Cross-posted from Ohio 2nd Blog
There's a lot of negativity on the blogosphere over the Brown Hackett Senate race. Maybe I'm a part of the problem. It's not enough to just be mad at things, you've got to be for something.
I support Paul Hackett over Sherrod Brown for Senate. Here's why:
Iraq
We need new voices on Iraq. We need vision. When Paul Hackett talks about Iraq people listen. We need that. Hackett is saying the same thing as millions of frustrated Americans who want us out of there. But here's saying it from the perspective of someone who's lived it. That gives it strength. We need change. Paul Hackett can make that happen.
Untouchable
Since Paul Hackett has walked the walk many of the Republican slime machine's best attacks don't work. It's like he's bullet proof. B.S. bounces off of him. He's rubber and they're glue. He's not just talking about things, he's lived it. He's lived their stupidity. He's lived their failures. That makes him a big threat to Republicans.
Guns
Guns is a huge wedge issue for Mike DeWine. The NRA is already talking about targetting him. Paul Hackett can exploit that wedge. I've never shot a gun in my life. I hate gun violence but I know that the way to reduce violence is good jobs. We won't reduce the violence by just complaining.
Cross-over votes
Hackett's credibility on Iraq, support of gun rights and overall straight talking make him a powerful cross-over candidate. When we get a new voter we swing things one vote. When we get a Republican to vote for us we swing two votes. Paul Hackett can earn those Republican votes. I've watched him do it.
Leadership
Paul Hackett inspires people to act. The Democratic county parties in the 2nd district are energized because of him. It's hard to quantify leadership. You can't just start a blog and expect thousands of people to dump money on you. Paul Hackett inspired people to do that.
It's More Then Being Right
Democrats have been right and lost for so long it's just sad. Sherrod Brown is very right. But will he win? I'm tired of being right and losing. I'm tired of being a victim. We need fresh blood. We need to jumpstart things. It's more than about complaining about the opposition and pointing to your voting record. Losing a vote shouldn't be something to put on your resume. We need action. We need leadership. We need something fresh, as James Caville said during the special. Paul Hackett does that.
Sherrod Brown is a great Congressman and he'd make a great Senator. I just support Paul Hackett more. No matter who wins the nomination I'll be proud to support them.