Detroit News and Oakland Press cover Van Hollen Campaigning with Gary Peters

[bfealk]

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080221/POLITICS01/802210359/1411/METRO02">Detroit News Coverage of Chris Van Hollen from DCC Campaigning with Gary Peters

http://de.theoaklandpress.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=T0xQLzIwMDgvMDIvMjEjQXIwMDQwMQ==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom">Oakland Press Coverage of Chris Van Hollen Campaigning with Gary Peters

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1. That's a fantastic

endorsement from the National Party. I've heard a lot of people say that we need that National support in order to win the race, it looks encouraging to see them taking an interest in the district.

[PassingFair]

2. And during the PRIMARY phase!

This is why I DON'T send money to Mr. Emanuel's little ego trip
group.

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3. Rahm Emanuel

is not in charge of the DCCC. If you're wanting to criticize anyone, at least aim it appropriately.

[PassingFair]

4. What IS it with you people?

http://www2.dccc.org/about/leadership/emanuel/

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8. Thank you

for checking further.

[PassingFair]

5. He may not be technically "in charge", but he is still calling the shots.

He was PROMOTED to Chairman of the Democratic Caucus of the DCCC FROM
his job as Chair of the DCCC.

And this Peters work has his smelly prints all OVER it.

The DCCC is supposed to "remain neutral" in primary races.


http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/090607J.shtml

snip> Appointed as head of the DCCC by then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Emanuel spearheaded the Democratic Party effort to regain control of the House of Representatives during the 2006 election cycle. Emanuel claimed credit for the Democratic takeover and was promoted to chairman of the Democratic Caucus, the fourth-highest ranking position in the House. But his election tactics have been criticized by progressive activists and former Congressional candidates.

According to his critics, Emanuel played kingmaker by financially supporting his favored candidates during primary contests with other Democrats. His critics say that this interference was in direct contradiction of a DCCC policy to "remain neutral" in party primaries.

According to Doug Thornell, spokesperson for the DCCC, "The policy of the DCCC is not to get involved in primaries, unless there is an unusual circumstance that demands it. I cannot speculate on what those circumstances might be. The majority of these cases <2008 primaries> will be left up to the voters on the ground. Meddling hasn't taken place this cycle, and for the most part last cycle. That isn't an accurate way to describe what happened. We are cognizant of having local support for our candidates." <unsnip

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7. Truth OUT

So, perhaps it is an unusual circumstance. Also, many times when the DCCC and Party insiders gets involved in a primary, the primary challenger wins or gets the nod (like Skinner in 2006) and sometimes when they get involved they lose, (Murphy in PA won despite not being the choice of DCCC and others).

I see your point about fairness, but I also see the point about victories, the DCCC had a pretty good record in 2006 with their red to blue candidates.

Some of the candidates they support are not as progressive as they probably should be, and in fact, the DCCC DOES exist to reelect their own members first and foremost.

I know they ask candidates to work to meet them in the middle, some do, some don't. The ones that don't meet major goals in terms of fundraising and organization usually get swept aside.

Is it that you would never support national help in this type of endeavor, or that it is acceptable if your candidate benefits, and if they don't then it is not acceptable?

[ManiFesto]

9. Never has, Never will.

"The DCCC is supposed to "remain neutral" in primary races."

It's not about beating the washed-out, can't-make-a-phone-call, no grown-up support at all other person that calls themself a Democrat. It's about RAISING MONEY to beat the Republican. Shoulda, woulda, coulda done that the last time is fine. But STILL not doing it? Go home.

Good people run in every District, every 2 years. So do jack asses. Do you really want a rule that says, the national party can't help a viable candidate if a jack ass that was a Republican 90 days ago decides to file? (Not saying whatever BFF you people are fighting over, just saying...)

Misguided, hand-wringing, ivory tower, out-of-touch "ethics" of Dems is why Republicans win.

Every. Single. Time.

I now return you from Reality to Democratic Underground.

[ManiFesto]

10. Calling the shots?

Who? That ballerina and the lady from San Francisco they put on FOX NEWS to take one for the team? Kinda like that kid you're quoting about "Democratic policy" that's probably been making coffee in a Starbucks the past 4 years?

If you're going to be mad at someone, make it count. You hate CVH and Steny.

[bfealk]

6. Clearly they see extraordiary circumstances in the 9th

with a well respected, former state senator who has a good record on the issues and is working hard to raise the money and support from unions, and the other interest groups required to unseat an 8-term incumbent.

I'm glad they're in the race and paying attention to this district. The more the merrier in the way of support from the party on this one and hoping also that they continue their efforts to support a good, progressive candidate.