LA-07: Let the Games Begin - Cravins Added to Red To Blue List

by: BuyUpolitics

Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 20:06:02 PM CDT


(Promoted ... and added some comments of my own in bold. - promoted by ryan)

The DCCC has put this on the Red 2 Blue list. So national money will pour into this district. Lord Boustany will have a hard time keeping up with money being dumped into media buys. I see a BLUE November.

DCCC Press: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced today the next round of candidates who earned a spot in the DCCC's highly competitive Red to Blue program. These six candidates qualified for the fourth round of the Red to Blue program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress. "The candidates for change being named to the DCCC Red to Blue program are running solid campaigns and are committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts," said Chris Van Hollen, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "With less than 100 days to make their case for change to voters in their districts, the Red to Blue program will give these candidates the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November." Chairman Van Hollen joined Red to Blue co-chairs Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Artur Davis (D-AL), and Bruce Braley (D-IA) to announce six candidates who qualified for the Red to Blue program:

(LA-07) Don Cravins, Jr.
(NV-02) Jill Derby
(OH-02) Vic Wulsin
(PA-03) Kathy Dahlkemper
(VA-05) Tom Perriello
(VA-10) Judy Feder

Reflecting Democrats' expanding playing field this cycle, there are now 44 candidates on the Red to Blue program. The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. The program will introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns. A complete list of Red to Blue candidates is available on the DCCC website at: www.dccc.org/page/content/redtoblue/.

Red to Blue was a proven success in the 2006 cycle. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns with an average of $404,000 per campaign. Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

This is incredible news for the Cravins campaign. I fully expected them to be on the Emerging Races list, and they are, but to have three targeted races - Carmouche in the 4th, Cazayoux in the 6th, and now Cravins in the 7th - in little ol Louisiana? That's impressive.

It says a LOT about the strength of the candidates in Louisiana that the DCCC is betting quite heavily in our state. The question is ... can the candidates and their campaigns deliver?

Only time will tell us that. But there is one thing you can do to help out ... talk to your frienda and neighbors about the election, register them if they are not registered, VOLUNTEER, and most importantly, VOTE. I'll have a post up in the next few days about volunteer opportunities in LA-01, LA-02, LA-04, LA-06, and LA-07.

BuyUpolitics :: LA-07: Let the Games Begin - Cravins Added to Red To Blue List
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LA-07: Let the Games Begin - Cravins Added to Red To Blue List | 28 comments
CQ Politics (0.00 / 1)
BuyU ... (0.00 / 0)
As usual, kicking ass and taking names.  Thanks putting up the post.

"I was against NAFTA and CAFTA, and I'll be against SHAFTA."
[ Parent ]
the DCCC.....p f f f t ! (0.00 / 0)
You said, "It says a LOT about the strength of the candidates in Louisiana that the DCCC is betting quite heavily in our state."

Sorry, Ryan- but the DCCC has left a bad taste in my mouth for their treatment of Dr.Gilda Reed....the RIGHT candidate, but, the WRONG district.... LA.1, the most Republican saturated district in the country-... the DCCC turned their backs on Gilda Reed and Dist.1.... without their endorsement- how could she gain others' support?

Republicans- Democrats- they're all the same-- One big Machine.

DCCC is writing off LA.District 1.... Jim Harlan is putting up his OWN money up.. -- how many qualified millionaires do we have out there?

~ KJ ~

If Democrats and Republicans are the same ... (0.00 / 0)
Then why does the GOP champion raising the minimum wage every chance they get?

Why does the GOP champion rebuilding our coastline every chance they get?

Why does the GOP champion universal health care every chance they get?

Why does the GOP champion protecting Social Security?

Why does the GOP champion investing more and more money in alternative energy sources?  

Oh, snap ... they don't.  The Democrats do all of the above, and the GOP opposes every single one those policies.  


"I was against NAFTA and CAFTA, and I'll be against SHAFTA."

[ Parent ]
Relax, Ryan. (0.00 / 0)
"If Democrats and Republicans are the same ".. Ok, Ok.. I get it-- you're all revved up after the Dkos convention.

But, the politics of dispersing money to the "red to blue" states-- and dividing the pot between only 6 nationwide candidates.... is not fairly allocating monies to the RIGHT candidates...C'mon, Ryan, you know the reason we can't get good Democratic leadership here-- hell, NO representation at all in my district- is because we get no support from Washington... the DCCC.... They don't even TRY to help... not LA.0I...I don't feel your joy.

If you, and the dkos-squad really want to turn our state Blue-- then stop ignoring the Republican strongholds- like Jefferson Parish and La.Dist01. And that's just what the DCCC did-- and continues to do... Only donating "where they stand the strongest chance to win."... missing the cream of the crop.

When it comes to the GOP vs. the DEMOCRATS?.. You're preaching to the choir here.


~ KJ ~

6 Nationwide candidates??? (0.00 / 0)
KjunLady ...

The DCCC is helping raise money for 44 Red to Blue candidates, not just 6.  44 ... out of 435 Congressional districts.  That's more than 10% ... which is a lot more than the GOP is doing these days.  

On top of that, the DCCC ain't God.  They can't create grassroots enthusiasm in a CD.  That has to be generated by the folks on the ground.  Gilda was a good candidate, but she had difficulty raising money, which, unfortunately, is the one of the criteria the DCCC uses to determine whether a candidate is one they ought to back.  

If you want to see change, Kjun, it won't be because of me, or the dKos crowd.  It's up to people like you to organize the Democrats of LA-01 ... and not just online, but off-line.  Meet them, go knocking on doors in your neighborhood.  A great organization trumps money.  Until a Democratic candidate organizes every single town in LA-01, the Democrat will likely lose that seat.  

Are you signed up to be a Neighborhood Captain?  My guess is that you're not.  Prove me wrong.  I'd actually like to be wrong.

"I was against NAFTA and CAFTA, and I'll be against SHAFTA."

[ Parent ]
Ryan, and just why do you think... (0.00 / 1)
I had trouble raising money?  Because the DCCC would NOT endorse me.  24 unions endorsed me and a half-dozen more were ready to but ran out of time.  They were ready to write checks until the DCCC told them they were not supporting me.

The least the DCCC could have said was that Reed was a good candidate and they just did not have money enough for both Dist 6 and Dist 1.  A little positive PR would not have cost them a penny.  Instead they reported to the Times-Picayune and unions (as each called) that LA-01 was Republican and would remain so.  Even the Secretary of State office via Beary heralded the same message and it was printed.  (Civil service workers cannot even place a campaign sign in their yards but this state office can get away with such bias and illegality?) Add to this every political pundit and media reporter's constant reminders to the public that a Dem could not win LA-01---perfect examples of self-fulfilling prophecy and negative expectations.  So many voters admitted that they did not bother to vote in an election that was already decided.  More than 310,000 voters stayed home in the monsoon.  Scalise was elected by less than 10% of us--another bought and paid for Repub parrot who owes his soul to corporate greed.

I raised $130,000 ($30,000 was mine of which I could not afford and will take years to recoup on a teacher's salary.) This was a mere drop in the bucket for a congressional race, but substantial for an honest Dem who wanted to fight for us for all the right reasons.  

The DCCC did me wrong, Ryan.  The business decision to completely abandon my district can be forgiven but the PR crap cannot.  Local Dems were great and so were you and Stephen Miles.  The state Dems did what they could.  The DCCC chose to abandon LA-01 to the wealthy Republican machine without the slightest fight.  Orphaned again and again and again.  

Gilda Werner Reed


[ Parent ]
The DCCC doesn't endorse in primaries ... (0.00 / 0)
Nor do they endorse candidates in general elections unless they think the candidate can win.  Unfortunately, they didn't think you could win.  

They could have, however, given positive PR.  I will agree with you there.  

"I was against NAFTA and CAFTA, and I'll be against SHAFTA."

[ Parent ]
You turning to stone? (0.00 / 0)
"Unfortunately, they didn't think you could win. "

There ya go-- sounding like a true Dkos Front Pager..... Dayam, Ryan- what kind of boot camp did they put you through?  

"They could have, however, given positive PR.  I will agree with you there."... Oh- what a guy, Ryan!! The Democrats could've done a lot more-- with little effort or money.

Why are you up their butts?

~ KJ ~

[ Parent ]
Kjun ... (0.00 / 0)
The reason that the DCCC didn't invest any money into LA-01 for Gilda is because they thought she couldn't win.  That is, unfortunately, a fact.  I disagreed with their analysis, as noted here and in threads over at the evil, evil, dKos.  

Why don't you list what the "Democrats" could have done to be more supportive of Gilda?  Then we have a specific discussion, rather than deal in generalities and vague terms like the "Democrats."



"I was against NAFTA and CAFTA, and I'll be against SHAFTA."

[ Parent ]
Smile. (0.00 / 0)
"Why don't you list what the 'Democrats' could have done to be more supportive of Gilda?"

LOL... this is like a dog chasing it's tail.... It's starts with the DCCC-- then the rest follows.

And- Northshore Progressive Democrats were most supportive.

I'm done..... and I'm glad you disagreed with the DCCC's decision too.

And, you figured out... I'm not too fond of dkos.

I'd love to go on your Open Thread.. but-- I'm all typed out...(Smile)

 

~ KJ ~

[ Parent ]
"Prove me wrong. I'd actually like to be wrong." (0.00 / 0)
You were....and, I did.

~ KJ ~
[ Parent ]
No. (0.00 / 1)
"Are you signed up to be a Neighborhood Captain?  My guess is that you're not.  Prove me wrong.  I'd actually like to be wrong."  No.

I did my share of sign-posting, walked door to door for many blocks, attended Civic meetings, made hundreds of phone calls from the DCCC's list....hustled fund-raising,(a hefty sum, I might add), and contributed my own $$$ as well.  I was a most productive operative for the Democratic candidate...And, right smack in the middle of GOP land... Wasn't easy...And- I don't like losing.

I had to fight for every sign location I got-- and, when I did.. I'll be darned if the huge Republican Machine didn't post their sign right next to ours, or across the street....Plus our billboards were stolen and vandalized.

Nope- not me-- I hate politics.  But, I still vote.

I understand the DCCC only has so much money in the pot-- and they'd rather not support long-shots... Just a piddling amount could go a long way.  Can't get the word out any other way. You GOTTA have your own party's support!

You want me to be a block captain?..LOL.. for whom?.. Scalise?

You funny guy... We shoot you last.  ("I Love Lucy")

~ KJ ~

Be a block captain for the DNC ... (0.00 / 0)
You'll be helping all Democratic candidates here in Louisiana.  On top of that, you'll be helping future candidates by getting to know your neighbors, and talking to them about the Democratic Party.  

It all starts right here at home.  I've spoken with many folks on a daily basis ... not in my neighborhood, (YET), but I usually find a way to work the presidential campaign into the conversation ... and from there it hits the Senate race, as well as the local Congressional race, depending on where I am at ... Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and which part of New Orleans I am in ...


"I was against NAFTA and CAFTA, and I'll be against SHAFTA."

[ Parent ]
KJ, you were one of my most... (0.00 / 1)
loyal supporters.  You nursed your yard sign sites and checked on them with a determination not seen by any of my other  supporters.  You got the max contribution from some out of state donors.  You worked your tail off and I appreciate it more than you can ever know.  

Gilda Werner Reed


[ Parent ]
I registered Democrat- that's enough. (0.00 / 0)
" you'll be helping future candidates by getting to know your neighbors, and talking to them about the Democratic Party."  

Bless you, Ryan...the Democrats are so lucky to have you.... any cause would be honored to have you fighting for them.

But, mois? talk to MY neighbors?--These old cogers? Tell them I'm voting for Obama-and that they should too?..... I might get shot.  I can't even put an Obama sign in my front yard without seeing it disappear.  

It's a mean world out there... but, I love your outlook, Ryan.  And, I'll keep your advice in mind.

~ KJ ~

So you live in a place so unfriendly to Democrats... (0.00 / 0)
...yet you still think LA-1 could have been won by a Dem with that oh-so-coveted DCCC endorsement?
[ Parent ]
Intangible, why is the possibility of winning... (0.00 / 1)
the main concern?  When I got into the race, the incumbent walked on water as far as many believed.  But he was not doing his job (the interim congressional one that he did not want anyway) because of his preoccupation with the governor's race.

Democrats not trying at all and rolling over and playing dead  because that is what the "experts" believe, should not happen anywhere.  It would not hurt the DCCC to give positive support with a token check (as proof of support) to anyone carrying the Dem banner into the final leg of an election.  Perhaps LA-01 would be closer to the finish line now if the Dem Party had a kick-butt attitude for the last 3 decades.  We went from 9% to 22.5% in this last election. Harlan should get more in November.

One more thought, I will be more careful and never say "irregardless" again. This did not make a hill of beans difference but apparently is quite important to you.  

Gilda Werner Reed


[ Parent ]
"Harlan should get more in November." (0.00 / 0)
Watagal... so unselfish-- still thinking of the Democrats, instead of herself.

Okay-- now what about this Harlan guy? Jimmmm!!! Come out, come out, where ever you are. Don't make it so easy for Scaleaze.


~ KJ ~

[ Parent ]
Because people who do this for a living... (0.00 / 1)
...know that there is no point in wasting time on something that CAN'T BE WON. It's sad, and it sucks, and I wish all our districts were blue. But they aren't, and they aren't going to be.  
[ Parent ]
I refuse to give up on my beloved district.... (0.00 / 1)
no matter how misguided some of the folks in it are.  Over 310,000 did not vote at all.  They can and will be energized.  Let the people who do this for a living get their jollies elsewhere.  LA-01 is going to be blue again eventually--but not if the Dems keep helping the Repubs by handing it over on a coward-yellow platter.  Campaign finance reform cannot come soon enough!  With it or without it, we will be blue again because there are enough of us to plug away.

The DCCC did not help the Childers campaign in MS either until they were flat embarrassed into doing so at the very last.  They underestimated that campaign with a pessimistic, don't-give-a-damn-unless-winning-is-imminent attitude.  How sad the DCCC operatives feel justified at calling the shots because of their doing-it-for-a-living "expertise".  

I can halfway understand business decisions that would prevent hefty financial support when other districts may be more winnable.  There is absolutely no justification, however, for the shabby PR treatment.  LA-01 is not any less important or less deserving of attention and respect than any other in the 50-state strategy.

Please save me the mantra of "but you still would not have won".  Winning is not what this is all about.  Giving Americans a choice in what is supposed to be a democracy is.  

Gilda Werner Reed


[ Parent ]
The victim complex is getting old... (0.00 / 0)
...if the DCCC doesn't matter, then you don't need them to win. If they do matter, then they have the right to make the call on whether it's worth it or not. And while we're discussing blame, how much more would you have blamed them if they endorsed you and you still lost?
[ Parent ]
Woulda been Wunnuhful! (0.00 / 0)
You said, "while we're discussing blame, how much more would you have blamed them if they endorsed you and you still lost?".....LOL... we'd be campaigning with them toward this election right now.

"they have the right to make the call".. Of course they do-- and this is a democracy-- that's why we need to help them make those choices more wisely.

Don't remember her name--but there was a most compassionate DCCC member mentioned on the front page of dkos (In Ryan's dkos link above)... Read that, Intangible-- then maybe we can all move on......(til the next time I hear those 4 letters- D C C C ...  )

Thank you, Dr.Gilda Reed, for taking time out of your busy schedule for us whacko bloggers.

 

~ KJ ~

[ Parent ]
There is a difference between (0.00 / 1)
...DCCC staff and DCCC board members, such as Rep. Schulz.

Also, and this is the last thing I am going to say about it, you seem to have missed the part about leaving no worthy candidate behind.

[ Parent ]
You don't know what you're talking about (0.00 / 1)
Glad that was your last statement-- since you do not know Gilda Reed-- You just like to oppose anything... for the sake of blabbing. I know if we polled the DailyKingfish blog-- Dr.Gilda Reed would be overwhelmingly popular.

You wanna dis on me-- Go hade, wit yo bad self.

But, you can't get anything negative on Dr.Reed.  Nada.  

~ KJ ~

[ Parent ]
How many times do I have to say it, intangible? (0.00 / 1)
Winning is not what this is all about.  Giving Americans a choice in what is supposed to be a democracy is.  

I would not have blamed the DCCC one least little bit for my loss and this next race would be so much easier to win.

Gilda Werner Reed


[ Parent ]
LA-07: Let the Games Begin - Cravins Added to Red To Blue List | 28 comments
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