In the last several days, many of us have been upset at a truly stupid remark made by Paul Begala about Dean being in trouble because he doesn't have a ton of cash on hand for 2006 races. I believe he said something about Dean's burn rate and organizers wandering around picking their noses.
It seemed to me that quite a few of us felt the need to smack the man upside the head, if only verbally.
I think I have a better solution....
Following is an email I got from Dean. In it he is asking that we raise some money specifically for the 2006 races. He is doing what he always does, rather than taking his marbles and going home, and even though his base (that would be us, the netroots, activists and generally discontented with business as usual) is solidly behind him and willing to have his back, even though he doesn't have to, he is going to step in, roll up shis sleaves and find a way to help. He is going to fund raise specifically for 2006 races.
He needs our help. Please recommend this diary and lets see how much we can raise in Dean's name and in honor of the fifty state strategy, to help take back the house and senate and the goveror mansions and the state houses all over the country.
I know you may be giving money to your own state and local candidates. That is wonderful and I applaud you and commend you. I also understand the urge to give only to candidates directly so that you know where you money is being spent (and making sure it isn't going to candidates you don't like). But not ever candidate running has a you in their district. Their district might be very poor and their opposition might have deep pockets. That candidate can help us take back congress and they need your help to do it.
So let's give as much as we can. If that is 200 dollars, great, if it is 20 dollars or 10 dollars then that is great too. Send it and include an .01 to the amount so that they know it is dkos coming to watch Dean's back, that we believe in what he is doing and will invest in him. Let's also do it to help the class of 2006 win in November.
There is a line from a show I once did in Erie PA. The line says some thing like: "Money is like manure, it doesn't do a bit of good unless it is spread around encouraging young things to grow".
So think of this as our chance to encourage new growth in our party.
ps... if you can guess what show that line is from I will give you five virtual cookie points.
Dear Teresa,
Here's what readers of the Washington Post woke up to on a recent Sunday morning:
Confident Democrats Lay Out Agenda
Democratic leaders, increasingly confident they will seize control of the House in November, are laying plans for a legislative blitz during their first week in power that would raise the minimum wage, roll back parts of the Republican prescription drug law, implement homeland security measures and reinstate lapsed budget deficit controls.
The buzz is finally building in the press about what nearly 70% of Americans know, according to recent polls: enough is enough, and it's time for real change.
Democrats are on the rise, but the November elections are six months away and we can't let this opportunity slip. We need to build steadily until then -- more staff on the ground, more outreach to ordinary Americans, and more resources to get out the vote.
With your help we can raise $250,000 this week that will be focused on one goal: winning in 2006. Can you make a donation of $50 or even $25 to make it happen?
DNC Website win2006 link
Every single day our operation across the country makes personal contact with more and more Americans. People are responding to our simple, common-sense agenda:
1. Honest Leadership & Open Government -- We will end the Republican culture of corruption and restore a government as good as the people it serves.
2. Real Security -- We will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, our citizens and our allies.
3. Energy Independence -- We will create a cleaner and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
4. Economic Prosperity & Educational Excellence -- We will create jobs that will stay in America by restoring opportunity and driving innovation.
5. A Healthcare System that Works for Everyone -- We will join 36 other industrialized nations by making sure everyone has access to affordable health care.
6. Retirement Security -- We will ensure that a retirement with dignity is the right and expectation of every single American.
These six simple points will be the keys to our victory in 2006. If you're ready to be a part of the change, make your donation now:
DNC Website win2006 link
Day by day, with the resources you provide, we are rebuilding a sense of community in our country. The year 2006 can be a year of change only if ordinary Americans come together and decide that it's time to start providing real solutions to problems that we face.
It's going to take a lot of work between now and November to get our message out and reach every voter who wants change. But with your donation it can happen. Please contribute whatever you can afford to push Democrats to victory in 2006:
DNC Website win2006 link
Democrats are ready to lead, and with your help we're going to be leading a new majority in Congress and countless new elected officials in every state at every level of office.
But it's up to you to take the lead now and drive this victory. You have the power to transform our government -- and that's exactly what we're going to do.
Thank you.
Governor Howard Dean, M.D.