Winning the Second Congressional District
Steve Bucknum
It looks like we might have four well qualified Democrats in the primary for the Second Congressional District. Carol Voisin, Chuck Butcher, and Scott Silver are for sure into the race. Dan Davis is a maybe. So, we have a real horserace for the first time in memory.
Why? – because the incumbent, Greg Walden, is vulnerable. The race is very much winnable by a Democrat. What advice can I give the winner of the Democratic primary on how to beat Walden? Well, here are some of my thoughts:
Grassroots Out in the Second CD, we have been run over by our National and State-wide campaigns so often that we are gun shy of participating in a coordinated campaign. But, the Second CD is our backyard, and we are ready to do a County by County fight. The level of interest in beating Walden here by the Democrats at the grassroots level approaches the level of interest in the presidential elections. The winning Democratic candidate needs to use the grassroots activists that are already on the ground. We have people, some money, and time to put into this campaign in a level never seen before. – Use the Grassroots of the Party!
Run on Walden’s Record The Second Congressional District is a rural area; I believe it to be the 4th largest Congressional District in the country. Yet, Walden consistently votes anti-rural. He has voted against parity funding for rural hospitals, then later voted for a cut in funding for rural hospitals. He has voted against educational funding that has had a severe impact all over Oregon and of course here in the Second CD. In a vote about where oil refineries and other energy facilities are built, he voted against State’s rights and local control over where they could be built (like the Cogentrics Plant that was locally defeated targeted for southern Jefferson County). Walden has voted against health care plans for small businesses, against Congressional oversight of wasteful spending, against funding for security for chemical plants, for a bill that encouraged sending even more jobs overseas, and so on and so on. There is way too much to include in this message. And to top it all off, Walden is one of Tom Delays friends, taking money from the former Party leader and voting for all kinds of tax cuts and preferential treatment to those friendly to that whole corrupt crowd in Washington DC.
--- So, run on Walden’s record. When people in the Second CD find out what Walden has voted for and against, they will be upset with his anti-rural stance.
Populism A successful candidate in the Second CD will be a person who uses common sense to approach problems. The people of the Second CD are more pragmatic than idealistic. Generally we are financially conservative, but generous in spirit and helpful to our neighbors. We are ready for alternatives to fossil fuels, because the fossil fuels are costing too much. Some of our small towns would be great demonstration project areas for any number of alternative fuels and power sources. We aren’t anti-environment, but rather are for people maintaining their livelihood without being forced out of the area due to regulations. In other words, balance is important.
-- A populist message of pragmatism and balance will strike the right chord here.
It’s about People It’s not about websites and blogs, brochures and handouts, yard signs, and the "perfect" message. It’s about reaching the people that live here. The other stuff is important too, but nothing is more important than hitting the road from now until November, as much as possible, seeing all the corners of the Second CD. This is a pretty amazing piece of real estate, and the people that live here match the scenery. A successful candidate will probably drive 20,000 miles. A successful candidate will stop at that lonely house all by itself off of Combs Flat, knock on the door, and surprise the resident by introducing themselves as a candidate for Congress – because that Combs Flat resident will tell 20 people that a candidate actually stopped at their door. No one ever campaigns in Huddleston’s Heights in Mitchell, so a brief stop there and knocking on doors for an hour will bring more talk to that town than they have had since the water system failed last year. And there are Democrats in every town, every crossroads, and every place in between that will help introduce the candidate around.
One myth is that all the people here live on farms and ranches. Actually, most people live in towns. Time is limited, so striking a balance between time in towns, and some time to visit some of the places in between is necessary.
-- The successful candidate will really see the District and its people.
Listening The Second CD is one of those places that has suffered greatly from having the "experts" come in and tell us how to conduct our business. A successful candidate will have their own message, but will also carefully engage in listening to local concerns. This is a huge place, I’d guess about 60 to 70,000 square miles. What the problems are in Lakeview, are not the problems in Pendleton. A successful candidate has to be a good listener to all the local issues.
To sum this up, Walden can be beaten. The successful Democratic candidate will be the person most like the people that live here, pragmatic and populist in tone, a good listener, and a pro-rural alternative to Walden.
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7:13 p.m.
Feb 12, '06
To put a label on it, it sounds like you're advocating "Schweitzerism," referring to the Montana Governor. Populism, pragmatism, rural ethics. That's what I had assumed would work, and it's good to see that someone from the area thinks so too.
I'll pimp without linking: Loaded Orygun is ready to highlight the run in the 2nd, so look to us for primary and general election information throughout 2006! We think there's a real chance of making the district competitive, if not winning outright in 2006, but it will take a lot of good information, and a lot of convincing.
Feb 12, '06
The 5th issue, Libertarianism. This district is heavily populated by libertarian type voters. In fact 20% of the population in general is a political libertarian, but only 2% call themselves one.
Walden's votes last year were basically the opposite of Ron Paul, the only libertarian in the House.
The data: Here.
The repubs have gone so far toward the authoritarian political mind-set, that D Wu is one of the more libertarian congress-critters.
Who knew?
Feb 13, '06
You say the race is winnable by a D, but is there any ACTUAL evidence that you're right? Any polling data suggesting that people might consider voting for a D? Anything at all?
Feb 13, '06
Well, I about fell out of my chair laughing. No, of course there is no "poll" data!
What there is on the streets and roads of Central Oregon is building anger with the Bush Administration. People who supported it are feeling abandoned. You name a program that rural people like, and the Bush Administration has either cut it, or is proposing to cut it. The true anti-tax anti-government types even hate the Bush Administration due to budget deficits.
My "poll" is pretty simple. As a real estate appraiser I am in about 7 houses a week. I am not shy about talking with people. Discussions about weather, the climbing price of real estate, etc. leads to the economy, then to politics. I see hundreds of families a year - a decent sample size (perhaps skewed by property ownership) and I can experience first hand trends in what people are thinking. And a notable change is evident. Six years ago, people could care less. Now they are angry. They are feeling cheated, abused, overlooked, and overall there is a sense of anger about the direction of our country.
And Walden votes for that Bush crowd that is the source of most of the anger almost every time he has a chance. He is over 90% in voting with Tom Delay.
I don't need a poll to tell me that a Democrat that links Walden to Bush (which isn't a trick or ploy since they are linked) will "make hay" with the Second CD voters.
If the Republicans don't want to worry about this, if they are dismissive, if the feel secure -- well let them!! Its to our advantage.
Feb 13, '06
-Steve,
I hope that you are right. I think that a solid rural democrat might have a good chance in Eastern Oregon. However, from what I have heard about those in rural communities, there is a lot of "demonization" toward Democrats and that many will never vote for a Dem.
I think that there is only partial truth to this, but Democrats have an uphill battle in rural areas to overcome cultural stereotypes without sacrificing what it means to be a Democrat.
Feb 13, '06
Ha-ha-ha... of course we don't have any EVIDENCE to back up our claims! Why would we need such concrete indicators as polling data when we have the half-baked opinions and anecdotal evidence of bloggers! Who needs actual scientific evidence that Democrats can win in Eastern Oregon when you have rural Oregon residents who can speak about their own personal experiences?!
What was I thinking? My bad -- sorry for actually taking this post seriously at first.
Feb 13, '06
Speaking of Evidence...
Walden seems to support an idea that parity for rural hospitals is a bad idea why...theoretical "marketplace" analysis and hospital industry anectdotes.
Global warming? that's just a theory.
Stop p@#$ing on someone's energy just because there isn't a poll out yet. Its February! who would have done a poll? The evidence you seek is at the ballot box, and most likely Steve will be proven wrong but, there is evidence of a resurgence in the 2nd CD and folks like Steve are in the mix. What would one expect Ds over there to do, rool over and play dead? move away so its a big ol' red spot on the map?
The fact is...Bend is changing, Medford is changing and Ashland is growing. Can the conservative machine hold onto these areas? If anyone says yes - I want to see evidence first, none of this lame believing in your candidate and issues stuff (tongue firmly planted in cheek).
Feb 13, '06
-Ugggggh,
Yes, it is a little early for polls. Anyone that works remotely in the "political biz" can figure that out.
I have seen the political makeup of many of the counties in Eastern and Southern Oregon. Most Republicans FAR outnumber Democrats, but it is true that in Bend, Medford and Ashland these trends are changing to more even registration. This is a good sign overall, but more exact information is needed and the ballot box is the ultimate dictate if trends are correct. I know little about the organization in Medford and Ashland, but Bend is on top of things and has been active. It takes a lot to face off in "Scarlet Red" country... so my hats off to them!
Feb 13, '06
As I've noted before, about half of Walden's constituency lives here in Southern Oregon.
Some of the Eastern Oregon generalizations apply here in the southern part of the state and some don't. Growth is a big issue here, and it's being powered primarily by Californians fleeing the high costs (including taxation), regulations, and population. In other words, they're not coming here seeking the typical Portland/WV Democratic leadership. That's why our politics really hasn't changed significantly with the growth...and why Ashland remains an anomaly here.
It won't be enough for Walden's Democratic competition to highlight his weaknesses. They'll have to convince a population that's generally leery of the typical Democrat in the state that they won't be the typical Democrat in the state. Wyden does a great job of that, and he still doesn't get as strong of support in this district as Walden does. It's the basic lay of the land here.
Try this analogy...at least the hill isn't as steep in parts of this district for Democrats as it is for Republicans in Portland. No matter how angry the populace may be at the current Democratic leadership in Portland, the solution is generally to replace it with other Democrats, not to vote Republican. It's vice versa in most of district 2.
A populist/tacking-to-the center Democrat can win here, but what's going to drive folks away from Walden--whose pretty popular--to help that happen? And, who has the name recognition, much less the galvanizing issues to make the majority of folks seriously consider voting for a Democrat this year? No one at this time. But, that shouldn't stop folks from trying to build towards the future. Someone needs to be ready to pounce if Walden either slips up big or gets ambitious and tries for a statewide office or the senate.
4:45 p.m.
Feb 13, '06
Just a question, but reading Gordie's post made me wonder--is there a wedge issue that would divide the district between South and East, but wouldn't damage a Dem?
(As a rebuttal to Umm, how about this: you have the courage to identify yourself, and we'll take your self-serving arguments seriously enough to rebut.)
Feb 13, '06
Here’s evidence the 2nd CD is winnable by a Democrat: Ron Wyden won the 2nd CD in 2004 by a 3:2 margin. He received 187,276 votes to the Republican’s 121,064.
The 2nd CD is made up of 19 full counties and part of Josephine County. Out of those 20 counties, Wyden carried 18. He lost Grant County 1,912 to 1,828 and Malheur County 5,720 to 4,422. He won all 18 other counties decisively.
The right candidate and the right campaign can win in CD 2. Wyden proves it.
5:09 p.m.
Feb 13, '06
I think it's great that the Dems have 3 serious candidates for the seat. Win or lose, their campaigns will go a long way toward rebuilding the party in CD 02 if they do many of the things that Steve mentioned.
My advice to the candidates is to connect with people who have large constituencies of their own: church pastors, ag board members, grange leaders, local elected officials, and newspaper publishers. You might also consider setting up some community or issues-based policy councils.
It'd also be nice if we had some sort of a clearinghouse for people who want to win rural elections to pool the financial resources from the netroots in a way that specifically targets a handful of rural campaigns nationwide.
But realistically, unless one or more of these candidates can raise a minimum of $500,000, they are going to have a tough time being competitive against Walden who has $865,000 in the bank, and who will raise a minimum of another $450,000 in this cycle. As a frame of reference, Peter Buckley and John McColgan got 25 - 30 percent in the district after raising $50-$60k and $25k respectively -- though neither is as good a fit for the district as someone like Chuck Butcher.
I'm not saying that to put a damper in anyone's hopes. I'm just mentioning by way of a reality check that grassroots activism is a necessary but not sufficient component to winning in federal elections. If you want to beat Walden, in addition to being a good fit for the district and running a strong grassroots campaign, you'd better have some name recognition and a bigtime fundraising plan or the capacity to self finance in a big way.
Feb 13, '06
You know, evidence is an interesting thing - it can be cherry picked like anything else.
Some of the comments above are very interesting and thought provoking, which is the good purpose of this blog.
The real evidence as was noted will be at the ballot box. So, looking back at the ballot box, lets think on that a minute.
Geo. Bush in Nov. 2004 was not wildly popular in the Second CD, but people voted for him because they were effectively scared by his campaign into doing that. They voted for security. But that vote was shallow, not an institutional vote. There were no coat tails here. Wyden won even in Crook County. In fact, Wyden got more votes in 4 out of 17 precincts, and was very close in others, to the votes that GW Bush received. Imagine that, Republicans voting for a Democrat in higher numbers than they voted for the President.
What demonization?
Wyden when viewed from the outside of this area, is an anomoly. But when viewed from here, inside the Second CD, he is a lesson. Wyden makes a point of visiting every County in Oregon once a year - he comes to listen. Hence my advice about listening. Democrats that listen DO WIN!
Last election cycle, our Democratic Candidate was a set of empty shoes. While I personally like John McColgin, his position on abortion was one so objected to by other Democrats that I couldn't get our campaign people to put his yard signs up. Many Democrats could not vote for John McColgin, and with the words, "well Walden isn't that bad" on their lips, voted for Walden.
Other ballot box reflections. When I moved to Prineville in 1990, my State representative was a Democrat from Baker City. He was replaced with a Democrat, and if not for some interesting changes in my district map, we might still have a Democrat in that seat. Our County Court has one Democrat and two Republicans. The Prineville City Council has about 1/3 Democrats, 1/3 Republican, and 1/3 that is between. -- Sometimes people over in the valley think that we are all "red" here. Sure we aren't the majority, but there are lots of Democrats. We elect Democrats on a regular basis, as Party affiliation isn't so important - we vote for people and message.
This election will be (like every election I suppose) based upon an incumbent and his track record, and a challenger that proposes a better deal. Since Walden's track record is actually anti-rural, and since we look to have some good candidates versus empty shoes - whether we win or lose this one it will be closer than most outsider think.
We could always have a candidate who falls on their face, but if our candidate plays the cards that have been dealt with some skill - we can win this election.
6:07 p.m.
Feb 13, '06
Last election cycle, our Democratic Candidate was a set of empty shoes.
I don't think that's terribly fair. I can't say whether he got up to Prineville, but he definitely made the rounds in the south. It's worth noting that he got a bigger share of the vote than Rep. Buckley did in 2002 despite spending less than half as much $$.
I think he made a huge mistake focusing on his Catholic position on abortion in the ROP affinity groups and the Democratic committee meetings. Lots of folks treated him, unfairly in my view, as though he was a single issue candidate.
Wyden got more votes in 4 out of 17 precincts, and was very close in others, to the votes that GW Bush received. Imagine that, Republicans voting for a Democrat in higher numbers than they voted for the President.
I think Senator Wyden is a great example of proof that Democrats can win east of the Cascades. I'm not convinced that he's the best choice if you want to demonstrate that someone can win the way that you're recommending. As a frame of reference, Al King spent $27k on the Senate race compared to $3.5 million for Wyden. Plus Wyden was an incumbant with great name recognition.
Feb 13, '06
Steve Bucknum makes some very valid points. And I'd like to point out that addressing the concerns of the 2nd CD does not mean being Republican Lite, nor does it take that to win over a good portion of the "Republican" vote. Many of these "Rs" are that simply because they feel driven to not be Democrats, by perceived or actual policies and votes. (and a lot of that from far away)
Feb 13, '06
So... let me get this straight: the ONLY evidence offered that suggests a Democrat might be able to win the Second Congressional District is that Ron Wyden won the district in 2004, when he was running with only nominal opposition, after representing the area for 12 years, and having outspent his opponent by a ratio of 130 to 1.
And how much did Ron win the Second Congressional District by? If the stats posted above are correct, he won in the Second C.D. with only 60% of the vote. Only 60%! When he had only nominal opposition! And he had 130 times more money than his opponent! And he was a two-term incumbent!
Let's remember: any Democrat who runs against Greg Walden will be vastly outspent by him. And if the national Republicans believe that Walden is vulnerable (which he is not), they'll dump even more money into the race. And even if money wasn't an issue (which it is), Walden is a well-liked incumbent, who won with 71% of the vote in 2004.
Look, I'm not trying to be a party pooper here; I'm just trying to be realistic. Democrats have limited resources and we shouldn't commit them to races we have no chance of winning. A Democrat in today's political climate has NO CHANCE of winning the Second Congressional District. Do Democrats have a chance of taking back some State House and State Senate seats east of the Cascades? You bet. But we do not have a shot in hell of beating Greg Walden. And it is not productive to pretend that we do.
Feb 13, '06
Let's remember: any Democrat who runs against Greg Walden will be vastly outspent by him. And if the national Republicans believe that Walden is vulnerable (which he is not), they'll dump even more money into the race.
Umm, you are subscribing to the theory that money is all that matters and only professionals know how the game is played. That implies that us ordinary folks should either take orders from "professionals" or go on about our lives because in "red" districts we will never have an opportunity to change things.
At the Public Comm. on Legislature meeting today I was amazed to hear a Republican staffer say they sometimes have trouble recruiting candidates for all the districts with Republican edge in registration. Could there be something else going on?
Reread Steve's orig. post.
One theory says that if it is a Republican district it will never go Democratic. But in another context, George Will said on ABC on Sunday "It is a rule of politics that something will never happen--until it does".
The other theory (which I suspect Steve B. and I both subscribe to) is that surprises happen and every once in awhile someone like Tom Potter comes along and wins an "impossible" race where the opponent supposedly has what it takes to win. Happens in both parties--today Sen. Beyer was talking about his first election where his party's caucus leadership was trying to get him to drop out in order for their favored candidate to win.
If someone admires or despises a candidate, just how much money will change that person's mind? You couldn't pay me enough to vote for the likes of W. Scott if I lived in that district, and providing something of value for a vote is illegal anyways. And with a dear friend running for office this year, no amount of money will prevent me from voting for that friend.
9:13 p.m.
Feb 13, '06
. A Democrat in today's political climate has NO CHANCE of winning the Second Congressional District.
I wouldn't go that far. Look at Colorado in 2004. I know a democrat who won a house race in a district that went 73 percent for Bush despite the fact that the voter registration for republicans was +18,000 over democrats. That happened in several districts over there. Same thing is happening in Montana at the State level.
It can happen for us in eastern oregon, and I'm thankful that we have some candidates who are stepping up and trying to grow the grassroots. The candidates who don't win will be setting themselves up as serious contenders for the state legislature in 2008. And who knows? Maybe Walden will get caught up in the Abramoff scandal, and the state will get swept up in getting rid of the corrupt republican establishment, and we'll carry all 5 congressional districts.
Feb 13, '06
I know a thing or two about Eastern Oregon, having lived there for years and worked in politics on that side of the mountain. Let me tell you the vibe I've picked up.
People love Greg Walden. They see him as down-to-earth and real - he does a good job plugging his weekly trips back home to the district, and people believe that he really does care about Eastern Oregon. I'm interested to see how the race comes out, but I guarantee you that there is no way Walden will lose. I'm betting he gets at least 65% of the vote...and that's low-balling it.
I also know a thing or two about Prineville, Steve, and I believe that the reason that that town has such a diverse city council is because the positions are non-partisan. Just a guess...
And, the only reason Wyden won is because Al King, hardly ran a race. He had no money, and I'm actually quite surprised that he took the 32% of the vote that he did.
red.
Feb 13, '06
Pragmatism and Populsim are mostly at odds with each other.] I think it possible but very unlikely the dems will pick up this seat. This seat is the most republican in OR, its what makes it possible to have a 4-1 D delegation despite only bieng slightly dominant statewide. Additionaly Walden seems to be pretty well liked and we therfore we have less of a chance then in the Wyoming-all disrict(where there is an incredibly popular dem Gov(as well as a popular republican Sen) running for re-election and where the dem challenger has raised over 100k against a congresswomen who has 52% disaproval ratings and is still considered likely to lose). Is it true that there are votes where he voted for stupid anti-constinuent bills that even most conservative OR will hate? could those votes make him lose? Possibly but despite how it might work in a reasonable world it doesn't work like that in politics.
Feb 14, '06
Let's see, incumbents win around 90%, the R machine is fat and its nasty, and the experts say Oregon is not "in play". I'd guess that would mean that a campaign against Walden will be a tough proposition. The only disadvantage I see is his record and that of his boss. Some of the sentiments around the 2nd A that have played against Dems in the past are now showing regarding GWB with Rs because they are concerned with the Bill of Rights on more grounds than just the 2nd Amendment. Some of the fall out of tinkle down economics is starting to show. In this Congress Walden has to vote with his boss and some of those votes are starting to sting. There's a wedge to be driven and these folks are just independent enough to make it realistic. If the Democrats give up on the Second Congressional District, then it stays as is. Conventional wisdom says it can't be done, well then, how about an unconventional approach?
Chuck For Congress
2:09 a.m.
Feb 14, '06
A little history may be in order: In the early 1990s, a Democrat represented HD 59 in the Legislature - the counties of Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Sherman, Wheeler, Morrow, and Wasco - essentially the northern third of CD-2.
His name was Michael Payne, and he was something like 22 years old. At the time, he said he won by putting some 25,000 miles on his car in a year and saying hello to everyone he could.
I don't know whatever happened to him (after running for Supt. of Public Instruction and losing in the primary) but I'll bet Michael Payne could teach folks a thing or two about winning out there.
Feb 14, '06
Okay, here's one more. In 1998 Kitzhaber decisively won 19 out of 20 counties in the 2nd CD.
Deomcrats can win in the 2nd CD. I know this because they do win.
Feb 15, '06
This thread is so frikkin funny my keyboard blew &@x out its nose. Steve Bucknum is spot on. I was there grown and I been talking to old classmates. Like Steve said, each one is talking to and talking for 20 others.
Walden is toast. I liked the line "...if he gets caught in Abramoff ...." If? Ha! Walden is already a peanut shell stuck between Abramoff's teeth. And Abramoff is chin chatter, chin tattle, chin quaver, crunch. Next time 'W' look-alike comes back in district, Steve, get a close enough photo to show the saliva stains on that dupe ditto-dubya. Abramoff vortex sucked Walden into oblivion two months ago, and that was after a ten month delay of him stonewalling the news he broadcast to his constituents. But, ya' know, they all check their email eventually. Walden is toast.
The sentiment is stronger than that. It might even not be a Democrat who beats him. It don't matter. Labels aren't going to win or lose it. The Walden family name is loser. And a message needs to reach him to prepare him to absorb the crushing karma about to hit his life gut center. Sensing his staffers blogging here with all their might trying to deflect and defuse the cresting tide over their heads... let me presume he gets the message.
To: The Honorable Greg Walden: Abramoff ain't the half of your unforgivable despotic legacy. You have voted lies against the lives of the Oregonians of the Second District, and your lies have killed and maimed our best people. And unholy damnation on you that you CONTINUE TO SPEND MORE. Not one more penny for that murder's infamy in Iraq. Not one more penny, Congressman Walden. Not. One.
Your reliance on hiding behind Liars Larson to speak for you and steal to give you tens of thousands of dollars worth of unreported campaign contributions, as 'free airtime' stock in trade, corrupts your slinking soul deeper. Larson is your black plague, as the now-terminal campaign, and career, of Jason Atkinson is suffering.
Congressman, that's the 'good' news for you in your district. You are going to lose, whether, like your predecessor and model Wes Cooley, it is still uncertain you are going to be in prison by election day or not, for your misrepresentations and subversion of oath and disgrace to the Second District. The 'bad' news is that after you lose you are not welcome back on the soil of this bountiful Oregon, may not return in this gem Columbia's watershed, where you have sent home dead our brave warriors and we have buried them.
Congressman Greg Walden, walk away from here and the rest of your life in torment.
I and we remain, Oregon fidelitas.
<h1></h1>Feb 20, '06
I went public on Friday, February 17 with my campaign to send Walden back to Hood River for good. An hour before the event I checked on Walden's press releases. He had just announced a four day trip through District 2 ending in Medford with a congressional hearing dealing with the OSU research that challenges his basic idea that salvage logging of fire stricken forests is good for them. Science proves that it doesn't! This is who he will be meeting with on his trip - Oregon Wheat Growers, a pharmacist, a chamber of commerce, Asset Builders, airport administrators, PV Powered INC, and a private school. My question to Mr. Walden is why aren't you visiting our crowded pulic school classrooms, our college students who have to work 2-3 jobs just to get by, our senior citizens and medicade recipients who are suffering because of medicare plan D and your vote to cut funding. Why are you not visiting our laborers/workers who struggle to provide for their families because they have no health care or living wage? Mr. Walden have you let farmers know about the $1B cut from the farm bill that you voted for? Mr. Walden isn't traveling to HEAR what his constituency's needs are, he is visiting his friends to ask for more campaign money. Mr.Walden is simply a "clone" of Mr. GWBush! He will not win this election. He is vulnerable! Watch for our weekly news release that exposes Walden's voting record, who it hurts in the 2 District and who it helped usually a campaign donor. This is a great blog! I plan to contribute to it frequently! Hi Chuck! I look forward to meeting you in Astoria this weekend.
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