In 2002, I worked to re-elect Georgia Senator Max Cleland. For a variety of reasons, including some of the dirtiest campaign ads ever run in this country (comparing a Vietnam hero, who sacrificed three limbs on the battlefield for his country, to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein). It was the '02 GOP "tide" and Max lost. It took me, and many others here in Georgia, a long damned time to get over that loss.

Ever since that election, I've been waiting for a viable Democratic candidate to run against Saxby Chambliss this year. For a long time, I did not see anyone who fit that bill. But, yesterday, someone finally announced who has a viable chance to a) beat the other Democrats who have announced, and b) beat Chambliss like a borrowed mule.

I'm please to announce:

Okay, I admit it - I'm a worrier. Although I'm an Edwards supporter, I can live with Obama as the Democratic candidate. Hell, anybody but the idiot in the WH now would be better than the idiot in the WH now. But, also ANY DEM would be be better than any of the GOP pygmies.

But, I have a few questions for Obama.

Follow me over the fold

Today we get the news of yet another GOP rat leaving the sinking ship that is the Bu$hCo (mis)administration. Over the last few weeks, Tony Snow, Karen Hughes, Fran Townsend, and now chief economics advisor Hubbard have announced their departures. While this is probably not all that unusual for a lame duck administration, I keep thinking back to something we heard during the summer that indicates, to me anyway, that Bu$hCo is more lame (lamer?) than most. Follow me over the jump and down memory lane:

I have not seen this in another diary, and if this is repetitive, I'll take it down (if I can figure out how). While many of you will scoff and say this is irrelevant, unimportant, cynical, etc, etc, etc, the DCCC outraised their GOP counterpart, again, for the 3rd quarter.

Via Politico a/k/a GOP's AP

Democrats hold a significant lead in the House of Representatives. They control the purse strings. Nancy Pelosi is doing the best she can with a 40+ vote majority. While a larger House majority would be nice, the House should not be our primary concern.

Join me below.

Over at TPM, they are reporting that Ag Sec Johanns is running for the Nebraska Senate seat being vacted by Chuck Hagel.

Where is Bob Kerrey? Is he going to run? Is he ready to leave the bright lights of New York City and the presidency of the New School?

I am of the opinion that Kerrey should announce his candidacy before Johanns' announcement. He should then get back to Nebraska and start campaigning. If he does, I'll support him. If he procrastinates, he's on his own, and let other Dems jump into the fray.

I have to emcee a fundraiser tomorrow night for a Georgia state House candidate. And, I need your help.

I've been reading and making the occasional comments here for about six months now. This is my first attempt at a diary, so like a first-time caller on C-Span, I'm a little nervous and hope that everyone will be kind.

I have always been impressed by the level of passion, intelligence, and level of commitment expressed by the many people who post at DKos.

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