The beginning of the rise of the rural Democrat

[Cascadian]

I am encouraged to see how many in rural America have finally realized that they have been played by the so-called conservatives of the Republican Party. I have to say it. What took you guys so long, Mr. and Mrs. Country Voter?

Being a left-leaning city boy from Seattle who is now in a relatively rural area, I felt it my duty to cast my vote for Peter Goldmark. Goldmark is a rancher and farmer from Okanogan County who is running as a Democrat in my district. Tonight, he is running against GOP incumbent Cathy McMorris. McMorris is a Bush shill who has been consistent in support of the Bush Neocon onslaught on this country. Having had Jim McDermott as my congressman for a number of years, I felt like my new hometown of Spokane needed a change and Goldmark is going to provide us with that change. For those who never heard of Goldmark, here is his website. http://www.votepetergoldmark.com/

And Peter Goldmark is not the only one who is making strides in what has been seen as Republican leaning areas, Idaho businessman Jerry Brady is ahead of Republican Butch Otter in the race for Governor of Idaho. Also in Montana, you have a key race between Democrat Jon Tester going up against righty incumbent Conrad Burns and it's a dead heat.

What is happening is consistent with Howard Dean's goal to reach out to those rural, country voters in "red" areas. This will give the Democrats new life especially if they deliver on bringing respectability back to government.

I know some of you hate him and hate to admit it but I also want to give some credit to Ed Schultz. We definitely NEED more people like him, those that can relate to the farmers, ranchers, hunters, and God-fearin' types. Only then, the Democrats can truly become a big tent party. I think it's also important that we all, people in the cities and the country find more common ground on many issues like health care, education, and jobs. Let's not get stuck in issues like gay marriage or abortion though they are important, I think the welfare and infrastructure of this country should come first before anything.

Here are a couple of articles that are related to my post.

http://www.inlander.com/topstory/286766598332577.php

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=68948


John