Voting for Cantwell, sending money to Dixon.

This was not an easy decision. Frankly, if Hong Tran was the winner of the Democratic primary, she would get some money from me but since it appears Cantwell is going to win, that isn't going to happen. I refuse to send any money to Neocon enablers like Cantwell. She will albeit reluctantly get my vote in November but I am leaning towards playing "Devil's advocate" and sending some cash over to Aaron Dixon's campaign. Why? A. Cantwell already has millions so what difference is my tiny sum going to make? and B. It is to show my displeasure over Cantwell's very dodgy stances on Iraq, Patriot Act, pro-corporatist free trade, and her indifference over Bush's Supreme Court choices. Not only that but the way she handled the primaries. Buying your opponents to shut them up and not debate the people going up against her in the Democratic Party? What a joke! Right now, Dixon is the only true progressive that is still out there but he is a Green. McGavick really does have a shot to win this November and so I am going to just vote for Cantwell just to keep McGavick out. It is Cantwell's election to lose in my view.


Once again, I will vote for Cantwell but I like my money to go to a true progressive and that person is Aaron Dixon.


John

I wasn't going to, because I heard her speak and while she seemed very nice and committed, she seemed way too green for the job. But when I was riding the bus home yesterday, I saw her ad "Cast a Vote Against the War" or something like that, so I thought, "why not?", and I did!

pinched.

It was clear to me that a protest vote in the primary could no way harm Dems in the general election.

...that's what a lot of republicans will be doing this fall. Puts you in good company.

:sarcasm:

Cantwell has plenty of money to go up against McGavick. They both do not need the voter's contributions. Cantwell should be lucky to be just getting my vote and that is all she is getting from me.


John

Yes, Cantwell and McGavick have all the money they need. And I'm not so happy with Cantwell that I'm gonna give her anything but my vote, but I'm also not so stupid as to do ANYTHING to promote Dixon's campaign. Dixon has not a chance in hell winning the election; HE knows that, YOU know that, EVERYBODY knows that; he is only there as a republican financed spoiler, someone to take 5-6% of the left wing vote away from Cantwell, just in case McGavick can get that close.

The Green party has reduced itself to being a subsidiary of the republican party. You might as well just give your money to McGavck as to give it to Dixon. It'd be more honest

My heart usually leads my mind is such matters. I honestly may not give money to Dixon. I am just mad as hell right now that people insist on supporting a Vichy, DINO, Cafeteria Democrat or whatever people like Maria Cantwell. Hong Tran would have been a better candidate for the Democrats. We keep digging ourselves in the same hole every election year and I am sick of it.

John

and have from the beginning; I'm displeased with some of Maria's stances, but pleased with her on others. Because I don't believe in single-issue voting, and I do believe that the best thing for the country would be a Democratic Senate, there is no question I will vote for Maria (as I did in the primary) - but she won't get my time, or my money. That's how I show my displeasure with a candidate who is generally in line with my views, but who differs on some critical matters.

She is not in the same class as quislings like Lieberman or Zell Miller, not at all. She is still supportive of most of the issues I really care about.

She probably more comparable to Hillary Clinton than anybody.



John

--is consistently WITH us on the issues. As for the other 1/3, supporting them puts those agenda-setting gavels in the hands of the likes of John Conyers and Jim McDermott.

that having McDermott and Conyers in charge would be a GOOD thing, and anything that enables that is thereby a good thing.

The scummiest DLC suckup, as long as they keep that "D" after their names, will contribute to achieving that end.

I honestly think it is naive and very short-sighted that people continue to support these "Cafeteria Democrats" all because "they are better than the Republican". This kind of thinking is just going to destroy the Democratic Party. We need out lawmakers to be bold and unafraid to take on the Neocons.


John

You mean aguy who wasn't registered to vote till recently?

I am angry that Cantwell is playing the part of a "Cafeteria Democrat". One who picks her/his issues and just leaves the others behind. Her stance on Iraq, the so-called Patriot Act, Free Trade, and lack of stance on Bush's Supreme Court choices are my biggest beefs with her. I do applaud her for standing up to Ted Stevens and for advocating alternative energy resources but why play half-assed when you can be tough on the Neocons on ALL issues?

I know all about Aaron Dixon not registering to vote until recently, but he's a human being for crying out loud. I did not register to vote here in Spokane until the Summer and I have been here since November. I think Dixon can be forgiven for this little lapse.


Getting back to Cantwell, I have never compared her to Joe Lieberman or Zell Miller but her actions on some very very important issues makes me question her intentions. If I wanted to compare any fellow Senator with Cantwell then it's going to be Hillary Clinton. She has made some questionable stances as of late. I dread to think that Hillary could be the Democratic nominee for President in 2008. If that happens, there is NO WAY I will support her. I am not kidding.

John

that you disagree with her on (for example, Iraq) are issues where her votes followed the recommendations of the Democratic leadership?

It sounds like YOU are the cafeteria Democrat, more than Cantwell.

Screw the DLC! They are doing more damage to the Democratic Party than anybody! At least I care enough to point out the mistakes Cantwell has made!


John

Don't you dare personally attack me! You don't know me and you have no grounds to call me a Cafeteria Democrat! Don't turn this into a personal thing! And if you think I am going to just cowtow and keep my mouth shut whenever Cantwell or any other Democratic lawmaker votes with the Neocons then you are mistaken!


John