When I first started this site, I tended to shy away from getting involved in primary battles against incumbents. I considered myself a party faithful and one who usually stayed neutral in these primary fights.
My rationale went something along these lines:
Except in safe Democratic seats we don't see too many incumbents defeated. And even then it usually takes a scandal rather than just being wrong on the issues.
However, as I've progressed as a blogger I've grown weary of incumbents and softened my stance. I'm more excited about our primary challenges against incumbents than I ever have been. And win or lose in these races, I'm proud to be on the we won't take the status quo side.
A few reasons we have to be excited:
1. See the recent news that Joe Sestak has Arlen Specter in a dead heat
a lot having to do with this ad
2. Halter is within striking range of Lincoln in Arkansas and at the very least could force a runoff. I got a call from the Bill Halter campaign this afternoon and I was quite pleased to see the level of outreach.
3. I read this diary MA-09: Update on Progressive Mac D'Alessandro vs. ConservaDem incumbent Stephen Lynch and got inspired to add Mac to our Act Blue Page
The mood of the voters in this country on both sides of the aisle seems to be moving towards the "Throw the Bums Out" mentality. See the defeat of Sen. Bennett in Utah today
Bennett’s loss will not endanger Republicans chances of holding the seat in November but will be celebrated as a victory by conservative activists who had painted him as a "Republican in name only" who was too willing to work with Democrats on issues like government financial bailouts and health care. On a national level it will be viewed as a clear example of just how much of an anti-incumbent and anti-establishment cycle 2010 has become
I used to think that we should be cautious in that approach with our incumbents. I thought having experience elected officials in the with seniority had benefits that outweighed a couple of bad stances on issues. Yes, even those that I cared deeply about. Sure we need to reward carrots not sticks, but I think we also need to encourage more challenges like the ones we are seeing. It's done us some good and I'm more proud than ever right now to be a Democrat. We have begun to stand up to the ConservaDems and let our voices be heard. This is just the beginning.