Daily Kos

OH-07, 08 & 16: We Need Candidates

by DavidNYC

Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 09:39:47 PM PDT

Ohio's filing deadline is just 10 days away (Feb. 16th). Unfortunately, we appear to have several holes in our lineup. Barry Welsh's Congressional race tracker site is a terrific resource. However, in some cases, it's over-inclusive, listing candidates whose names have been floated but who aren't necessarily running. Here are the problem districts:

OH-07: Sharen Neuhardt is not running. I am unsure of the status of Tony Bourne, another listed potential candidate, but his website appears to be down. Fortunately, a knowledgeable e-mailer tells me that a fellow named Dan Saks is planning on getting into the race. Hopefully this candidacy will in fact pan out.

OH-08: I haven't heard a peep about this CD, the home of the new GOP Majority Leader John Boehner. We need someone to run here so that we can keep pressure up on Boehner and make sure he stays linked to the GOP's corruption scandals. Yes, this is a super-red district, but simply running against the GOP's top guy ensures you'll get at least some media coverage.

OH-16: This is the district I'm most concerned about, particularly because it's the most viable of the three. The 16th CD has actually gotten a bit more Democratic recently: It went to Bush in 2000 by 11 points, but in 2004 by just 8 points. You may recall that this seat is held by Republican Ralph Regula, who demolished one-time blogosphere darling Jeff Seemann the last time out. (Regula won 67-33.)

Welsh's site lists Seemann as our candidate for this district once again, but this is very problematic:

  • Seemann's website isn't working.

  • His Blogspot blog hasn't been updated since 2004.

  • His TypePad blog hasn't been updated in over two months.

  • He never filed his final FEC report in 2004. An apparent proxy posting under Seemann's account claimed that he raised $130K in 2004. However, the reports he did file only cover some $60K in expenditures. If the $130K raised claim is true, that leaves $70,000 unaccounted for.

  • He has received a whopping six notices for his failure to file from the FEC, on 10/22/04, 12/17/04, 2/16/05, 5/2/05, 8/2/05 and 11/01/05.

  • He was fined $9,075 by the FEC in October of 2005 for his failure to file.

  • According to the DCCC's site, he has not yet filed to run.

    • In short, this is not the portrait of a responsible candidate. There is simply no way anyone will take you seriously if you're in arrears to the FEC and haven't even completed all your legally mandatory filings. Moreover, Seemann (with his $130K and broad netroots support) did only two points better than the Dem who ran in 2002 - and that guy didn't raise any money. The bottom line is that we need someone else to run in this district.

    Again I say, Ohio's filing deadline is right around the corner, and we're three candidates short. Given the toll that scandal has taken on the OH GOP, and the seemingly resurgent fortunes of the Ohio Democratic Party, it would be a tragedy if we let three Republican seats go uncontested. Hopefully we'll see some last-minute filings, because 2006 is the year to be a Dem in Ohio.

    Race tracker wiki: OH-07 OH-08 OH-16

    • ::

    Tags: OH-07, OH-08, OH-16 (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions

    Permalink | 176 comments

    •  Got ours in OR-02! (none / 0)

      Oregon's lone R, Greg Walden, will be challenged!

      Or so says a local blog:

      http://loadedorygun.blogspot.com/

      I'm psyched, I've been disgusted by the prospect of not having anyone challenge this wacko, even if he does represent the vast rural Eastern part of the state.

      50 State strategy, here we come!

      The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit. Somerset Maugham

      by verasoie on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 09:39:05 PM PDT

    •  I criticized Seemann at the time (none / 1)

      I wrote a much-maligned article for a conservative magazine that included some jabs at his candidacy. But Seemann's campaign gave the world uber-blogger and strategist Tim Tagaris, so it wasn't a total loss.

      by daveweigel on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 09:48:24 PM PDT

    •  Thanks for this diary, David. (none / 0)

      Incidentally, a friend of a friend is (I think) planning to challenge Buck McKeon in CA-25.  It, along with CA-03, CA-21, & CA-22, are still unopposed.

      Visit RemoveRepublicans.com and follow every 2006 Senate race.

      by AnthonySF on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 09:52:15 PM PDT

    •  I can say that (4.00 / 5)

      I am personally meeting with someone Tuesday evening in OH-08.  I have no formal announcement at this time, but I have good vibrations.  

      I was not aware of Seeman's problems.  That doesn't sound good.  We were told by several sources he was running, including his kos diary I believe.  That is a shocker to me.

      With only one source each on OH-07 We were not sure about that, and keeping our fingers crossed.

      Thanks!

      Barry Welsh IN 06 District Democratic Congressional Candidate

      Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

      by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 09:57:55 PM PDT

    •  Paul Hackett (none / 0)

      Can Paul Hackett run there?

      Or do you have to be a resident of the particular congressional district, not just the state?

      I'm kind of stalling for time here...They told me what to say. George W Bush, 03-21-2006 10:00 EST Press Conference

      by Tamifah on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 09:57:57 PM PDT

      •  Uh, I think he'll be busy with sum'n else... (none / 0)

        The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit. Somerset Maugham

        by verasoie on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:00:16 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  yah (none / 0)

          I know about the Senate race.

          I guess having another senator is better than another rep?

          I'm kind of stalling for time here...They told me what to say. George W Bush, 03-21-2006 10:00 EST Press Conference

          by Tamifah on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:04:15 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  To answer your question, (none / 0)

            you do not have to live in a Congressional district to win, but it helps a lot.

            Join the College Kossacks on Facebook. Hat Thief

            by DemocraticLuntz on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:18:18 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

          •  There's a good case to be made that he should (none / 0)

            run in OH-02 again, where he'd have a good shot, instead of engaging in an unlikely primary shot that's just going to weaken the eventually Dem nominee for Senate.

            "Be radical, be radical, be not too damned radical." - Whitman [-4.50, -5.79]

            by DemHillStaffer on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:29:04 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  Admit it, you work for Sherrod Brown! (none / 0)

              Paul would sweep OH-02, but what're Brown's chances in a statewide race nowadays?

              The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit. Somerset Maugham

              by verasoie on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:38:14 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  OH-02 (none / 0)

              This district is up again in the fall, right? Since it was a special election late last year?

              Worst case scenario, Sherrod Brown wins the primary and loses the general senate election. Then we're out both a senator and a rep.

              I'm kind of stalling for time here...They told me what to say. George W Bush, 03-21-2006 10:00 EST Press Conference

              by Tamifah on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:40:09 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  Hacket is running for senate. period. (none / 1)

              Get over it.  Brown will have to hustle to beat Hacket and if he does beat Hacket we loose in the General.  People, get your head out of your asses!  Brown will win 2 counties south of I-70, Athens and maybe, just maybe, Montgomery.  The northern rust belt does not swing Ohio anymore!
              Jeez.

              Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. John Donne

              by scurrvydog on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 06:09:15 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

              •  Sherrod Brown won twice statewide (none / 0)

                Yes, it was a decade back, but it's worth noting.

                I don't buy the argument that Hackett is obviously more electable than Brown is. Brown is a seasoned, articulate advocate with a firm and deep grasp of the issues affecting the state. He can make a strong case and win.

                Hackett has great energy, but he's raw and inexperienced. I agree with the previous posters that the Democratic Party would benefit from him switching back to the 2nd District.

                by MaxBaba on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 07:48:07 AM PDT

                [ Parent ]

              •  couldn't agree more (none / 0)

                The dem "establishment" in OH will get Brown the nomination.  Brown will lose statewide with no appeal outside of NE OH.  Hackett could draw voters that don't traditionally vote Dem ... rural, NRA, sourthern OH, anti-establishment, veterans ... that won't begin to listen to Brown.  The dem party in OH needs a leader who understands election strategy, and Chris Redfern (another NE OH dem) isn't going to do it.

                Check out this Zogby poll that AnthonySF posted on 2/3.  Hackett leads DeWine 42-35 but Brown trails DeWine 41-37.  There's a reason that a state that splits pretty evenly in Presidential elections has not had any statewide elected dems in 15 years ... it's poor strategy.  You'd think we'd learn from our mistakes, but if Brown wins the primary, obviously we haven't.

                None of this is to say that Brown would not be a great Senator and that I won't support him if he wins the primary.  It's simply to say that Hackett could be an equally good Senator and is 100% more electable.

                by buckeye09 on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 01:15:44 PM PDT

                [ Parent ]

    •  NY 26 (none / 0)

      More than a little off topic but does anyone know if there is a candidate in NY-26 to run against the despicable Tom Reynolds?

      And it smells of sulfur still today - Hugo Chavez

      by mike the bike on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:11:13 PM PDT

    •  OH-8 (none / 0)

      Actually, I live in OH-8 and the time is ripe for it to be taken by a Democrat. The problem is we need a canidate. People around here are fed up with Boehner (especially seniors who make up about 14% of the district and account for over 35% of mid-term elections). How much I wish Hackett would of just moved two counties over and ran for the House from this disrrict.

      Jamie
      http://intoxination.blogspot.com

      by hovercrafter on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:20:20 PM PDT

      •  hovercraft (none / 0)

        If we can get the candidate I have been working with, I think you will be pleased.

        Barry Welsh IN 06 District Democratic Congressional Candidate

        Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

        by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:30:16 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  I would love to run... (none / 0)

        against Boehner.  I've lived in Camden for 19 yrs, a small rural town in the ditrict, and I have many friends and extended family members who are Reps but would help my campaign.  While I don't know if I could technically win, I think I would do a good job of making the race about Bush and the horrible record of the Rep Congress (Prescription Drug bill, Iraq, huge deficits, corruption, cuts to poor and elderly in budget, high gas prices, etc).  Unfornately, I am only 21 yrs. old and must be 25 to run for House.

        "The only thing I would trust Dick Cheney on is if I had a dead hooker in my hotel room." --Jon Stewart

        by DemBrock on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 05:59:15 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Any other offices you could (none / 0)

          run for?  County Commissioner? State Rep?  Start now, get elected at the lower level then when you are old enough run for US Rep if the D's don't have the seat by then.

          One bad thing was a train got crashed in New Jersey. People won't be late for work though, because the governor lady said, "I'm sending in more trains!"

          by msstaley on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 07:12:24 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  Well another problem... (none / 0)

            is that I am in college, which leaves little time to gain signatures, campaign, and actually hold the office when I am currently up to my neck in International Relations, African Politics, and Geology.  However, I will probably be running for something when I am done in a few years.  

            "The only thing I would trust Dick Cheney on is if I had a dead hooker in my hotel room." --Jon Stewart

            by DemBrock on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 10:29:01 AM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  That's not a problem, (none / 0)

              that's an opportunity.  I helped put two students on a college town's city council.  I don't know how your college town is in terms of student, faculty, staff, and non-college persons or if you have students on the council, but if the students make up 1/3 or more of the population and aren't represented you ought to take a look at running for city council.

              One bad thing was a train got crashed in New Jersey. People won't be late for work though, because the governor lady said, "I'm sending in more trains!"

              by msstaley on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 11:34:53 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

      •  Gerrymandering makes OH08 all but impossible (none / 0)

        I agree many folks are fed up w/Boehner & BushCo.  But this district is largely unwinnable because of the way it is drawn, not because folks love Boehner.  Yes, it is still very pro-Bush / unquestioningly patriotic.  But Boehner is from Butler County, by far the most populous part of the district.  

        He got 100K votes from this county last election, and if he repeats that performance (spending only $1.5M), the rest of the district simply doesn't matter as it's way too sparsely populated.

        Therefore, the best candidate would come from Butler County, have farming roots, be a vet, and not be viewed as a traditional 'Democrat' as the GOP has painted us in OH over the past 16 years (don't even think about flaming me on this - I mean a pro-gun/pro-privacy person more like Hackett than Brown).

        Energize America: Demand Energy Security by 2020!

        by Doolittle Sothere on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 06:04:19 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Not quite (none / 0)

          Actually, OH-8 was more uncompetitive before the 2000 census.  They stuck a chunk of Dayton in it to make the 3rd more Republican, which means there's at least some of a Democratic base in there now.

          "...And I woulda got away with it, if it hadn't been for that meddling Kos!" ---attributed to Tom DeLay

          by AdmiralNaismith on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 07:00:47 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

    •  Dammit! (none / 0)

      How the hell are (D)s supposed to win anything if they're not even participating?

      ... how frustrating

      Tired of being the economy's anus? What ReclaimDemocracy.org stands for.

      by EconAtheist on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:29:36 PM PDT

      •  What's the use of having an election (none / 0)

        if there is only one choice?  This is why we are trying to fill them all.

        Barry Welsh IN 06 District Democratic Congressional Candidate

        Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

        by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:32:29 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  Not participating? (none / 0)

        We're running more candidates in more races than ever before. But lets be honest - we need 15 seats in the House and that means opening up the playing field and putting some seats in play that shouldn't be. But, at the same time, if we dilute our resources too much, instead of focusing on the, say, 30 or 40 best chances to win, we may blow the opportunity to get the majority back, which is the whole game.

        "Be radical, be radical, be not too damned radical." - Whitman [-4.50, -5.79]

        by DemHillStaffer on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:33:56 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  I agree (4.00 / 3)

          and once our fundraising kicks in to match our human resources, I hope we can claw our way into one of those 40 races.  We are not telling anyone that decides to run anything but the brutal truth.  Do not expect help, but welcome it.  Do not expect support, but earn it.  Do not give up, but stand up.  We are telling people to stand up and tell the truth and do not be afraid.  We will not win all races, everyone is agreed on that, but shouldn't we at least have opposition in each race against this Culture of Corruption?  Shouldn't we offer a choice, even if there is no money, shouldn't we always offer a choice?  I can not think of one Republican in the House or Senate that does not deserve to have a Democratic opponent, can anyone else?

          Visit our website if you haven't before Barry Welsh IN 06 District Democratic Congressional Candidate

          Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

          by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:51:01 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  I'd want to see evidence (none / 0)

            as to whether running non-competitive or non-serious Dems in safe R seats helps the party by giving Democratic voters a reason to come out or hurts the party "brand" by identifying it with a bunch of "losers" who may not be politically skilled. As I say, I'd want to see some evidence before coming down on one side of the debate or the other.

            "Be radical, be radical, be not too damned radical." - Whitman [-4.50, -5.79]

            by DemHillStaffer on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:54:23 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  I have to believe that it counters the (none / 0)

              Right-wing noise machine and voices opposition to all of the crap that they spew.

              Otherwise, without someone to call them on all of their lies and "keep them honest," right-wing ideology just becomes "common sense."

              The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit. Somerset Maugham

              by verasoie on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:10:06 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  I understand that and respect that. (none / 1)

              Is there any source of evidence at the moment?
              Has it ever been tried before?  Filling all of the slots?  I am asking because I don't know, since this is written and tone of voice is lacking, I didn't want you thinking I was being a wise guy.   What determines a safe R seat?  Like in my case, against Mike Pence.  The last two cycles, he was not challenged on anything, and won by huge margins, I am sure that this is a safe seat.  This district lost over 35,000 votes, 20,000 in four counties alone, that voted for the Democratic Governor and other Democratic Candidates, but not for Kerry or the Congressional Candidate.  I polled better as an unknown State Senate candidate with my populous message, than the congressional candidate did on their second run, in the counties we shared.  There was just a huge disconnect.  That is a lot of lost votes in an area with a lot of Democratic Sheriff's and Mayors.  Pence's  biggest draw has been his playing of the religion card and his holier than thou attitude.  Well, I am the pastor of a United Methodist Church, and will counter that card, so our race will come down to issues, and money.  We can't beat him in a fundraising race, but we can beat him with people, and that is what we are going to try to do.

              Barry Welsh IN 06 District Democratic Candidate

              Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

              by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:17:00 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

              •  I was asking a real question (none / 0)

                I haven't seen any studies of the comprable effectiveness of the two strategies, and I'd like to. But, I think you make an important point - a GOOD candidate is always worth running.

                Mike Pence is one of my least favorite guys in Congress (and I generally like RSCers - they're usually pretty honest and committed to ideals and willing to work across the aisle, unlike the corrupt hacks that make up most R Members, even if what they believe in is horrific). So, go get 'em!

                "Be radical, be radical, be not too damned radical." - Whitman [-4.50, -5.79]

                by DemHillStaffer on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:22:16 PM PDT

                [ Parent ]

              •  50 State Strategy (none / 1)

                Barry, I believe that the strategy of contesting every seat is the right one.

                Circumstances are different, if only because of the amount of money involved in American campaigns, but here in the UK the main parties always contest every seat with odd exceptions such as the Speaker's constituency. In my view there are four main reasons for doing so.

                1/ Giving every citizen a democratic choice and the opportunity to register their view on which way the country should be going.

                2/ To maximise the number of votes for the party nationally and so strengthen your mandate.

                3/ To tie down your opponents resources and so increase your chances of winning elsewhere.

                4/ To develop your seat for the future perhaps by concentrating your campaigning in areas of the district where you can win offices at a lower level. Building up support over time by getting people elected and finding helpers and supporters so that the district does become competetive over time.

                As an example I would point you in the direction of a British MP called Lynne Featherstone.

                linked text

                linked text

                In 1997 she took on a hopeless inner city London seat which was a stronghold of the Labour Party and finished third with just 11% of the vote to the Labour candidate's 62%. Two elections later she is now the MP having built up the local Liberal Democrat Party by increasing its membership, support base and getting people elected on to the local council (16/30 from none and possibly a clean sweep in this year's elections). It took eight years hard work but proved that almost any seat, however hopeless it may appear, can be won if you believe in it and put in the effort and determination.

                Liberalism is trust of the people tempered by prudence. Conservatism is distrust of the people tempered by fear. William Ewart Gladstone

                by uklibdems on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 05:08:14 AM PDT

                [ Parent ]

            •  I say it does (none / 1)

              It means the R's in those seats need to focus on their own re-election and the national party is forced to play defense.  More money goes to incumbents rather than challengers.

              Let's take Texas
              Post redistricting we were supposed to have everything as a nice happy safe seat.  It seems now we have 1 unsafe dem (Chet Edwards) and the following republicans are feasibly in play:

              TX-06 Joe Barton v. David Harris
              TX-14 Ron Paul v. Shane Sklar
              TX-21 Lamar Smith v. John Courage
              TX-22 Tom DeLay v. Nick Lampson

              DeLay is in there for obvious reasons (I'm in the district, it is almost in the pickup category now), Paul is in Texas' most democratic cd represented by a Republican and Sklar is a smart moderate dem who knows agriculture (lots of ranches in this district).  Harris is there due to the Iraq vet thing and he's working.  As for Courage, he's just been doing activist grass roots stuff for the last year, base has been built.

              If we get a good state ticket working like Gammage, Grant, Radnofsky, Van Os, Head all appearing together this might work out.

              by trowaman on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:26:35 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

              •  If you run in such districts... (none / 0)

                Run apolitical mavericks, (a la Paul Hackett), who can speak truth to power and build our Party's credibility amongt the unaffiliated.

                Running a middle-of-the-road military vet is effective. A freakshow like Seemann isn't.

                Usually a candidate only has to run against one Party. Ned Lamont had to fight the entire CT Rep Party, and 1/3 of the CT Dem Party. No wonder he lost.

                by DeanFan84 on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:34:42 PM PDT

                [ Parent ]

              •  Ron Paul is RINO times a million (none / 0)

                He's actually a Libertarian, so he voted against the Iraq War and against the Patriot Act.  Of course, this means he also voted against things like reconstruction money for New Orleans, but it also means it's hard to run as an anti-war canidate against him.

                by Geotpf on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 01:26:21 AM PDT

                [ Parent ]

                •  yeah, but (none / 0)

                  Sklar isn't running on the war, he's running on his specialty of Agriculture needs and the needs of the district.  He's hitting on Paul for voting NO on everything.

                  Sklar motto "I'm not here to make a point, I'm here to make a difference."

                  This is a take referring to Paul's Libertarian views and trying to stand up for his p.o.v. by voting no to everything.  Paul may sound good on foreign stuff, but it's not for the right reasons.  There's a lot of other issues out there too.  Domestically, he's horrible.  

                  by trowaman on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 06:29:00 AM PDT

                  [ Parent ]

            •  well (none / 0)

              I used to live in Jan Schakowsky's district in Chicago (and now live in Charlie Rangel's district in NY- how lucky am I??)  Jan ALWAYS had a Republican challenger, and she usually won about 70 percent of the vote.  I don't even remember the name of the 2004 challenger, but I don't recall thinking "LOSER!!".  I just thought, OK, he/she is going to lose, and I'm sure is aware of that.

              If anything, I thought it was a bit noble, to run in an absolutely losing fight for principle.  I'm aware of the fact, however, that Republicans don't look at things the way I do :)

              by Chicago Lulu on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 05:55:46 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

          •  I like what you're (none / 0)

            saying here.  I can't conceive of what I'd feel like as a registered Democratic to receive a ballot and see that I didn't even have a candidate to vote for.  I would not have much faith in a Party that left me out in the cold.  I could take it if the candidate offered was not that much to my liking. That's disappointing, but something I could accept and understand.  I'd just think, "Okay, that one right person I'm looking for doesn't seem to be at this particular place, at this particular time."  But at least I'd feel like a player in the game.  

            Too many of us seem to believe that our elected officials are from a separate group.  That's simply not true.  My Congresswoman is a good example.  She was a welfare mom whose husband left her with 3 or 4 young kids.  Lynn Woolsey didn't come from a separate group.  She's an ordinary person.  She makes a great representative because she understands the real people of this world.  She came to office with her convictions, and learned how to do her job only after she got there. And that's the way it should work.

            We seem to operate under the concept that we don't know the details of holding office, so we don't enter the game.  People who enter the race because they've studied the system, and feel prepared because they've learned the ins and outs of the profession, are just looking for a job.  Those who had no long term plans to make politics their profession, but are motivated to enter the race because of their convictions and the realization that they're willing to work for what they believe in are the ones who do the job best.

            So if you're out there in one of those districts with no Democratic challenger, and you feel strongly that this Administration has been failing to address the needs of its citizens, then you might be just the one we need right now.  Give the Democrats in your district someone to speak for them.

            by Cook on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 02:01:23 AM PDT

            [ Parent ]

        •  Good point (none / 0)

          I think the "contest every seat" mentality is noble, but not always smart.  Putting up an underfunded Dem in a heavy GOP district could serve just to make the GOP incumbent spend alot of money and work to turn out alot of GOP voters that can hurt Dems up and down the ballot.

          If the same GOP incumbent is unopposed, he might just sit back and count his money.

          by poliscizac on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 01:14:13 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  contest every district (none / 0)

            2 points

            1. Is it that thinking which has led to the AL dems not having ANY congressional candidates so far?

            2. Would you prefer that GOP money to go to upping turnout in a swing district?

            by BENAWU on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 01:18:19 AM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  Fair points (none / 0)

              I'm not sure where I am from is relevant to the conversation.

              I'm not saying Democrats shouldn't compete in every district, just pointing out it's not an unvarnished positive.  

              For example, Democrats might could have coaxed a credible candidate into taking on Richard Shelby for Senate in 2004, but why give him an excuse to spend $10 million.  True he still might give a litle of it away to other GOP groups, but?

              There is a reason that Democrats (and Republicans) have the conventional wisdom that it doesn't make sense to challenge every seat.  Not saying it's right, just pointing out there is a logic to it.

              by poliscizac on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 02:02:14 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

              •  fair enough (none / 0)

                Well said and my response was a tad bitchy. Where I come from (Down under) it is inconceivable to let an opposition party run unopposed. Mind you our voting is compulsory. BTW what is going on with the Alabama dems will they come up with some candidates?

                by BENAWU on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 03:26:54 AM PDT

                [ Parent ]

              •  Get him to spend the (none / 1)

                $10 million this year and he won't have it for next time.  

                In my old Congressional District, WA-05, the Republicans always tried to run someone against Tom Foley.  The candidates were usually hopeless but Tom always campaigned because he knew that elections can't be taken for granted.  Eventually the Republicans got the opportunity they wanted and Tom Foley, Speaker of the House, was beat.

                In Oregon, Republican Senator Gordon Smith was beat by Democrat Ron Wyden he ran again for the other US Senate seat and won.  In Nevada, Republican Senator Ensign was beat by Harry Reid then ran again and got elected.  Today's losing candidate can become tomorrow's winnning candidate.

                In my old town, Pullman, WA, I was trying to recruit someone to run against a 14 year incumbent in a city council race.  I kept getting the same answer, "He's been there so long and is so well known he can't be beat."  I finally shamed someone into running by telling her that if she didn't run she had to accept responsibility for every vote he cast.  She filed on the last day in June.  She won every precinct that November except for his home precinct which she lost by about 20 votes.  

                It is very important to contest all of these races, especially this year when people are leaning against Republicans.  Our voters are more motivated and anything we can do to get more of them out will be a positive.  If the candidate running for Congress doesn't have a prayer maybe they should restrict their campaign to the stronger Democratic areas of their district and work to increase turnout there.  It will help any Democrats running statewide.

                One bad thing was a train got crashed in New Jersey. People won't be late for work though, because the governor lady said, "I'm sending in more trains!"

                by msstaley on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 07:32:20 AM PDT

                [ Parent ]

        •  It's part of the plan (none / 0)

          There will be some triage, don't worry.  But step one is always to compete everywhere.  Run at least someone in every district so that the incumbent cannot just coast to re-election, maybe giving a lot of her campaign warchest to other Republicans who need it more.

          Also, it gives individual activists a choice.  You can support the local Democrat in your area, no matter where you are.  Or you can pick out one of the most competitive contests and put your effort there, where you feel you can really make a difference. Or you can tilt at windmills and pick a real "David v. Goliath" contest that isn't even on the map, try to force red to become blue against all odds. Hey, even if you don't pull off a surprise victory, you make the troglodyte have to fight harder, you bring the message to a place that desperately needs it, and you maybe set things up to make a win possible in the future in a place that otherwise would never be.  Another option is to pick your favorite Republican villain and campaign like hell for the challenger.  Or pick a "real" Democrat (however you define that) who really, really represents your values, and campaign there.  No matter your preference or style, we'll have a race for you.

          You'll also see plenty of "top 20 crucial races" lists over the coming months.  Those will get plenty of attention, both from us and the DCCC.  To some extent, it's the DCCC's job to pick the top tier ones. They've usually done just that, often at the expense of promising second tier contests. Therefore, I'm usually of the school that says kos should be focusing on the second tier, and doing a little in the tilting at windmills department. YMMV.

          The nice thing is, you've got so much opportunity to network and organize, whichever of 435 contests strikes your fancy.

          "...And I woulda got away with it, if it hadn't been for that meddling Kos!" ---attributed to Tom DeLay

          by AdmiralNaismith on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 07:13:43 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

    •  Jeff Seeman (none / 0)

      I wish him well. As much as I agree that he's not being a responsible candidate now, I do hope he has a lucrative and enjoyable job that's otherwise occupying him. It's SO important that good progressive candidates -- especially ones that stick their necks out on nearly impossible races -- have something to fall back on if they lose. It would help recruitment enormously. I bet GOP candidates that run good campaigns but lose have plenty of options.

      by monster on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:32:12 PM PDT

      •  Ohio Races (4.00 / 2)

        It is important that we find a candidate for Ohio's seventh and eighth Congressional Districts. If Democrats leave these seats uncontested, it could affect the turnout for the Governor and Senate races. While the Congressional races are important, it is also important for progressives to make sure that Ken Blackwell does not become governor.

        I am running for the 12th district, which borders the seventh. Republicans split Franklin County (Columbus) into three districts to ensure that they would win all three seats. While the 12th and 15th (Mary Jo Kilroy (D) vs. Deborah Pryce ®) are almost evenly split, the seventh to my knowledge is overwhelmingly Republican. I think a way to change people's minds is to have competitive local candidates, so I hope we find someone to run there.

        My campaign director is from the 16th district and he is under the impression that Jeff Seemann intends to run again for the seat. If not, he says, with the possible exception of Johnnie Maier (Stark County Democratic Party Chair and former Ohio House Rep), it is not a competitive race. Personally, I think Democrats can make many races unexpectedly close this year.

        Anyhow, please check out my post http://www.dailykos.com/...
        In addition, look for the announcement of my website soon.

        Sincerely,

        John Swords
        Candidate for Congress
        Ohio's 12th U.S. Congressional District

        by John Swords for Congress on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:02:08 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  John (none / 0)

          Thanks for standing up in the 12th!

          Barry Welsh IN 06 District Democratic Congressional Candidate

          Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

          by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:20:12 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

        •  WHAT TO DO about the 16TH!!! (none / 1)

          For the record, I was the one who blew the whistle on Jeff Seemann during his "100 Hours of Homelessness" fundraiser in the days prior to Thanksgiving. http://www.dailykos.com/...

          I have nothing against Jeff, and I credit him for his 2004 moxie, but clearly he was never a credible candidate. You need to have your personal act together before you declare for Congress.

          If we want a candidate for 2006, (and Ralph Regula is 81 years old), we need to contact Johnnie Maier, chairman of the Stark County Democrats. (Canton is the big city within the 16th, lying within Stark Co.)
          http://www.starkdemocrats.com/

          Tell Johnnie that we are crazy not to at least run a placeholder, and that this could be a way to build our Democratic bench. Johnnie's take is that Regula is a 17 term incumbent, and nearly impossible to beat. Don't let that political reality stop you from rounding "Go". Tell Johnnie that we understand the reality of the situation, but that if he doesn't want another Seemann-type candidacy, he should find us someone reasonably credible.

          Also ask him if he wants Paul Hackett/Sherrod Brown to win!

          Again my strategy is to contact Johnnie Maier,-- apologize for Seemann,-- but put it all on him to have someone oppose Regula in Ohio's 16th.

          fwiw.

          Usually a candidate only has to run against one Party. Ned Lamont had to fight the entire CT Rep Party, and 1/3 of the CT Dem Party. No wonder he lost.

          by DeanFan84 on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:22:31 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  OK (4.00 / 2)

            Just emailed Starke County the following

            My name is Barry Welsh, and I am running against Mike Pence in Indiana's 6th Congressional District.  I was wondering if Jeff Seeman was running for Congress in the 16th?  If not, do you plan to run a placeholder, to be replaced later, or does it look like the 16th will be uncontested?  Thanks for your help.

            Barry Welsh
            www.barrywelsh.org

            If I get a reply tomorrow I will post it.

            Welsh For House! Visit my site or Barry Welsh @ ActBlue

            by Barry Welsh on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:41:22 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

        •  Contests in 7 and 8 will help turnout ... (none / 0)

          ... for Blackwell and DeWine.

          I still say run 'em ... but don't run clowns (they do hurt the brand), and don't kid yourself about the up-ballot downside.

          The Great Obama might saw the lady in half, but he won't make the elephant disappear. The Confluence

          by RonK Seattle on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:57:03 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

    •  Blog Delinquency? (none / 0)

      Putting the financial discrepancy and filing problems aside, I'm not sure why Seemann's failure to update his blog is an issue. Maybe he found more effective way to get his word out? Or is blogosphere participation a requirement for blogosphere support? If that's the case, that looks more like power-mongering among the blogosphere elite than a genuine political goal.

      Please clue me in if I'm missing something.

      Speak truth to power.

      by scapegoat on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:38:47 PM PDT

      •  add-it-up a bit differently (none / 0)

        The blog problems add to the filing and financial problems--they shouldn't be looked at separately.  In light of his other problems, the blog silence shows that he may truly be absent.

        by eightball0 on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:44:43 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  I don't draw that conclusion (none / 0)

          I have a whole bunch of blogs and web sites devoted to different fragments of my life. Some languish for very long periods of time - it all depends on where I'm currently putting my energy.

          Right now I'm working on a blog for a guy who isn't all that confident that a blog will improve his web site traffic. If he doesn't see results in a few months, he will let it go to seed.

          Anyway, I don't think you can measure political commitment by blog commitment. I do agree that the financial issues and the filing problem suggest he's not a serious candidate, though.

          Speak truth to power.

          by scapegoat on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:04:13 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  Scape buddy, Seemann got called on his (none / 1)

            shit. And dropped off the face of the earth.

            As a fellow human bean, I hope he is okay. As a partisan, I am glad he is gone.

            Bottom line is that Jeff was a smooth talker, but irresponsible candidate. We can't afford to back clowns.

            Usually a candidate only has to run against one Party. Ned Lamont had to fight the entire CT Rep Party, and 1/3 of the CT Dem Party. No wonder he lost.

            by DeanFan84 on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:25:06 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  DeanFan (none / 0)

              Thanks for calling him on his shit.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.  I can't believe you got downrated so harshly for pointing out that this guy didn't file his FEC reports.  Jeez-us--and we wanna be the party of credibility?

              So yeah, thanks for calling bullshit bullshit.  Another Seeman candidacy is the last thing that Ohio Dems need to win in that district.

              Swing State Project: A sexy, sassy look at the 2008 elections. Get a four-digit UID while you still can!

              by HellofaSandwich on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 01:04:06 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  DeanFan, I want to apologize (none / 0)

              I was one of the people who got on your case back when you "blew the whistle" on Seemann.  At the time I thought it was inappropriate to bring up in his homeless saga diaries, but in retrospect I can't think of a better place for you to get the word out than in his own diaries.  

              I was never a big fan of Seemann's.  I never thought he had a realistic chance of winning.  At the time I thought all of the money being spent on him could have been better spent on other things (like say, trying to defeat Warren Specter, a race that was MUCH LESS of a long shot).  

              Anyway, I agree with you, we're better off with Seemann gone.  I can only conclude he must have some sort of personal issues he's dealing with, because that's the only explanation for him not even filing his FEC reports (either that or he has something to hide).  In any case, I wish him the best, but we can't afford to run candidates who don't already have their ducks mostly in a row.  

              Don't like XOM and OPEC? What have YOU done to reduce your oil consumption? Hot air does NOT constitute a renewable resource!

              by Asak on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 05:07:08 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  DeanFan84 (none / 1)

              Showed the moxie to call Seemann out on his non-filings with the FEC.  DeanFan84 caught a lot of hell from many in the DailyKos community for doing this and what struck me as so ironic was these are the same people who are appauled and angered by the Abramoff scandal.  Go figure.

              I too communicated with Seemann right after his promise to post his story about his 100 hours out on the streets and as you can see, Seemann NEVER posted that story.  He promised to write something a few days after he came in from the cold.  And as Deanfan84 pointed out many times, I too believe this was a scam to raise money for his FEC fines.  Wake up and smell the corruption with this Seemann dude.  He is not what the democrat party needs at this time when we are calling out the republican party with the tag line, "Culture of Corruption."  I don't feel sorry for Seemann and if it is true he reported less than what his campaign took in then I would have to say Seemann duped the DailyKos community in a very big way.

              by pmob5977 on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 05:15:42 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  yep. (none / 0)

              For once, you and I agreed on something.

              Did you love NN08 in Austin? Join us in Pittsburgh in 2009!

              by Adam B on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 07:37:08 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  Cassandra (none / 0)

              Sucks to be a Cassandra. But important nonetheless.

              Swing State Project: Campaign & Election News

              by DavidNYC on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 10:00:27 AM PDT

              [ Parent ]

          •  Blogs (none / 0)

            If my case rested entirely on the fact that he hasn't updated a couple of blogs in a while, that wouldn't be much of a case. (Though I'd say for a candidate whose major if not sole fountainhead is the blogosphere, that's at least a bit troubling.)

            But when you add in all of the other factors, then you've got a real problem.

            Swing State Project: Campaign & Election News

            by DavidNYC on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 09:58:48 AM PDT

            [ Parent ]

    •  Placeholders needed (4.00 / 4)

      Under Ohio law, we need a name on the ballot in 10 days ($85, 50 signatures) ... but that name can withdraw and pass the baton (by party committee action) to a more capable candidate any time between now and August 23.

      OH-08 is a special situation, where this year's campaign should be aimed at basebuilding for an open seat race in the near future. (Discussion here.

      Note: "A Jeff Seeman in Every Garage" is NOT a 50 state strategy. Inept Dem candidates make red districts redder next time, in addition to disadvantaging our statewide candidates.

      The Great Obama might saw the lady in half, but he won't make the elephant disappear. The Confluence

      by RonK Seattle on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:42:32 PM PDT

    •  OH-08 (none / 0)

      A Democrat hasn't been elected in that district since 1936. If anyone should run, it should be Hardenbrook. He nearly doubled his vote tally between 2002 and 2004. Anti-Republican sentiment is running high in Ohio right now, and he might be able to pull off an even better showing against the Majority Leader.

      by mph2005 on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:43:44 PM PDT

      •  I got news for ya, Hardenbrook ain't running (none / 0)

        and I don't think we should put a '3-time loser' in a Congressional race.  Let me clearly state that I know Jeff (well, my wife does), I appreciate his truly selfless efforts at running, and do not mean to disparage him.  But Jeff was not a fundraiser, is not a serious candidate, and will not run again for Congress.  

        BTW, I thought Hardenbrook went from 28% to 30% of the vote, and failed to take a single county.

        Energize America: Demand Energy Security by 2020!

        by Doolittle Sothere on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 06:07:37 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  All I know is... (none / 0)

        that I didn't even know the two Democrats names running in 2004 (Fingerhut/Hardenbrook) until I looked it up online in late October.  Not one TV ad, not one article in the newspaper, not one event that I remember in Preble County.  Can't get elected that way.  

        "The only thing I would trust Dick Cheney on is if I had a dead hooker in my hotel room." --Jon Stewart

        by DemBrock on Tue Feb 07, 2006 at 10:40:45 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  New website for Jeff Seeman (none / 0)

      Check out Jeff Seeman for Congress '06 (last updated 12/05/05). Found via a quick Google search. The new URL http://www.jeffseemann.typepad.com/ is definitely much less compelling than his previous http://www.jeffseemannforcongress.com/ (URL now defunct).

      Although he last posted a diary on dKos on only a few days earlier than that on Dec 1, 2005, he doesn't seem to have updated his profile with his new web location. And strangely, all of his comments here are deleted.

      Anyone want to email Jeff and check up on his situation? Frankly, the situation doesn't look very good.

      DailyKos for 50 States -- Let's Build It!

      by DavidW in SF on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:45:47 PM PDT

    •  OH-16 (none / 1)

      In regard to OH-16, how about Stark County Commissioner Gayle Jackson or State Rep. William J. Healy II? I realize that Representative Healy is only in his first term, but he's a Democrat from Canton.

      by mph2005 on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 10:55:05 PM PDT

    •  Not much notice. (none / 1)

      But I'll see what I can do.

      McCheney campaigns on fear, just like Bush did.

      by coigue on Mon Feb 06, 2006 at 11:02:22 PM PDT

    •  Liv