Progressive dem running for congress in the 8th district.

[wildeyed]

http://www.johnautry.net/home.cfm

He ran last time, but got a late start and lost in the primary to Larry Kissel. Guess he is starting early this time!

John is a great guy, very active in various causes around Charlotte. If I lived in the 8th, I'd vote for him :)

[Hudba]

1. problem

The problem is that the 8th District is not a progressive district. The 8th district is so much more than the small part of Charlotte John lives in.
If John Autry would be the Democratic candidate we would not stand a chance against Robin Hayes.
Why not go with the guy that already proved he can win? Larry Kissell came within 300 votes out of the 120,000 cast. Larry's doing great financially this time and will have even more support than last time, especially from a national level.
Yes, John is a great guy, but he doesnt stand a chance in the 8th. Everyone knows that and I'm sure he knows that too. So I don't understand why John doesn't run against Sue Myrick, who's 9th district encompasses a lot more of Charlotte. Just because of her staunch anti-immigrant position she deserves a strong opponent. So far I haven't seen one yet... :wtf:

[wildeyed]

2. That may or may not be true.

Remember, no one thought Kissell had a snowball's chance last year, and as you point out, he came damn close to winning.

[Hudba]

exactly!

So let's cast the guy aside who came within 300 votes and start with something completely new???

[wildeyed]

4. I supported Kissell last year.

I will again if he wins the primary. But I was uncomfortable with some of his policy positions. I can't find immigration on his website, but I remember from last year that his views on that issue differed significantly from mine.

So I am interested in hearing what others have to offer. Plus John is a friend, so there is that :)

It's a primary. Lots of people should run, get their message out there to the people, then we see who the voters like best. Democracy is beautiful, yanno?

[dfrederick]

8. Agreed!

Let's not write off progressives; they can win throughout the country. The public agrees with progressive positions, health care for all, a path to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants, stem cell research, on & on...they just don't think they are "liberals".


Kisssel's immigration policy, which was sent to supporters and posted in newspaper articles is summed up as follows:

Kissel is:
"more conservative the Congressman Hayes (on immigration)..." He wants to "build a fence along the border and that with other efforts," including; "dealing with" "illegal immigrants" by using "the vast technology resources of the newly formed Homeland Security Department to identify and track down" in order to "deport" them."

In contrast, John supports comprehensive immigration reform. Considering how many immigrants and Latinos live in NC, Kissel's position will be detrimental to the Democrats in the long run.

[wildeyed]

11. Hey dfrederick, welcome to DU!

:hi:

Stick around, 'k :)

[dfrederick]

15. Thanks for the welcome!

I'll stick around for sure! :yourock:

[ManiFesto]

18. "That may or may not be true."

It is.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

3. or come to the 5th and run against Virginia, please

someone take her off of our hands, please!

She is pro torture, pro war, anti poor people.

Save us someone!

[dfrederick]

10. Foxx

Is really awful! She won't even agree to meet with a Gold Star Mom in the district who wants to war to end.

[dfrederick]

7. Sue will have a challenger

A good one, I think...but it's not official yet!

[GreenInNC]

5. John's views

John's views more closely mirror mine.

[StarfishG]

9. Mine too

John's progressive views are something I could work for.

[wildeyed]

12. Hi StarfishG, welcome to DU!

:toast:

[dfrederick]

13. Good discussion!

:grouphug:

[StarfishG]

14. Thanks wildeyed!

I appreciate the welcome! :hi:

[dfrederick]

6. John is the progressive in this race!

Kissel lost me with his support for the Military Commissions Act, his plan to deport 12 million illegals, his distancing himself from Dems like Howard Dean & Nancy Pelosi, etc...
I've spoken to many progressives in Asheville who are so dissapointed in Heath Schuler, whom they helped elect last cycle. Although last year the goal was to secure the majority, I'd really like to see us begin working to build a progressive Dem majority!
And , while John is a progressive, he speaks with credibility as a Veteran, and someone who grew up in the district. His grassroots support runs throughout the district, from Fayetteville (where he was born), to Charlotte where he now lives. He really is looking to represent the little guy.

[ManiFesto]

16. Interesting...

So JA agrees with Kissel on everything EXCEPT he supports George Bush's pro-corporate mass amnesty plan to continue exploitation for cheap goods?

That is progressive.

[ManiFesto]

17. Awwwwww... isn't he sweet?

I can't imagine it's the same John Autry, but maybe it is and you guys can enlighten.

Is he the one that agreed with Larry so much last cycle he gave this:

Autry, John Self/Videographer $1,500 08/03/2006 G LARRY KISSELL FOR CONGRESS - Democrat
Autry, John Self/Videographer $200 08/25/2006 G LARRY KISSELL FOR CONGRESS - Democrat

Is he the one that got beat by Kissel so bad last cycle he practically tied with the DCCC guy that dropped out months earlier?

Total votes cast in District 8:

13,304 – Kissell, 54 percent

4,422 – Autry, 17 percent

4,116 – Dunn, 16 percent

2,798 – Ortiz, 11 percent

If true, you guys are freakin' ADORABLE! Have fun with that.