On vacation right now in New Mexico and visiting my wife's family in the southwest. It's my first visit here myself and I have to say it's pretty nice (certainly warmer than my home state of Oregon.)
If I had to make a connection to the democratic theme on Kos to this recreational visit, I would offer this: The pattern holds from state to state regarding progressive thinking and the backing of a candidate with similar campaign bases. Take Senate candidate Tom Udall for an example.
Facing an incumbent Republican with staunchly "Bushian" beliefs in Steve Pearce, Udall's race is outfunded, progressive, grassroots-based and bottom-up backed in exactly the same way as Oregon's Senate race is shaped between incumbent Gordon Smith against the challenging Democratic candidate in Jeff Merkley.
So, as I close this short diary (my only entry while taking a week off from all of you) I offer this one insight from the political aspect of my vacation to the SW of the country: This idea of progressive campaigning has taken hold in more than one part of the country. These two in contrast (the wet, coffee and beer loving NW; and the dry, tea-flavored wine sipping SW) are sharing and caring all the same this election year.
Two book reviews and an insight to the roots of progressive networking for my next diary entries!
VIVA!