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Meet Jon Powers
Upstate New York breeds two things in profusion: awful republican Congressmen and outstanding Democratic challengers. You know about Eric Massa; now meet Jon Powers.
Via Ben, here's a biographical video well worth taking a look at.
Per Albany Project, Jon raised $117,000 in the last quarter, a good showing on its own merits and certainly for a challenger running against an entrenched incumbent, in his case, Tom Reynolds. You may remember the latter as an enabler of Mark Foley, who came within a few points of losing in November 2006.
Take a closer look at Jon. I did, at YearlyKos, and I'm very impressed. He's smart, inquisitive, and frankly a really nice guy. New York would be well served with him in Congress. As an Iraq War veteran, Jon brings the kind of front-line experience to the table notably lacking in Congress in general; and as a teacher, he's well positioned to address issues of education, economic fairness and other middle-class issues.
On the web: Jon Powers for Congress
Another New York House Seat Vulnerable?
I have been watching upstate congressional campaigns, but I was surprised to see a post on Open Left that identified a vulnerable Republican seat in NEW YORK CITY:
"Vito Fossella polled 57% against a weak opponent in a New York City district with a Democratic PVI. That's bad. To make matters worse, Fossella burned through most of his $106,000 stash of June 30 to leave the third quarter with $50,286."
This is a year when weak Republicans cannot expect much help from the national machine. Is it an opportunity to be grabbed? Is there a good Democratic candidate in the picture?
There is
...one Steve Harrison, who ran last time. I disagree with Open Left that he was a weak candidate; except in so far as he had little money, which won't be the case this time around.
Harrison had roughly $140,000, Fossella over a million. If they're anywhere near fundraising parity, it's definitely a winnable seat.