A dilemma in regards to donating to Congressional elections

ayeshahaqqiqa

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Wed Jan-23-08 11:00 AM
Original message

A dilemma in regards to donating to Congressional elections

I live in a hopelessly Republican congressional district. Some years, the Dems don't even mount a candidate against the incumbent. But when they do, I support them via money and time. I'm wondering, though, whether it would be better to donate my limited resources to a candidate in another race that has a greater chance of winning. What do you think would be the wise thing to do?

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antigop

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Wed Jan-23-08 11:29 AM
Response to Original message

1. The answer is simple...I think you should run for office! n/t

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ayeshahaqqiqa

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Wed Jan-23-08 11:44 AM
Response to Reply #1

2. no way

my faith alone would stop most around here from voting for me, and would, very likely, lead to death threats. We keep a very low profile. But thanks for the flattering suggestion!

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antigop

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Wed Jan-23-08 11:55 AM
Response to Reply #2

4. Oh, wow! I wouldn't want you to receive death threats.... n/t

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undeterred

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Wed Jan-23-08 11:49 AM
Response to Original message

3. Support the candidate in your district

unless they are really not a serious candidate- it is hard for everyone to be taken seriously at first.
The first $10,000 are the hardest. After that people take a candidate more seriously.

But if the candidate really isn't doing the things they need to do, like networking within the party, doing everything they can to get their name out, getting some training- and if its clear they really don't know enough about politics to hold office or carry their weight in a debate or give a stump speech- give your money to another candidate in your state who needs it.

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ayeshahaqqiqa

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:02 PM
Response to Reply #3

5. Thanks for this information

If Jan Judy runs again, I think we'll have a chance to win Arkansas 3rd District. She ran in 2004, and made a good showing. Hope she runs again. If it is another "newbie" who doesn't campaign, like last time, then I'll follow your advice.

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undeterred

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:28 PM
Response to Reply #5

9. The truth is that running for congress successfully

often takes two election cycles. People shouldn't feel like a failure after one- it takes a long time to fundraise and get your name known to 670,000 people. I think its even harder in large rural areas where there are several different radio, television, and newspaper districts. The tv media buys are a killer.

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Breeze54

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:04 PM
Response to Original message

6. Do this, if you want REAL change!!

The Progressive Patriots Fund is dedicated to promoting a progressive reform agenda and supporting candidates across the country.
- Senator Russ Feingold

What state do you live in?

Go here and find out who's running against the rethugs in your state and donate to them!

http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/

Find or suggest a candidate here: http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/candidates/index.html

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ayeshahaqqiqa

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:11 PM
Response to Reply #6

7. Interesting site

no one from Arkansas, my state, is on it as far as I could figure out by doing a search.

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undeterred

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:32 PM
Response to Reply #6

10. Russ Feingold is the only individual Senator who does this.

The two national groups that support progressive congressional candidates are:

Progressive Democrats of America http://www.pdamerica.org/

Democracy for America http://www.democracyforamerica.com/candidates.

I recommend both of these also.

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LSK

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:19 PM
Response to Original message

8. the most important race this year is probably getting 60 Senate seats

So I would pay attention to the Senate races later on this year and donate to them. Or donate to the DSCC.

I am assuming right now that we will win the Presidency and its a safe bet that we retain the House.

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ayeshahaqqiqa

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Wed Jan-23-08 12:39 PM
Response to Reply #8

11. Yes, yes, I agree

I don't think either of my senators are up for re-election this time, which means the House seats are critical for me. In Arkansas, the Dems get Districts 1,2, and 4, and I haven't heard of a serious GOP challenge to any of them. I'm hoping we get a serious challenger in AR-3 to unseat the idiot that is in there now.

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