Over the past few days, a whole lot of folks have become outraged over the DSCC led disaster regarding Paul Hackett's ouster from the Ohio Senatorial race. Given how much this was hashed out, it really doesn't serve much point to go over the story again. However, there has been no clear idea of what response, if any makes sense. Inevitably, the extremes kicked in between the "screw the Democratic Party" and the inevitable "But unless you accept this without question, the Republican will win" counter blackmail. Neither of these options is very compelling.
Then Matt Stoller at MyDD came up with a post offering two alternatives to make a point to the Party Establishment. The Swiftian "take out Casey" and the "take out Lieberman" line. I'm not quite sure if he was serious, but the idea got me to thinking of what an effective strategy might be to send a message without doing an inane kamikaze run. The following is my own "Modest Proposal", but one that I mean seriously. If done well, this action could achieve a few goals at once, with relatively minimal risks. Those goals would be (in order of likely impact, highest to lowest):
- Send a real message to the Schumer and Rahm (and the rest) that the days of pushing down thing by backroom dictat are ending.
- Demonstrate that net communications technology has shifted the power balance enough that the regular active party members have to be taken seriously.
- Assist in sending Joe Lieberman off to a well deserved career in the private sector.
- Strengthen the Dean DNC vis a vie the DSCC and DCCC in the internal power dynamic.
How? I'll cover first the internal dynamics that make this possible, setting the context for the actual action. And then discuss the method.
Internal Dynamics
Put simply, by refusing to play a pure "fall on your sword for me" routine, Hackett has placed a lot of people's butts in a sling. The common refrain of people who were outraged, and those who tolerated the hack on Hackett was "they better win". Well, these folks aren't dumb, and they know full well they indeed had better win. Even (actually especially) if 2006 sweeps our way, a Brown loss would be conspicuous, and be a huge black eye for these guys. Whether they like it or not, they have to put every effort into this race, or look like utter bumbling twits.
Meanwhile, there is already a huge amount of animosity between active party members and Lieberman. Regardless of anything else, donations and volunteer efforts would already be a big push for Lamont. In addition, even the DC brass isn't entirely on board with him anymore. I've spoken to a few folks who have a bit of glee when the subject of a Lieberman primary challenge comes up. Joe's not going to have the easiest time scoring traditional party big donors. Some yes...others no. However, it is very likely that the DSCC would pump money in if things started looking like a real challenge.
This combination leads to some very interesting possibilities.
What to Do
Okay, here's the fun part. How to get a little payback for the Ohio fiasco, push forward the Lamont agenda, and possibly achieve the other goals. It's really quite simple. Defund and shift.
First, if you already are a donor to either the DCCC, DSCC, ODP, or Brown...quit. Seriously, stop donating. Convince others. Now, take that money and move it over (in order of priority) to Lamont, the DNC, or if you feel you must support some other competitive race...do so. Please note, I am not suggesting "taking my ball and going home". I'm merely suggesting a shift in donation patterns. If you aren't already donating (and/or volunteering...you can assume the two are interchangable in this context), obviously just to the latter part. It would be a good touch to send an e-mail to the DSCC, etc... noting $ and/or volunteer hour numbers and exactly why they and their chosen campaign aren't getting them.
"But that's giving the Reps the OH Senate Seat, you bastard!!!"
No, no it isn't...wait for it.
This is where the internal dynamics kick in. As I noted, Schumer, et al cannot afford to lose this one. They really can't afford to lose it on an open rebellion caused by their own actions. Which means the money you don't give to the OH Senate Race is going to be covered out of the DSCC kitty. A kitty which will not be getting any funding from the same folks taking action. They have no choice. Now given the number of fat money donors they tap, this won't be a problem. They can afford it. But...
Is paying up to support Joe going to be a good plan, when they have to take up donor slack in OH? Sticking their noses in yet another primary which diverts resources from the races against the Republicans? Somehow I don't think so. If they are scrambling to cover money and manpower issues in OH, they aren't going to waste capital in the CT primary. Which means Lamont only has to fight the advantages of incumbency..not a half million dollar check being dumped in.
Meanwhile, remember that money you also shifted to the DNC? If the DSCC is strapped from covering their own stupidity in OH, who's another set of deep pockets who can dump money without legal limits into a campaign? You got it...the DNC. IF ODP is short...where do they have to beg? Yep..the DNC. And the next time an idiot plan to sleaze around in a primary comes up, who's going to have more clout when they say knock it off? Again, the DNC.
Finally, if this pulls off, ya think the DC kiddies just might think twice before royally pissing off the active members again? And really, if it fails to hold together, will there be any less respect than there is now. Given I've yet to see much respect shown, I don't see the downside. Lots of pandering when it doesn't matter, yes (Kerry having a staffer post that Fillibuster call for him while he was in Davos...after it was all over being a prime example). Actual respect, no.
Worst case scenario is status quo. As I said, I don't see Ohio being thrown, beause the DSCC has to cover it.
Anyway, that's the suggestion, and the logic behind it. Of course, someone with traffic would have to adopt it to be really effective, but I'm just putting it out there.