News from the NY 19th CD race, where progressive Democratic incumbent John Hall is facing a stiff challenge from a Tea Party backed ophthamologist (where have we seen that before?), Dr. Nan Hayworth.
The 19th CD consists of the lower Hudson Valley.
Take 1: Appearing at a Tea Party rally on Saturday, Dr. Hayworth, who has been accused of being too extreme, as she supports privatization of Social Security and the 23% Flat Tax, responded that "Maybe Radical is the new Mainstream":
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Take 2: After OpenSecrets.org revealed (via Politico)last Friday that Bruce Springsteen had made one of his rare cash donations to a politician (he has performed at many Democratic rallies, but rarely makes donations), it seems that the Hayworth campaign had to tout a Musician endorsement as well. So, this morning, who did they announce had supported her campaign but none other than Pat Boone (PDF).
Yup, John Hall has The Boss (not to mention Pete Seeger, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Rait and Dar Williams), and Nan Hayworth has Pat Boone. The same Pat Boone who published thison WorldNetDaily claiming that Obama had turned the White House into a Mosque. I guess that when you have supporters like that, perhaps Radical really IS the new Mainstream.
Take 3: The biggest news in the district is that the Big Dog is coming to town. Saturday night, Bill Clinton will headline a pre-election rally for John Hall at the IBEW Hall in Harriman, NY.
This race is really close. The last poll has Hall up only 49-48 (PDF). A new Siena College poll is expected out this week. If you are in the area, we need help with the GOTV effort. Check out the John Hall campaign website here.
Also, here is John Hall's Act Blue Page.