HI-02: Hawaii Teachers Union Backs Gabbard Opponent For Congress

[RandySF]

The Hawaii State Teachers Association on Tuesday endorsed U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard challenger Sherry Alu Campagna in the 2018 Democratic primary race, a turnaround from two years ago in which the teachers’ union backed the incumbent Hawaii congresswoman.

In a news conference, HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said Gabbard “has not defended human and civil rights during her time in Congress,” criticizing her failure to condemn Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for chemical attacks on his people and her visit with al-Assad.

“HSTA strongly believes in high quality schools for all children as well as human and civil rights,” Rosenlee said. “We believe that Sherry Campagna will fight for the equality for all people.”

Rosenlee said the HSTA’s endorsement of Campagna — an environmental scientist and small business owner from Kaneohe who is a first-time political candidate — was “not just an anti-Tulsi vote.” He noted Campagna’s support for a constitutional amendment to tax residential investment property to fund public education, lowering class sizes and increasing teacher pay.


http://www.civilbeat.org/2018/05/hawaii-teachers-union-backs-gabbard-opponent-for-congress/

[msongs]

1. link to progressive dem Sherry Campagna website...

https://www.sherryforhawaii.com/

she comes across as a genuinely nice person

[rogue emissary]

40. Her campaign site is pretty good as well.

I really like it's logal layout. Also, I don't see many campaign sites that list all the important dates like registration, early voting etc.

[Blue_true]

41. Thanks. nt

[Tarheel_Dem]

2. The voters in her district will ultimately decide, but I'm pulling for her challenger. If Gabbard..

thinks it will save her political career, I can see her switching parties.

[RandySF]

3. I may contribute to Alu.

[Cha]

5. Yeah, we'll decide.. I was ecstatic to read

Last edited Thu Jun 14, 2018, 04:32 AM - Edit history (1)

this news that the Hawaii Teacher's Union is endorsing Sherry Campagna

Tarheel

[Tarheel_Dem]

6. That makes two of us dear Cha. I realize that incumbency works to Gabbard's advantage, but I hope..

her constituents are really paying attention this time.

[Cha]

7. This Reality Check "Harsh Criticism" from the Hawaii

Teacher's Union should go long way in opening People's eyes. And her opponent, Sherry Campagna is force to be reckoned with.. even though she has never been in politics.

When I see Gabbard signs around here I cover one eye so I don't have to see it.. that's how much I don't like her.

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. I detest her almost as much as Trump. n/t

[Cha]

9. Then you've been paying attention!

I disliked her long before her supporting Assad. As you may well know she used to go on FOXSucks and whine about President Obama.

I contacted the emails from her and said I didn't want to receive them anymore.. because of exactly that.

[Tarheel_Dem]

10. She reminds me of someone.

[Cha]

11. Yeah, I know

what you mean.

[George II]

20. ..

[Tarheel_Dem]

29. Hi George!

[ehrnst]

14. I could see her going independent as well.

It will be interesting to see if Our Revolution will continue to endorse her opposing a Democrat if she does.

[comradebillyboy]

27. Tulsi has met the single qualification needed for the Our Revolution endorsement...

[ehrnst]

28. True this. (nt)

[Jim Lane]

72. She has also met the single qualification needed for being bashed on DU. (n/t)

[comradebillyboy]

73. What, sucking up to Assad?

[Jim Lane]

74. Nope. Guess again.

In terms of opinion on DU, and particularly in terms of subjects that DU posters frequently address, what distinguishes Tulsi Gabbard from almost every other Democratic incumbent?

Here's a hint: It concerns someone who gets a lot more attention on DU than does Assad.

[RandySF]

79. Not just Assad

But Putin, critizing Obama for denying a visa to an Indian figure tied to human rights violations and her picketing against gay rights a number of years ago. Oh yeah, bashing Hillary on Fox News during the general election. A deep blue district likes hers can do much better.

[brush]

54. I can see that too. She's already a DINO anyway.

[Tarheel_Dem]

55. Which is why I hope she's taken out before that happens. If she gets another term, I think she'll..

switch. She's ambitious, and there's nothing wrong with that, but her ambition shouldn't come at the cost of her constituents.

[Cha]

4. WOW!Sherry Alu Campagna! I thought it was going to be ..

Hawaii's Teacher's Union backs gabbard .. till I finished reading!

She's who I support!

Good I've glad they know about this news..

snip// From your link.. the whole article should be read!

Harsh Criticism For Gabbard

“She was one of just three representatives, and the only Democrat who refused to condemn Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s genocidal chemical attack on his own people. After the attack, Gabbard traveled to Syria to meet with the genocidal dictator al-Assad without permission from the White House or Congress. Her trip was funded by a group with ties to al-Assad supporters and she only covered the expenses herself after the news media reported who paid for her trip.

“Then, after al-Assad bombed his people again, Gabbard continued to refuse to admit the attack had occurred. At the same time, she voted to practically ban Syrian refugees from coming into the United States after the Paris terrorist attacks, even though Syrian refugees were not involved in the attacks.”

That's not how we do things.. especially in Hawaii.

When we were discussing this on DU we had people defending her.. all kinds of pretzel logic going on.

But, Thank Goodness the Hawaii Teachers Union is NOT impressed.


Sherry Campagna appears with HSTA members at a May 22 press conference announcing the union’s endorsement of her challenge to U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in Hawaii’s 2nd District Congressional race.

Mahalo, RSF!

[oasis]

31. Great pic w/ HSTA Union sisters and brothers.

Thanks Cha

Loyal Democrats unite

[Cha]

42. I'm so happy about this news, oasis!

Word did get out about Gabbard supporting Assad!

The Hawaii Teacher's Union ain't buying it! They want a real Dem, too.

Best of Luck to Sherry Campagna

[ehrnst]

12. K&R

[Cha]

15. Mahalo, ehrnst!

[brer cat]

13. K&R

[Cha]

19. Mahalo, brer!

Sherry Campagna

[sheshe2]

16. K&R

Liking what I see with Campagna.

I wish her a win!

[Cha]

21. Mahalo, she! Here's a great pic of Sherry by the Sea..

[sheshe2]

22. Beautiful.

Thanks, Cha.

[mcar]

17. K&R

[MarianJack]

18. Tulsi Gabbard, IMHO,...

...is our Michelle Bachmann. Hell NO thank you.

PEACE!

[Cha]

48. She is definitely not someone I want

representing me.

Mahalo, MarianJack!

[MarianJack]

56. Mahalo back at'cha, Cha.

PEACE!

[Jim Lane]

23. Uh-oh, RandySF, you're in for it now.

There's a huge contingent of DUers who believe passionately that any primary challenge to an incumbent Democrat is absolutely horrible. We're in a CRISIS, doncha know? We have to devote all our energy to defeating Trump and the Republicans. Anything else is practically treason.

Of course, in this thread you've informed us about a primary challenge to one of the handful of incumbent Democrats who backed Bernie Sanders in 2016. Maybe, just maybe, some of the usual denouncers of primaries will give you a pass on this one.

For my part, I support Tulsi Gabbard but I've never been one of those who try to falsely Trump-shame Democrats who disagree with an incumbent. I hope this ill-advised challenger is treated with perfect fairness, that the DCCC doesn't put a fat thumb on the scale the way it has in other races, and that Tulsi then romps to victory (just as she did two years ago against a primary challenger who had a lot of vociferous support on DU).

[SidDithers]

24. What nonsense...

Sid

[grantcart]

34. Well you have to give points for consistency.

[RandySF]

25. I would note that HI-02 is a deep blue district

The primary is essentially the election and Gabvard is known lover of dictators, considered a job in the Trump Administration and frequently went on Fox News to bash Obama. Also, FYI, I am considering voting for Kevin de Leon over Dianne Feinstein.

[Me.]

26. ...

There was her already noted visit to Assad and....

“Russia has lots of experience in media censorship. So perhaps it is logical that Rep Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-2) hires an agent of the Russian government as a ‘consultant’ to keep Hawaii media under control.

But Gabbard’s consultant, Chris Cooper of the Potomac Square Group, is no ordinary Russian agent. Cooper is allegedly one of seven identified as being at the center of illegal Russian lobbying efforts reaching into the Trump campaign and Congress”

http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/20879/Tulsi-Gabbard-Hires-Russian-Agent-to-Keep-Hawaii-Media-in-Check.aspx

[Tarheel_Dem]

30. That's some interesting reading. I never knew any of that. Thanks for sharing.

[oasis]

33. Gabbard hooked up w/Russian lobbyist?

[Me.]

35. Quite

[oasis]

37. Gabbard's cozy w/Syrian dictator AND Russian agent. What next?

[sheshe2]

45. Next, Oasis?

JPR will be voting for her in the primary. They love Russia there.

Hmmm

[oasis]

60. Unsettling, most unsettling. nt

[sheshe2]

61. Yep.

Good old JPRers are setting the stage for the next run.

Fugg em.

[oasis]

62. I believe we will have adequate termite control.

[sheshe2]

67. Lol!

[Cha]

50. "Tulsi Gabbard Hires Russian Agent to Keep Hawaii Media in Check"

http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/20879/Tulsi-Gabbard-Hires-Russian-Agent-to-Keep-Hawaii-Media-in-Check.aspx

Wow.. Now I'm even more grateful Gabbard's supporting Assad got through to the Hawaii's Teacher's Union!

How in the world did you discover this news, Me?

Mahalo

[ehrnst]

71. Wow. (nt)

[Cha]

39. Thanks for listing all those points against Gabbard

and that poster supports her. Go figure.

[still_one]

46. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[Cha]

38. You know damn well it depends on who the incumbant is..

Gabbard is my Rep and I don't want someone who supports Assad..

And, the Hawaii Teacher's Union agrees with me.. they supported her 2 years ago but no more.

Harsh Criticism For Gabbard

“She was one of just three representatives, and the only Democrat who refused to condemn Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s genocidal chemical attack on his own people. After the attack, Gabbard traveled to Syria to meet with the genocidal dictator al-Assad without permission from the White House or Congress. Her trip was funded by a group with ties to al-Assad supporters and she only covered the expenses herself after the news media reported who paid for her trip.

“Then, after al-Assad bombed his people again, Gabbard continued to refuse to admit the attack had occurred. At the same time, she voted to practically ban Syrian refugees from coming into the United States after the Paris terrorist attacks, even though Syrian refugees were not involved in the attacks.”

That's not how we do things.. especially in Hawaii

[Jim Lane]

57. My point exactly. (n/t)

[Cha]

59. Yeah, right. At least the Hawaii Teacher's Union is on

to tulsi gabbard.

[Blue_true]

44. Absolute bullshit.

A lot of people here contributed to the progressive Dem that challenged the rightwing Illinois Dem. Sherry seems to be a longtime, solid progressive Dem. Sherry simply looks like a better choice than Tulsi. What people don't support are Our Revolution bullshitters that only want to tear the Democratic Party down.

[sheshe2]

47. You say you support her so you agree with her here?

Or are you just misinformed to where she stands?

But the HSTA email also levied harsh criticism at Gabbard for her trip to Syria to meet with its al-Assad, and her failure to condemn Al-Assad for his “genocidal chemical attack on his own people.” The union cited her stance on Syria as an example of how Gabbard has “has not defended human and civil rights during her time in Congress.”

According to the email:

“She was one of just three representatives, and the only Democrat who refused to condemn Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s genocidal chemical attack on his own people. After the attack, Gabbard traveled to Syria to meet with the genocidal dictator al-Assad without permission from the White House or Congress. Her trip was funded by a group with ties to al-Assad supporters and she only covered the expenses herself after the news media reported who paid for her trip.

“Then, after al-Assad bombed his people again, Gabbard continued to refuse to admit the attack had occurred. At the same time, she voted to practically ban Syrian refugees from coming into the United States after the Paris terrorist attacks, even though Syrian refugees were not involved in the attacks.”

http://www.civilbeat.org/2018/05/hawaii-teachers-union-backs-gabbard-opponent-for-congress/


Are you unaware of all this?

[Jim Lane]

58. "I support her" doesn't equal "I agree with her 100%."

I don't agree with any politician 100%.

If I cumulated all the things I've written over the years, I wouldn't even agree with myself 100%.

The issue here is: With Trump destroying our democracy, and the Republicans controlling both houses of Congress, but with the Democrats having a fighting chance to flip one chamber or the other or maybe even both, not to mention all the state legislative seats and governorships that will have an influence on the crucial post-2020 redistricting, should we spend time and money on a primary against an incumbent Democrat just on the basis that the incumbent Democrat isn't perfect and a challenger might be better?

Most of the time, when that issue is addressed on DU, the horrors of Trump are adduced by many posters as a reason that primarying incumbent Democrats should be deferred until the crisis is past. Strangely, however, the people who have repeatedly posted such views appear not to be applying the same principle here. A Democratic incumbent who is one more vote for the Democrats to retake the majority, and who votes with the party almost all the time, and who even has that oh-so-important D after her name, is nevertheless found to be not perfect, and the primary against her is loudly cheered.

I have my own theory as to the origin of this double standard.

[NY_20th]

64. You had the complete opposite opinion in the

Cuomo, Nixon race.

You are showing a double standard here.

[Jim Lane]

70. You are totally misstating my view.

Read what I wrote in #23. (If you can't bear to read the whole thing, here's a tip: third paragraph.)

I am expressly not joining the horrified shrieking about any primary of an incumbent. I'm merely pointing out the hypocrisy of those who have shrieked about it in the past, on the basis that we're in a crisis and unity is paramount and no one should challenge any incumbent Democrat, but who then make an exception when the incumbent Democrat is one they don't like.

For my part, when I look at primary races, I support some incumbents and some challengers, depending on the merits of the race as I see them. The difference is that I don't try to cloak my personal preferences as being based on some general pro-incumbent principle, only to abandon that supposed general principle when it's expedient to do so.

To elaborate further, here are some examples of the point of view to which I refer. These are quotations from a thread right here on DU about progressives challenging incumbents in Democratic primaries:

“I'm all for running against GOPers. Not for bashing/wounding good Democrats in a critical election.”

“questioning the [strategy] of people to challenge incumbents in a primary.”

“in a year when we have nothing these folks waste money and time going after sitting Democrats instead of trying to unseat Republicans.” And “Democrats have no power in Washington...timing is everything. We need to spend our resources fighting Trump by flipping Republicans seats...not challenging Democratic incumbents.”

“why aren't they going after red seats instead? Why do these new progressives insist on building their
skyscraper from the penthouse downward?”

“I'm suspect of the motives of anyone that appears to be undermining good solid Dems.”

“Shouldn't the emphasis be on running against republican incumbents first? Remember, Democrats in office won their elections, and where republicans are in office the Democrat lost. THOSE are the seats we should be targetting.”

“Bad strategy We've already got the NYT flogging the 'Dems in disarray!!11' meme on the front page today. Why don't these progressives run against Republicans. They are the enemy.”

“this kind of internal squabbling needs to be saved for going against the GOP. We need unity here.”

I'm not going to give links or name names. I'm simply pointing out that this consideration, which is superficially neutral among all incumbents, gets dropped in the specific case of Tulsi Gabbard.

And, just in case I haven't made it clear yet, I disagree with the philosophy exemplified by the quotations in that excerpt box.

[sheshe2]

66. Bwahahaha

Jim Lane
58. "I support her" doesn't equal "I agree with her 100%."

I don't agree with any politician 100%.

snip

but with the Democrats having a fighting chance to flip one chamber or the other or maybe even both, not to mention all the state legislative seats and governorships that will have an influence on the crucial post-2020 redistricting, should we spend time and money on a primary against an incumbent Democrat just on the basis that the incumbent Democrat isn't perfect and a challenger might be better?

Jim, woah. A Democrat that is not perfect. "should we spend time and money on a primary against an incumbent Democrat just on the basis that the incumbent Democrat isn't perfect and a challenger might be better?"

Jim, Gabbard is not a Manchin from a red state voting mostly for dems. She in fact from a very blue district standing against all Democrats believe in. :

The union cited her stance on Syria as an example of how Gabbard has “has not defended human and civil rights during her time in Congress.”

According to the email:

“She was one of just three representatives, and the only Democrat who refused to condemn Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s genocidal chemical attack on his own people. After the attack, Gabbard traveled to Syria to meet with the genocidal dictator al-Assad without permission from the White House or Congress. Her trip was funded by a group with ties to al-Assad supporters and she only covered the expenses herself after the news media reported who paid for her trip.

“Then, after al-Assad bombed his people again, Gabbard continued to refuse to admit the attack had occurred. At the same time, she voted to practically ban Syrian refugees from coming into the United States after the Paris terrorist attacks, even though Syrian refugees were not involved in the attacks.”

http://www.civilbeat.org/2018/05/hawaii-teachers-union-backs-gabbard-opponent-for-congress/

Your choice, your vote as was Gabbards when she denied the genocide of Syrias people.

[NY_20th]

63. It's interesting that you consider Sherry Campagna

an ill-advised challenger, yet you praise Cynthia Nixon in New York, even though Cynthia may split the New York State Gubernatorial General Election ballot.

That doesn't seem very consistent.

[Jim Lane]

68. I'm consistent because Cuomo is a weasel and Gabbard isn't.

Consistency doesn't require that everyone pick an answer Yes or No and apply that same answer to ALL primary challenges. It's quite possible to support the incumbent in one race and the challenger in another.

If I still lived in New York, I would vote for Cynthia Nixon in the Democratic primary.

[NY_20th]

69. It's clear that you are exhibiting behavior that you are accusing others of.

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

[Gothmog]

77. The Our Revolution endorsement is not very valuable

[George II]

78. "..I hope this ill-advised challenger is treated with perfect fairness, that the DCCC...

....doesn't put a fat thumb on the scale the way it has in other races..."

[disillusioned73]

85. The hypocrisy is..

... enlightening, to say the least

Tulsi is great.. her original "sin" was having principles and resigning to endorse the candidate that she supported insteading of acting as if she was neutral from within the DNC..

[leftynyc]

32. GREAT news!!!

I'm all in for Ms. Campagna.

[oasis]

36. Tulsi's embrace of Syrian butcher, Assad, is enough to disqualify.

[Blue_true]

43. I had high hopes for Tulsi, but she has flirted with the right way too much.

Sherry looks like a very solid progressive that people in her district and democrats across the country can count on.

[Cha]

51. So did I.. at the very first.. being my Rep. And, then

she started bad mouthing President Obama on foxsux all the time.

I contacted her campaign and told them to stop sending me emails.

[Blue_true]

52. I hope the Sherry defeat her. Sherry seems to be a true progressive.

Take care Cha.

[Cha]

53. Sherry does seem like a True Progressive who Cares

about the People of Hawaii.. not trying to further her political ambitions at our expense.

You take care, too, Blue_true

[Gothmog]

80. She is your rep?

Keep up informed on this race

[Cha]

81. Yes, that's why I'm all over

this thread.. Thanking everybody!

Mahalo, Goth

[Gothmog]

82. Your posts on this thread are great

[Cha]

83. Mahalo, Goth

[lunamagica]

49. K&R for visibility.

[ismnotwasm]

75. K&R to infinity

[oasis]

76. K and R for Democratic Party loyalty.

[Mosby]

84. Good news, hope Campagna wins. nt