This year is a feast of compelling races for progressive, activist, Democrats.
Massachusetts Democrats especially are tantalized by the prospect of "coming out of the wilderness" after 16 years of Republican governors. Activist Democrats are energized and gearing up for the final push for their favorite candidates as the September 19th primary approaches.
How can there be a negative associated with this?
Because with focus at the top of ticket here in MA, the primary battle of the MA - 9th Congressional District is getting lacklustre attention.
The 9th Congressional District is represented by Stephen Lynch, a man who calls himself a Democrat but a man whose votes in Congress supports the Republican agenda of George W Bush.
Lynch voted for the Patriot Act
Lynch voted for reconnecting Terry Schiavo's feeding tubes
Lynch voted for the Iraq War
Lynch voted to "Stay the Course"
Lynch voted with the telecoms and against Net Neutrality
In any other election year the fact that an incumbent Congressman in Massachusetts is facing a primary battle because of those votes listed above would garner attention in Massachusetts- I would be willing to bet on an almost daily basis. Not this year.
We are on political overload in New England: Lieberman/ Lamont,? fascinating. MA Governor's race,? it's got everything - a 3 way Democratic battle, an Independent(former Republican who warned of the Big Dig mess) wealthy challenger, a Green Party candidate, and a wealthy Republican willing to spend her husband's millions to get elected. NH,? a good chance to pick up 2 seats in Congress. RI,? a good chance to pick up another Senate seat.
The progressive candidate willing to take on Stephen Lynch, Phil Dunkelbarger, finds himself in a position that is nearly unbelievable: a challenger to an incumbent Congressman is virtually being ignored by the Boston media.
The good thing is that bloggers are taking up Dunkelbarger's battle - somehow the message is getting out. At Below Boston and bluemassgroup this race is getting attention. Not a lot, but some mention.
Phil Dunkelbarger's website is well worth a visit.
I'll close with this thought: if somehow Lieberman manages to pull off a primary victory over Lamont on August 8th, the progressive banner can still be lifted and the battle waged over Bush's agenda - just shift your attention to the MA 9th Congressional District. Massachusetts' own mini Lieberman/Lamont.