Why You Should Support Brian Keeler (logical argument below!)
Fri Jul 07, 2006 at 03:55:18 PM PDT
As hopefully most of you know by now, long-time Kossack
Brian Keeler is running for State Senate in the State of New York.
What most of you, however, likely aren't too sure about, is why you should actively support Brian Keeler, considering the fact that he's running for a State-level position in a State you probably don't even live in.
Well, there are several important reasons.
1. Brian will bring netroots values to an elected office. A lot of politicians are actively courting the netroots, coming to us from afar, and telling us they will listen to what we have to say. Brian, on the other hand, emerged FROM WITHIN US, having been a Kossack and blogger for quite some time (check out his user ID). Brian is fully familiar with the things that are important to Kossacks and bloggers, because he IS one. Accordingly, there is no question he will emphasize the things that are important to us once elected.
2. If Brian wins, New York could become a "progressive laboratory" for other States to follow. In 2006, Eliot Spitzer will undoubtedly win the Governor's mansion. Moreover, the New York State Assembly is controlled by Democrats, and will assuredly remain under Democratic control after the 2006 election. The New York State Senate, however, is controlled by Republicans, but only by a slim four seat margin. It is highly likely, with the Democrats being so strong at the top of the ticket (Spitzer and Clinton), and with Bush being so incredibly unpopular in New York, that the State Senate will change hands in 2006. Brian, in fact, is running against a Republican incumbent who is considered to be quite vulnerable. Accordingly, if we can help Brian win, we can help turn the New York State Senate Democratic, and give New York an all-Democrat government. Such a government can function as a "progressive laboratory" on health care, the environment, the minimum wage, and other issues, and act as a model for other States. (Perhaps we can get some Dem-friendly redistricting as well!)
3. You can make a bigger difference in a smaller race. A small $$ contribution makes little difference in a US Senate race, and not much more of a difference in a House race. However, as the races get smaller and smaller, your $$'s, and your volunteer time, make a bigger and bigger difference, relatively. A State Senate race is a comparably small race, and if you choose to get involved here, you will make a comparably bigger difference.
4. Unlike federal races, where the deadline for the quarterly fundraising numbers have already passed, you still have time to help Brian create an "impact" with good fundraising numbers. My understanding is, that with Brian's race, all moneys raised before July 11 will be included in his next fundraising report. So if you contribute now, you can help persuade the big Albany muckity-mucks that Brian is a kick-ass candidate who can win and whom they should expend their capital HELPING win.
Which is why you all should attend Brian's blog-raiser on June 10 at 7:00pm at Prey, 4 West 22nd Street in Manhattan.
Those of you who can't attend in person can attend virtually, as the event will be live-blogged! (check daily kos).
The point of this, of course, is to encourage contributions to a worthy candidate. If you can contribute, please do so here. Even if you can only contribute a small amount, remember that small contributions make a bigger difference in a small race!
And if you can't contribute, please recommend this diary as an alternative.
See ya Monday at the blograiser!
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