Republican Mike Erickson, candidate for the nomination in Oregon's 5th District, has come under heavy fire lately from primary opponent Kevin Mannix, with rumors afloat that Erickson used to hold wild cocaine parties on his boat.
Well, Erickson flatly denies these scurrilous allegations; he's not only never used cocaine, but
"I've never used cocaine. I wouldn't know what it looks like," Erickson said, adding that he has never used illegal drugs or tobacco.
He doesn't know what cocaine looks like? He's never seen Beverly Hills Cop? He's never cooked with baking soda?
I had to snort at that one.
Call me a skeptic, but Erickson's denial just doesn't pass the smell test.
It would have been a bit more plausible if he just denied knowledge of the coke parties. Something like "If there's been cocaine use here, well, it's been happening right under my own nose."
Anybody else got a clever pun? A not-so-clever one?
In all seriousness, this is one of the most ridiculous statements we've seen yet this cycle. Either Erickson is a bald-faced liar, or a first-class moran. It's his choice as to which he'd rather be.
And please submit all coke-related Erickson jokes below!
Today was National Bike to Work Day. I rode as I do 3 to 4 times per week. In light of the recent admissions by our Fearless Leader on how he has stopped playing golf, it was the least I could do. There are many reasons why I ride: money saved from gas, health benefits, time saved (I get a 1 hour ride, but it only costs my family ½ hour), mental health benefits (My ride makes me easier to get along with). All of these are good reasons to ride, but that is not what got me on my bike today. At 7:30 am, it was raining hard in Bedford, PA, but my thoughts were not on the cold, or the wet, or the wind. Rather, they were on our fine men and women lugging 100+ lb packs in 100 degree heat fighting this Godforsaken War for Oil.
On Thursday, May 15, Markos Moulitsas pubished a set of polls he had commissioned from Research 2000, seeking information from 600 probable Alaska voters on four candidates, in hypothetical "if you had to vote on this today" scenarios. The two scenarios are a Sen. Ted Stevens vs. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich matchup, and a Rep. Don Young vs. Ethan Berkowitz matchup.
The polls asked a number of questions regarding favorable-unfavorable views toward the four, and both show victories by the Democratic challengers over the GOP incumbents now holding those two seats in the national legislature. The information in them is valuable, but is it pertinent? - especially in the hypothetical Berkowitz vs. Young race.
But, more importantly to this blog and to its readers, has Markos Moulitsas crossed an egregious ethical line in the way he has handled his spin here regarding Ethan Berkowitz's house campaign since December? I think he has. Here's why...
Two days ago, I cast my votes in the Senate and 1st District primaries. While everyone knows I support Tom Ledue, I had a long period of time in which I pondered which candidate to vote for to replace Tom Allen in Congress.
Everyone also knows I have been an "equal opportunity destroyer" in the race. I have praised candidates for that which they've done well, and hammered at candidates for that which they've done poorly.
In the end, I was willing to support five of the six candidates (see Adam Cote and BIPAC for why it's only five) in the race. I still believe all five of those candidates would do a wonderful job as our representative in Congress, and will work my heart out for whichever of them wins the primary.
That said, I could only vote for one, and it was Senator Ethan Strimling.
When incumbent GOP Representative Wayne Gilchrest lost his primary to a "Club for Growth" backed extremist, Maryland's First Congressional District became competitive -- and with help, could actually favor the Democratic candidate, Frank Kratovil. When Blue Catapult PAC held an event for Frank, we learned that not only is he a great candidate, but that the dynamics of the district make it ripe for a Democratic pickup.
Why can MD-01 turn Blue?
Frank is a Great Candidate. He is the current State's Attorney for Queen Anne's County, and he is in court in the morning and campaigns later in the day. Unlike his opponent, he is a native of Maryland's Eastern Shore, which comprises about half the voters and are very protective of their congressional representation. Frank is a lifelong Democrat and was President of Maryland Young Democrats when he was younger. He is outspoken against the War and supports a sane fiscal policy.
"Clearly, we have got problems that are deep and serious in terms of how we are going to do in the fall elections," [Tom] Cole said.
That's progress. But then we hit the snag, as Cole further explains what those "problems" are:
"Having said that... we haven't lost as a party because of the ideological agenda on the other side. The obvious challenge we face is we had somebody running as a Republican, pro-life, pro-gun, who wants to cut taxes, wants to control spending. That's not particularly in step with where the Democratic majority is. So, that is going to create some opportunities for us. I think those issues clarify and reinforce [our agenda]."
First of all, does Cole really think that wanting to "control spending" is a Republican trait? If so, how come Bill Clinton balanced the budget while Mr. 27% and his Republican Congress has given us record deficits?
Nope, balancing the budget is definitely not a Republican trait. It's a Democratic one.
Second of all, guns are no longer a Republican issue. The NRA won. Democrats have given up on guns and have moved on. I know Republicans don't want to acknowledge that victory because it strips them of a once-useful wedge, but really, when you have Clinton and Obama fighting over who is more pro-gun, you know we've moved on.
So what's left? "Cut taxes"? Sure, everyone wants to cut taxes. The question is who gets those cuts and who shoulders the heavier tax burden. Republicans think oil companies need tax breaks, Democrats think lower and middle class families deserve them.
So that leaves abortion. And yes, on that issue, the two victorious Democrats in Louisiana (Don Cayazoux) and Mississippi (Travis Childers) actually buck their party. I'll add another one that Cole ignored -- immigration. On the border issue, these guys are downright regressive.
But that doesn't make them Republicans. Because if it does, then these positions shared by Cayazoux and Childers are now Republican positions:
This was the same lame spin that Republicans used to try and rationalize Jim Webb's victory in Virginia in 2006, before quickly dropping that approach as Webb's economic populism took center stage. Cazayoux and Childers appear to be economix populists in the Jim Webb mold.
What infuriates Republicans to no end is that these two Democrats effectively nullified GOP efforts to run on their pet social issues. Decades of winning elections on the abortion issue hasn't made abortion illegal in the country, nor has decades of anti-gay hysteria stopped the growing spread of tolerance, fairness, and equality. Heck, I doubt Republicans want to win those issues, given how quickly they're losing guns as a wedge issue now that they've won that battle.
With those social issues off the table, what's left? The kind of stuff that truly can make a material impact on people's lives -- health care, education, jobs, social security, and Iraq.
And no matter how much Republicans try to counter with the usual boogeymen (which now includes Obama, Wright, Pelosi and Kerry), it's not working. Democrats have clear advantages on bread and butter issues as well as the war in Iraq, even in the reddest of districts.
That's why Cazayoux ad Childers won. Not because they ran as Republicans, but because they ran on Democratic issues after taking the usual Republican wedge issues off the table.
Mississippi win is a wake up call to the Democratic Party to start contesting seriously every race in every county and every state. Ok , ok, maybe not every race but at least 75% of them (I imagine the 25 % who are still supporting W are unreasonable people and there is nothing anybody can do about them). Let us select credible candidates and wipe the GOP completely. This is the most opportune moment we have to destroy the Republican Party for decades to come.
If you live in the Greater Los Angeles area -- especially in Orange County, western Riverside or San Bernardino Counties, or even San Diego County, you will want to know about this:
Ambassador Joe Wilson -- who went to Africa prior to the Iraq War to investigate rumors that Iraq was trying to acquire yellowcake uranium, bravely told the story publicly of what he did not find in Africa, and was rewarded with the Administration blowing his wife's deep cover as an agent monitoring Iranian nuclear weapons activity -- is coming to town. He wants to meet with people like you.
This event is a fundraiser for the candidacy of longtime Koster Ron Sheptston (the once and future CanYouBeAngryAndStillDream, who is running for Congress against the ethically challenged Rep. Gary Miller (R-Housing Crisis.)) Tickets start at $35. See a disclaimer and more information about the event after the fold.
Last night, eight candidates to replace retiring Representative Mike McNulty (D-Green Island) met at the SEIU 1199 headquarters in downtown Albany, hosted by Democracy fro the Hudson Mowhawk Region and the RFK Democrats. According to the Times Union about 150 people were in attendance, packing the house to hear John Aretakis, Tracey Brooks, Craig Burridge, Lester Freeman, Darius Shahinfar, Phil Steck, Paul Tonko, and Arthur Welser make their way through introductions, general questions, a "lightning round", and closing arguments.
I was lucky to be one of those 150 people in the audience, and was taking notes. Below the fold is the summary of all the questions from all the candidates that you won't find anywhere else...
Full disclosure: I serve as a the (volunteer) Netroots Coordinator for the Mary Pallant campaign
If we learned nothing else from Travis Childers' incredible victory in the R+10 MS-01, it is that all but the verry most conservative Republican House seats are in play and winnable this election cycle. Democrats who may not have had a legitimate shot in other election years have a decent shot of taking over otherwise impossible districts this year.
What that also means is that many Democrats in swing districts that are trending blue may actually be favored to win this year--even if they're not technically on the front radars of organizations like Blue Majority or the DCCC's Red to Blue list. Of course, demographics aren't everything: the candidates themselves have to be capable, determined and charismatic.
CO-Sen: It's only been one day, but Bob Schaffer's "Mt. Macaca" moment is fast becoming the stuff of Internet legend.
Schaffer released a TV ad yesterday, his first of the cycle, in which he claimed "Colorado is my life". Unfortunately, he said this as the ad depicted a photo of Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America...and located in the State of Alaska.
As MissLaura noted in the midday open thread, the DSCC has put together a nifty little quiz for our man Schaffer, so as to prepare him better for the rigors of campaigning in the State of Alaska Colorado.
Meanwhile, the campaign of Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mark Begich had a dryly hilarious response:
"While Alaskans can understand why Bob Schaffer would promote our beautiful mountain, I hope he doesn't expect Alaska to cede North America's highest peak to the State of Colorado."
Begich leads incumbent Senator Ted Stevens, an Alaska institution currently under investigation by the FBI, by a margin of 48% to 43%. Given Stevens' tenure, and (until recently) his tremendous popularity, it's remarkable to think that he may very well lose his bid for reelection. Alaska has been GOP country, and Stevens country, for my entire lifetime.
Meanwhile, House candidate Ethan Berkowitz leads 34-year Republican incumbent Don Young by an even wider margin, 50% to 40%. Provided Young survives his primary challenge from Lt. Governor Sean Parnell-which is no certainty-Berkowitz could hardly be in better position for the fall.
Even the presidential race is somewhat competitive in Alaska; it's hard to look at these numbers and not sense that we're entering a new era for the state of Alaska and the Democratic Party.
GA-Sen: Republican polling outfit Strategic Vision has polled the Democratic primary in Georgia, as well as general-election matchups. Unfortunately, Vernon Jones is leading the Democratic primary, with Dale Cardwell second and Jim Martin third. Jones is a real piece of work, as Tondee's Tavern notes.
Worse luck, Saxby Chambliss has a 30+ point lead over all Democratic challengers, and while I certainly don't expect that we'll win this seat, I sure would like to come closer than 65%-35%.
House Races
ID-01: Congressman Bill "Absolute Idiot" Sali is getting hammered by the local press for canceling a debate appearance against primary opponent Matt Salisbury.
IL-14: After four failed campaigns-two for U.S. Senate, one for Governor of Illinois, one for the U.S. House-perennial candidate and famed nutter Jim Oberweis has decided it's time for an image overhaul. (Good thinking, Jim).
Dairy magnate Jim Oberweis (R) is trying to soften his image in suburban Chicago, according to local media reports, going so far as to cold-call reporters in search of why he lost ex-Speaker Dennis Hastert’s (R) seat in a March special election.
Dubbed the "What Went Wrong Tour" by The Aurora Beacon News, Oberweis is trying to overcome his smug reputation, earned after four highly negative political campaigns on which he has spent millions of dollars of his own money.
"People like to support people they feel like they know and can identify with," an Oberweis spokesman told the newspaper. "We can do a better job of letting people know who Jim is."
See, there's the problem. After four campaigns, people already know who Jim Oberweis is. It's why they voted for Bill Foster.
GA-10: Republican incumbent "Porno Paul" Broun made the mistake of defeating a favored GOP candidate in last year's special election, and as such, he has been targeted by the Georgia Republican establishment in this year's primary.
Porno Paul faces a remarkably stiff primary challenge (pun intended) from Barry Fleming, one so serious that House Republican leaders are forced to come to his rescue. Given their recent track record, I'm not sure Broun should be seeking their help.
If that primary gets ugly enough, it could create an opening for Democrat Bobby Saxon. This race is a long shot of long shots, but it should be interesting to follow at least. And one never knows...we've been doing some very exciting things in Southern House races lately.
LA-04: Speaking of Southern House races, Roll Call has an article about the Democratic resurgence in the South, marked by the two recent special election victories. Next on the Democratic hit list in the region is likely LA-04, home of the retiring Jim McCrery.
The district is 33% black, and has a PVI similar to Rep. Don Cazayoux's district of LA-06 (it's R+6.5). The Democratic candidate is prosecutor Paul Carmouche, and Roll Call seems surprisingly optimistic about Dem chances:
If Democrats can avoid a divisive primary battle and bring to bear the party’s vast fundraising resources — which will only be bolstered by the party’s performance in the recent special elections — then the 4th district will present another key Southern opportunity in the same mold as Louisiana’s 6th and Mississippi’s 1st.
It's real nice to be taking the fight to Republicans in their regional stronghold, as DemFromCT noted yesterday.
NM-01: Democrat Martin Heinrich has aired his first TV ad:
The following is a preview of Oregon's statewide and congressional races, as well as the Portland mayoral race. It includes my current projections for what will happen if the votes were counted today.
Research 2000 for Daily Kos. 5/12-14. Likely voters. MoE 4% (12/3-6 results)
If 2008 election for Congress were held today, for whom would you vote for if the choices were between Ethan Berkowitz, the Democrat, and Don Young, the Republican?
Young (R) 40 (42)
Berkowitz (D) 50 (49)
If 2008 election for U.S. Senate were held today, for whom would you vote for if the choices were between Mark Begich, the Democrat, and Ted Stevens, the Republican?
Stevens (R) 43 (41)
Begich (D) 48 (47)
I was shocked to see the numbers after the first poll. I was even worried that they might be a bit of an outlier. But then Stevens' own pollster helpfully confirmed the numbers.
Local pollsters are not surprised by the numbers. Dave Dittman, who's firm Dittman Research is polling for Stevens, said the publicity on corruption investigations is hurting the Republicans.
"It's interesting and it's early but I wasn't shocked," Dittman said. "Both Congressman Young and Sen. Stevens have been under attack (or) at least the subject of a lot of negative information and news stories and things for almost two years. I would think it's got to have an effect."
So we knew they weren't off base.
This new poll confirms that we've just got a bit of float in the MoE. The Democrats are still leading their corrupt Republican incumbents. And Alaska is definitely a state where Obama at the top of the Democratic ticket will pay HUGE dividends:
McCain (R) 49
Obama (D) 42
McCain (R) 55
Clinton (D) 37
You better believe Begich and Berkowitz are cheering Obama's primary victory. Meanwhile, Obama is legitimately competitive in the state. That's some map-changing mojo at work.
Must be all the black people and latte sippers that live in Alaska.
Most of you probably remember me from all of the hard work I put in blogging about Rick Vilello, former candidate for the PA-05 nomination. Well, during that time I also got very sick. So sick that I was unable to go to work and they eventually had to let me go. The good news is that my sickness was apparently an allergic reaction to something in the area, and now that I have left the area, I'm no longer sick. I'm returning to the PA-06 and noticed that there has not been a single diary on our very progressive candidate down there. I would like to rectify that situation. Bear in mind that I do not work for the Bob Roggio campaign, although I do look forward to volunteering for it.
It is an article of faith among Conservatives that Democrats are bad for your personal finances, whether due to usurous taxation, burdensome business regulations or irresponsible Government spending. But I must add another category: the growing collection of competitive Democratic Congressional and State candidates is draining my bank account. Read on over the fold to understand my plight...
Candidate filing is sailing along with lots of states now having completed candidate filings and others with a full slate of Democratic House candidate long before filings close.
Below the fold for details and once again go and take a look at the 2008 Race Tracker Wiki.
***I have included Cook PVI numbers where possible after blogger requests to do so!***
From TheHill.com we get the story that Rahm Emmanuel showed up at the House Republican "theme team" meeting, which TheHill.com headlines as "Cocky Emmanuel Shows Up to Gloat".
[Republican Rep. Jack] Kingston said the Illinois Democrat was well-received by the group and even offered some advice: that President Bush and the GOP’s lack of an agenda would continue to haunt the party in November.
This isn't "gamesmanship"...the Republicans already know they have to run away from Bush. The last thing we need is Emmanuel showing up and reinforcing anything.
So, my dad keeps forwarding me the craziest stuff about Obama and Hillary, [yeah, CRAZY stuff that snopes.com refutes everyday] so I retooled the great post "You Think McCain Is Here To Help" from DNC.org with some added facts and related it to something we both shared, Family Values, and am urging him to forward it to his friends. I thought some people on here might do the same but minus the ID CD-2 stuff. Enjoy!
