It's been a while since I have blogged on the importance of local races on renewing a democratic majority for the 21st century. Local races are what ultimately control the redistricting of the US House (in most States).
I often remind people that Tom Delay criminal redistricted of Texas, that cost us 5 US House seats, was done by him raising (illegally) $194,000. $194,000 dollars in a State the size of Texas, that was it!
If we as Democrats can raise vast sums on the Internet Legally for National races (Dean ect.), why can't we begin an online fundraising campaign to flood the local races with campaign cash? If we don't control more state legislature we can run into the problems we have had in Texas, and Georgia, where we work hard to get Democrats elected to the US House, only to later have their districts disintegrated. Thus undoing all our hard work. Imagine if we get retake control of the US House in 2006, and in 2010 we loose it all because the GOP has retained it's power at the local level and gerrymanders all our gains away.
One of the states, with the best record in my experience of responding to the netroots is Oregon. I don't live in Oregon but the Democratic party there has always found time to repond to any question or requests I have had.
This is a Blue state with a Democratic Governor, and Senate, but a GOP held house. Winning the legislature there would mean we could potentially gerrymander away 1-2 GOP held US House seats. One of our point guards in Oregon is
Vicki Walker. She is a true progressive, and a leader. I would like too ask all the netroots to support her.
Vicki Walker has decided to run for reelection to the Senate, and - no surprise - the special interests in Salem have found another candidate to carry their water, Jim Torrey.
The experience Senator Walker acquired over the last seven years has helped her fight even more effectively on behalf of people who can't afford to hire a lobbyist to buy them a seat at the table. Last session, She passed a higher percentage of bills into law than almost any legislator - bills that stopped utilities from collecting excess taxes from ratepayers, ended secret government settlement agreements, and reformed Education Service Districts to ensure greater accountability and more dollars into the classrooms.
She is running for reelection because the fights she wins mean a better life for our neighbors and for Oregon.
She'll continue fighting skyrocketing health care costs, and the millions in special interest tax breaks the legislature gives away to well-connected corporations because they are crippling our families, our public schools and our economy.
As sensible as that agenda may seem, the powers in Salem have a very different agenda, one that requires someone more willing to go along to get along. That's never been my style, and it's why - once again - they're going to spend whatever it takes to try to get rid of Vicki.
"After six years in the Legislature, Walker has turned into her own bill machine - and an increasingly successful one. In a session marked by stalemate between a Republican House and a Democratic Senate, Walker's fingerprints can be found on a large number of bills that have sailed through both houses. She has passed bills to prohibit secret legal settlements by the government, put more curbs on members of the Oregon Investment Council and prevent insurers from canceling policies by e-mail." "Walker's crusades make news and laws" - The Oregonian, Jeff Mapes, June 24, 2005
Senator Walker needs to be reelected and we would appreciate any help you can give us. I have attached a short bio. Here is a link to our website:
www.vickiwalker.com
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Slemp
Vicki Walker for State Senate
Campaign Manager
jenniferslemp@gmail.com