Democrats ARE Going To Take Back Our Government

[Pawel K]

I admit, I was extremely uneasy about the elections coming up. I was paranoid since I really did not trust the American people to do the right thing, especially after the elections in 2004. However, driving around these last few days I got a lot of hope in me that I would like to share with everyone here as I'm sure many of you are still very depressed about what is happening in the world and are very negative about the coming up elections.

Here in New Mexico Heather Wilson is a staunch right winger that runs as an independent, even though 97% of the issues she stands up for are far right issues that only harm this country. She has been in office for over a decade and every election year I see huge banners in people's yards calling for her support, unfortunately she was always very popular here. This year her challenger will be Patricia Madrid, the current Attorney General for New Mexico. And thanks to her the only yard banners, the only bumper stickers, and the only pins I see people wear are "Madrid For Congress". Now, this may not seem like a big deal but knowing the history around this city I think this is huge. I have not heard a single person show her support for her. This gives me hope and I hope it gives you some hope to. And I pray that something like this is also happening in your home town. Only 2 more months of this shit to go, hang in there friends.

[AndyA]

1. Sounds good for New Mexico. We still have to worry about the votes

being tabulated correctly and honestly, without manipulation. That's a huge hurdle to leap in some parts of the country.

[Pawel K]

5. Yes, I agree

but it will be hard to pull off what happened in 2004 if there is a huge difference in the support for democrats vs republicans.

[hedgehog]

2. Don't get cocky, kid!

I remember the thrill ride hear Election Day 2004 when we all thought that Kerry had it in a landslide!

[Nimrod2005]

3. You are right we are, see my post here on this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1745018&mesg_id=1745018

[PATRICK]

4. A good step

It really means discouraged GOPers, disgruntled, and enthused Dems and new "activists". That still has to translate into votes or people staying home from the other side. How big a step that is depends on the locality and the campaign. I covered a lot of ground in one county and was encouraged by the sign disparity and it did signify at least a closer race than it would have been for the area. And your candidate sounds very solid in comparison, even against an incumbent on red turf. Sounds good. I think our newbie out here lost because of a gaffe, which perhaps enabled some deals by machine pols.

[Pawel K]

6. I refuse to believe New Mexico is a red state

The way votes were calcluated in this state was outrageous. And I think Bush won by the smallest margin in the country, 6,000 votes or so.

I saw more signs put up for Madrid, still no Wilson signs. I don't know if its just my neighborhood or if its like that everywhere over here. I'll try to post pictures later.

[Singular73]

7. Wilson sent me a letter

The new company I work for here in ABQ did a press release, which relayed information that I was hired.

She sent me a letter, hand-signed, congratulating me, etc..

Two days later, I got invited to a fund raiser.

It was funny.

Regardless, everyone in my office, very highly skilled people, seem to have little support for her.

Though I haven't heard anything about Madrid, in day-day conversation.

I don't get the perception that ABQ is a red town...you do see trucks with some r-wing bumperstickers, but I see a LOT more "Impeach Bush" stickers on various vehicles.

The economy in New Mexico is doing relatively well, so I'm not sure how much people will feel pressured to vote in the midterms.

Besides Air America, it seems the only local radio station is heavily right-wing, but fortunately, they spend most of their time ripping on Bill...

I don't really know what to think out here.