Choose Your Candidate and Volunteer NOW

[JoZbean]

Fellow Kentuckians, I've been researching the candidates for US congressional seats. Right now, I'm leaning toward Eric Streit (Band of Brothers) for the 1st District Congressional race to unseat Ed Whitfield.

If you're truly interested in making KY and the nation a better place, get to work NOW.

What's happening in your district that can make a difference in Washington? Don't wait till the last minute to do something and then wonder why your candidate didn't win.

And remember too, it starts at the local level and builds.

[yknow2006]

1. but please also check out Jim Bloink for Congress in the First

I agree: it's necessary that we become involved, and involved early. But I'd hope before committing yourself, if you're in the First KY or not, you'd give a look to Jim Bloink's candidacy. He's a two time Viet Vet - maybe that's why he's upfront on the issues. Not Democratic generalities, but specific statements:

re: Iraq:
"From 1968-1970 I stood up for our country in Vietnam. Now I'm standing up for Kentucky, for the U.S.A. and for our soldiers in Iraq. It's time they came home...the time has come for us to leave Iraq."

re: Jobs:

"I will not support any enlargement of international ‘free trade zones' until I am convinced that the people of our district, that the people of our country, will benefit."

Here's the link to his web page:

http://www.jimbloinkforcongress.com/issues.html

I've met Eric Streit, and he seems like a good enough guy. But the pressure newly elected representatives experience can really only be overcome by those who know that they told the people who they really are, and what they really mean to do. If you're afraid to take a stand, you're afraid of the electorate. Forget courage - I'm sure Mr.Bloink and Mr. Streit are equally tough - it's a political reality. Representatives who tell the people who they are and get elected on those issues can act. Others.... immediately upon arriving in DC they worry about their reelection. Joe in Cumberland County KY

[newyawker99]

7. Hi yknow2006!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[alfredo]

2. Down here in the Sixth we have no big congressional races.

We are putting our efforts behind county races. I am with Change For Kentucky (DFA). We decided that we should do as you say, start at the local level. If we had the people and resources, we'd be up there and in Louisville.

Have you joined CFK yet?

[yknow2006]

3. local races in Cumberland Cty

Hi Alfredo,

Our county remains impossibly Republican. That's where the action is. In the primaries. On the Republican side. But I do believe the current administration is changing a historical situation that in the last number of years has been reinforced by bible belt politics. Truth is, many of my friends and neighbors have grown tired of the current national leadership. It's not quite like Pres Clinton's bad taste, but in the end, it may actually turn out to be more serious. We're kind of straight down here. That's outside of all 'traditional values' except one: honesty. joe

[alfredo]

4. You just have to walk from door to door, talking to people.

That's the only way to undo the republican lie machine. You need to show them we are not the monsters that Rush and others have painted us to be. We are their neighbors, their mail man, their friends.

Here's something to commit to memory so if anyone says the Dems don't stand for anything you can fire back at them these five basic beliefs.


What Democrats Stand For.

One: American jobs that will stay in America, using energy independence to generate those jobs.

Two: A strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies.

Three: Honesty and integrity to be restored to government.

Four: A health care system that works for everybody just like they have in 36 other countries.

Five: A strong public education system so we can bring optimism and opportunity back to America."

[yknow2006]

5. face to face and in pubic as a candidate

I agree. Nothing is more important than speaking up whenever and wherever possible.

Yet, at the same time: what's required is for Democratics to take specific stands. In the background NPR rattles on. Earlier they mentioned today's polls in relation to the censure motion and the national dems failure to support it.

Well, here in my congressional district, the first of KY, mostly western KY but some southcentral as well, there's a candidate, Jim Bloink, who I believe would stand up and support censure were he in congress. Why do I think that? Because he's publicly posted his desire to see the troops out of Iraq now. Is that a guarantee? Not to my mind. But I believe it's indicative of a candidate who is not afraid of the electorate and such a candidate, once in office, has a far greater chance of withstanding the pressure to get along and go along and get reelected that naturally prevails in DC.

As it happens, Bloink's issue page directly and substantially addresses all five of your points. Please give it a read:

http://www.jimbloinkforcongress.com/issues.html

Periodically I write LTE. I think that's an effective way to communicate with our neighbors. But to be sure, if we don't get together and elect candidates who speak up in the primaries, we deserve more than the cowering folks we currently employ?

[JoZbean]

6. Streit addresses the issues too

Don't disregard what this man stands for, either.

http://www.streitforcongress.com/Issues.html

[xthetylerx]

8. Unused Resource!

I have sent several messages to the the Barlow 2006 campaign...and they have never emailed me back. I've got around 4 other young friends of mine ready and waiting to help Tom Barlow win, but no one from his team has contacted me.

http://www.barlowforcongress.com/