Help Jeff Merkley win $5000 from Russ Feingold
Kari Chisholm
I've been a big fan of Senator Russ Feingold for a long time.
In 1992, he was a somewhat-wonky regular-guy state legislator facing a millionaire incumbent U.S. Senator. He survived a tough primary campaign, but by emphasizing his working-class roots he drew a sharp contrast to the wealthy special-interest-friendly incumbent - and pulled out a big win in a Democratic-leaning swing state in a presidential campaign year.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Since then, he's been a strong voice for progressive values - despite facing tough re-election races every six years. And even though he's got those tough races every six years, he stumps for progressive candidates all over the country, raising money, drawing attention to their campaigns, helping good candidates win.
And in that spirit, Feingold is giving away $5000 to the U.S. Senate challenger that can demonstrate the most grassroots support.
I'm sure the other folks are good people, too - but let's show Senator Feingold just how important it is to Oregon Democrats that we elect Jeff Merkley, our very own somewhat-wonky regular-guy state legislator facing a millionaire incumbent U.S. Senator.
So, head on over to Feingold's website and vote for Jeff Merkley. Do it now.
And on a personal note: One of the reasons that I'm a fan of Russ Feingold's is that he immediately recognized the quality of the good local beer on tap at the Lucky Lab - where he made a visit in 1999 to speak to the members of X-PAC.
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1:33 a.m.
Jun 17, '08
Full disclosure: My firm built Jeff Merkley's campaign website, but I speak only for myself.
8:53 a.m.
Jun 17, '08
While you're there, read the bios of the other nominees, and maybe look at some of the websites. Jeff's in good company, and it's a good way to lift your spirits.
Jun 17, '08
While for an out of stater, it's good that Feingold recognized the Lab is better than most beer, it isn't even close to the best beer in town.
I struggled to enter this contest (and declined, as they wanted my e-mail address). As much as I want Smith to be gone, I'm almost more inclined to support having an Alaskan Democrat. Hmmm. Home town pride vs. good of the whole? In the end, it's just five grand, so I'm OK with home town pride. And it's a good way to get people excited!
Jun 17, '08
Since this is a national thing with other up and coming Dems, there are two names that come to mind before Merkley:
Andrew Rice, running against James Inhofe, and Bruce Lunsford, running against Mitch McConnell.
A Gordo loss would be great for Oregon, but I think Inhofe and McConnell are both more toxic to the future of our state than is Smith.
Besides, Merkley should have Smith in the bag. A Democrat winning a Senate seat in Oregon should be a breeze compared to Oklahoma and Kentucky.
12:36 p.m.
Jun 17, '08
I'd like to say a kind word for Larry LaRocco, running for the open seat currently warmed (with a wide stance) by lame duck Larry Craig in Idaho.
Larry's no left-wing firebrand, but he's a solid Democrat running strongly in a state that's still more red than blue. My husband and I have contributed to him and he's got a shot. Check out this BlueOregon post about him by Andrew Simon, 51 weeks ago.
1:34 p.m.
Jun 17, '08
"Does any of this sound familiar?"
No, I can safely say no one has ever tried to compare Jeff Merkley to one of the most heroic Senators we have. One way to get closer to a proper comparison might be to hire his ad team, Eichenbaum.
1:52 p.m.
Jun 17, '08
Besides, Merkley should have Smith in the bag. A Democrat winning a Senate seat in Oregon should be a breeze compared to Oklahoma and Kentucky.
Oh, that's so CUTE! A little rightie, trying to pull the same stunt that got a staffer for Congressman Charlie Bass (R-NH) busted last cycle.
Here's how it works: Rather than saying "Gordon Smith is dreamy! He will win!" you go the other way, saying "Jeff Merkley is a cinch! Let's help someone else"
Here's the kind of crap that Bass's staffers were trying in New Hampshire:
<h2>Nice try, kids.</h2>