We love progressive candidates and people powered campaigns. We love taking on the establishment candidates and helping the candidates that fight for us on the Progressive issues. We just had a great week with victories in Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Kentucky. Last night's Republican victory in HI-01 is just a temporary setback as Charles Djou will likely be just a placeholder until November. The good news is the more progressive Dem held off the DCCC backed candidate for second place. Let's continue this trend.
On June 1 we have the opportunity to elect the most progressive candidate, Shelia Smoot, in AL-07 despite being significantly outraised by the more establishment candidates. See Money Matters in AL-07.
Shelia has been leading in the polls since entering the race and shows no signs of tapering off Despite trailing the top competitors 7 to 1 and 3 to 1 in money raised.
Why is Shelia Smoot poised to win in AL-07?
- She's running a people powered campaign empowering voters in the district - taking her case to voters throughout the district.
- She's on the right side of the issues - health care, torture, environmental issues, LGBT, understanding the needs of this +18 PVI Dem district.
- Shelia has clearly outperformed the other candidates in terms of using interactive social media. I posted a diary on this last night.
Congress, 7th District
Facebook (from Left in Alabama's numbers)
* Shelia Smoot - 1616
* Earl Hilliard, Jr. 1349
* Martha Bozeman - 1166
* Terri Sewell - 492
Twitter *measured in followers*
* Shelia Smoot 352
* Terri Sewell 114
* Martha Bozeman 61
* Earl Hilliard Jr 10
Interacting with voters through social media has become increasingly important in Congressional political campaigns. While this activity does not substitute for pressing the flesh politics, the voters like the chance to interact with the candidate in a variety of mediums. Younger voters especially appreciate when candidates engage them through the innovative social media tools.
Shelia has also engaged voters and supporters by participating in diaries on Daily Kos as well as here at the Progressive Electorate. The use of social media by this campaign is a testament to Shelia and her communication skills developed as a journalist and radio talk show host.
Here's how you can help:: Our Primary is on June 1
If you are able please donate as a member of Grassroots for Smoot on Act Blue. We need to raise $2000 more dollars by election day.
You can follow @smoot2010 on twitter.
You can join Smoot for Congress on Facebook
Smoot on Your Side