Should I do more than vote for Jim Cooper?

[socialist_n_TN]

I've been more active lately, actually more active than I've been since the 60s/70s, but now I'm facing a little conundrum. I got a mass mailing from Rep. Cooper's office asking about helping on the campaign at various levels and I'm wondering whether to do it or not. It's just little things like (of course) contributions, yard signs, bumper stickers, canvassing, etc.

Some of you might know that Cooper is a Blue Dog, but he's a Blue Dog in a deep red state, so to me that's fairly understandable. OTOH, Nashville is one of the bluest areas in this deep red state, so could he be LESS of a Blue Dog and still get elected? HAS he been less of a Blue Dog? Well, he did sign the MoveOn anti Citizen's United pledge after I called and emailed his office about it. Should I take credit for that? :)I've also had several conversations with his staffers, including his top economic guy and have pitched some "socialistic" type ideas and haven't been laughed off the line. Of course, nothing has come out of these conversations.

Would I potentially have more influence on his votes if I volunteered more actively in his campaign? Should I do something for his campaign other than just vote for him?

[Tippy]

1. Cooper along with fellow blue dogs has fogotten

Who first sent him to Congress, this is what bothers me more than anything. My take on this is he is still better than a republican. Now I am really upset that both he and Davis are wanting to keep Bush tax cuts in place. Both signed letters agreeing to the deal. Which tells me they really don't give a hoot about people not having jobs and are against un-employment benefits. I went through the same thing with Bart Gordon. I called his office every day some times even more durring the HCD, and every time I called I reminded him how I worked to help him get elected even severaly messed up my ankle putting up signs for him. In the end he voted my way, did anything I said to him make the difference, I don't know but he could have blocked my calls, and I felt better for having done something. Go ahead and work for his campaign, and remind him every chance you get, how you helped him.

[blondeatlast]

2. I so understand (from Maricopa County, Arizona). My gut feeling is that

the more real liberals who volunteer do have an influence; maybe not a huge one, but any shift to the left is better for the country than the opposite.

Oh, goodness, how I empathize!

[Ozymanithrax]

3. If Coooper is even marginally better than the Republican...

if have Dmeocrats contol the agenda is even marinally better than having Republicans control the agenda, then you should do what you can to help him win.

[asjr]

4. I used to be politically active in this state. The Bush

years just about did me in. Even now with a president I like I do not find it easy to get back into the mode. That may be the one thing that happens to a lot of people my age (Ultra Senior Citizen) to realize if we give up it may be the turning point. My Rep. is Lincoln Davis and he may as well stay home. This is the Bible belt and he knows it and probably prays with everyone he meets. In this state if you hate gays, blacks, abortionists, drinking, dancing and all around tomfoolery you can get elected.