This is cross-posted at my blog, An Enduring Democratic Majority.
One of the few disappointments from the 2006 midterm elections was that Marilyn Musgrave survived reelection. Musgrave is as nutty as a Snickers Bar, whether it’s railing against Gay Marriage, anti-immigration or pimping the war in Iraq – let’s face it the woman is bat-shit crazy.
In 2006 Democrats came less than 6,000 votes away from sending her into retirement as Musgrave defeated Democratic Challenger Angie Paccione, 45.61 percent to 43.12 percent. The outlier in this race? Reform party candidate Eric Eidsness, who racked up an impressive 11.28 percent of the vote in this Eastern Colorado district.
Ok, that’s enough about 2006. Here’s where things get interesting.
About two months ago Eidsness announced that he was joining the Democratic Party. Now, yesterday, a story in the Brush News-Tribune says that Eidsness is openly considering going after the Democratic nomination to challenge Musgrave in 2008.
"I often am asked why I registered as a Democrat," he commented. "It’s real simple. I’m an American first. I’m not as interested in the color as what Congress is supposed to do. Unfortunately, you have to be in a major party to do what Congress is supposed to do."
He continued, "Of the two parties, the Democrats are more interested in what I’m interested in," citing energy, health care, stem cell research, trade issues and ethics reform as examples.
"I’ve been a Democrat for years and didn’t know it," he laughed, adding, "I’m a serious fiscal conservative hawk and I believe in personal responsibility."
Hmm. Interesting. I too stand for these issues, aside from fiscal conservatism this guy seems like a fit with the Democratic Party. But here is what really makes me willing to listen to Eidsness:
[...]Eidsness said he doesn't agree with abortion but that the government should not legislate it in most cases.
[...]
Musgrave, who sponsored the Federal Marriage Amendment in each of her two terms, said marriage should be between one man and one woman. Eidsness said he'd "lock and load" against government intrusion into the issue [...]
Wow, not what I was expecting to here out of the mouth of a Reform Party candidate.
But what about Angie Paccione? What has she been up to since November?
Aside from a brief mention on Wikipedia that she may seek a rematch in 2008, I have yet to find any other evidence that she is considering the race again. However, if she does jump in, it could set up a big battle with Eidsness over the nomination.
While I for one am willing to support either of these candidates, I think Eidsness’ conversion has broader implications for the party. Look again at Eidsness states as his reasons for joining the party:
He continued, "Of the two parties, the Democrats are more interested in what I’m interested in," citing energy, health care, stem cell research, trade issues and ethics reform as examples.
BAM! That’s brand-name recognition there baby! That is right out of the Crashing-The-Gate-Kos-Jerome playbook!
There is a real revolution taking place out in the Mountain West. It’s a Democratic revival that is uniting liberals, libertarians and all people with sound conscious and mind. These are the issues we need to keep hammering away at: health care, energy independence/reform, stem cell research and gun rights.
While things still have to develop in this race, I am excited to see that we are on the right path.
To Donate.