Five months ago, MoveOn ran an ad against WA-03 Democrat Brian Baird for supporting the Surge. Kos himself called for a challenger to Baird in the Democratic primary. Kagro X piled on the following week when the pro-war advocacy group Freedom's Watch started using Baird's war position to flog Democrats.
But only one Democrat has stepped up to the challenge: Cheryl Crist.
I met Cheryl last weekend at Camp Wellstone. Cheryl has people-powered-politics written all over her, and she's a good campaigner. Here's why I think the netroots should seriously consider supporting her (after the fold...)
On the issues, Cheryl is a solid progressive, much more progressive than Baird. Here is a sampling:
** Out of Iraq Now!
** Universal, single-payer health care
** Crash alternative energy program for energy independence by 2020
** Restore the Constitution
That's us.
People-powered candidate. Cheryl also has the profile of a netroots winner:
** Never held elected office (like Donna Edwards and Jim Webb)
** Trained at Wellstone Action (like Tim Walz and Darcy Burner)
** History of local activism
** Smart, friendly, personable, and genuine
Campaign Ability. Cheryl has the look of a solid campaigner. Her prior careers as stock broker and real estate agent give Cheryl a much better than average knowledge of financial services and the economy. But perhaps more important, she has an easy way of connecting with people. Watch her eyes when she talks to voters -- gentle, but unrelenting. I found her articulate on the issues, and fast with her responses.
Running for office without prior experience doesn't always work. On the one hand, Washington has shown its willingness to bet on a beginner with Patty Murray. On the other hand, Patty Wetterling failed twice in Minnesota.
And yet, even Wetterling's runs were competitive. And Cindy Sheehan would undoubtedly do well against a different opponent than Pelosi. I think Cheryl Crist is cut from the same cloth as these women, and we'd be wise to give her candidacy a push. Especially since, as Kos has said, replacing Blue Dogs is among the most important work we can do. Here's Kos:
Let me lay out the brutal reality for you guys:
Few people in DC care what we think....we can't buy them off with lobbyists. And let's face it, we're not going to vote Republican or even stay home on election night. And given that they're in their nicely entrenched gerrymandered districts, they have little fear of electoral repercussions from the other side...
But we have one tool available at our disposal -- the primary system. Nothing screams "pay attention!" than the thought that their actions might cost them their seat. In the past, such primary challenges were rare. The party establishment takes care of its own (witness Nancy Pelosi fundraising for the corrupt Al Wynn). But we're starting to build the infrastructure to seriously give bad Democrats a run for their money. And while we must focus on election more Democrats in November, we also have to begin the process of getting rid of the bad Democrats.
You might say the new netroots motto is "More Democrats, better Democrats". (emphasis added)
Cheryl Crist is a much better Democrat.
There is still time for additional primary challengers to appear in WA-03, but no sign that any will emerge (filing deadline is June 6 for the August 19 primary). Paul Spencer at Open Left says that Crist "looks good on paper," and I think she comes through in person as well. Emmett at Olympia Time thinks that Cheryl might have a much better shot at Baird this time than last -- angrier constituents, potential for MoveOn support, and she's better known now. Plus, the Blue Dogs are on the run.
Check out Cheryl Crist's website. This is probably the best opportunity we'll get to replace a pro-war Democrat with a Peace democrat, so send her $10. Now would be the time to show lots of small donor support.
This Diary: Ready to Go After Another Blue Dog?
Follow up: Is a Primary Challenge Too Risky?
Follow up: Is Baird Bad Enough to Warrant Replacing?
Follow up: Cheryl Crist is a Credible Candidate
Follow up: Fix FISA by Removing Baird
Follow up: Crist v. Baird Race Heats Up