On Expanding the Map

I'm sure we've all heard about all the buzz on "expanding the map". Democrats may finally be able to do it this fall. We have enough winnable Congressional races and enough new swing states to build a stronger Democratic majority.

So can we do it? Only if we make it happen...

Obama is competing in states that Democrats have never really thought about winning before.







Obviously, the Obama campaign is doing a whole lot to expand the map and turn more red states blue. But as we've seen lately, the Republicans will not make it easy for us. They'll throw whatever mud they have at us to try to achieve a third Bush term.We need to ensure our Democrats have what it takes to keep fighting... And keep winning!

We also need to understand that how we win in these new swing states may be different from how we're used to winning traditional "blue states". I may not agree with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) on everything, but I understand that he & other Mountain West Democrats needs to address issues in a different way (not necessarily be more conservative, but frame issues differently) in order to win. I may not always understand why Southern Democrats do what they do, but I know they also need to address issues differently in order to win. So if we see Barack Obama & Democratic Congressional candidates in these swing districts speak differently from how we're used to seeing our "Solid Blue" Dems speak, we need not freak out.

But still, all these Democrats in all these areas share the same values we do. Like us, they want real solutions to the climate & energy crisis. Like us, they want our troops home from Iraq as soon as possible. Like us, they want real health care solutions. And like us, they want an economy that works for all of us working people again.

We have a unique opportunity now, in 2008. Americans are tired of the same old Bush-Cheney garbage. Americans want real change. This is our time, and we have to take advantage of it now.

I know we're all freaking out over daily racking polls & VP picks & convention buzz right now. But hopefully, we'll all remember to do what's necessary to help Democrats win. We can't afford to miss this opportunity. Let's build a stronger majority today!



:-)

We Are Making a Difference! UPDATED

A few weeks ago, I donated to MyDD's Road to 60 ActBlue project, which as of today has raised $3575 from 67 donors. My donation was spread among four different Senate candidates, one of whom was Mark Begich, who is running to unseat Alaska Senator Ted Stevens.

The grassroots fundraising is making a big difference in the Begich campaign, as confirmed by an email that I received today:

[Psychodrew] --

I can hardly believe I'm writing to tell you this, but you guys did it:

Together we out-raised Sen. Stevens in the last fundraising period by over a quarter of a million dollars.

You are part of a grassroots surge - over 4000 contributors in the last three months (more than four times Stevens number of donors).

We outperformed the special interest network of a 40 year incumbent.

I am humbled by the strength of your support and I'm ready to keep fighting, bringing my message to Alaska voters.

We can win this race, all because of you.

Thank you.

Mark Begich

According to the Alaska Report, the Begich campaign raised $1,034,660 from more than 4,099 donors. Of those, 3017 were donations of $100 or less. Senator Stevens raised only $745,000.

In case you haven't yet, donate to the Road to 60 Project. Sixty Democratic senators means that the GOP cannot filibuster our legislative priorities. That means a real energy policy, meaningful health care reform, and improving our education system.

Oh, and as for the Begich campaign the most recent Rasmussen poll has Senator Stevens up 46-44. This race--and the others--are winnable. We need to do our part.

[Updated at 2:47am EST by Psychodrew]

According to Rasmussen, great news in Oregon:

Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley for the first time has edged ahead of Republican Senator Gordon Smith 43% to 41% in Oregon, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey. While the advantage is not statistically significant, it is noteworthy for an incumbent senator to receive such low levels of support at this point in a campaign.

If leaners are factored in, the race is tied with each candidate claiming 46% of the voters.

Last month, Smith, who is seeking a third six-year term, led Merkley by nine points 47% to 38%. Merkley is the speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

In the four previous months, Smith has been narrowly ahead, but he has never crossed the 50% mark, below which an incumbent is generally viewed as vulnerable. His support has ranged from a low of 45% to a high of 48%.