I've been crowing and crowing in my diaries & posts about how it would be a shame for the blogosphere to work so hard to elect Ned Lamont just to see all of Lamont's votes cancelled out by Ed Case - the DINO/Lieber-loving/DLC/Conservative Congressman challenging pro-peace incumbent Senator Dan Akaka of Hawaii.
It seems that few are paying attention to this race outside of DC and Hawaii. Despite my repeated attempts to raise awareness about the Hawaii race like my last diary post, commenters suggest that there is no reason for concern, and that Akaka is expected to safely hold this seat.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but WAKE UP, PEOPLE! This Rassmussen poll shows a dead heat in this race with Akaka at 47% and Case at 45%. Unfortunetly, this race is competative and in need of attention and assistance from progressives who care about the composition of our Democratic Senate Caucus.
I know this is going to be a grandly unpopular thing to say right now after all the kudos and high-fives and celebrations, and I do extend my appreciation for all that has been accomplished in primaries recently by blogosphere progressives. I hope folks will understand that I am not trying to being a "hater" here, but just have to say what I have to say. (deep breath... here it goes...) Regarding primaries and where I'd rather spend my time, it comes down to this: I'd rather work like hell to protect the good incumbent Democrats like Akaka than work like hell to defeat other incumbent Democrats in their primaries. I'd rather use all that energy that could be used throwing out an incumbent of my own party to work like hell to defeat Republicans.
I felt it was good Karma to help a man who has served his country well in the Senate and stood up for the sort of values I believe in. He was one of the 13 good Senators who stood up to the President on Iraq and called for troop withdrawls from Iraq, while Ed Case rubber stamped Bush's war in the House.
I've never been a fan of primaries against our own when what we really need to do is throw out Republicans to regain control the Senate or House or Governor's mansion - whatever. We are winners already when our party holds that seat already. Open seats? Go for it. But incumbent Democrats? Not my thing. That's just me, and I don't blame folks for helping Lamont, and he is much more idiologically aligned with me than Lieberman. So all in all, it's going to be just fine.
But Ed Case challenging Akaka? Clearly this man must be stopped, and I find it rather frustrating that so much attention is given to Lamont, but no love is shown for Akaka. I hope that those that had the ax to grind against Lieberman will see that the balance of the Democratic Caucus is in sway if Case wins. What happens then? All of Lamont's votes will be cancelled out. What have you really gained?
Please take the time to learn of the differences between Case and Akaka by reading
the diary postings of Akaka's campaign manager, Andy Winer, as I have.
Please seriously consider giving a donation to his campaign.
Please seriously consider joining me and other non-Hawaiians in supporting a pro-peace incumbent.
Back Akaka. Please donate here.