Ok, this is big, and if we play our cards right, it could be REAL big. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association, or
IAVA,
just gave Fossella their official rating - a C+. This is from a guy who's whole campaign is 'war on terror' rhetoric.
This is HUGE, it hits him where he eats, and if we all bombard the local paper of record with emails telling them we think this is such enormous news of national AND local significance that you hope they cover - it could just get the traction it needs.
This is the sort of thing that, if used right, can make this race flip in our favor, to our progressive, passtionate, netroots candidate (and Kos
blogger),
Steve Harrison. More below on who to email to make things happen . . .
This race is about to flip - if you don't believe me, check out recent diaries on
NY-13 that have tracked the STREAM of angry letters to the editor published int the district about Vito Fossella. And just this weekend, according to
The New York Times,
CQ Politics just
shifted their rating of this race in Harrison's favor.
But now we've got a little bit of news that could destory Fossella's major narrative and framing device - that he's a draped in the flag, get revenge, 'support our troops' type of guy who is the HARDEST on the 'war on terrorism' - that is, Iraq and Afghanistan. This grade bursts that bubble. If we can get that message accross to the rest of the Island, it'll burst the bubble of the last supporters he's got left.
WHAT CAN WE DO?:
IF YOU LIVE IN THE DISTRICT: Pleeeeeeease write a letter to the editor about this!!! Here's the link to do this online. Just click the link under the banner.
IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN THE DISTRICT: Contact the paper, and tell them that you think this is major NEWS, of both NATIONAL AND LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE THAT YOU FEEL THAT THE PAPER OF RECORD IN STATEN ISLAND NEEDS TO REPORT ON. Its a travesty that the national veterans association dedicated to the veterans of this war has officially rated the congressman's voting record as NOT SUPPORTING THE TROOPS, even though he is the first to accuse others of not doing so. As the paper of record for the borough, you need to report on this, it is of enormous significance. If you're from anywhere in the NYC area, make sure you put your location when you sign your name (and if in the district, defiitely specify that). If you're from outside the district, its a hard call - it might be useful to say you're from elsewhere in the country, and feel this is national news, but then again, it might be seen as outside meddling in the district. Anyway, do whatever you think'll work.
Ok, here's some emails. If we spread out our emails, we may get this story, and our framing of it, to show up in the columns, a news story, editorial - who knows. Stevie Lacy-Pendleton, the columnist who reports on the needs of those least served by this administration, is a definite sympathizer, so we need to make her aware of this, and the political columnist Tom Wrobleski is also an important guy, though he seems the type who'd get annoyed if he felt he was being 'pressured'. Cormac Gordon, another columnist, occasionally comments on politics, and specifically did on the Foley scandal and what it meant for midterm elections. The Editorial page has been known to criticize Fossella in the past, most recently in an email where they questioned his support for Hastert in regard to the Foley scandal. And if you write to the NEWS editors, just tell them you think its both local and national news, and you feel its really important and want to report it as a key story you hope they will report on.
Here's who to contact:
News Editor - Tom Checchi - checchi@sidavance.com
Editorial Page Editor - Mark Hanley - hanley@siadvance.com
Deputy-Editoral Page Editor, Senior Columnist (and definite democrat) -
Stevie Lacy-Pendleton - lacy@siadvance.com
Political Columnist - Tom Wrobleski - wrobleski@siadvance.com
Local Columnist - Cormac Gordon - gordon@siadvance.com
City Editor - Dean Balsamini, Jr. - balsamini@siadvance.com
National News Editor - Richard Ryan - ryan@siadvance.com
Ok, let's make sure the Advance takes note - people are PISSED at Fossella - within the district, and around the country!!!
And don't forget - Steve needs money, so, I know we're all strapped, but the DCCC has seemingly forgotten him, so, here's how to get cash to him via ActBlue.
PS - WHO IS THE IAVA?:
According to the blurb on the IAVA webpage:
Founded in June 2004, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.
Here's more from their mission statement:
The mission of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is to ensure the enactment of policies that properly provide for our Troops & Veterans, keep our military strong, and guarantee our national security for the purpose of a stronger America. We uniquely empower Iraq & Afghanistan combat veterans to use their credibility and experiences to speak truth to power, shape public opinion, and place a priority on these issues.
They also state this in their 'Founding Principles' section:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America believes that Troops and Veterans who were on the front lines are uniquely qualified to speak about and educate the public about the realities of war, its implications on the health of our military and on the health of our country. These Troops & Veterans should be given a voice in the national dialogue and connected to the American public.
THIS is the group that gave Vito a C+. Following his own standards, it seems the least Vito could do to help the troops is make way for someone else. Let's help him do that.
UPDATE: Just had email exchange with Tom Wrobleski. He says he's going to look into this stuff. Nice to get a swift response! Let's see what shows up in the papers . . .