Question for DUers in solid republican districts

[TheFarseer]

I know alot of you are fighting uphill battles to get democrats elected in solidly republican congressional districts. I'm one of those people. My question is: if you could make your candidate hammer away incessantly at one issue, what would it be? What is the one issue that will make people that usually vote republican and persuade them to make a rare democratic vote?

[Imajika]

1. Honesty?

The idea that our elected representatives are not being honest with us is one idea. I'm not sure that trying to claim Republicans are more corrupt than Democrats is much of a winner, but the angle of straight talk and honesty could be. It didn't win the Presidential primaries for McCain, but it definately made him very competative with Jr. - and that is no small accomplishment considering Bush had already been ordained by the GOP bigwigs.

I think maybe many Americans just have a sense things are out of kilter, and that our government simply isn't being truthful with the people on almost any level.

That isn't gonna get a far left candidate elected in a solid rightwing district, but a decent Democratic candidate who is at least reasonably in tune with the district might be able to use a message like that to generate some buzz.

You've asked a really good question. It might really depend district by district.

[OKNancy]

2. That's a hard one

This will all be wishful thinking because the Dems DON'T even have a candidate running in my district. Just guessing, it would have to be economic issues. A "Lou Dobbs" type rant about the vanishing middle class might sway a lot of blue collar types. Healthcare is one thing even rich people worry about, so I think that would be a good issue to really hit.

[TheFarseer]

8. That's a good one

if you have some specific and halfway novel ideas that resonate with people - not an easy task. Of course the republican will hammer you with, "but he's going to raise your taxes and hurt the economy" Lou's rant was good. That could work if you have an opponent that is particularly bad on middle class issues. I feel your pain on not even having a candidate. We are lucky enough to have candidates in all our districts this year. Not that you would know by the media coverage!

[LittleClarkie]

3. My Dem is hammering Sensenbrenner on Katrina

That's pretty good for a start. Considering I never see Sensenbrenner, he could also make responsiveness to the little guy an issue as well. Sensenbrenner is on auto-elect. If Bryan Kennedy could just make the s.o.b. have to campaign, it would be a good thing.

[Jersey Devil]

25. Same here: Garret (R)- NJ-05 & Katrina, choice, guns

He is one of only 2 members of the house to vote against aid to the Gulf Coast after Katrina. He is also anti-choice and against all gun laws. Our district is heavily Republican in registration, but for years we were represented by a moderate, Marge Roukema (R), who was replaced by the wingnut Garret. I don't think most voters really appreciate just how far to the right he is.

[TheFarseer]

4. I guess I'll start

Alternative energy. It doesn't just bring down the price of gas, it also can provide millions of high paying jobs, cut off terrorism at the knees and save the environment. The votes that house republicans make in regards to this issue say that they are not serious about alternative energy. At best they are atrocious leaders. At worst, they are in the pockets of people who don't care about you (big oil) and only want to run off with your money while we slide into an oil induced depression.

[Clark2008]

20. My Dem did that today

and my Dem's a DINO:

Dear Me,

Our energy crisis will not be fixed until we develop a comprehensive approach. Instead of continuing to rely on traditional fossil fuels, we need to invest heavily in alternative sources of energy, such as wind, solar and farm-based fuels. We also must reward efficiency through innovation and conservation.

Instead of incomplete answers - like drilling in ANWR without simultaneously developing more fuel efficient cars and trucks, increasing CAFÉ standards, increasing ethanol production and investing in other renewable fuels - I have asked President Bush to convene an emergency summit of experts to develop a serious plan to overcome our addiction to oil. My letter to President Bush is below.

For those of you who wish to give, you can today by clicking the "contribute" button above and making a $100 or $250 donation. The maximum contribution is $4,200 per person.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Harold

Congressman Ford's letter to President Bush:

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to urge you to respond decisively to the nation's growing energy crisis by convening a national energy summit comprised of top scientists and economists as well as bipartisan political leaders. The summit's mandate would be to forge a new national policy to address the immediate challenge of rising energy costs and the long-term imperative of reducing America's dependence on oil.

The skyrocketing costs of energy pose the most immediate challenge to the economy and the financial security of millions of American families. Over the past five years, crude oil prices have increased by 143 percent; gasoline prices by 71 percent; and natural gas prices by 46 percent. Gas prices in Tennessee have hovered around $3 per gallon, costing Tennessee drivers $50 to $70 every time they go to the pump. Tennessee families will spend $1,770 more this year to fill up their cars than in 2001, an increase of 87 percent. The average American family will spend over $5,100 on gasoline and home energy expenses, nearly $2,000 more than five years ago.

Link: http://www.haroldfordjr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=145

[cdb]

5. Competance.

And the fact that despite majority rule in all 3 branches, totally ineffective. Play the "adult" and honesty cards.

[tnlefty]

6. Bushco** urinating on the Constitution and The Bill of Rights and the

rubberstampers in Congress and the Senate allowing him to get away with it. And the tax cuts that people are seeing weren't really geared toward them as another.

[ChiciB1]

7. I Can't EVEN Guess...

The Democrat who has run in my district to be a house representative is now finding herself being challenged by ANOTHER Democrat, who many FIND her more aesthetically better looking!

So first, that hurdle would have to be jumped! If it were not election fraud I DO THINK the Democrat would have won last time out, strange as that my sound!

Having said all that, I have to tell you that my current representative is none other than Ms. Cruella ala Boobie Horse! Many I talk to, don't even like her, and while campaigning the last time out I really didn't see all that MUCH support for her (on the street) but she's still PROJECTING herself into my life!!

The local Democrats here think that the person who ALMOST beat her just doesn't seem to have the correct "look!" I'm having a hard time finding Democrats who think like me!!!! So it's not a question I'm comfortable answering.

Where I'm at... WE'RE eating our own... but those other Dems don't seem to get it. In fact, most think HILLARY will be the "BEST" CHOICE for 2008! You see, I COMPLETELY disagree! I'm not one who feels we need TWO families of different (sort of) Parties running our country.

Like I think it's good to do... Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush AND THEN ANOTHER Clinton. I DUN SINK SO!!

[TheFarseer]

11. you poor bastard!

My rep is a moronic stooge but at least he doesn't drink the blood of kittens for fuel. I think that was a textbook case of family values winning the election. We've got to come up with something that people care about more than some abstract idea of family values or there is no such thing as a safe seat in all but the very bluest states.

[ChiciB1]

13. How About "Your Poor Bitch!"

Not taking issue with you... just wanted to correct the "image" because I know the name is misleading!

Yeah, IT SUCKS!

[Clark2008]

21. So who do they think is more aesthetically pleasing?

Jan Schneider or Christine Jennings?

[ChiciB1]

37. This Reply is SOOO Late... I'm Voting For Schneider!

Jennings is the one THEY think is more aesthetically pleasing! IMO, Schneider is much more qualified and IS the better candidate, hands down!

[CPMaz]

9. No doubt - corruption.

I live in AZ CD5, and our congressman, JD Hayworth is an indictment waiting to happen for his ties to Jack Abramhoff.

Unfortunately, right now the Repubs are framing the debate, making it all about immigration and same sex marriage.

[TheFarseer]

14. Corruption will work in some districts

Against congressmen with ties to Jack Abramoff for instance.

There is no reason we should be getting beaten up on immigration. Repukes and their corporate masters are the ones pushing hardest for unrestricted illegal immigration. Just say that and KEEP saying that and you've taken away their advantage.

[CPMaz]

22. I agree that hammering them on corporate support

for illegal immigration *should* work to our advantage, doing that still keeps the discussion on one of the topics chosen by the Reps.

[riderinthestorm]

10. IL Congressional #6, Henry Hyde's old seat

Currently being duked out between Tammy Duckworth and Pete Roskam. I only mention this to put it into context since Duckworth is backed very heavily by the DLC (with all of their attendant issues and priorities).

IMO Duckworth is running on a platform primarily about the Iraq war management incompetence - not necessarily about whether the Iraq war was the right war or not. I believe it's an effective position for this area even if it's not 100% progressive.

It's very difficult to pick a single issue since most voters here will vote Reppublican reflexively but I think this position by Duckworth (and by extension the DLC) is correct for this area since it's focusing less on laying blame and more on moving forward with a solution. Roskam is a kool-aid drinking, evangelical Christian, rightwing-nut Repuke who makes Henry Hyde look like Paul Wellstone. I believe if Tammy Duckworth can just keep focused on appealing to the Repubs that are disgusted by the war, she may be able to peel off some of those Rep voters.

But hell, who knows. I'm not sure it will change anyone's Republican mind - Dupage Co. Illinois has been heavily campaigned by every single Republican presidential nominee for decades; Dick Cheney and Karl Rove have been featured at the fundraisers for Pete Roskam - it is THAT red.

I'd be curious to see what other areas are experiencing. Great question!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

12. Veteran's issues

Our conman is on the Veteran's Affairs Committee, but he hasn't done squat to help vets or active duty military. And we have a LOT of them around here. And talking to military families around here, they've had it with constant redeployments and no mental health support. My conman's likely Democratic opponant is an Army reservist from Ft. Smith, so veteran's issues will be front and center.

[riderinthestorm]

16. This is a big one with Duckworth also

But with her fake legs and paralyzed arm, she's the DLC's test balloon on whether a vet can make it on the Iraq war debacle issue in a red zone.

Veterans issues probably matter personally a lot to Mrs. Duckworth but publicly she's much more focused on war management incompetence as far as I can tell.

LOL, I still see at least 10 "W" stickers on Hummers every time I hit the grocery store parking lot! This is RICH kool-aid-ville. My homies aren't scraping by on veteran's bennies.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

23. Those people I can understand voting repuke

after all, they don't have to go to Iraq, and the repukes have given them all those tax breaks. But where I live in NW Arkansas, there are more thrift stores than department stores, and a lot of people just barely making it. Why they vote repuke is beyond me.

[illflem]

15. Guns

Do like my governor Brian Schweitzer did, appeal to the hunters and fishermen by pointing out how the reps are hell bent on taking away their happy hunting grounds while the demos want to preserve them.
Totally the truth, many hunters and fishermen will then realize they are truly tree huggers.

[TheFarseer]

18. Hey, that's actually a really good idea!

I hadn't thought of that.

[benEzra]

30. Dems and the Gun Issue - Now What?

www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=118&topic_id=97165&mesg_id=97165

[cboy4]

17. Try to make them believe the Republican candidate is gay. ;)

:sarcasm: (for those who don't know I was kidding)

I would say CROOKEDNESS/FAMILY VALUES

My congress-weasel is John Dootittle who has ties to Abramoff and is accused of using campaign funds to pay the babysitter.

Yet all of the right wing morans I live around keep sending him back to Washington. :puke:

[Broken_Hero]

19. environment

and farming issues, and keeping big business off the farmers back..

I'm in SW Missouri currently, and the impact of Tyson, and Simmons and Moark(chicken houses predominately) have caused the decline of water and environment in this area...the rivers, and other area's, are keeping tourists away, and making the water taste like shit...

The chicken plants, dump waste into underground water supply, and that in effect, screws with anyone who has wells, which in this area, a ton of people do...

Attack Tyson, Simmons, Moark on this issue, and also keep these businesses from getting a complete strangehold on the chicken farmers in the area...also, making sure that the govt stays off the common farmers back, and helps them instead, of throwing tons and tons of redtape all over the place....these issues, I believe will be very helpful in a dem win in my county(McDonald Co)...

Oh, and make sure, everyone knows its the republicans, who are bending over backwards, for tyson/simmons/moark...:)

[LWolf]

24. I'm not sure.

In my area, I don't know if there is any issue that will trump the conservative religious dogma. I think it would take an xtian candidate that would make sure his or her speech was constantly peppered with key words: "god" or "faith" or "prayer." Perhaps an ecumenical, progressive xtian might at least get a hearing. If so, an issue that would "turn" them might be health care or energy.

I also think it would be easier to elect an independent than someone with the hated "D" next to their name. I know that I would be 1,000 times more likely to vote for an independent than someone with an "R" attached. I think it's the same for republicans and the "D."

A non-partisan independent might be easier to work with than a corporate religion-controlled republican.

[RebelOne]

26. In my district, there are never any Democrats running.

It's just Republicans against Republicans. That's why I don't vote in the county elections. I wouldn't waste a vote on a Republican.

[Cosmocat]

27. Depends ...

On what level ... Local/State/Federal ...

If I was to run for the House of Represenatives, in the northcentral, red, portion of Pa., I would revolve my message around money ... Money talks for most semi-sane conservatives, in one way or another AND one of the successful memes that have been laid on democrats is that they are "tax and spenders" who can't be trusted with money ...

I think now, with ovevwhelming evidence at hand that a totally controlled republican Washington has been a financial disaster, the myth that republicans are the party to be trusted with your money can be graphically exposed ... With that half of the battle doable, I think a democrat in a red area can take the high ground with a STRONG message on fiscal responsibility ...

Money also opens the door to true reform in Washington ... EVERYONE is unhappy with what our politicians are doing in Washington, and again, there is PLENTY of evidence at hand to point out that money is the root cause for bad government ... Run to TAKE THE MONEY OUT OF POLITICS ...

Finally, it opens the door for universal health care ... The message of it being something that we are responsible to have as human beings is a message that resonates for the left ... Make it about money, and it starts to cut to the right ... Note the costs of health care, note successful universal health care systems in other country's from a cost perspective, and point out that while the meme is cutting taxes stimulates job growth, the single best thing we can do for small AND big businesses in this country is take the FULL burden of providing health coverage off ot them, as well as unlock workers from the ball and chain of having to keep a job simply because they have to have health care coverage for them or their families ...

Again ... for the reasonable sane conservative, it is about the money ... Gotta take advantage of the times - the repukes are prime to be knocked off the high ground in that regard, but democrats need to make the case VERY LOUDLY that they deserve the chance to do better ...

[Toots]

28. National Debt and Deficit

The USA is now spending over and above it's means over a hundred thousand dollars a second That is over and above the normal tax receipts. How long can that recklessness be sustained?

[PATRICK]

29. I wonder if there is an issue

Registered Republicans take two forms, traditional generational and younger Reaganite economic converts(on the way to a family heritage but consider themselves free to choose otherwise). The one single issue is a simple brutal one. Women. If their elected representative alienates t females not only do they lose the vote they lose the generational heritage over time. GOP guys trying to find like minds have to start all over again. Obviously abortion rights is one but their are a host of others and the way health and education is prioritized. Freedom from fear and second rate citizenship oppression can flip votes. Decent guys who side with women probably respect a strong type who also appeals to really fighting for decent values.

But this presumes a real degradation in the actual GOP candidates to self destructive male RW extremists. The numbers shift also is up against factors like religion and culture giving GOP women two minds about politics: dissatisfaction with the GOP, loyalty to the GOP vote. Fear is generously used to keep them in line.

The clincher is bad GOP representation and a real attractive and courageous alternative who later produces real service results, which- whatever the supposed ideological loyalties and issue stands- wins elections. How do you win in a skewed district? With a popularity contest vastly favoring the overwhelming Dem and against the arrogant bobble-head or tiresome failure. Sincerity and strength on issues flows naturally from this because the Democratic party usually graces people with a platform of real in-depth service.

So why doesn't the GOP collapse? Because the local candidate in the sane world also serves his district
first with moderation even while carrying the ideological battle "harmlessly" national. Because the Dems try to match, not overcome, the character and issue stands one by one and accept the money and power disadvantages. Because the GOP knowing the attrition it faces due to economic and policy failures and alienation of women applies foul but effective national strategies to the mild local scene with rudimentary professionalism until the control is surrendered ever upward away from non-propagandized party members.

Example. Louise Slaughter, vibrant liberal, woman with a southern accent, overcomes an unenthusiastic, arrogant do-nothing GOP rep. who does nothing to win popular support. Probably the guy was later all too happy to be rewarded by the national with an ambassadorship to Fiji. The same seasoned Slaughter is still here many years after getting votes from eastern style GOP voters. Samara Barend(the convert from a traditional republican family, stalwart staff disciple of doggedly professional centrist Hillary) runs against dog faced, legislative ripoff artist Kuhl the uncool and fails to get traction with real presentation of personality strength. Still, it was a good non-incumbent year and she came close enough. She did all the stand up things on issues,verbal self-presentation, debates, but fell short on getting herself charismatically across in a media that frankly hated Kuhl for what they knew he was doing in Albany. The old chestnut of youth against experience was another thing she could have brushed off instead of slogging against. Then the "inexperienced" foot in trap at the end of the campaign that cost her her young manager, when a volunteer gained too easy access to zesty Kuhl divorce papers and thought that actually might help the campaign to get them to Raw Story. Worse, the campaign did not see how the disaster could(and quickly was)inevitably turned against them in basic Rove 101 style. Worse, this trap was long out there publicly, when the younger GOP challenger got stung creeping toward the same dangling papers, and was smart enough to quit.

Slaughter later said she could have thought of ways for Samara to win. A little more wise support all along would have at least avoided the full two feet into the trap. A lot more charisma would have blown over the presentation contest and the uphill desperation that must sink in with any candidate trying for a level contest in a GOP district. And people in all parties instinctively sense the uphill syndrome as a losing or inferior quality. You can't overcome a giant GOP lead by allowing that sentiment to develop. You can't go on the defense except as absolutely called for and as carefully absorbed as Kuhl spun away his bizarre first marriage behavior. A majority party district can be spent like votes in the bank. Dems have to break the bank in a GOP district even if some success doing it
the dull, hard way claims to be the key to success.

Riding coattails. Most local districts are coattail proof without a vast sea change or a demi-god candidate that the media now inhibit either by the MSM or professional GOP PR. Or outright fraud which the Dems do not always counter on any level or in any form. The safety in tradition and conformity is a voter retreat from change and change is a retreat to the same. Sometimes zealots of every persuasion and people who take issue priorities too seriously lose sight of what the vast psychological norm really is as opposed to the myth of the informed voter who votes for the "person" which any voter will claim is true for them personally. By the time really the populace is shocked by extreme situations to really become informed for change with involved action and follow-up oversight, that is probably when the guns have already come out to sort of cloud up that possibility.

[benEzra]

31. You're looking at it backwards.

The problem isn't how to win over the 29 Percenters.

The question would seem to be, how to win over those members of the 71 percenters, most of them Dems and indies, who voted with the 29 Percenters. What issues drove those people who voted repub as "the lesser of two evils"?

I can think of a few. Here's one example:

Alienated Rural Democrat

It is easier to get people to vote against you than for you. Sadly, for a lot of people in the middle, voting comes down to voting for the person who scares you the least. Were I a candidate, I'd be looking at why my statements or positions might make people in the middle feel threatened.

Food for thought: Our Dem governor (NC) won reelection 55%/45%, but the SAME VOTERS rejected the Kerry/Edwards ticket 45%/55%, even though Edwards is from NC. Why?

[quaoar]

32. You are asking the wrong question

It has nothing to do with an issue.

That's what's wrong with the Democratic Party -- we think if we just tweak our policies a bit here and a bit there that red-state voters will like us better. Wrong.

I live in the reddest congressional district east of the Mississippi River. Bush carried this district with 78% in 2000.

But there is a type of Democrat who could win here -- someone like Paul Hackett.

Someone with charisma and integrity, someone with national security credentials, someone who can light a fire under people.

You see -- Democrats in ruby-red districts have gotten used to losing, gotten used to Republican domination. Defeatism sets in. That attitude cannot be dislodged by a mild-mannered candidate who has a long list of policy ideas. It requires someone who can inspire and lead.

Such folks are few and far between and often shy away from politics. But that's what it takes.

[TheFarseer]

33. I'm not talking about changing our platform

That's just pandering and people won't buy into that. I'm talking about hammering away at an issue that we are already talking about like alternative energy or healthcare or the national debt. I think democrats often go out of their way to not offend anyone and end up not having a clear position on anything, or they have so many points theya re trying to make that no one can remember any of them. If we're going to change all our positions to copy the republicans, what would be the point of even running?

I really think a single issue can unite people in a small area like a congressional district. Just for example, you could see someone like Ross Perot talking non-stop about the debt and the the "giant sucking sound from Mexico" and beat an entrenched republican.

[Liberty Belle]

34. Helping small business.

We took a Democratic state legislative candidate into a cowboy bar by the rodeo grounds -- during a Chamber of Commerce event for a local Republican!

These were all small business people, most voting Republican only because they feared tax hikes on their busineses. Once we assured them our candidate has a history of helping support small business start-ups through a charity he founded, and that he would oppose tax hikes on small businesses or anyone other than the wealthy or the big corporations, they were willing to listen to everything else he had to say.

By the time we were done, he'd converted half the Republicans in the bar!

[Liberty Belle]

35. Conservatives also hate the invasion of privacy - phonecalls & Internet

being monitored/spied on by the Bush adminstration. That issue is also a winner with Libertarians.

[Ediacara]

36. Denny Rehberg's mustache

No seriously, the (still) very poor state of the economy in Montana.

[safi0]

38. I think it depends.

I'm in a situation that I'm sure a lot of people can relate to. My district is lean Republican. I think Bush won 52-47 in 04 and 50-48 in 2000, and Russ Feingold carried the district with 54%. The thing is, my Congressman is very popular and wins with 63%+ consistently. He was the House pointman for Social Security reform so I think you'd hammer him on that. Despite the fact that it is a soft GOP district he's very difficult to beat because he's very good at constituent services and he brings home the bacon.

[agincourt]

39. GOPigs are bastards,crooks,and they're screwing you

Their media are lying pigs and they also screw you. Basically someone who hits repigs hard on what they're doing and won't back down ever. Also they must make their case well. How the repigs are screwing you, that's the only chance to knock away any sheeple voters. It may take a couple election cycles to get any results but I think that's all that will work. Bomb their ayatollahs basically.