My Pitch for a Fighting Dem in Red Maryland
Yes, everyone thinks Maryland is as "blue" as they come. But 2 of our 8 Congressional Representatives are Republican, and one of those is Roscoe Bartlett, of the 6th Congressional District.
For the first time in many a year, Roscoe has a serious challenger in Fighting Dem ANDREW DUCK. I'm writing today because Andrew needs our help to win in this red district. (www.duckforcongress.org). 2006 is our best shot, with the current political mood and a great candidate in Andrew Duck.
This guy really inspires me. I don't even live in his district - I live in the safely Democratic district next to it. But I heard Andrew Duck speak on a cold rainy night last December and I was totally sold - he is the real deal - and felt determined to help him out.
Andrew was born and raised in Frederick County, the 15th of 17 children. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army, including tours in Iraq and Kuwait and 3 tours in Bosnia.
Andrew talks with passion about the horrible mistake that is the Iraq war, about the corruption in government spending there. He is outraged at the abuses at Abu Ghraib. When I heard him ask an audience for their support, it sent chills up my spine when I heard him say, "How much is it worth to you to be able to say, 'my government does not torture people.'?" I believe we should back up our beliefs with financial support to send people like Andrew to Congress, to fight to restore America's honor.
You can look up Andrew's various positions on his website www.duckforcongress.org. Just to name a few: He stresses energy independence, repealing No Child Left Behind, universal healthcare (he says he joined the army originally because he didn't have health insurance!), would roll back tax cuts for the wealthiest 2%. This is a conservative district. On abortion he basically says it's no one's business what a woman does with her body. On gun control, he defends individual gun ownership but is for closing the gun show loophole.
The District
The 6th CD went for Bush 65% in 2004, 61% in 2000. Most of the district is in western Maryland with major cities of Frederick, Hagerstown, and Cumberland.
I am no expert on 6th CD politics, but it seems that Roscoe has not had to fight much for his seat in recent years. In 2004 he beat his opponent 67% to 29% (Roscoe raised $437,000, no fundraising $ for the Dem available). In 2002 he beat a different opponent 66% to 34% (that Dem raised $82,000 to Roscoe's $238,000).
Roscoe Bartlett is 80 years old, has served since 1992. People say he rambles and falls asleep in meetings. I don't believe he is known for constituent service. Some may admire his quirkiness and he is known for promoting energy alternatives - but - he let his arm be twisted successfully by Delay et al to vote for Bush's energy bill.
To conclude: Please make a contribution to Andrew Duck!! This district does not have deep Democratic pockets. But as you see, it's not a real expensive area to run in and some donations from the rest of us can help turn this red part of Maryland to blue: www.duckforcongress.com.