In the past nine days,
Tessa Hafen appeared with Gov. Mark Warner to call for renewable energy, with Sen. John Edwards to press for answers on the administration's failed policy in Iraq and shared a forum with Pres. Jimmy Carter. Last week, she released three
ads on successive days that together form a strong narrative. She defines herself as a Democrat with deep roots in the district, who is qualified for the seat and ready to tackle the hard issues head-on and Jon Porter as an obedient
Yes-man for the Bush/Cheney agenda.
Here's a sample of her views from her Website:
I will fight for increased funding for renewable energy research and development and incentives to build more energy efficient cars as well as to make bio-fuel and hybrid technology more accessible to consumers.
Rumsfeld, who Porter supports, should be fired, she says in the first ad.
In an analysis of the next
ad, a local pundit deemed the central charge--Jon Porter votes 90% with the Bush/Cheney agenda--true, with the qualification, "on the major issues." That covers a whole lot of
sins like the 2005 energy bill that lets manufacturers of the pollutant MTBE off the hook and slops billions to the oil companies that they are NOT spending on new refineries as Porter falsely claims, and the flawed Medicare Part D that he admits needed work when he voted for it.
It features a pull-back shot of a beaming Porter arm in arm with Bush that belies his weak claim of independence. So does this photo of Porter meekly awaiting orders from his old boss, Tom DeLay.
Media attention to these ads, Hafen's frequent policy statements and animosity toward Bush in this district seriously damaged the plans of Porter's handlers for easy re-election. Since he had to retract lies his PR guy shopped to the press, Porter repeats the approved talking points for himself. The funny part is, he thinks Hafen's telling the truth about his record in Congress is the same as an attack. See Jon sweat between the lines in this Review-Journal story. He mischaracterizes his support for a bill which would have exempted insurers from following state mandates for screening tests like mammograms. Besides Tom DeLay's, Bob Ney's and other Abramoff-tainted Leadership PACs, insurance PACs are his biggest contributors.
This is a friendly campaign that makes me proud to wear the T-shirt and bumper sticker. Today, about 80 volunteers, festive on a breezy, fine morning, gathered in Desert Breeze Park for a rally, barbecue and canvass for the whole Nevada slate--almost entirely female. The wonderful Plumbers and Pipefitters Union sponsored the event. Thanks, Joe! The day harked to old times when politics was fun and social. Hafen and Dina Titus for Governor revved us up for really successful walkin' and knockin.' Hafen walked, too, as she has for months.
At the door, Democrats and Independents, especially women, say they are eager for change and a new direction. As plain-spoken as these Democratic slogans are, they make sense because these are words voters often use spontaneously. A mother of a 21-year old boy and 19 year old girl told me she fears war with Iran and a draft if Congress doesn't change hands. All the female faces on our flyers get a real positive response and shed some glory on Jack Carter, Bob Unger and Ross Miller, all great candidates, too.
To cap the day, I joined Tessa and staffers in the Democratic booth at the San Gennaro Feast. Sure, there's music, shopping, carnival rides, crafts and us politicos, but the star attractions are the yards of sausage links coiled on the grills, vats of homemade tomato sauce, pastas, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, and cappuccino. Because I try never to eat anything bigger than my head, I passed up the sausage hero for a delicious plate of ravioli and garlic bread.
Many Feast-goers visited with Tessa at the booth; the honest, direct way she connects with potential voters and fields their questions is a pleasure to behold. This is a 50/50 district with Dem-leaning independents who vote and it recently got upgraded to "Leans Republican." This community deserves better than Porter's mediocrity and Hafen would treat her constituents like her own family.
Tessa Hafen can win this seat. She's got the message, she's got the drive and she's radiant in person. More money right now for ads and direct mail could move this race into "tossup" territory within weeks. Check the ads and see if you agree.
To volunteer, contribute or contact Tessa, visit her Website.