Get on the bus
Earlier this week, Congressional Quarterly noted that Bobby Saxon was not one of six Democrats targeted by the DCCC for support in the general election. While disappointing, it's not terribly shocking. After a promising start, Saxon has struggled with some elements of fundraising, though he's raised a good chunk in comparison to previous Democrats who have sought this seat over the past 10 or so years.
The DCCC passing him over is rough because it would have meant a national profile and a much-needed influx of dollars and resources to a race that, while still a long-shot, is not completely out of the realm of possibility due to some recent missteps by Paul Broun, as well as a lingering distrust by Augusta-area Republicans and moderates and the fact that the Democratic voters in Athens-Clarke County who propelled the congressman to his special election win won't be as so eager to get behind him in 2008.
The point being ... yes, it's a long-shot for Saxon to knock off an incumbent Republican congressman, but it is feasible with the right amount of resources. And that's where we are today.
Folks, it's time to get behind this guy.
It's time to quit hand-wringing about what kind of congressman he'd be because he might be a little more centrist than others or bemoaning his struggles with raising money in an absurdly red district. For many folks, Saxon ain't the perfect candidate, and I can respect honest difference of opinion on some issues. Shoot, I don't see eye-to-eye with Saxon on all the issues, but, then again, I haven't met a candidate yet who I'm in full agreement with.
And his campaign has seen its share of missteps, there's no denying that. But all of that must be cast behind us because, as we're seeing, Broun is in a world of hurt. He ran as a small government conservative who decried wasteful government spending and has now unfathomably blown his $1.5 million budget by mid-year, with the majority of the expenses going toward franking privileges (i.e. taxpayer-funded campaign materials).
But more than that, he's revealed himself to be hemmed in by his own stated ideological beliefs. As Brian noted, it does our district little good for Broun to state he's philosophically opposed to lobbying for local projects while other congressmen continue to do so. In the end, the 10th Congressional District gets the short end of the stick or our senators have to pick up the slack (as they did on USDA facility in Oconee County), all the while Broun cozies up to the camera and takes credit for the work he himself claims he's opposed to doing.
This choice is clear and, with some discontent brewing surrounding Broun, this race is winnable. And it's time to let any lingering hesitations fall away and invest in Saxon's campaign. I know of a few folks who read this blog and have the means to really help Saxon's campaign get going, and I'd like to strongly encourage you to do so.
Go to ActBlue's donation and help him out.
The DCCC passing him over is rough because it would have meant a national profile and a much-needed influx of dollars and resources to a race that, while still a long-shot, is not completely out of the realm of possibility due to some recent missteps by Paul Broun, as well as a lingering distrust by Augusta-area Republicans and moderates and the fact that the Democratic voters in Athens-Clarke County who propelled the congressman to his special election win won't be as so eager to get behind him in 2008.
The point being ... yes, it's a long-shot for Saxon to knock off an incumbent Republican congressman, but it is feasible with the right amount of resources. And that's where we are today.
Folks, it's time to get behind this guy.
It's time to quit hand-wringing about what kind of congressman he'd be because he might be a little more centrist than others or bemoaning his struggles with raising money in an absurdly red district. For many folks, Saxon ain't the perfect candidate, and I can respect honest difference of opinion on some issues. Shoot, I don't see eye-to-eye with Saxon on all the issues, but, then again, I haven't met a candidate yet who I'm in full agreement with.
And his campaign has seen its share of missteps, there's no denying that. But all of that must be cast behind us because, as we're seeing, Broun is in a world of hurt. He ran as a small government conservative who decried wasteful government spending and has now unfathomably blown his $1.5 million budget by mid-year, with the majority of the expenses going toward franking privileges (i.e. taxpayer-funded campaign materials).
But more than that, he's revealed himself to be hemmed in by his own stated ideological beliefs. As Brian noted, it does our district little good for Broun to state he's philosophically opposed to lobbying for local projects while other congressmen continue to do so. In the end, the 10th Congressional District gets the short end of the stick or our senators have to pick up the slack (as they did on USDA facility in Oconee County), all the while Broun cozies up to the camera and takes credit for the work he himself claims he's opposed to doing.
This choice is clear and, with some discontent brewing surrounding Broun, this race is winnable. And it's time to let any lingering hesitations fall away and invest in Saxon's campaign. I know of a few folks who read this blog and have the means to really help Saxon's campaign get going, and I'd like to strongly encourage you to do so.
Go to ActBlue's donation and help him out.
posted by Jmac at 9:28 AM
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