A suggestion for 'safe state' or 'safe district' dems for 06 .......

[Stinky The Clown]

I live in a safe district in Maryland. My congressman is Elijiah Cummings and I'm happy as a clam about that.

True enough, we have a Senate race to consider here ..... Lt. Gov Michael Steele against either Ben Cardin or (less likely) Kwaese Mfume. And a governor's race .... either Baltimore mayor Martin O'Malley or County Exec Doug Duncan against incumbent (and not so popular anymore) Gov. Ehrlich. So there's some local work to do.

But not enough that I casn't watch what happens elsewhere. And I'm watching NY-29 and supporting the Democratic candidate there, Band of Brothers member Eric Massa.

That got me to thinking ...... how about all the people in safe areas of the country ..... find a candidate you like in a not so safe district or state and support them. You probably can't go door to door for them .... or phone bank .... or any on-the-ground stuff. But if you can afford it, write a check. I recall during the 04 cycle, we got into a deal where we were given addresses in areas of the country and we were asked to hand write snail mail letters to voters. We did that.

So there are things you can do to help the party overall, even if you're in a safe area and even if it is only the midterms.

I say 'only the midterms' ..... this cycle, they may be more important tahn anyone realizes.

[blondeatlast]

1. I'm in a decidedly red district in a purple state. I LOVE this idea!

We need all the help we can get to defeat John Kyl, John Shadegg (my reprehensible critter) and ugh--let me take a preventative sip of soda water here--JD HAYWORTH--please, for the love of God or your chosen divine spirit--PLEASE help us defeat him especially.

This will help to alleviate my disgust at some of the smug "blue statedness" I often see on DU, too.

Please, please, please--help us defeat JD Hayworth. Pretty please, with sugar on top?

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Clearly, just you and I see any value in this suggestion

[derby378]

3. The real danger is assuming some states/districts are "lost," instead

Our county chair all but wrote off our county back in 2004 because he/she was convinced we couldn't take Texas for Kerry. That burned my buns real good.

And now our chair has been replaced. I'm happy.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. There should NEVER be a 'lost' district.

'Adopt-A-District', instead.

Yeah, while I don't know the specifics of your district. I hear ya loud and clear about being glad the person who declared that is now gone. Even the most virulently red district can be turned with the right candidate. Particluarly so this cycle.

[blondeatlast]

5. I feel your pain. AZ was poised to go Blue in 2004. We elected Clinton in

1996, so the state hasn't been totally red for some time in national races.

The Dems largely wrote off Maricopa County (Phoenix metro area) until it appeared there was a chance to take it, but it was too little, too late when they put some serious work into it.

Coattail candidates also got stomped when we could have gained a few seats--especially in our state legislature, where a degree of moderation would be most welcome (our state house is wacko RW, for the most part--and I do mean wacko).