A newly launched Facebook page is supporting fresh new candidates to replace up to 435 House seats and 36 Senate seats in the US elections this November.
Americans are awakening to a historic new opportunity for democracy. For over half a century, costly campaigns left representatives more accountable to parties and donors than voters.
But now the best financed parties are self-destructing and proving themselves barely able to govern. “Independent” is already the largest, fastest growing group.
Being a party favorite, a sitting incumbent, or an experienced politician makes a candidate less credible. 45% of Americans think we would get better government by randomly picking names from the telephone book. Another 19% aren't sure.
Amid widespread public dissatisfaction, incumbents are giving up their seats, party favorites are declining to run, and upsets in elections are increasing.
This is our best chance in 50 years to take our country back.
And you can make a difference simply by clicking Become a Fan.
In this new century – where instead of costing millions, video ads can be distributed free – campaigns can be about Your Message, not the money you raise. A candidate can launch a viral campaign on Facebook and YouTube, share a message that resonates with millions - and then raise any further funds needed to win.
Public communication on Facebook also offers accountability – and vividly demonstrates when it’s lacking. Most of the incumbents have Facebook “Fan” Pages where they never answer a question and sometimes don’t even post anything. We’ll confront the current office holders on their Facebook Pages – civilly – until they answer the questions their constituents are asking.
And in 2010 there will be more US voters on Facebook than voted in any election in history.
Giving our voices a chance to matter begins with clicking Become a Fan at Replace Congress 2010.
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Participating is easy. Do any of the following:
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JOIN
Become a Fan of Replace Congress 2010 on Facebook. Show you care about our democracy and haven’t given up. www.replacecongress.us will also take you there.
Why shouldn’t 100 million US voters join? Tell enough friends and our voices will matter.
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IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
* Tell us
who’s representing you in Congress now: the Representative from your District and the two Senators from your State. All 435 Representatives can be replaced this year – and 36 Senators too! If you don’t see your State or races you care about the Discussion Topics, you can go ahead and add the Topic yourself.
* Post a news link about how an incumbent has helped make and worsen the messes we’re in – with the kinds of group think and deceit that experienced, professional politicians do best.
* Post a revealing statement, hilarious Daily Show clip, Colbert Report interview, or Crooks and Liars video showing why this person clearly can’t be trusted to this important job anymore. We’ll have a great laugh before doing our civic duty and finding a replacement for that person.
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PROPOSE A GREAT SOLUTION
* Tell us what you think a more credible candidate would do differently. Feel free to endorse Policies or Platforms rather than specific Personalities and People.
* Tell us about a
specific new 2010 campaign challenger – someone who speaks honestly and isn’t steeped in corrupt party politics – who has already announced their candidacy!
DKos' own
Marcy Winograd, challenging
startlingly corrupt, wealthy war hawk Jane Harman in CA District 36 is a perfect example.
* Remind us about a representative so unusual – so consistent in challenging party dogma and defending the Constitution – that s/he should be re-elected, not replaced.
Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin is one such incumbent running in the Senate this year. If you're one of their lucky constituents, don't abandon Replace Congress 2010 - just focus your energy on other races along with their re-election.
* Announce the candidacy of someone you know who is highly qualified -- maybe even you.
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UNDERSTAND ELECTION RULES
This is the time to review the rules and deadlines for candidates to appear on our November ballots. The rules can vary by state, party and district. Share what you know and what you learn - at DKos and in
Discussion Topics at the Facebook page. Did you know the minimum ages for House and Senate seats are 25 and 30 years old, respectively? Here are the
Federal Election Commission Deadlines for candidates. And so on.
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Democracy can work, but only with our help.
At first, Replace Congress 2010 may seem far fetched. But time, technology and logic are on our side. Suddenly all the tools we need are in our grasp — and free of charge. It’s our duty as citizens to rescue our democracy.