What Does A Landslide Look Like?

[wyethwire]

A recent post over at Daily Kos sums up the philosophy that could put Democrats back in the majority after a decade out of power.

But this is a different year. The usual rules don't apply. And while November may prove a bust for Democrats, it also offers the best chance of a Democratic majority in a decade.

The key is to contest every seat.

We already know that Tom Delay's seat is competitive, but what races will make the difference between control of the House and a solid governing majority?

In short, what does a landslide look like?

How about winning the Miami Congressional seat where Bush stole the election?

Sam Sheldon is running against Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The district runs from Key West to Little Havana.

Sam Sheldon carries a copy of Bush v Gore with him on the campaign trail. He knows that whoever wins Miami will win Florida, and whoever wins Florida will win the White House.

Sam Sheldon wants to carry on the progressive tradition of Claude Pepper who held the seat until right-wingers hijacked it 15 years ago.

Sam Sheldon is a 28-year old new law school graduate who would become the youngest member of Congress. He turned down a six figure salary at a major DC law firm because he believes in the call of public service and progressive governance.

Visit his campaign online at Sam Sheldon.com

[wyethwire]

1. any other candidates?

Can anyone else suggest some long-shot candidates whose campaigns will divert precious GOP resources?

[Alerter_]

8. yep good idea

"Contest every seat" That's exactly what we should do. In all seriousness, we could win Congress and have President Kerry if we play our cards right.

[freetobegay]

2. You asked

[wyethwire]

3. Is that a sinkhole? (n/t)

[freetobegay]

4. Sinkhole.

[IA_Young_Dem]

7. Republicans are worried

about Paul Johnson (Dem) running against Latham (R) in Iowa's 4th congressional district. Repubs tried to prevent Johnson from getting his name on the ballot because one nominating petition said Paul W. Johnson and another said Paul Johnson. Repubs dropped the issue when they realized Sen. Grassley's said Charles grassley on one and Chuck Grassley on another.

[Bandit]

5. A small one but it is indeed a landslide

I want a much bigger one for the Democrats. I want the entire USA to slide toward Democracy and Democrats. A Landslide that will shake the planet.

[Frodo]

6. Contesting every race costs money we don't have.

And takes funds away from our candidates who have a shot.

Contesting every race also means running viable candidates in every district... and it's way too late to do that in most states.


I had no idea Tom Dealay was in trouble. IS that based solely on his possible indictment? I can't believe he got to draw the lines himself but forgot to draw a "gimmee" district for himself?

[wyethwire]

9. A cost-free option

I agree about husbanding resources on our side. I certainly don't want to divert funds from

The point is to have Democratic candidates running in as many districts as possible. The Party will still concentrate resources on targeted races. But we will have candidates in place in case lightning strikes (like a Delay indictment) or if there is a Democratic groundswell three weeks before election day.

Nobody should run unopposed. That is different from saying every candidate should get DCCC money.

[Freddie Stubbs]

11. Delay isn't in trouble

There is a guy running against him, but he really doesn't have a shot in a district that Republican.

[Frodo]

12. That's what I figured

I listened to his interview with Al Franken and wasn't too impressed, but figured that if Delay actualy WERE indicted and seemed likely to be found guilty that someone might have a shot.

[wyethwire]

13. Kos begs to differ

He posted these numbers from an internal Democratic pollster

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/4/28/12640/8959

I've gotten my hands on some polling data from the district, and it's surprisingly poor for DeLay. His Approval/Disapprovals are 44/48. On the reelect question, 36 percent would definitely vote for him, 27 percent would consider someone else, and 27 percent would definitely vote for someone else.

[Frodo]

14. I just find it hard to believe.

He isn't spending much time campaigning or raising money for himself (it's all going to the party). If he thought he was in any danger of even winning by less than 10% he'd change his priorities.

I'd say we have just enough of a shot to take it if everything blows up in his face. Partisan polling in a "longshot" race often looks like this. You "produce" that kind of poll just to raise funds (so people think you're legit)

[dorktv]

10. Actually if I win

I will be the youngest congressperson. I turn 25 on 6/27/04 and the election is in Nov. 2. I am running against a wellknown and rich opponant though.
*Edit*
I wanted to run because I am tired of him hurting Arizonians and Americans. And to stand up to his republican bullying.

[wyethwire]

15. Are you running against J.D Hayworth? (n/t)