Kos recently wrote another front page diary imploring readers to "Leave everything on the road", a concept I rather like. I loathe November 5ths when they contain "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda's".
Most, if not all, visitors here are aware that DKos has a list of favored candidates, those that have been targeted for significant attention. These candidates, found on the Orange to Blue page have been the receipients of many front page diaries (some more than others) in an attempt to concentrate the efforts of the community on races where a progressive candidate has a chance to challenge the GOP machine.
Like many here, I've contributed to various Orange to Blue candidates, and I've passed on a few.
What I found interesting was a comment made by a community member, in what I take as a moment of frustration, in Mr. Moulitsas' most recent effort to encourage participation, which referred to the candidates Kos had "left behind".
It caught my eye because I had just read another Darcy Burner Emergency Diary and found myself thinking "Geez, is everything about this candidate an emergency?". Don't get me wrong (Oh hell, get me wrong if you want to), I've donated around $1,500.00 to Ms. Burner's campaign and consider it money well-spent, but for some reason this last plea left me thinking of other candidates that could use my help.
Are these candidates that don't receive front page treatment candidates that Mr. Moulitsas has "left behind"? Absolutely not. Candidate's supporters are free, and actually encouraged, to diary regarding specific races. To be honest I've been surprised that I haven't seen more candidate specific diaries on DKos this cycle. At one diary a day an individual can certainly have an impact regarding community awareness of a particular race.
By November 4th I will probably have spent over $6,000.00 in campaign donations to out of area candidates. ALL of that money was sent as a direct result of individuals on DKos making me aware of a candidate's position, viability and need. (Or, as in the case of kath25, the world's coolest pootie picture).
If I, or others, am not aware of your candidate don't blame DKos. Orange to Blue are only the entree's of this site, its not as if there hasn't been plenty of time to offer me an appetizer or two.
Tomorrow its a Tom Udall fundraiser and another check to Harry Teague. Mr. Teague is a candidate that I should have spent some time on a diary to two about. He's perfect for Southern New Mexico, working a great campaign, and his opponent represents the absolute worst in politics.
...and that's MY fault.