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.

Where We Can Go from Here

(Proudly cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama, Democratic PartyBuilder, and MyDD)

I know, I know. It's been a tough week for all of us who care deeply about our Constitution, the foundation of our republic. And yes, I know what's made this week tougher was Barack Obama's agreeing to this capitulation to Bush-Cheney. So what do we do now? Where can we go? How can we put this disappointment behind us?

Follow me after the flip as I discuss where we can go from here...

First off, I know some here have been uncomfortable seeing us argue over the FISA Amendments Act. But you know what? It's not always a bad thing when all of us don't agree with Obama on everything.While I strongly disagree with Obama's stance on the final FISA Amendments Act, I'm glad that there has been open discussion of this here and at other progressive/Democratic communities. Obviously, many of us ARE distressed & disappointed over this. While we all understand that sometimes we have to compromise to get at least some of what we want, I just think that the Constitution is something we should NEVER compromise on.

And no, I don't think I'm the only one who feels this way. That's whyit's important for us to have an open discussion on this. After all,haven't we all hated seeing how the Bush-Cheney regime has alwayscrushed dissent? And how the GOP "dittohead" footsoldiers neverquestion their own leaders on anything?

We're Democrats (and Independents, and Greens, and others, and even ex-Republicans), and we're supposed to be better than that. We're theones who are supposed to be questioning authority. We're the ones whoare supposed to hold our leaders' feet to the fire. We're the ones whoare supposed to strive to make things better for everyone.So are we all still united to elect Obama this fall? Sure. But will weall agree with everything he does? No. And are we supposed to blindlyaccept everything he says? I don't think so.

OK, so now we all understand the value of open discussion. But hey, open discussion doesn't get Democrats elected! I know that. That's why it's also important that we move on to working hard to ensure we don't see any more disappointments like this in the coming months and years.And how can we do this? We can get involved with the Democratic Party in our communities. By electing more & bettter Democrats, we're doing our part to ensure we won't see any more massive failures to protect & defend our Constitution. So by volunteering and contributing, we can do a whole lot to take back our country.

Also, why not reward those who have been fighting the good fight all along? Help the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation fight this horrid FISA capitualtion in court. Believe it or not, we still have a chance to have our say in court. And since this bill is NOT a Constituional Amendment, we have at least a decent chance of overturning this heinous violation of our Fourth Amendment privacy rights.

Oh yes, and let's also remember to reward the great Democrats that stood with us the whole time? Remember Chris Dodd. Remember the Blue America candidates. Remember Russ Feingold. Remember Barbara Boxer. Oh, and remember Hillary Clinton! She didn't have to stand with us, but she did. She's showing her true-blue colors now as a progressive warrior. But hey, if you don't want to give there, give here.

And finally, let's not forget about our nominee. While he disappointed us on the final vote, Barack Obama did support all the important amendments that would have improved the bill. And as President, he's promising us that he will work to improve this legislation. So yes, let's hold him accountable & make sure he keeps his promise. And at the same time, let's all work our patooties off to ensure he becomes President so we can actually hold him to that promise! :-)