Ok, I'm no expert, I'm a regular guy just trying to stay regular, but here's the deal.
TN-09 has been on the (D) side of the column since 1974. It's easy to think that it will stay on the (D) side of the column for quite some time. It's been a stronghold for us, but there are dangers out there that people who live outside of Memphis may not understand.
Last night State Sen. Steve Cohen won the Democratic Primary in TN-09. That's right, a white jew won the majority black TN-09. (For those of you who think I'm being anit-semetic check out the links at the bottom of the page....you'll understand my snark), and there's still a FORD on the ballot.
I've only lived in Memphis for two years, but in those two short years, I have seen and experienced first hand the stranglehold that the Ford family has on local politics.
The influence they exert locally is extraordinary.
Additionally, our current Representative, Harold Ford Jr. has been moving steadly to the right since his election in the 90's.
Now, before you clue me into the strategy about winning a Senate campaign in a majority white, traditionally Republican state, JUST STOP.
I get it. I grew up in Arkansas, birthplace of the DLC. My first Presidential election was '92, (I met Clinton at ASU 1991 long before he sealed the deal...in 2000 he still remembered my name CRAZY!) and I know what it takes to get past the stigma of electing a "flag burning, abortionist, fag loving lefty" in the south.
However, given the opportunity, I would much rather send someone, like Cohen, who has a PROVEN track record of standing up for causes that I believe in, than a franchise family member with no track record that will probably be a surrogate for the DLC (read his brother).
Please understand me. I have every intention of supporting Harold Jr. in the fall. I much prefer him to the alternative, and he will get some of my money, but Cohen is the candidate to elect in the 9th hands down.
Jake Ford raised just $20,500 as of June 30, but he faced no primary as an independent. His web site Jake Ford for Congress features a warm and fuzzy grey background with Coming Soon text.
This makes Jake Ford the potential Nader/Lieberman of the TN-09, an under the radar spoiler to keep the seat in Ford hands.
Don't count him out.
If the blogoshpere forgets about the TN-09, the Democratic caucus may still hold the seat with a Jake Ford win (I'm sure he'll caucus with the Democratic party given his family), but we will have lost a valuable asset, and a champion for our causes in Steve Cohen.
It's early, and we all have time to budget. Give Steve Cohen a looksee and if you have the cash, give him a buck or two. Ultimately, it will help us all.
Thanks.
Steve Cohen for Congress
Note: I do not, nor have I ever been paid to work for ANY campaign. I am a roadie (yeah like the rock and roll kind). I can't live this shit 24/7 because it makes me nuts, but I have strong beliefs, and even though I've only posted 4 things in 2 years, doesn't mean I haven't been reading, and giving money to the people that need it to make our world a better place. Peace
Here are some links:
CQ on the Cohen Win
CQ on the TN-09
Swing State on the Results
Local Memphis bloggers, chronicling the Primary campaign
Freedonian
The Pesky Fly
frankb13
Polar Donkey
Left Wing Cracker
West Tennessee Liberal
Ed. Note 2: If any of you guys don't want me linking to your blog or whatever, let me know, I'll nix it in a heartbeat
