Announcing Daily Gotham's ActBlue page
Taking a brief break from Presidential politics and the state mishpoche as well, we'd like to introduce Daily Gotham's ActBlue page. Donations raised go to the Progressive candidate in the 13th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 29th Congressional Districts respectively.
As you may additionally notice, we've changed our banner configuration on the side to make room for a permanent ActBlue banner. This banner will stay up in some form until the 2008 election, and we encourage our readers, especially City folks, to give generously.
Someone we'd especially like to make note of is Jon Powers up in the 26th District, running against Tom Reynolds. Both Liza and myself met Jon in Chicago, and we're both impressed. He's a fundamentally good guy, of the sort we need more in Congress of.
While leading his soldiers through one of Baghdad’s most volatile sectors, Capt. Powers witnessed firsthand the devastation and lost opportunities that resulted from the Bush Administration’s mismanagement and lack of planning for post-invasion Iraq. He saw how his and his fellow soldiers’ idealism, dedication and patriotism were dishonored by a government that sent them to war without proper equipment, training or forethought.
The war was far from over when Powers returned home to Western New York, intending to become a full-time social studies teacher in the Clarence public schools. But, moved by his experience at war and driven to action, Powers sought to help those in Iraq whose voices are least heard - Iraqi children, many of whom have known only war their entire young lives. He returned to Baghdad and founded War Kids Relief, a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting the youth of Iraq, providing them the resources and education needed to avoid recruitment by radical and terrorist organizations. War Kids Relief was quickly recognized for its pathbreaking work and was featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams “Making a Difference†series and in a Newsweek cover story.
Now that's a story. Support Jon Powers and our other fine netroots candidates.
Looks awesome!
I'm on vacation for a week but I'm really happy to see you all launch with that (and such a pretty graphic!). If there is anything I can help with, do let me know as I'm coordinating with bloggers for fundraising.
Cool, but could you change
Cool, but could you change the NY-29 generic candidate to Eric Massa? His challenger dropped out of the race, and it's highly doubtful anyone else would try to edge out Eric.
Besides, he's a netroots hero! Give him some love.
Thanks!
Sorry
Sorry. As the creator of that page, I use it contexts where it is inappropriate for me to focus on a candidate before the primary. So instead I focus on the pool of money that will go to the Democrat after the primary. This is not to say I don't get involved in primaries! But some of the blogging I do (and my main fundraising efforts) preclude taking a primary stand. Hence my using the general funds rather than specific candidates.
Yeah but...
...dude is right, there is no primary in that district; not in the 26th either, I believe. Makes sense to update the page, because Powers and Massa are our nominees.
Yeah but...
Do we know that no one will enter?
I guess if I am letting Daily Gotham use the list, I am open to changing it...but outside of my immediate area I really prefer to err on the side of caution in avoiding taking a stand in most primaries. But I am flexible.
Another idea is I can start putting in candidates for ALL of them if Daily Gotham is taking a stand on primaries. Given our rush of Harrison stuff (just beginning, I will add) maybe our list should have him to. If we want to go that way, maybe someone can get me a blurb on any candidates we want to "endorse" and I will add it if I agree with that endorsement.
Act Blue
I think this is a great idea, and I hope that the Daily Gotham's readers start putting their money where their mouth is. I donated back a couple months ago when mole first mentioned the page, and I'll be contributing again shortly.
I have one recommendation, and that is, if you're funds are limited (who's aren't?) focus your donating at this early stage on the races against incumbent republicans, particularly on the race against Fossella. Gillibrand and Hall, while great members, already have strong DCCC support and tons of money. Those two have raised more money this cycle than any other Representatives from NY besides Charlie Rangel.
The key to getting DCCC support for candidates like Harrison is going to be early support from the community, and the ability to raise money. This is how candidates show they are serious, and the DCCC and other big donors like serious candidates that can raise money on their own.
So...open up those wallets folks.