Just when we thought WV voters would be choosing their Congressional candidate, DC special interests are meddling in WV politics. For over a year Democrats throughout WV's1st Congressional District have been discussing who should run in 2012. Everyone knew the Republican in Democrat’s clothes who ran against McKinley in 2010 would get back in the race, but throughout the District people desired a REAL Democrat. They looked for someone who would represent working people whose incomes and jobs are evaporating; senior citizens caught in Medicare’s Donut Hole, fearing their Social Security is no longer secure; and veterans who return from risking their lives to face unemployment and homelessness.
Many Democratic politicians were asked to run, but none had the interest or energy. In fact, they seemed content to just let the 2010 DINO go unchallenged, even though they knew he wouldn’t support working people, senior citizens, veterans, or the interests of the average West Virginian. Even though many of our citizens are in dire, desperate times, no one stepped up to the challenge of helping them out.
While politicians in WV’s 1st CD weren’t interested in the Congressional race, there were people who were determined not to let the seat fall into Blue Dog hands or worse still, remain under Republican control. They are the people whose lives are being impacted by the decisions being made in DC, people whose lives are being destroyed by the corporate takeover of Congress.
Support Sue Thorn: The People’s Candidate! We have just 24 hours to show DC that we, THE PEOPLE, want to pick our own candidate! Can you help us reach our goal?!
These people found a candidate, but not a typical candidate, instead a candidate with a FIRE IN HER BELLY! Sue Thorn is the people’s choice candidate and Sue’s fire was ignited from hearing the stories of people whose families are suffering because of DC decisions. Sue is outraged by what is happening in DC and wants to do something about it. Sue Thorn is the people’s candidate because she is one of us! She has the ability and the passion to get the job done.
Beginning in September, Sue traveled throughout the District talking with people in Senior Centers, Democratic meetings, restaurants and even along parade routes. She talked with people about what is occurring in their lives and often heard frustrations about DC politicians not understanding or not caring about what was happening to American families. One of the most common conversations she had was, “Are you a politician?” “No, I’ve never run for office before.” “Good, then I’ll vote for you!”
Support Sue Thorn: For a Thorn in the Side of Congress!
It was during these conversations that people laughed as they said “I’ll vote for you because I want you to be a THORN IN THE SIDE OF CONGRESS!” People support Sue Thorn because they want her to be a Thorn in the Side of Congress; a Congress they know represents DC insiders, not West Virginians.
Sue’s popularity continued to grow throughout the fall and hit its first peak on Nov 30 when she held her official announcement in Morgantown. Two weeks before the announcement her campaign volunteers, the people who drafted her to run, committed to have at least 100 people in the room. They far surpassed that goal when 175+ people packed the room, interrupting her speech to chant “Run Sue Run!” People came from 11 counties, some traveling as far as 2 hours to support the candidate they drafted to run.
Support Sue Thorn: Run Sue Run!
The announcement brought together local Democratic politicians, union representatives, senior citizens, young Democrats, workers and the unemployed and they weren’t disappointed with Sue’s message. She’d heard their stories and she was willing to take on DC insiders and enter a battle for middleclass Americans. And they knew Sue was getting into the battle of her life, but they saw a fire in her belly that would ignite her, her supporters and sustain her campaign.
Two weeks later, the unbelievable happened: the DINO candidate that none of the Democratic politicians had wanted to challenge, suddenly dropped out of the race. Sue’s supporters were thrilled; maybe the voice of the people was being heard!
Support Sue Thorn: Stop DC insiders!
That feeling lasted for a couple days. We may have been naïve to think there wouldn’t be people scheming to make sure WV’s 1st District seat doesn’t go to someone willing to fight for middleclass Americans. Within 3 days news was breaking that DC insiders had decided they knew what was best for West Virginians. According to Politico "the DCCC is lining up members to call (fill in the DINO) over the next week to provide encouragement and pledge fundraising assistance."
Now that Sue has done the heavy-lifting for the Primary, Washington insiders are trying to slide a man of their choosing into the race to reap the rewards! Don’t let Washington political insiders or corporate-backed politicians tell us who will best represent WV01. We know what’s best for us! WE want a real Democrat in the House, a real fighter for our District and our Democratic values and we have found that candidate in Sue Thorn.
I was privileged to listen to Sue give a public comment last night in Clarksburg in an alleged public hearing on the “potential” closure of the Clarksburg Mail Processing Center. Sue spoke passionately about saving these jobs, protecting timely mail delivery and fixing the legislation that has caused the US Postal Service’s shortfall. That’s the kind of fighting spirit we need in DC. Get to know Sue through her previous diaries here and here. Sue will be available here at 3:00pm EST today to comment and answer questions. Check out her web site http://thorn2012.com and videos and if you agree with me, if you want a real fighter protecting the middle class, senior citizens, veterans and all West Virginians, someone who embodies the ideal of a "Better Democrat," please donate to her campaign today. There is a reason she is being called the “Elizabeth Warren of West Virginia,” she is cut from the same cloth! We have set a fund-raising goal to show DC that West Virginians want to pick their own candidate! We have just 24 hours to meet that goal. Can you help us in this final push? If you do, you will help put a Better Democrat in Congress!