Time is Running Out!

A few days ago, I wrote about Becky Greenwald, who is running for Congress in Iowa and the Progressive Patriots Fund.



Senator Russ Feingold's Political Action Committee will give a $5000 donation to the candidate who gets the most support in an online vote. Yesterday, I received an email from Becky's campaign informing me that Becky is currently in THIRD PLACE! And today, I received an email from Russ Feingold announcing that the polls close at 6pm EST today. We have only a few hours remaining.

As many of you know, I am not from Iowa but there are some reasons I'm writing about Becky' campaign right now. First, a very close friend of mine is on Becky's senior staff. I have known him for several years and he has assured me that Becky is the real thing. Second, if elected, Becky will be the first woman elected to the House of Representatives in Iowa. I personally believe that empowering women is important in American society. Third, after Senator Obama becomes President Obama in January, he is going to need good Democrats like Becky in Congress if he is going to push his agenda.

As I wrote a few days ago, Becky just got through a tough primary and her fundraising took a hit when the floods hit in June. Right now, her Republican opponent (who loves war and hates poor people--more on this jerk coming soon) has a huge cash advantage and the big Democratic organizations like Emily's List won't invest in Becky's race until she gets some attention from the media and raises some money on her own.

Getting this endorsement and the money from the Progressive Patriot's Fund could be just the boost that she needs. So please visit this website and vote for Becky Greenwald!

Progressive Patriots Fund

Senator Russ Feingold's Political Action Committe, the Progressive Patriot's Fund is planning a $5000 donation to one of nine house candidates and you have the opportunity to help choose the recipient. Click here to go to the website and cast your vote.

I voted for Becky Greenwald, who is running to oust the Rep. Tom Latham in Iowa's Fourth Congressional District.

The incumbent has held his seat since the "Republican Revolution" in 1994.  He carried his seat in 2006 with 58% of the vote, but something has happened in the fourth district since that race.  The Iowa Democratic Presidential Caucuses.  Before the caucuses, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by 6,000.  In the run-up to the caucuses, Democratic voter registration surged in the fourth district giving Democrats an 8,000 vote advantage.  The district has a Democratic Performance Index of 52.7%, the 3rd highest district with a Republican representative in the country, Cook's Political Report gives it a PVI of D+0.  With the right candidate, Democrats have a good chance at turning this district blue.

Becky Greenwald is that candidate.  She would not only be another desperately needed progressive voice in Congress, but she would also be the first woman ever elected to the House of Representatives from the state of Iowa.  What Becky mostly needs right now is money.  Her opponent did not face a primary opponent while she garnered 51% of the vote in a crowded field after jumping into the race only eight weeks before the primary.  And during the August recess, he's been holding "congressional events" and has sent "congressional mailings" to his constituents paid for by his congressional office.  The taxpayers are literally funding his re-election campaign.

So please visit the Progressive Patriot's Fund where you can read Becky's profile and cast a vote for her.  You can also contribute directly here.