As a candidate without a huge war chest in Hawaii's hotly contested race for Patsy Minks 2nd Congressional District seat, I was perhaps overly eager to contact Kos and possibly secure his support.
Not unlike an adolescents first date attempt at seeking the attentions of a prom queen, my first attempt at securing a date with Kos did not go well. He basically told me to "f-off" and that he was not interested in me, nor my race.
In politics, getting publicly dissed by Kos is probably, on balance a good thing. Better than being ignored. Apparently my diary of a few days ago struck a nerve.
Just like in high school though, taking the risk of rejection was well worth it. For one thing, I learned the netroots are real. And though Kos did not respond positively to my opening overture, many Kossacks did.
Some sent money and others sent advice, support and encouragement. All are appreciated.
I was surprised that some posters seem upset that I was asking for help and for money.
This is what candidates do in campaigns. We attempt to meet as many new people as possible, we strive to introduce ourselves to those people, and then we ask them for their help, their money and their votes. This is what we do day after day. We introduce ourselves, try to connect at a personal level, ask for help...and then move on to find another group that we might be able to establish a personal connection with and/or someone else who might be able to offer help and support.
I am a candidate that is seeking help to get elected to the 2nd Congressional District in Hawaii. The vast majority of Kossacks live outside my district and cannot vote for me but those of you who live outside the district can help with money and some of you already have.
This, unabashedly is why I am here, which is to introduce myself and to ask for your help.
In return for your help, I pledge to fight the good fight and work for the things I believe most of us care deeply about: Peace, Justice and Sustainability.
Most of the candidates don't even talk about their values. I wear mine on my sleeve and my track record will show that I do much more than just talk about these issues. I walk the talk.
*I believe I am the only candidate that publicly and on the official record stated my opposition to the war before the war started. In the weeks leading up to the U.S. strikes against Iraq, I co-sponsored a State Senate Resolution that opposed pre-emptive, unilateral action. Though the Resolution failed to pass, I am proud to have been one of its co-sponsors.
*The Hawaii legislature recently passed a measure that expanded local law enforcements ability to conduct electronic surveillance of Hawaii citizens. Only two individuals in the entire 76 member Hawaii legislature (including House and Senate) voted NO on this measure, myself and Senator Hee.
*In the area of environmental protection I have introduced and helped pass numerous pieces of legislation including a law that prohibits agricultural subdivisions from restricting legitimate farmers via restrictive covenants. I have led the charge at the State legislature in attempting to increase regulation of GMO's and played a key role in stopping a Bill that would have dramatically accelerated the gentrification of Hawaii's agricultural lands and open spaces.
*I have been an outspoken advocate of publicly funded elections and recently voted to maintain strict limits on corporate campaign contributions.
How did the other candidates for the H2CD vote on these and other similar issues?
For those candidates that are not sitting legislators, where were you? Where have you been these past 4 years? Did you testify in support or in opposition on any of these critical issues? Did you perhaps write op-ed pieces and publicly advocate for or against any? If not why? If yes, please tell us about them.
It is easy to talk about being progressive and being an advocate for the people. It is much more difficult to do the work, to take the tough votes and to take clear public positions on controversial issues.
If you have time, please read my earlier diary on the importance of making blue states bluer as well as the op-ed piece on "Bush and Firmness" posted at the conclusion. Also, if you have the time visit http://www.garyhooser.com
Take a good look at all of the candidates and you will see that I am the most progressive candidate, and the one most willing to stand up and fight for progressive values. Check the record and compare my record with the others. Do your research. Americans for Democratic Action - Hawaii, has rated my voting record the best in Hawaii, the Sierra Club has given me top rankings also. I am a second term incumbent state senator and formally served at the county council level.
My voting record is an open book and all of the information is available at the official State of Hawaii website http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...
As stated above, I am here to ask for the help of the netroots. I am the most qualified, electable, progressive candidate in the HI-2ndCD race who wants and is willing to go to Washington D.C. to fight the good fight and help change the direction our country and the world is headed.
To do so, I need your help.
Please consider becoming one of the Hooser 100. We are looking for 100 people who will make a commitment to find 10 other people to contribute $100 per person to our campaign prior to August 20. These funds, combined with other contributions can make the difference in whether we win or lose. With sufficient funding we can support our ongoing statewide grass roots campaign with the mainstream mass media that will be needed to get our message out during the crucial final weeks of the campaign.
Of course no contribution is too small and all the legal disclaimers and other online contribution information can be found here http://www.garyhooserforcongress.com/...
Thank you in advance for any help and support you are able to offer. Note for the record - I will do my best to stay and respond to comments, should they come forth...however the reality of my time crunch is that I may not be able to respond to all.