Too few are paying attention to the race in Michigan's 8th Congressional District where challenger Jim Marcinkowski (D) is giving Mike Rogers (R) a run for his money. Marcinkowski is a former Navy man and CIA agent has made Rogers pivot to the economy as the issue. Jim's intelligence experience has made Rogers talk about this solid Dem issue. Here are the facts:
1) Bush won this district with 54% in 2004; underperforming in this district 2 years ago when Bush's numbers were much much higher.
2) The Democratic Congressional candidate in MI 08 garnered 38% of the vote with virtually no money and no name recognition in 04. Jim has appeared multiple times on national TV regarding the Valerie Plame outing and since then, has appeared in the NY Times and other syndicated media.
3) Marcinkowski has raised the most money compared to any Democratic challenger in MI. He faces a $1.5 million war chest from Rogers, money isn't everything but Jim needs a little more paid media to get past the finish line.
This race is for real. The groundswell of support for Jim and animosity against Rogers is evidenced by a recent online poll conducted by the Livingston County newspaper where Jim holds a slight lead. Livingston county is Rogers territory and this is very significant. Polls you may be asking. The most recent poll shows Rogers reelect at around 45%, well below the needed threshhold. Additionally, this race falls into the Tsunami category, where the numbers expressed by likely voters are a good sign but only tell half the story.
The Foley page scandal, Enron contributions to Rogers and overall corruption of GOP leadership will suppress the vote of the GOP base. Unlikely voters will vote in higher numbers in this election.
Let's talk about what really matters; the candidate. Jim is dedicated, smart and knowledgable. People like him when they meet him including me. I work around politicians all the time and can differentiate between BS and reality.
Finally, the mood for change in MI is for real. Jim talks about trade issues and how they affect MI and suburban whites start nodding their heads in agreement. These aren't manufacturing workers, they are real estate agents, small business owners and very well off folks. The Iraq war issue plays heavily as well. MI has a lot of Vets, they hate this war and they are ready for change.
I know everyone, including me, is tired of hearing "if he/she had more money..." If you are thinking of donating money, look at this race. Jim is the Seabiscuit of this election. It represents the best chance progressives will have to knock off a member of GOP leadership and furthering our message. We shouldn't let this opportunity slip by. Go to www.vote-jim.com and look for yourself. If you live in the MI 8th, all volunteers are welcome. The contact information is available at the website provided.