Bill Maher has chosen 16 of the worst of 233 Republicans in the House for his Flip A District contest. GOPer Dave Reichert (WA-08) made the short list. That's a BFD! So what's the Flip A District contest all about?
This year we’re going to be entering into the exciting world of outright meddling with the political process, as we attempt to “Flip a District.”
It’s simple: There are a lot of terrible, entrenched congressmen out there. Many don’t even have an opponent. We’re going to choose one of them, throw him into the national spotlight, and see if we can’t send him scuttling under the refrigerator on Election Night.
Bill will announce the final four out of 16 on July 11th. Then on September 12th he will unveil the biggest "
loser" who will have the glare of Maher's national spotlight during his campaign.
There's more info below the DKos golden district flipping spatula. Find out how you can help Reichert be the biggest loser and for us to be the biggest winners by electing Democrat Jason Ritchie to the House.
No need to send anything directly to Bill Maher. Use Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and include #flipadistrict in your plea for giving GOPer Dave Reichert (WA-08) the boot. Watch Bill's show to see the results.
This is why Reichert must go: He is entrenched. He was first elected in 2005 and is seeking his fifth term from WA-08. Reichert and Republicans like him absolutely infuriate me because they lull low-information voters into voting for them by making the Republican agenda sound reasonable. They are a huge problem for this country.
Dave Reichert cost the American economy $24 BILLION during the GOP government shutdown. That's not moderate. That's not reasonable. That alone is enough to send him home.
An article in The Seattle Times during the shutdown highlights the problem. Even though this rural rancher was being hurt by the shutdown he said:
“Dave came in here the last time around, and we talked about farming, the Green River slayer, everything but politics,” Mariotti said. “And his brother lives just up the road here.”
“I think Dave’s doing pretty well,” he added. “Politicians kind of become family once they get back to Washington, D.C. They never leave. But I think they’re starting to realize if this thing doesn’t end soon, there could be a real calamity.”
A TPM article today says
Tea Party Forces Still Control The Republican Agenda. Reichert bills himself as a moderate, but he is an enabler who votes with the rest of the obstructing Republican House when it counts to block Democratic efforts for jobs, health care, unemployment, infrastructure, helping veterans, women...you name it.
This is a purple district that President Obama won in both 2008 and 2012 (redistricted). This should be a blue district and progressive Democrat Jason Ritchie can take it back. Jason has the ideals we support and the passion to make a difference. He needs us to have his back and help him win.
Jason is a true progressive on every issue. He strongly supports and recognizes the importance of the Affordable Care Act. He is in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. He owns a firearm, but believes in strengthening regulations on purchasing guns. He believes in protecting the environment, increased funding for local schools, repairing infrastructure, supports equality and more.
Women's health: A woman's health is between her and her doctor. No politician, regardless of his own personal views, should dictate what a woman does with her own body. I do not support government engaging in any unwarranted interference into medical decisions, especially for political gain. That is why I believe women should have open access to health care, including birth control and family planning....
Social Security and Medicare: [These programs] are some of the most successful government programs in this nation’s history. We have a commitment to each other and our senior citizens to maintain and reinforce these programs.
Don't like the Hobby Lobby decision? We need Democrats like Jason in the House to vote for legislation to amend the ACA and put all birth control in again.
You are an important part of making this district turn red to BLUE. Take action now:
From my passion about Jason's campaign you might think I live in WA-08, but I don't. I live in Indiana, a red state that is usually a leader in quietly passing obnoxious legislation. Other red states watch to see if there is a fuss and when there isn't, they take it even further. My representative is a Tea Party Republican who bills himself as "reasonable." It is very lopsided politically here and he is incredibly entrenched. The Democrat running against him is a retired school teacher who is taking little or no action and has no chance of winning. I will vote for her because I want politicians to know Democrats are here, but I am putting my energy into other campaigns that we can win. WA-08 is one of them. I can't tell you how much I want to see Boehner handing the gavel over to Speaker Pelosi!
I have conservative cousins that live in WA-08 who are upset about the Tea Party agenda. I'm working on them gently to open their minds. Maybe you live in WA-08 or know people who do. Even if you don't you can get Jason's name out there where others can see it and be influenced to vote for him. You can:
Participate in the Flip A District campaign
Follow Jason on Twitter:@Ritchie4wa8
Like him on Facebook: Ritchie for Congress
Volunteer
Be a field organizer
Donate
Phone bank, GOTV, or meet Jason in person and talk to him at a meet-up.
Above all, if you live in WA-08, register and vote for Jason. We deserve him in Congress!
Jason's campaign website: Jason Ritchie for Congress
Ritchie For Congress
P.O. Box 2165
Issaquah, WA 98027
425-324-6888
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
WA-08 district map
If you live in WA-08 check your voter registration or register to vote.
Primary Info
July 7 Deadline for voter registration, address change and other updates
July 18 Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out
and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
July 28 Deadline for new Washington State voter registration (in person only)
August 5 Primary