(Cross-posted from my blog, An Enduring Democratic Majority.)
2006 was a very tough year for New York Republicans, especially for Tom Reynolds of NY-26. Though Reynolds was able to survive his toughest reelection bid yet (he was able to defeat Jack Davis by the skin of his teeth 52-48), his leadership as the chair of the Republican Party's House reelection efforts was dismal. Not only did Reynolds preside over the Democratic ascension into the majority, but under Reynolds three upstate NY Republicans lost their seats.
While Tom managed to save himself, his luck may run out in 2008. His new opponent is Iraq War Veteran and Clarence native Jon Powers.
Some info on Powers (from his web site):
As an artillery platoon leader in the Army’s 1st Armored Division, and later as the Battalion Commander’s Adjutant in Baghdad and Najaf - Captain Powers was hailed by his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Rabena, as "one of the most talented officers I have known in twenty-two years of service in the Army." Rabena lauded his "extraordinary management skills, leadership, and unmatched talent to accomplish the most difficult tasks with minimal guidance," calling Capt. Powers "the type of officer a commander only dreams of having in his unit."
While leading his soldiers through one of Baghdad’s most volatile sectors, Capt. Powers witnessed firsthand the devastation and lost opportunities that resulted from the Bush Administration’s mismanagement and lack of planning for post-invasion Iraq. He saw how his and his fellow soldiers’ idealism, dedication and patriotism were dishonored by a government that sent them to war without proper equipment, training or forethought.
The war was far from over when Powers returned home to Western New York, intending to become a full-time social studies teacher in the Clarence public schools. But, moved by his experience at war and driven to action, Powers sought to help those in Iraq whose voices are least heard - Iraqi children, many of whom have known only war their entire young lives. He returned to Baghdad and founded War Kids Relief, a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting the youth of Iraq, providing them the resources and education needed to avoid recruitment by radical and terrorist organizations. War Kids Relief was quickly recognized for its pathbreaking work and was featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams "Making a Difference" series and in a Newsweek cover story.
Powers is the ideal Democrat we need to send to DC. Someone who knows first hand what war is all about and an individual who is wise enough to see the value of a strong education.
Personally, I love the idea of sending school teachers to Congress. I believe that not only are they among the most educated citizens we have, but many of them have a fundamentally solid grasp on the most pressing issues of our time.
Earlier this week CQ announced that Powers raised an incredible $112,000 in the one month that his candidacy has been declared (from June 1 through June 30). While he still trails Reynolds rather significantly in the money raising game, this impressive showing right off the bat has got to give Democrats confidence going into the fall.
This strong start out of the gate has not been lost on the Powers campaign team, as they claim that this is indicative of the candidates support in the district:
This early momentum speaks to Powers’ support in the district and proves that people are ready for a leader who fights for a change of direction in Iraq, better paying jobs at home, and a brand of leadership that puts loyalty to hardworking middle class families before anything else.
"All this early support is exciting, but we’re just getting started," Powers said. "I look forward to continuing the conversation we’ve begun and meeting with more families in Western New York to hear about the issues that are important to them."
Hell, I'm excited about this too - this should be one of the more fun races to watch unfold over the next 17 months.
Help Give Patrick Murphy Some Company in the House.