In November we will have our Democratic majorities in Congress, so the game now is Better Democrats.
We're disappointed about FISA, but let's not just complain; let's act. Protecting the Constitution from these FISA assaults requires primary challenges to take out the Bush Dogs in blue and purple districts that would support more progressive representatives.
There are only so many Bush Dogs, and some are in red districts where we can't do better. For others, the primary date has already passed. That leaves just a few leverage points. One of them is WA-03's Brian Baird, the infamous and unrepentant surge supporter, who just this week voted against the Constitution by supporting the FISA compromise and telecom amnesty.
Now that Baird has confirmed his Bush Dog status by voting for telecom immunity, this race is getting a lot more attention. After the jump, what to do and why.
We're lucky that Cheryl Crist is challenging Baird. Crist is a progressive community activist.
Everyone who's met Cheryl Crist knows she's the real deal, and more and more people are meeting her. Progressives understand that replacing Baird with Crist is important. (See, e.g., Lefty Coaster, Paul Spencer, Populista, Chino Blanco, Down with Tyranny, and Denis Diderot, to name a few.)
Last summer, Baird's constituents gave him an earful, and Matt Stoller nailed him, too. That was just because Baird was wrong on the most important issue of our time, Iraq. There was also anger about smaller stupid Baird things like Baird's vote with Tom Delay in favor of the Terri Schiavo Incapacitated Persons Protection Act. MoveOn was early in recognizing the need to challenge Baird.
Many in WA-03 have been willing to forgive Baird for a single mistake, even if it was a big one. But with this week's vote by Baird along with Bush and against the Constitution, it's clear that Baird really is a Bush Dog. Except for on the Environment, Baird is out of step with his constituents.
Local support for Baird has proved tepid. They may not love him, but apparently too many local Democrats owe favors to the five-term incumbent, so they have not led the charge to replace Baird. Progressives will have to do that work. Washington's primary is Tuesday August 19. We have about eight weeks left.
So what to do?
First, the existing progressive organizations in and around WA-03 need to endorse Cheryl Crist. If you are a member of a progressive organization or write a blog, get your endorsement onto Cheryl Crist's website.
Second, we need more progressive organizations in the area. For example, Progressive Democrats of America is doing a great job changing the Democratic Party from both the inside and the outside simultaneously, but apparently there is no chapter in WA-03. Now is an extremely good time to start a chapter. Contact PDA. And where's MoveOn now? Contact them, too, if you are a member. Baird just called their bluff.
Third, send Cheryl Crist $5. Crist doesn't need a million bucks to run this campaign, so small contributions have a big impact.
Fourth, if you are in the district and haven't met Cheryl, meet her. She's speaking at all kinds of events in the next two months, or invite her to speak at your event. After you talk to Cheryl, you'll want to see her in Congress.
Fifth, call the campaign and ask what they need. Maybe they need money, but maybe they need you to hold a sign, write a letter, attend an event, call a friend, distribute literature, place a sign, or use the phone. There is sure to be something you could do that would fit your available time and be within your comfort zone.
I can't do everything, but I also can't do nothing.
Previous: Ready to Go After Another Blue Dog?
Previous: Is a Primary Challenge Too Risky?
Previous: Is Baird Bad Enough to Warrant Replacing?
Previous: Cheryl Crist is a Credible Candidate
Follow up: Crist v. Baird Race Heats Up