary candidates spend months publicly beating one another up and spending money that should otherwise be hoarded for use against the other party. Meanwhile, incumbents rise above it all, using their public office to run a Rose Garden-like campaign, stressing their credentials as statesmen above the odious partisan sniping taking place on the other side of the aisle.

Already in the 2006 election cycle, Democrats face two potentially nasty primaries in eminently winnable U.S. Senate races. In Montana, state Senate President John Tester (D) and state Auditor John Morrison (D) are both running to replace Republican Senator Conrad Burns, who has been damaged by his connections to, among others, scandal-ridden lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In Rhode Island, Secretary of State Matt Brown (D) and former Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse (D) are facing off for the right to challenge Senator Lincoln Chafee, a vulnerable Republican incumbent in an overwhelmingly Democratic state.

Now, a third primary could take place in another battleground state: Ohio. Over the course of the last week, the state has gone from having no one to run against Senator Mike DeWine to potentially having two top Democrats square off for the chance to challenge the pathetically weak incumbent (DeWine received a 42-percent approval rating from Ohio voters in a recent poll).

[julialnyc]

36. Draft Hackett?

a website could send a message to the DSCC

[Tiggeroshii]

37. Yeah, somebody needs to start one...

[julialnyc]

38. another article

http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15352867&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

(they provide Brown's website....I'm going to write to tell him not to try to bully Hackett out of the race)

[helderheid]

39. we need to all pull together and support Hackett!!

[Hippo_Tron]

41. Schummer just told our biggest asset to go fuck himself

Of course, I don't believe everything that I read in the papers, so I don't know exactly how the conversation REALLY went, but I don't like the sound of it.

[MrBenchley]

47. A somewhat obscure candidate is "our biggest asset?"

Is the second biggest also somebody from the Milford, Ohio city council?

A lot of us consider Schumer a much bigger asset than a guy who lost the only Congressional race he's ever been in.

By the way, Hackett is somewhat further to the right on many issues than Brown is.

[julialnyc]

101. Shumer is a pain in the ass and Hackett barely lost in a place

where no one thought a democrat had any hope of winning


Hackett is the biggest asset to 06 (can you think of another person that's challenging a Republican incumbent who has more name recognition?)

Hackett may not be your favorite candidate, but he is a perfect fit for Ohio and an honorable guy.

[MrBenchley]

108. Schumer has a long and distinguished career...

Hackett is an obscure Congressional candidate who lost. Does the name Bob Casey, Jr., ring a bell?

[julialnyc]

123. Schumer is my old senator and he is a dino like most of the party

He is allot of talk and hardly any walk (I have to listen to him constantly)

You say Hackett is obscure, I say he is fresh and exciting (which this stale comatose party needs)

[MrBenchley]

130. So nobody is a true Democrat but you? Weird.

Schumer has a long and distinguished record of accomplishments.

"I say he is fresh and exciting (which this stale comatose party needs)"
Jeeze, one wonders why somebody would stay with a party they think is stale and comatose.

[julialnyc]

134. people in here are.... they practice what they preach

"Jeeze, one wonders why somebody would stay with a party they think is stale and comatose."


What other options do I have? I most certainly will not give up my right to vote.

I don't dislike all democrats...... in fact I don't dislike many things about Schumer, but he does some dumb things that piss me off.

That's great that Schumer has a long distinguished record, but what is he doing now? I don't see any use of people who don't want to evolve with the times.

[MrBenchley]

153. Let's see...people in here are maligning a repected Democratic Senator

over a news story that isn't true...if that's what some people practice and preach, they can cram it, far as I'm concerned.

"I don't dislike all democrats......"
Gee, I believe you. Thousands wouldn't.

[Hippo_Tron]

119. He's an Iraq War veteran speaking out for our side

And putting him in the spot light helps dispell the myth that the troops love Bush and support his phony wars.

[MrBenchley]

133. And he's never won anything but small town city council...

"And putting him in the spot light helps dispell the myth that the troops love Bush and support his phony wars."
Here's a tip...the Ohio Senate race is hardly the spotlight, except IN Ohio. Only a handful of people in 49 other states give a crap.

He's a swell guy...it's nice to have him on the team. But let's let him play a while before we appoint him captain.

[Hippo_Tron]

148. Paul Wellstone never won anything before his US Senate seat

Hackett isn't going to start from the bottom of politics and work his way up. He's not a career politician, it's not what he does.

[MrBenchley]

151. And Wellstone won a Senate seat

"Hackett isn't going to start from the bottom of politics and work his way up. He's not a career politician, it's not what he does."
Jeeze, this gets sillier and sillier....so we want him because he's an inexperienced amateur who's going to quit pretty soon? And he's a prima donna who demands the spotlight even though he hasn't done anything to earn it?

[helderheid]

42. kick

[bvar22]

44. DSCC meddling in other local primaries.

I have been extremely worried about DLC (Corporate)influence in the Democratic Primaries. Is the DSCC an operative arm of the DLC tasked with eliminating true grassroots progressives and populists from Priamry races?
Is this the Big Link?

About the DCCC (from their website):

"The DCCC is supported by the contributions of individuals and other groups from throughout the country who are committed to returning the People's House to the People of this country. We are not an affiliate of the Democratic National Committee and do not receive regular funding from the DNC."
http://www2.dccc.org/about/overview /

Who are these "other groups" that fund the DCCC, and are they the same "other groups" that fund the DLC?
Is the DCCC a "Private Organization" directing funds and support to their personal "chosen" candidates?



"The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) serves as the official national Democratic campaign committee charged with recruiting, assisting, funding, and electing Democrats to the U. S. House of Representatives. We provide services ranging from designing and helping execute field operations, to polling, creating radio and television commercials, fund raising, communications, and management consulting."
http://www2.dccc.org/about/overview /

The use of the phrase "serves as the official" bothers me. Is a private organization that has no accountability to the Party, funded by private sources exerting unearned influence at the very grassroots of our Party?
It seems to me that this is a way for this organization to avoid accountability to the Democratic Party or Democratic Party members.
It is clear from the above statement that they are a powerful, active influence in Democratic Party Primaries.






The Chairman of the DCCC IS a direct link to the DLC!!!

"The DCCC is now chaired by Congressman Rahm Emanuel from the 5th district of Illinois in Chicago. In the 1980s, Mr. Emanuel held senior staff positions at the DCCC, and helped the Democrats win and maintain their House majorities."

http://www2.dccc.org/about/leadership/emanuel /

Rahm Emanuel IS a proud member of the DLC!
http://www.dlc.org/new_dem_dir_action.cfm

Mr. Emanuel is featured prominently on the NDOL (DLC)Website. He is a regular Featured Speaker on Economic Policy at DLC conventions and conferences. It is clear that he supports the Economic Policies pushed by the DLC and the Corporate Leadership in America.



I am currently websearching for more info on the funding, membership, history, and influence of the DCCC in Democratic Primaries. I am especially interested in DCCC connections to the DLC.

How much REAL POWER is in the hands of the DCCC?
Who are THEY?...and to whom does the DCCC answer?
I may be overly paranoid, but I am suspicious of DLC (Corporate) rigging of Primary elections!




AFAIC, this organization has NO RIGHT to meddle in local primaries.
Here ia another thread highlighting DCCC meddling in local primary elections.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=160x14207

[Cocoa]

46. the DLC promoting Sherrod Brown?

how does that make sense?

[MrBenchley]

54. What the fuck is wrong with Rahm Emanuel?

"I may be overly paranoid, but I am suspicious of DLC (Corporate) rigging of Primary elections!"
Rahm Emanuel is gonna getcha! Mbwahahahaha!

"AFAIC, this organization has NO RIGHT to meddle in local primaries."
Jeeze, don't send them any donations then.

[ieoeja]

106. DCCC is not DSCC

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (re: House elections)
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (re: Senate elections)

[Adelante]

162. Easy

The DSCC (and the DCCC) are part of the Democratic Party structure. It's their job to identify candidates. I'm for Hackett, but there's nothing wrong with a primary, and there's nothing wrong with the DSCC backing a candidate they think is better. It's politics.

Our Organization

The Democratic National Committee
The Democratic National Committee plans the Party's quadrennial presidential nominating convention; promotes the election of Party candidates with both technical and financial support; and works with national, state, and local party organizations, elected officials, candidates, and constituencies to respond to the needs and views of the Democratic electorate and the nation.

The Democratic Governors' Association
The Democratic Governors’ Association was founded in 1983 to support the candidacy of Democratic governors throughout the nation. The DGA provides political and strategic assistance to gubernatorial campaigns. In addition, the DGA plays an integral role in developing positions on key state and federal issues that affect the states through the governors’ policy forum series.
http://www.democraticgovernors.org/

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
The purpose of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is to elect more Democrats to the United States Senate. From grass-roots organizing to candidate recruitment to providing campaign funds for tight races, the DSCC is working hard all year, every year to increase the number of Democratic Senators. http://www.dscc.org/

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee serves as the official national Democratic campaign committee charged with recruiting, assisting, funding, and electing Democrats to the U. S. House of Representatives. We provide services ranging from designing and helping execute field operations, to polling, creating radio and television commercials, fundraising, communications, and management consulting.
http://www.dccc.org/

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee provides strategic services and financial assistance to Democratic leaders and candidates at the state legislative level. For nearly a decade, DLCC has been an integral part of the continued success Democrats have had winning at the state legislative level.
http://www.dlcc.org/

State Democratic Parties
The State Democratic Parties work to elect local, state, and federal candidates in their states, as well as supporting the state campaign for the Democratic presidential nominee.
Learn more about your state party

http://www.democrats.org/a/party/ourorganization.html

[Tiggeroshii]

45. So.. have people been calling in?

I wanna know if theyre gonna have their mailboxes full with all their lines busy because of this crap...

[NuttyFluffers]

49. why can't brown run in another race? like N. Ohio?

is any of them open? i'm wholly ignorant of ohio local politics. but why must brown be the one trying to run for senate? can't they have hackett, who was so close and has found some sort of nerve in RW areas, take the senate seat and have brown take some other house seat -- or better yet blackwell's seat?

[ohio_liberal]

53. Blackwell is the Secretary of State

[julialnyc]

59. speaking of that

is Ohio a state where SOS is elected or appointed and if it is elected when is he up for election?

[ohio_liberal]

65. Secretary of State is elected, 4 year term

Next election is 2006.

[NuttyFluffers]

167. k, if you could make brown run for another seat.... which?

which seat would you make brown go for, because of a greater chance to win?

personally, i think hackett would be a better senatorial candidate for ohio. but it'd be wise to offer an option for brown, so there'd be an option for infighting.

granted, we'd probably not be heard by the "inner circle" of the democratic party strategists (and word of advice, whoever their strategists and consultants were, fire 'em. they must be GOp in disguise; too much of a losing streak). but what would be the smart strategy from on the ground knowledge of the state?

[ohio_liberal]

173. Challenge Voinovich, 2010

That's what I would suggest Rep Brown do. Get a more moderate Dem in office first (Hackett), then campaign the big progressive candidate. Let the people see that a Democratic Senator can do the job and do it well (i.e., better than the Republicans ever did). Then we can start swinging towards more progressive/liberal ideas and candidates.

I'm all for progressive candidates. I'm an liberal in a conservative state. But I think we have to be reasonable in our expectations. It will take time to effect any serious changes.

[Boredtodeath]

50. Democratic Politburo Makes a Decree - No Primaries!

Chuck Schumer on August 2, 2005:

"Let me tell you one other thing we did. We are no longer letting Democrats get in a circle and shoot each other. I was just in Tennessee with Harry and with (...) and we have a primary and I stood up there Harold Ford is running and he can become the first African-American elected in the south to the Senate since reconstruction which would be a great thing for America. There is this young woman whose... not so young... but a nice woman running against him but everyone says she is going to attack him."

"...(unintelligible) we are going to intervene if anyone one democrat attacks another, we're doing that in states where there are primaries. We can't afford to do it anymore. This always happens in the primaries, we would throw up the cards and see where they landed. No more, we are finding the best candidate in every one of the seats where a Republican is vulnerable."
http://pbahq.smartcampaigns.com/comment/reply/1577

[mmonk]

51. While I don't know enough about Brown

and Ohio dems perse, I'm always dismayed when dem leaders discourage people from running and I'm usually suspicious. I can't go on my knowledge in this case enough to raise any hell. However, I hate to see possible good candidates and new blood encounter a closed door.

[mattclearing]

55. Arghhh...

This is unforgivable. I wonder if this has anything to do with that (as yet unsubstantiate) rumor about Hackett blowing up at Harry Reid.

If this is how they are going to go about recruiting candidates, we might as well not even bother.

[ohio_liberal]

56. Ohio is not liberal, the right candidates have to run for God's sake

Do you realize a Democratic candidate hasn't won statewide office in 13 years? We're not talking about a couple of statewide races each year. It's a shitload.

I hope you'll take a minute to read Pounder's dKos diary to understand Ohio:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/10/7/175956/366

Well there is a misconception, or a disconnect here on dkos. Liberalism doesnt exist in Ohio. The Democratic strength for what it is doesnt draw from this wing of the Democratic Party. The strength of the Democratic party in Ohio is drawn from the urban minorities and Labor, the blue collar union workers.

Ever since the "Reagan revolution" assault on labor we have seen a decline in the power of labor, and a decline in the power of the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP). Each factory that we have lost to NAFTA or WTO has seen our vote base shrink.

At the same time we have seen the rise of conservatism in the state. It permeates through the mega churches sprouting up all over and the blanket coverage of right wing AM radio - they are all here.

(snip...)

As the urbanites spread into the country, many feel their way of life threatened as big city taxes and condos move in - it really is the Thomas Frank backlash syndrome. And yes, in the south, the redneck racists exist.

(snip....)

A contested Dem Primary is going to take the focus of the GOP Gov Primary and reduce our ability to defeat or mortally wound Blackwell - and with that failure goes the notion of a Democratic sweep in the state. Keeping the evangelicals home on election day is the key - it is of paramount importance


Paul Hackett is a Godsend for the Democrats in Ohio. He is all that Democrats in Ohio are. I don't want to hear about "he's a Repub lite" or he's not liberal/progressive enough. He's a perfect Democratic candidate in this state. Sherrod Brown, for all his good works, is NOT going to win. And now Sherrod Brown and Paul Hackett are going to have to fight each other, instead of tearing down DeWine.

I'm really pissed.

[converted_democrat]

58. I lived the first 22 years of my life in Ohio, and you are spot on. n/t

[femrap]

82. In my opinion, he is Pug Lite....and if you think that's

what it takes to win Ohio, then you come and live here and work for him.

Personally, I believe the Pres. Election of '04 in Ohio was RIGGED....KERRY WON! I think you are buying all the pug propaganda about the religious extremists and their overwhelming power....I don't buy it.

Sure, I would hold my nose and vote for Hackett....I just believe there are extremely more qualified people to be our Senator than Hackett. As far as I am concerned...given all of the corruption in this state committed by the pugs---I think if my cat ran as a Democrat, he would win.

Given that belief, I would like to see someone with more experience than just sitting on the Milford, OH City Council for a couple years run for the office. I will never understand why people think that if you can carry 80 pounds on your back and bust in doors in Falluja, why this qualifies you to be a United States Senator.

I would like to see Hackett step back....face Mean Jean (or who beats her in a primary, if there is one) again. He already has the recognition in the 2nd District.

But I am not going to get pissed over this....get a grip.

edited for spelling....

[ohio_liberal]

83. I already live "here" thanks

I'll be more than happy to volunteer for Hackett.

I can't believe you told me to get a grip. Ok, here's your grip:

Democratic candidates have not won a statewide election in 13 years.

2004
Eric Fingerhut 36%
George Voinovich 64%

2002
Tim Hagen 40%
Bob Taft 60% (and he was unpopular even then)

2000
Ted Celeste 35%
Mike DeWine 60%

In 2004 the Ohio Supreme Court Democratic candidates lost big.

In 2002 the Dem SOS, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, candidates lost by big margins.

The Wall Street Journal poll from June has Brown losing to DeWine:
Mike DeWine (R) 42
Sherrod Brown (D) 36


So the Presidential election in Ohio 2004 was close. Don't preach to me about rigged elections and buying into propaganda. I was there for Conyers' hearing in Columbus and I know all about the irregularities. The "swing" begins and ends with the Presidential elections. The Republicans have managed to keep all those nasty corruption scandals in Ohio as quiet as possible, for the most part. Do you see any serious media scrutiny beyond the Toledo Blade? I don't think so. Ken Blackwell, that smarmy, lisping bastard is beautiful to Republicans. He's going to win the nomination. Your cat isn't going to win, and neither is Sherrod Brown.

[femrap]

111. It's a free country...and Ohio is up for grabs...go work for whoever

you want....

I think the corruption scandals are very much in the news...at least here in Ohio...and that's where it matters.

Then don't get a grip...we're talking politics here. Look at Brown's experience....been in US Congress since '92....2 terms as Sec'y of State in Ohio and 4 terms in the Ohio House of Reps.

I believe he is more qualified than Hackett who has only a couple of years of experience on a small town's city council.

And....my cat is gonna win! neener neener neener....lol.

[ohio_liberal]

114. I'm already living in Ohio

I've been here for 37 years. :eyes:

Did my screen name not give it away?

Let's google "ohio coingate". Who is talking about it?

Bloggers, that's it. And of course the Toledo Blade. No other major news source.

http://news.google.com/news?q=ohio+coingate&sourceid=mozilla-search&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tab=wn&scoring=d

[femrap]

127. I've read about it in Plain Dealer, Dispatch, Enquirer....

Taft polls at 15%. I think the corruption in Ohio is widely known by people who vote. Guess we'll see on November 8 to see if the electorate is paying attention and passes RON...Issues 2,3,4, and 5.

Are you working on this? I've been doing lit drops and handing out flyers to educate people on these Issues.

Maybe you should get of Ohio for awhile....it'll change your attitude.

[julialnyc]

84. Hackett is no republican

N/T

[femrap]

110. I believe you will find out that he was/is

a Reagan Democrat....

[ohio_liberal]

113. Who the fuck cares if he voted for Reagan?

He fit right in with most Ohioans.

[julialnyc]

122. I don't care who he voted for

don't you think Ohio voted for Reagan?

[ohio_liberal]

174. Paul Hackett was 21 or 22 in 1984, for God's sake

Sometimes people change their ideas. Christ, my Mom voted for Reagan. I'm not beating up on her for it 20 years later.

[ICantBelieve]

146. I am so F'ING sick of this sh*t

You gd liberals are doing nothing but ruining our chances at anything with your f'ing liberal purity crap. Get a grip. If Republicans were as stupid as you are, we'd never have had Ronald Reagan as president.

Why don't you take a look at people's stances on issues instead of who they voted for when they were 20 years old???

Hackett: pro SS, pro environment, anti Iraq war

[julialnyc]

100. the two sitting senators should make that clear to people

that Ohio votes republican

[ohio_liberal]

105. Not to mention the SoS, State Auditor, Attorney General...

...Supreme Court, Treasurer, and so on and so on.

The Dem base is shrinking. We've gotta do something different. Run different candidates.

[ohio_liberal]

57. Yesterday's Columbus Dispatch Poll

http://buckeyesenate.typepad.com/buckeyesenate/2005/10/just_how_close_.html

The established Dems are not winning against Blackwell.

[julialnyc]

60. most are undecided

N/T

[ohio_liberal]

61. Yes indeed

It's a long way to the election. But notice that there is not a significant backlash due to all the recent Republican scandals. That in itself is very telling.

[julialnyc]

64. it's very frustrating!

If Blackwell hasn't gotten a bad reputation who will!

[ohio_liberal]

66. He's smelling like a rose to Repubs

I can't explain how this happens. Petro and Montgomery are the ones who look the worst because of the cronyism and corruption, but apparently they still aren't bad enough.

[julialnyc]

67. they probably look at him as the reason Ohio went to Bush

they might not care how they win as long as they do

Blackwell=no paper trail

[ohio_liberal]

68. Truthfully I think the majority of people don't know what's going on

The Toledo Blade has done a fine job of exposing the corruption but the other major Ohio newspapers haven't done crap beyond a headline here, a headline there. I don't think folks go searching for news like we do, so they probably are clueless. And of course our corrupt Republican leadership in Ohio has done a fine job of sweeping it under the rug.

You'd be surprised how many people in Ohio don't even know Ken Blackwell is an African American.

[julialnyc]

70. also sometimes name recognition is all it takes

It's scary, but sometimes people don't remember the bad association with the name, but it just sounds familiar.

That being said, it works the other way too. Hackett got many votes out of name recognition and the fact that he is in the military from republicans who wouldn't like his stance on many social issues. Name recognition is hard to beat (having the Terminator in charge of California proves that!)

[ohio_liberal]

73. Yep!

I agree with everything you wrote above :thumbsup:

[VolcanoJen]

88. Exactly right, and, national attention makes Ohioans pay attention!

If it weren't for Paul Hackett becoming the mainstream media's Poster Child for a brief "Bush People are Beatable and Bush's Support is Waning" meme in the summer, Ohioans might have just skipped the special in OH-2.

Sending Hackett against Dewine guarantees that national attention will be focused on our Senate race, which in turn forces even the Cincinnati Enquirer to seriously cover the race, which in turn forces voters to the polls.

[Kukesa]

63. Good site.

I just placed it in my favorites.

Thanx.

[Horse with no Name]

69. I have no doubts

That the "establishment" does not want grassroots candidates out there.
Why can't Hackett do the job?
What experience did the DLC golden boy (I'm sorry he doesn't impress me) Obama have?
They want to groom the candidates into forces that can be molded into what they want--which appears to be milquetoast.
They want Senators who will play the game--that is--ones that will favor special interests over the people.
I bet if you look, you will see a considerable contribution from those factions in our party to Brown.
They don't want Hackett.
When you cannot take a man (Brown) at his word...then you have nothing.
It isn't a mistake that they are making Hackett come out and fight this--they want to portray him as a whiner...they are trying to take his biggest asset away from him.
I think it is a coup from the DLC to try to take away our strong candidates in favor of special interest groups and corporate money.

[julialnyc]

71. I saw Hackett as more than a democrat with a great chance of winning

I saw him as an optimistic sign that democrats were starting to think outside the box and encourage more people with their unique experiences to join the party.

This just demonstrates that they are having their own private party and we're not invited!

[ohio_liberal]

72. Disputing the idea that Brown is a "Big Money" Candidate

Another great diary by Pounder at dKos:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/10/8/131059/019

Brown's paid blogger Jerome Armstrong states that the congressman has $3 million in the bank. Not true. He's got 1.96 million on hand. People say that this race is going to cost the Dem candidate $15 million. Where the hell is Brown going to raise that kind of cash?

Brown is no prodigious Hilary Clinton here - he is frugal, saving his money each year. Adding to his war chest. He keep promising to run and fails to deliver.

If the best he has been able to do in all this time in the house is a million bucks, where is he going to get the other $14 million from in the next 12 months? I'd like to see his paid supporters explain that.

I went back even further and took a look at his last failed statewide race - see if that was any different. Nope. He only raised just under a million then too in 1990 - $951,937.10 to be precise.

Finally, I took a look at Hacketts ability to raise money quickly. He had a very short period of time in a special election, without any previous fundraising history to fall back on. In those few short weeks he inspired enough organizations and people to amass $848,636 - almost as much as Brown has been able to raise in his best 2 year cycle.

Edited to add that Brown and Al Gore did a fundraiser and raised cash. Don't know how much exactly.

I also want to add just for the hell of it, that especially here in my part of Ohio, being seen with Al Gore is no bonus to one's candidacy. I admire Al Gore immensely but the conservative union Democrats see him as a sell out (trade laws, especially steel tariffs) and hell the ISU threatened to run him out of town in 2000.

[julialnyc]

74. people have to ask themselves

would all Brown voters vote for Hackett?t would all Hackett voters vote for Brown?


I think it seems pretty clear that Hackett brings a bigger demographic to the polls.

I'm sure that Brown is a great guy, but I don't think he has the best chance of winning.

[ohio_liberal]

75. Brown is a great guy

I try not to lose track of that, even though I am extremely pissed at the way this is going down.

Sherrod Brown is a fine congressman with a good record. But he failed at his last statewide election and Ohio is even more conservative now than it was then.

We desperately need Paul Hacketts or we're just going to keep on losing.

[julialnyc]

77. Ohio was handed the golden ticket and the power of a few men want to piss

Ohio was handed the golden ticket and the power of a few men want to piss it away.


Hackett would be the Obama of 06 (meaning he would have lots of attention and tons of money pouring in from outside of the state)


Also, imagine Iraq in 06! Hackett would have tremendous authority to speak of the war over anyone.

So frustrating (and I'm not even in Ohio!)

[onenote]

76. and joe lieberman brings a bigger demographic

than a more liberal dem, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want a more liberal dem to challenge him...

onenote

[julialnyc]

78. Joe is horrid and CT has a completely different demographic

Joe will win, but not because of his views, but because of his wallet and because he is an incumbent.

CT is a blue state which doesn't have the same issues as Ohio

Not to mention that Hackett is no Joe (I can't imagine Joe calling Bush a coward)

[julialnyc]

79. Hackett is no Lieberman and Ohio is no Connecticut

N/T

[WI_DEM]

86. So they will have a primary and may the best man win

They both would be fine candidates.

[VolcanoJen]

95. I'd rather Brown just stick to his word and not run.

Let's save our money, and our fire, for Mike Dewine.

HACKETT FOR OHIO '06!!

[ohio_liberal]

96. Absolutely

I hate that they're going to have to spend money in the primaries against each other.

[julialnyc]

97. not only spend money, but throw insults

something that should be reserved for dewine

[ohio_liberal]

99. Yeah, that too

It's already started.

[Cocoa]

115. then you seem to agree with Schumer

apparently he doesn't want a primary either.

[julialnyc]

120. no I don't agree with him..... he should want the candidate who can win

to run

[KingFlorez]

103. Let the DSCC do it's job

It's not the time to be fighting over candidates as we need to settle on them early so we can get a head start on the Republicans who are the real fight. Focus on attacking the enemy.

[julialnyc]

107. You trust them to do their job?

I certainly don't!

[MrBenchley]

109. Amen to that....

[VolcanoJen]

128. Now, see, this is the kind of stuff that just drives me up a tree.

Let the DSCC do its job?

Why? They have a losing record, and they're addicted to losing the once proud, liberal, reliable state of Ohio. We keep giving them money, and they keep giving us losers.

It's time we the people became the DSCC and showed them how to win elections.

Paul Hackett is an excellent first example, I think.

[Zhade]

155. Yeah, I mean, why have participatory democracy?

Just let the party bosses decide for us!

:eyes:

[Donna Zen]

175. I agree

that they should do their job. They should be recruiting and promoting the best candidates for the particular demographic. I've got no "truck" with Brown who is liberal, but Ohio is red that sometimes shades purple, there is a mighty difference between Brown's congressional district and a state-wide election. The DSCC is chosing Brown not because he is a winner, but because he is "one of them."

Paul Hackett is not a politician, so the DSCC has a problem with that, unfortunately for the DSCC, America including Ohio is sick to death of politicians. Paul Hackett is someone who stands up and tell truth to power, who is smart and will not sell us out.

Hackett is the best chance we have of winning in Ohio. So it follows, if the DSCC were doing its job, they would request that Brown keep his word and wait his turn.

ps. I married a native son of Ohio, and went to school at Kent. The chances of Brown winning seem slim to none from what I'm hearing.

[paineinthearse]

126. I'm not from Ohio

Who is "Brown"?

:shrug:

[ohio_liberal]

129. Sherrod Brown

http://www.house.gov/sherrodbrown/home.htm
http://www.sherrodbrown.com/

[MrBenchley]

132. The cherry on the sundae? The story's NOT TRUE.....

But it sure was exciting while it lasted, wasn't it?

"Was this a shoddy piece of reporting by WVXU's Maryanne Zeleznik? Sounds like it. One of the first rules of journalism is that if person A says that person B said something, you have to call person B to hear their side of the story.
But of equal importance is the seeming fact that the Hackett campaign is trying to spread the meme that the DSCC is trampling on them. Why would they push such a story if it weren't true? This all sounds a bit fishy, but rest assured I'll try to get to the bottom of the story.
: Some have suggested that this story shows the sloppines and inexperience of the Hackett campaign -- not a good sign if it wants to take on a well-funded and popular Democratic Congressman and a well-funded GOP Senator. Sounds plausible..."

http://basie.blogspot.com/2005/10/thoughts-on-dscchackett-story.html

[julialnyc]

135. not true? The article says it THINKS it's not true

it says that the article (which by the way there were many articles) never fact checked with the dscc, but then goes on to suggest (without any evidence) that Hackett orchestrated this.



Does this article suggest Brown isn't running? I'm not clear on the revelation I am supposed to be reading.

[MrBenchley]

152. The article says it's not true

and that the journalist didn't do her job.

"I'm not clear on the revelation I am supposed to be reading."
Since the story doesn't MENTION Brown, I got no idea what your problem is with the story. Seems clear as glass to me....the DSCC did no such thing, and the journalist did a shoddy job.

[julialnyc]

158. it seems to me it is one person's word against another's

and if I'm weighing who is accurate I tend to believe the MANY articles written and published over a blog that I've never heard of.

I imagine that the Hackett campaign might of told a conversation that the dscc thought wouldn't be made public, but I don't see how that shows that this story isn't accurate.

[MrBenchley]

163. Of course it also seemed to you the article said something about Brown

who wasn't mentioned.....

The story's not true. Get over it.

[julialnyc]

165. it is impossible to even have a conversation with you

No the article doesn't say brown's name, but it suggests that Hackett said they were being bullied out of the race (I thought you could understand my implication).


I'm not getting over anything, I don't think some obscure web blog verifies anything. Show me a source with some credibility and we can talk, but some blogger calling a real journalist a liar doesn't sell me.

[MrBenchley]

171. This, by you, is a conversation?

The story doesn't say Brown's name. The story doesn't say Brown is thinking about dropping out. Your assertion that it did was silly.

"Show me a source with some credibility..."
That IS rich. The story's bullshit. Get over it.

[Zhade]

156. How can you be sure a blog is accurate?

NT!

[MrBenchley]

157. Hahahahahaha....

That IS rich....

[Zhade]

168. Asking what makes your source credible is rich?

If you can't answer the question, just say so.

[MrBenchley]

172. In this context, yes, it IS rich.

[Zhade]

177. I guess I don't see the context you're seeing.

:shrug:

[WCGreen]

136. Maybe Hackett can move to New York and run there....

But to me, an Ohioan, I'd rather have an experienced legislator with a proven progressive track record than someone city council member who ran a campaign for two months represent me in the Senate....

[julialnyc]

139. democrats don't have a hard time being elected in NY

I would gladly vote for him if he did run in CT (where I am registered now) ,but I'm stuck with Lieberman as my senator (to which I will vote a for an independent if there are any options better than him).

Hackett may be running in Ohio, but the senate effects all of us if one party has all the power. Hackett has a much better chance and that effects everyone. I would like to give time and money to a candidate that has a chance of swinging the pendulum for the good of the whole country.

[WCGreen]

142. How can you say he has a much better chance than Brown...

Do you even know anything about electorial politics in Ohio....

[julialnyc]

144. A Democratic candidate hasn't won statewide office in 13 years

and Hackett came close to winning in one of the most republican districts in the country.


Most people know about Ohio politics thanks to all of the scandal that puts them on the front page. It would be nice to actually have a winner in that state to help.

[WCGreen]

147. Yes but the turnout in that district was very small.....

I did some looking into the district and it seems there are about 50 -75 thousand core dem's in the district....

The dem's were energized...

It was the only game in town...

In a normal off year election, there are about 190,000 voters in that congressional district who take the time to vote...

In the special Elections, there were about 118,000.....

I think they tapped the base and attracted far fewer independents than we all think...

As for the debacle that led to Ohio's total shutout...

Had a lot to do with the State Leadership which has, thank god, changed....

We have had a series of week candidates starting in 1998 coupled with several bad decsions on the party of the Ohio Democratic PArty leadership. Also, a lack of fund raising outside of the Cleveland area that has hampered the democratic party's election cycle...

Down where Hackett comes from was always democratic territory... Up until about 14 years ago when the people suddenly switched sides....

So, there is far more too this issue than some city council man running for the Senate.....

[julialnyc]

150. Hackett has the name recognition and would get the attention that money

can't buy.


Many great leaders entered office with less political experience than Hackett and Hackett brings experience that is very unique to the race.


It is true that the turnout was lower than it will be in 06, but look at your numbers cited. First off what helps democrats in more republican areas more than anything is the fact that their base decides to stay home because they can't stand their choice, but can't bring themselves to vote for the other guy. Second, this is one of the most republican districts in the country (not in Ohio....in the whole country) and for 118,000 to vote with such a close margin is incredible.

[WCGreen]

159. Why do you assume that Hackett has name recognition....

He has 100% name recognition here, on this board..... That's for sure....

Out in the RW, not so sure...

Let me tell you something....

I know Sherrod Brown personally... Have known him for decades....

He isn't the type of guy to go off half cocked... I am sure that he ran polls that saw his name recognition far higher than Hackett's and probably equal to Dewine....

He also, I am safe in assuming, that they did favorability tests...

And the people in DC told Sherrod that it was his to earn...

You are from New York.. I have been involved in politics since that parts of that district voted democrat...

What I find ludicrous is that people are willing to rush to embrace the next new thing and criticized others so quickly who are asking questions about this guy...

Let the primary run it's course... I'm gonna back Sherrod... With my vote and my money... You can back who ever you want....

I think Sherrod would be the better democrat and ultimately, the better Senator....

[julialnyc]

161. I have no problem with Brown

I have a problem with the dscc urging someone to run and then right before they announce tell them not to.

Brown seems like a great guy, but I saw the independent and republican people around me think very positively about Hackett (and they usually don't give any dem a chance). 14 years in politics is an eternity and that region seems to have jumped the democratic ship a long time ago. I'm not someone who just just loves the next new thing, but I certainly don't think the people in DC should tell a candidate that it's his turn (trust me I'm not holding breath for them to prompt Hillary up for President in 08). I may be in New York, but I have tons of family in Ohio who really loved Hackett (and my family are not big into politcs...... they are just regular people who read the paper and watch the news like most voters)

You are right, a primary should figure it out. At first I thought it was ashame to spend money and throw insults internally, but if these two men can keep it dignified than maybe they should both jump in and see who comes out on top.

If Brown gets the nomination I will whole heartedly route for him, but if Hackett gets it I hope you will not turn on him (election time makes me frustrated as my vote doesn't count for much............ I'll always vote, but it would be nice to really make a difference)

[WCGreen]

166. I have never ever campaigned or voted for a partisan republican...

Never will...

I spent a good chunk of my life involved in Democrats politics...

I am not about to chuck that over a primary fight....

No, I will back the winner 100%....

[iconoclastNYC]

140. This is so stupid.....

Can we not get into stupid inter party battles of shit like this? I like Hackett but I'll support Brown. Let's not cut off our nose to spite our face.

[MrBenchley]

164. Especially so because the story's NOT TRUE....

[Joanne98]

149. With friends like the Democrats, who needs enemies...

I'm beginning to hate them as much as I hate the Republicans.

[derby378]

160. Is Hackett a pro-RKBA Democrat?

Might explain part of why Schumer wants him to drop out...

[Ikonoklast]

170. Sherrod Brown is my Congressman

and I will support his campaign for the Senate. It is strange to see some of the posts here from Hacketts' supporters as they do not seem to understand the current political climate in Ohio.

In the northern part of the state where I live, if you happen to mention the name Paul Hackett, unless that person was politically active, would get you a "Who is he?". He is more well known on this board and in the greater Cincinnati area than in the rest of the state. He would have to wage a campaign just to get his name out to the electorate. North of I-70 not many people know who he is.

Sherrod Brown, however, is not too well known down-state. He does have some name recognition based on his past run state-wide, and that counts for something. He will have a very tough run as he is considered too liberal for the state, and DeWine is seen as more of a centrist/moderate Republican than his voting record shows. It remains to be seen if the current Republican scandals at the state level hurt them on a Senatorial race.

As to Paul Hackett being asked to reconsider his Senate run, this does happen in real political life. Political parties assess who has a real/best chance to win, and sometimes toes get stepped on. If Hackett was a little more politically astute he might see the wisdom of this, and keep his powder dry for future campaigns. I can understand his position as to thinking he had a clear run on the primary side, and what happened was truly unfortunate in its' timing.

If Mr. Hackett feels that he can raise the money for a tough primary fight and then run against DeWine, he should by all means do so. I would support him as my candidate even though I consider him a moderate candidate.

If more DU'ers would look at Sherrod Browns' voting record they might see a candidate that they could support. He can win with the right message and a well-funded campaign, but it will be a fight.

[Donna Zen]

176. My in-laws live in Brown's district and vote for him

...and no one that I know is questioning Brown's liberal credentials. I'm not even questioning the right of the DSCC to meddle in local politics. What I am questioning is that thinking that a liberal Democrat who is fairly well known in the state as a liberal politician is going to beat a moderate republican...even one that is not well-liked. You must give a reason for those moderates to move their vote into another column, and Brown isn't it. Down state is not going to vote for Brown; they will vote for a Marine.

On DU, I don't doubt that the liberal Brown would do very well, but Ohio isn't DU.

Hackett attracts many DUers because he is unafraid to speak out. He also helps change the much talked about "branding" of the Democratic party. Well, people like Hackett are our chance. He is not conservative, but he is closer in his thinking to the voters of Ohio than Brown.

Do we have to lose again, and again, before people understand this?