We will make history in Alabama on July 13th in the AL-07 Democratic runoff as we will nominate the first African-American female to Congress from our state. Two African American Females are facing off in the PVI +18 Dem race.
However, there is a much greater dynamic going on here in this race. We have the grassroots progressive candidate Shelia Smoot up against the well-funded insider candidate Terri Sewell who has received thousands in contributions from Wall Street. Sewell's also a former Wall Street Attorney.
Yesterday Shelia called for a series of debatesto be held throughout the District over the next three weeks. Sewell has yet to respond.
Today Shelia announced that she picked up the support of House Majority Whip James Clyburn and Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson
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This the classic case of a main street vs. wall street in a Democratic Party matchup. However, we don’t see that because while Smoot is pounding the pavement talking about the real issues and what’s she’s already done; Sewell is hiding behind slick advertising saying she will "help President Obama".
We have been running a positive campaign on our candidate in our internet/netroots outreach. However, the stories get infested by our opponents supporters and other operatives who launch these sneak attacks against Smoot mostly about the financial condition of Jefferson County. It’s easy to make an attack on government officials and blame them for our failures. However, it’s also more than fair to blame the private sector, especially the Wall Street culture of which our opponent was involved in for years. The same Wall Street culture which is providing her thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Goldman Sachs, etc. Would you want someone in Congress voting on financial reform that is so closely tied to this industry?.
We don’t need another talk about it might be Progressive that says one thing now and does another later. We need a true champion for the little guys and girls, someone who will stand up for the least of these. That’s Shelia Smoot This is someone who is dynamic and would be a presence in Congress. We need more of those.
We deserve to hear from the candidates in this race their ideas and plans for making this district more prosperous
"The people of the 7th Congressional District deserve to hear how we stand on the issues facing our community. I am asking that we have a series of debates throughout the district to discuss our objectives and priorities in Congress. I would love to see debates in every county so everyone can hear our plans." Smoot said.
Since we don’t know if we will get an opportunity to hear from these candidates in the same setting, Let me just make the distinction on three of the most talked about issues in this race:
education:
Shelia Smoot has already been a champion for education issues and is endorsed by two major education unions in this state - affiliates of the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Shelia Smoot has built new schools. Terri Sewell talks about investing in education on her website.
health care: Shelia Smoot has stood up for quality affordable health care for all . She specifically stood up for the indigent care facility, Cooper Green Hospital, in Birmingham, Alabama making sure it didn’t close. Terri Sewell in her advertising simply talks about supporting President Obama’s health care plan on her website.
jobs: Shelia Smoot has already created jobs As a County Commissioner, Shelia worked to attract Wachovia's 400 million dollar data service center to Birmingham. She also was instrumental in the creation of the Titusville Redevelopment Project - the County's first major Brownfield.
Terri Sewell talks about using her experience as a wall street finance attorney to create jobs.
Commissioner Smoot is concerned the people of District 7 aren't hearing the answers to the real questions they are facing everyday. "I want the people of District 7 to hear our plans to bring jobs and build infrastructure. They need to hear our plans for taking care of Seniors, improving education, and bettering the lives of the hard working people of the district" Smoot remarked. She continued, "We have to have a Congresswoman who has the proven experience of working for all citizens. I have been on the side of those who needed help all my life. When I go to Congress I will hit the ground running."
We don’t really know who Terri Sewell is other than someone who worked on Wall Street and is funded by Wall Street and outside sources. We also believe that she donated to a Republican candidate for Congress in 2002. Her flashy advertising talks a good game. But we have no idea how she will vote on such issues as financial regulations and reforms. We’ve never seen her having to take on such entities and fight for the least of these.
That being said, We know who Shelia Smoot is and what she will fight for despite the continuous attacks. We don’t need another member of Congress that simply says they are progressive; we need someone who has shown they are progressive.
We believe the voters in this district will make the right choice on July 13th. Unfortunately, big money buys elections even on the Democratic side of the aisle and it will if we don’t raise enough for Shelia to be competitive.
We need all the help we can in making sure that our voters get to the polls. People are visual and they need to see and hear about the difference in these two candidates. Many of the folks in this district aren’t on the blogs much less connected to the internet. Help us with a small contribution of $20.10 todaythat will help us get our ads up , purchase new literature and continue to help Shelia push the message that She’s On Our side.
Visit her website: Shelia Smoot for Congress
Follow her on Twitter: @smoot2010
And most importantly, kick in a few bucks if you can: Act Blue
Help us reach our goal on Grassroots for Smoot