Draft Peter DeFazio for Senate site launched today

[Terre]

This (I believe) is the first Draft DeFazio site. We need someone of DeFazio's strength to send Gordon Smith packing.

Please visit this site and consider donating at least $5 to show DeFazio that we have his back monetarily should he decide to take the plunge. I've already sent my $5:

http://defazioforsenate.blogspot.com/

Ask your friends and family to consider doing the same.

Initiated to encourage Peter DeFazio (D-OR4) to launch a run for US Senate in the seat currently held by Gordon Smith. Funds contributed will go to DeFazio's House re-election fund, but by donating through the ActBlue Draft DeFazio account, the intent of the contribution will be clear.

DeFazio Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_DeFazio:

In March, 2007, a rumored offer of up to $5 million from the DSCC (as well as a poll showing him leading Smith in a hypothetical match-up{2}) renewed speculation that he might run,{3} and he has since said he is "reluctantly" considering a run for Smith's seat, and expects to make a formal decision in May.{4}

We don't have much time to convince him he's our best candidate to go head-to-head with Smith, and if we can soothe his fears about campaign money, so much the better.

[oldgrowth]

1. I'd sure love to see Gordon Smith gone!!!!

[Terre]

3. Ditto

I first moved to Oregon in 1989, and voted for Smith in '92. Many Democrats voted for him as well (at least according to confessions I've read on DailyKos), and like me, they're still kicking themselves in the butt for being so hoodwinked.

While I'm pleased he stood with the Democrats on the last 2 important Iraq votes, he'll never get another vote from me again. He's blown it too many times in the past to make up for it.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

2. I must admit that I'm a little unsure about DeFazio running.

I think he's one of the best choices to oust gordo puke puke, but it seems to me to be a bit of a risk. If DeFazio loses (seems doubtful, but could happen) then his seat would be open & a repub might get it. He represents a fairly red/purplish area.

[Terre]

4. You have a legitimate concern

But at this stage of the game, it's going to be harder and harder to elect ANY Republican to office, in almost any state.

We also have a better ratio of Dems to Repugs in the House (unlike the Senate), so a loss of one seat in the House wouldn't be the end of the world, as much as we would all cringe. The loss of his Committee Chairmanship seems to be more of an issue to some people.

So, if we can't get Kitzhauber to run, DeFazio is our next best bet. We need a good Dem with name recognition.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

5. You raised some great points & why I'm leaning towards

him running.

We do need someone with name recognition & I really doubt Kitzhauber will run. I can't think of another Dem who's got name recognition & buckets of cash. Though maybe buckets of cash won't be necessary. gordo puke puke's polls are running low (for him).

Do you think that DeFazio would be willing to give up his Chair? Maybe the Dems can promise him something great in the Senate.

[Terre]

6. Two of the reasons he didn't want to run

before his latest statement was 1) He didn't want to give up his House seniority or Chairmanship, and 2) He didn't want to spend a lot of time working to drum up campaign cash for a tough run. In both cases, I can't really blame him, and it is a risk.

However, if (as is rumored), the DSCC has offered a $5 million headstart campaign chest, the second problem pretty much goes away, especially with the support of the netroots. This is already beginning to shape up as a top-tier race, and we don't even technically have a candidate yet.

Whatever he ultimately decides, I trust his decision, and that it will be made weighing all his options, and with the support of people he trusts. I just hope (selfishly) that he makes a decision I'll be happy with.

[sandnsea]

7. It's going more blue

Most of the people I know are Democrats. Between the war and what they've done to the forests and salmon down here, I don't think there will be all that much support for a Republican. If we can get someone who Springfield likes, we'll be fine. Blumenauer would be a bigger risk, seems to me. I don't see him playing well in the rest of the state.