Kagen voted for the Iraq supplemental appropriation (0.00 / 0)

Are you kidding?  Kagen voted in May for HR 2206, the Iraq supplemental appropriation, which funded the war without setting a withdrawal deadline.  140 Democratic representatives opposed it, but not him.  He deserves a primary challenge from progressives, not their support.

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by: Jay Gold @ Mon Sep 03, 2007 at 18:35:37 PM UTC

primary challenge from progressives (4.00 / 2)

I am not sure how productive such an effort would be. This is a tough district.

Greenbay press gazette

The freshman Democrat from Appleton must maintain that pace if he expects to keep the seat he won by 5,948 votes in November. Republicans are targeting the 57-year-old political novice, although the next federal election is 14 months away.

That is a very narrow margin to win by. I live in Appleton, and the support in this county alone was what put him over the top.

Meanwhile, in Kagen's home county of Outagamie, a Democratic leader gave the incumbent high marks for holding public events and seeking comment from the public. Kagen carried the county by 6,206 votes.

History doesn't smile upon a more progressive candidate either.

Gard and the National Republican Congressional Committee say Kagen is out of sync with a Republican-leaning district that has elected only three Democratic congressmen since 1943. Each Democrat lasted only one two-year term.

Personally, I feel lucky to have him thank you very much.

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by: red83 @ Mon Sep 03, 2007 at 20:14:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

The perfect is the enemy of the good (0.00 / 0)

Mr. Gold--It seems to me that seeking perfection in a politician is a recipe for disaster.  We have to acknowledge that if you live under a two party system, then you're going to have to accept a lot of compromise.  A Democrat in a Republican district who is voting right on most but not all important issues is one we need to support and protect.  Let's be realistic, in a Republican leaning district, the alternative is not a progressive, but in fact a Republican. When our Dem votes right, we need to say thank you by sending contributions, however small. 

If this were a Democratic district, then perhaps a primary would be something to think about.

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by: MVD @ Mon Sep 03, 2007 at 20:33:47 PM UTC

sending contributions (0.00 / 0)

From the same link above

Gard spent $2.8 million on last year's campaign compared with Kagen's $3.1 million; nearly $2.6 million of Kagen's funds came from his pocket. The Republican and Democratic parties each spent an additional $1 million.

From Stoller's link

as of 8/27/07

Campaign cash

Second quarter contributions (ending June 30): $214,487.

Expenditures: $44,778.

Cash on hand as of June 30: $336,725 (includes money raised earlier in the year).

Debts owed by campaign: $469,300 (Kagen's loans to his campaign).

I am sure any monetary support from progressives would be greatly appreciated.

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by: red83 @ Mon Sep 03, 2007 at 21:02:39 PM UTC

OK, maybe a primary isn't such a hot idea, but that doesn't mean he deserves our $ (0.00 / 0)

My point isn't that Kagen isn't preferable to whoever the Republicans put up.  Of course he is.  And perhaps it indeed would be a waste to field a progressive Democrat against him.  But for those of us whose wallets are limited, we should be looking for candidates to support who are prepared to do what's needed to stop this war and to prevent the next one (Iran). 

If Kagen's reason for voting for the Iraq supplemental appropriation indeed was to keep the GOP at bay, rather than because he really believes the war should have open-ended funding, he should note the quote from Gard and the NRCC. Kagen's Republican opponent (like other Republicans) can be counted on to morph him into Osama no matter how he votes.  Today, there's no premium for selling out, even in a swing district.

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by: Jay Gold @ Mon Sep 03, 2007 at 21:25:46 PM UTC

You folks really, really, really need to read.. (0.00 / 0)

...Paul Rosenberg's excellent diary at OrangeLand here:

http://www.dailykos....

Then cruise on over and check out my post:

Why I am an Idiot!

Then, and only then, maybe we can get a discussion going here that doesn't get mired down in ReThug memes about how racist/jingoist/nativist the American people are and how progressives can never every win in the 'heartland'.

Try those links and get hip to the facts on the ground please.

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

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by: ACitizen @ Mon Sep 03, 2007 at 21:37:28 PM UTC

Refusing insurance (0.00 / 0)

I think that's a really, really terrible idea, if only because that lands him in immense trouble should he actually get very sick -- and the rest of us by extension.

Take the insurance and work hard, Steve. Please.

Blue Mass. Group -- What politics do you deserve?

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by: Charley on the MTA @ Tue Sep 04, 2007 at 00:15:59 AM UTC