I just got off the phone with... PAUL HACKETT!!

[VolcanoJen]

Holy crap. Holy holy crap!!!!

So, a good friend of mine, a fellow local political junkie and volunteer, works in an upscale retail store in Cincinnati. He just called me and said, "Hey, there's someone here who wants to talk to you."

I say, "Hello?"

The familiar voice on the line says, "Jennifer? It's Paul Hackett."

I practically jumped out of my skin. He remembered me from the OH-2 special election campaign, and we chatted for a few minutes.

I pleaded with him.

"Paul... you've got to stay in this race. You've got to get Sherrod Brown to back down, and if he won't back down, you've got to beat him in a primary showdown. You have so much support out there that you don't even know about."

Paul said, "Oh, geez. It's a mess isn't it? Look, I'm thinking about it. Really thinking about it." He was very non-committal which is understanding.

I begged a little more and probably embarrassed myself. "Ohio needs you, Paul. You've got to stay in this thing and run! I'll work my tail off for you, sir. We'll raise so much money for you, it will shock the political establishment."

He laughed and talked about the importance of blogs and how his staffers were teaching him so much about their influence. He asked if I was still writing stuff at Democratic Underground (he's into us, you guys!). I said, "Absolutely, and the second I hang up the phone, I'm writing some more."

And there you have it.... a brief, but wonderful conversation with Paul Hackett, who should absolutely be Ohio's Democratic nominee against Mike DeWine for the U.S. Senate.

Isn't that a crazy story? :-)

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. its a great story

[Darkhawk32]

2. Simply awesome!!! C'mon Paul, RUN!!!! n/t

[Anywho6]

3. Very cool! Thank you for sharing! n/t

[Fridays Child]

4. Coolness! He's a true leader.

May I shake your virtual hand?

[KittyWampus]

5. Why the hell should Brown back down? Sorry, let Hackett run for a state

office and actually prove he can win.

Apparently Brown is an actual liberal who has actually won and who also has actual grassroots supporters.

[VolcanoJen]

13. Not to open the ol' can-o-worms again, but...

... Brown may be all of those things, but one thing he's not going to be is the Junior Senator from the great state of Ohio.

Brown can't win because Brown can't win rural and southwest Ohio, two crucial areas in which Paul Hackett has already proven himself.

Sherrod Brown hasn't won statewide office since 1986, and to southwestern Ohioans, he's just an obscure congressman from the northern liberal part of the state.

I'm so passionate about taking Dewine's Senate seat, and I'm convinced the best chance we have is to run Paul Hackett statewide.

I believe in Paul.

[rwork]

33. Let us know Jen

I have a few extra dollars ready to go.

[KittyWampus]

36. Respectfully, Hackett hasn't proven squat except he had the nerve to run

against a corrupt, unpopular pol.

And that's fantastic! Hackett needs to hang in there.

But just giving him the election to run on a platter ain't right either.
Exact same can be said of Brown. Brown shouldn't just expect to have a crack at it either.

Look at it this way, Hackett is running for a POLITICAL position. This situation with Brown is a POLTICAL situation. It's not as if Hackett's could get elected and then not have to deal with POLITICS. And POLITICS isn't all just about the opposition.

[VolcanoJen]

45. He proved more than that.

Hackett proved that he could bring national attention to an obscure special election. Granted, it was the only game in town, but there's something about hunky Marine Iraq veterans that makes TV news producers snap to attention.

After the cameras were on him, Hackett pursued his opponent like a tiger. He creatively posed for TV interviews in front of print shops with neon "RUBBER STAMP" signs glowing in the background (I just loved that!). He called Bush a chickenhawk, and then he did it again, and then he refused to back down. Again, and again, and again.

He turned the special election into a referendum on President Bush and the war in Iraq, and he damn near won in an historically Republican district. If he'd had just a few more weeks, I really believe he could have pulled it off.

You're absolutely correct about the politics of the Brown situation, and it will be fascinating to see how it plays out, and who emerges as the victor... if we don't have to endure a bloody primary, that is.

I have nothing but respect for Sherrod Brown, but I don't think it's his time, and I'd like to see him wait and challenge Voinovich instead.

[KittyWampus]

104. VolcanoJen, If you read this... Hackett'll be a lucky guy to have you on

his team. I never realised you were in Ohio. It's important Democrats get it right there. Good Luck! Hope your guy makes you proud!

[VolcanoJen]

105. Thank you, honey! And I'm with him 'till the bitter end.

I don't think he'd have picked up the phone if he didn't realize who I am, and how dedicated I am to winning DeWine's seat for OHIO DEMS!!!!

That being said, if Brown becomes the Dem nominee, I'll work my tail off for him, too. :-)

[BigBearJohn]

165. Bush hasnt proven squat either, except how he can totally destroy a nation

[mzmolly]

49. Let the primaries sort it out I say.

Rock on sister Jen.

:hi:

Thanks for urging Paul to stick it out. We need a guy like him fighting for us.

Nothing against Brown, but Paul is a larger symbol and will have a greater voice with national appeal.

[Kukesa]

67. You speak the truth, Jen.

We need Adams, Brown, Pike, and Scioto counties to win this race; Hackett's our man because Brown just wouldn't play down there.

And Hackett got 65% of their vote in the primaries -- unheard of!

[rucky]

163. Hackett can get Montgomery and Miami counties as well...

and if I have anything to say about it, red, red Shelby county where I now live. :)

[Kukesa]

171. Wait a minute -- you live in Troy, Ohio,

and you're a DEM?

Talk about a minority -- good for you, rucky, good for you.

[rucky]

179. Even worse, I'm in Sidney. Just put down Troy out of shame.

Troy is actually somewhat progressive (gay friendly) compared to the ceaspool of ignoramousness I curently reside in, where even the so-called Democrats hate minorities.

[ShaneGR]

175. Sherrod Brown: Former Secretary of State (Statewide)

Meaning he won a statewide election, in fact, he's the ONLY Democrat in all of Ohio currently holding any federal office who has ever been elected on a statewide ticket. So, please get facts straight.

So while I admire your support for Hacket, please don't demean Brown, he's thoughtful, caring, smart, and most definitely very electable. No need to tear each other apart on this one. Why not have Hacket run for SoS or the congressional seat he lost in 04?

[VolcanoJen]

198. Yes, but Brown lost his bid for re-election as Ohio SoS in 1990.

So, the last time Sherrod Brown was truly tested statewide was in 1986. Twenty years ago... any Ohioan living here over the last 20 years knows it's a different state now.

I do want to make it clear that I'll certainly support Sherrod Brown in the event he is the Democratic nominee for Senate. I've always been a fan of Brown. But, until that time, I'll support Paul Hackett, and continue to urge him to run, as I find him to be our best shot at defeating Mike DeWine, for reasons I've already bored everyone to death with. :-)

ETA: Thanks to nickshepDEM for reminding me who Sherrod Brown lost his SoS re-election bid in 1990 to... current Ohio Governor Bob Taft! I couldn't remember who the Republican candidate was... imagine that! :-)

[lyonn]

191. Jen, glad you answered some of the questions about Brown

that I had. We that don't know Ohio politics need to know these things. It sounds like Brown is a nice guy, liberal, etc. but not all that proven. Hackett made an impression on the whole country. Now that is an accomplishment worth voting for. We need more Dems to shout and be clear as to how they stand and not play the "safe" game.

[mtnester]

34. Sherrod Brown - who?

That is what you are going to get from the folks in Central Ohio, hell, Lee Fisher still has more name recognition here than Sherrod Brown.

Paul Hackett has more name recognition here...sorry, you cannot win Ohio with just Cleveland. Gotta carry Franklin County.

[VolcanoJen]

37. Now, that's interesting.

Sherrod Brown is obscure in southwestern Ohio, but I thought he was better-known in Columbus, since he was the secretary of state, ohhh, about twenty years ago. ;-)

It is my firm belief that Hackett can garner so much national attention that money will flow into his campaign and give him just enough momentum and boost to push him past DeWine.

Thanks for that tidbit, mtnester!

[mtnester]

38. Jen, I am on Hackett's side

I do not think Sherrod Brown has a chance against DeWine. Hackett does.

[VolcanoJen]

46. Oh, I know!

I'm sorry if my response didn't make that clear.

Go Hackett!

[mtnester]

59. That said, there is one guy who could come out of retirement and kick ALL

their asses...you know...here is your hint: Friendship 7

:)

[VolcanoJen]

62. Now, wouldn't that be nice?

Remember when we had John "The Clean Marine" Glenn AND Howard "Fightin'" Metzenbaum as our Ohio senators?

:-(

Those were the days... wistful sigh. :-(

[mtnester]

63. I HEAR you!

:sigh: too

[Kukesa]

69. Do you remember when Metz was in town

(a long, long, time ago) and sat out on a friend's patio and drank iced tea? And then later that day, you were dragged downtown to listen to more political speeches. I think Tony Hall must have lighted your fire, kiddo, because that was the first time you met him.

[VolcanoJen]

71. How could I forget?

For those who don't know, Kukesa is VolcanoMom!!

Mom, you lit the fire in my belly, not Tony Hall, not Metz, not Clinton, not Hackett. You lit it, and it's still burning brightly!

[Kukesa]

75. ILY. n/t

[Kukesa]

68. Hooray! I agree 100%. n/t

[ShaneGR]

176. Sherrod Brown is not from Cleveland

He's a suburban Akron rep.

[mtnester]

183. For those uninformed voters in the Columbus area, Akron IS Cleveland

cause it is not Columbus.

All I am saying is Brown is not the candidate, he said he was not going to run, Hackett WAITED until he said that, then Schumer called him and said YOU ARE THE MAN, then Sherrod Brown reneged, and then Schumer called Hackett and said "Uh, Uh, Uh, sorry..."

WRONG MOVE idiots. People around here (central Ohio) got excited that Hackett was going to be their man. Now, is is 'Who the hell is Sherrod Brown? Never heard of him." (paraphrasing the stereotypical voter).

If the DNC and the state party do no wise up, they will regret it big time. Just like the horrid choice Al made for VP in 2000, and the equally stupid decision on VP in 2004, this change in support of candidate will have the same result, a lackluster and predictable campaign by the wrong candidate for this job and this time around, and absolutely no press for Brown, and he ends up losing by 8 percentage points.

Message to Ohio Dem Party and DNC - Let's try it OUR way (grassroots) this time, hmmm? I mean, your way has, admittedly, not worked so well.

[nickshepDEM]

197. Sherrod Brown has lost statewide before...

Bob Taft has defeated Brown before. Nuff' said.

[truebrit71]

6. Very cool...BTW Paul, I got your thank-you note for contributing...

....Run again, and you'll have my support again...

[npincus]

7. hey, congrats! I REALLY like this guy... I hope he runs.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

8. Very Cool!

If I lived in Ohio, I would definitely support Hackett over Brown.

[blm]

9. Pretty damn cool, I'd say.

I agree with Paul, it's a bit of a mess. Brown has such a strong, progressive record that's a bit left of Hackett - But, even though moderate politically, Hackett has the stance of a brawler.

Not easy.

[Deep13]

10. Sure is.

So, just why should Sherrod back down and why would he be inclined to do so? Sherrod has $2 million in campaign funds and is known state wide? Why do you think Hackett will do better in the Mississippi of the North than Sherrod? 'Scuse me for being blunt, but he could not even hold off Jean Schmidt. DeWine will wipe the floor with him.

I learned very early on that one cannot afford hero worship in a political campaign. It is important to know your candidate's strengths and weaknesses as they really are.

[VolcanoJen]

25. Oh sheeeesh.

It's so frustrating to have your belief and devotion to a candidate reduced to "hero worship" on these forums.

Luckily, I'm used to it and I've been fighting this battle since early summer.

DeWine will absolutely wipe the floor with Sherrod Brown, an obscure liberal congressman from up north, as far as southwestern Ohio is concerned. DeWine is from rural southwestern Ohio, and if we're going to beat him, we're going to have to run someone with similar attributes against him.

Paul Hackett won't pull punches... he's proven. He garners the kind of national attention that Sherrod Brown can't. The race would be seen as one of the most important in the nation if Hackett is our nominee... unless you can think of another Iraq war veteran running for the U.S. Senate in 2006.

If it comes down to it, I guess we'll just have to endure a bloody primary, since Sherrod Brown has shown he's not a man of his word.

Bring it.

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[VolcanoJen]

51. Well, that's disgusting.

I am not a "damned liar." Your tone shows me that this is going to be one bloody fight here in the Buckeye State.

Sherrod Brown: My Plans for 2006

He first posted "My Plans for 2006" on August 17, 2005. On October 7, 2005, the post above was updated to omit the following paragraphs:

After discussions with my family, closest friends, and colleagues in Congress, I have decided to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives. The race for U.S. Senate is very winnable, and there are a number of impressive Democrats considering a run who I am confident will defeat the incumbent in 2006.

My first professional obligation, and honor, is to continue serving the people of northeastern Ohio. I will also take a leadership role in Ted Strickland's campaign for governor. However, in light of Ohio's staggering job losses, skyrocketing health care costs, roadblocks to education, and the failure by Republicans in Ohio and Congress to offer solutions to these and other concerns, I am expanding my efforts to help steer Ohio back on course for economic growth and success. I will do this through Grow Ohio and by helping to elect Democrats across the state at every level.

But, you're right. I'm the enemy, and I'm a damned liar.

[Deep13]

80. I apologize.

I will accept your word that it used to say that and I apologize for the damned liar remark. This leaves me a little confused by your concluding assertion that you are the enemy and a damned liar. Still, saying that Sherrod was not a man of his word is out of line. He had legitimate reasons for reconsidering his decision including the fear that a novice would blow this chance to retake the Senate. It is absolutely essential that we win at least one chamber of Congress.

[VolcanoJen]

98. A man of his word is a man of his word.

Thank you for the apology. Rest assured that if Brown is the nominee, I will support him wholeheartedly against DeWine. Keeping the internal-Ohio debate cordial will serve us both well.

However, Sherrod Brown told Ohioans, and the world, since he posted it on the the internets, that he would run for reelection to Congress rather than seek Mike Dewine's seat.

For lack of a better cliche, his flip-flop bothers me deeply.

Brown indeed had legitimate reasons for reconsidering his intitial declaration... reasons he has yet to address or confront.

I'm waiting...

[FreedomAngel82]

31. Hackett's still a newbie

With the race with Schmidt voters got to know him and learn more about where he stands. He did pretty good in a republican state for a first time beginner in politics.

[VolcanoJen]

35. I'll say, and it's really only a Republican state down here in the 2nd...

... where he campaigned. The rest of the state is moderate (rural) to solidly liberal (north, northeast and southeast).

Where Sherrod Brown would get Democratic votes statewide, I don't think he can win the moderates and independents over. It's logical to think that Hackett would get Democratic votes statewide, with enough cross-overs to give him the Senate seat.

I say run Hackett now, while the iron is hot, and run Brown against Voinovich in 2010.

[Ikonoklast]

41. Funny about one thing

Sherrod Brown is no fool. He would not give up a safe House seat and run if he thought it was a waste of time. He can beat DeWine. Brown is a Liberal, capital L. We need him.

If any of you out there think that for one minute anyone outside the political scene in Northern Ohio knows or cares about Paul Hackett, you are sadly mis-informed. I have said it on other threads, north of I-70 people do not know him at all. He has a very limited track record, and is still an unproven commodity.

There are too many DU'ers that are treating Hackett like a rock star. He ain't, people. He is a politician that needs to earn his stripes.

Deep13, keep telling them. We need Paul Hackett, but he needs to pick his fights. Small moves first, win one, then.....who knows?

[Deep13]

47. Okay, I will.

Thanks

[VolcanoJen]

87. So, people north of I-70 don't watch ABC News?

I find it hard to believe that you could find a single Buckeye in the early summer of '05 who didn't know who Paul Hackett was.

After the special OH-2 election, Hackett was trumpeted nationwide for coming thisclose to winning a congressional seat in Ohio's most Republican district.

Tell me this... if Hackett is the Democratic nominee for US Senate in '06, will northern Ohioans vote for him? If Brown is the Democratic nominee for US Senate in '06, will southwestern Ohioans vote for him?

Deep13 will keep telling them. So will VolcanoJen.

[roseBudd]

182. Funny I don't remember seeing Sherrod Brown on Bill Maher n/t

[ohio_liberal]

95. So I'm "North of I-70"

Every I've talked to here has heard of Paul Hackett. :shrug:

[converted_democrat]

118. That's odd, I know many people North of I- 70 that know who he is.....

He wiped the floor with Tweety on Hardball, the man is nationally known. Not to mention ALL the other national news programs he was on. I lived my first 22 years in Ohio, and I didn't know who Brown was until I read he was taking on Hackett. What I've read about Brown suggests that he is pretty far to the left, not that it's a bad thing, but it won't fly in most of Ohio right now.

[spuddonna]

66. My understanding is that Hackett did extremely well against Schmidt...

That area has not been won by Dems in years (someone from OH might know the actual # of years), and you talk about Sherrod being well known in OH? I find it hard to believe that Hackett, who has been on national TV, would not do as well as a local candidate.

I am not saying Brown shouldn't run - by all means, if he wants to, he should go for it! It's what primaries are for! But I don't see why people are calling for Hackett to pull out of this race!

[Deep13]

77. He wasn't running against Portman.

Portman was reelected with 70%. Schmidt was a relative newbie. With all the attention and resources Hackett received and a so-so opponent, a loss was not "extremely well."

I agree that a contested primary is a good thing since it will keep us in the news during the primary season. I don't expect a bloodbath. I expect a real discussion with neither wanting to damage the eventual nominee. (Sherrod hates the Rs with a passion, so don't worry about that.)

[VolcanoJen]

89. Well, I expect a bloodbath.

Judging from this thread, I think Hackett supporters can expect to be called "damned liars" who "worship heroes" and only like Paul Hackett because "he's hot."

But, we'll see. I hope, that is. Because I want Hackett in this.

[Deep13]

172. So you are still throwing that in my face after I apologized.

This is starting to remind me of the Silber campaign in 1988 back in MA.

[VolcanoJen]

184. In fairness, I posted that before reading your apology.

And for that, I apologize.

[spuddonna]

96. Hmmm...

"With all the attention and resources Hackett received and a so-so opponent, a loss was not "extremely well."

Really? Because all the accounts I'd read of the fight mentioned how staunchly Republican the district was that he ran in. In fact, Wikipedia has a little blurb that says this: "Hackett, a Democrat, narrowly lost to Republican Jean Schmidt, a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, providing the best showing in the usually solidly Republican district by any Democrat since the 1974 election." That's over a 30 yr period where no Democrat had won, and he had the best showing...

My understanding is that this was his first campaign, no? So he almost beats a former member of the Ohio House? That's sounds like he did an amazing job, IMHO...

Nevertheless, I look forward to a civil primary, and hope the best pol wins. :)

[Deep13]

180. "this was his first campaign"

And taking on DeWine, an entrenched incumbent, will only be his second campaign.

[liam_laddie]

193. OH CD-2 race 8/05 and US Senate 11/06

This is a very difficult situation for both the possible candidates and the voters. Here's a very recent comment from a Dem friend of mine who lives in Clermont and is politically involved. Can anyone here on DU add to this? Is there some truth to this?
Edit - caps and (comments) are my emphasis...
-----------------
"Here's some inside info, from a Republican connection here, for you on the Schmidt-Hackett race. Hackett took a lot of the vote out east in the poorer counties and down around Felicity. This is normally Republican territory. Evidently Jean did something to piss off the constituents out there. So they really didn't vote FOR Hackett - they voted AGAINST Jean. I hear that if it had been Tom Niehaus (Edit - a Republican) running against Hackett, it would have been a landslide. (Edit - source is saying Niehaus would have won by a large margin.) Jean is only in office till next year. I hear Niehaus is thinking of running against her, and, no doubt, he'd win. I've met Tom, and he is a pretty decent fellow...as politicians go."
--------------------
Anyone have a view about this "negative" vote?

[VolcanoJen]

195. I think the "negative - anti-Schmidt" vote happened.

My opinion is that Schmidt-backlash happened when she belittled Paul Hackett's service to his country, and when her campaign manager, well-known in Clermont county especially, attempted to "swift-boat" Hackett by claiming he was only a public affairs officer in a uniform.

However, I'll also say that claims of a Schmidt-backlash are overstated, especially when coming from Republican operatives who are still stinging that Paul Hackett came so close to winning the seat. There's an equal chance that those voters voted for Hackett because they liked him, they liked his message, and he reached them.

By the way, Niehaus beat Schmidt by only 22 votes (in a recount) when they were both vying for the Republican nomination to the Ohio Senate. I remain wholly unconvinced that Neihaus would have somehow been a much stronger candidate than Schmidt against Hackett, when you look at those numbers.

Thanks, liam... that was an interesting email and tidbit! Sorry to bore everyone with Cincinnati-area politics, but that was truly some fascinating stuff!

[Kukesa]

202. How about Hackett's stand on gun control?

That's a big issue down in Scioto, Pike, and Adams counties -- lots of hunters down there.

I think his pro-gun views helped a lot.

(There are people who don't believe me when I tell them there really ARE 2nd Amendment Democrats and they believe that John Kerry would have taken away their guns. Oy!)

[lizzieforkerry]

186. You don't get it... People here will vote for a pile of crap if it

had "conservative" on its yard signs. It doesn't matter that Schmidt was a newbie. Reps here switched voting or stayed home for the first time when Hackett ran. In my subdivision of 200 houses there are 7 registered Dem voters. Not 7 households- 7 people. My husband and I are 2 of those. Dem yard signs get stolen in the middle of the day. They just drive up and take them, when we are standing in our front yards. Anyway, my point is that Hackett's loss was big and it was because of Hackett, not Schmidt.

[spuddonna]

196. In the middle of the day?! Holy cow!

Wow, now THAT is conservative! :)

You know, I'm glad people are sticking up for Brown. I know nothing about him, and I'd like to hear more. I've seen Hackett on TV. He's smart, and he's a great communicator.

I hope Hackett finalizes his decision to run. I hope Brown does too. And then my best wishes to the primary winner!

[Kukesa]

203. Are you saying Brown would do better,lizzie?

Or, would those 7 neighbors of yours stay home again?

BTW, we had K/E yard signs taken all the time. The School bus driver finally squealed and told us who was doing it very early in the morning. We confronted him but nothing changed; he blatantly stole signs up and down our street.

[lizzieforkerry]

211. NO, no no. You misunderstood me!!

My 5 neighbors and my husband and I were all the way for Hackett!!! We all hope he runs for Senate! I worked almost everyday for Paul- I think he has a better shot at Senate than he did for OH2. I was trying to argue with the person that said Hackett lost because he wasn't a good candidate and he should have beaten Schmidt because she was vulnerable. I really don't agree with that. I don't think it matters how vulnerable a Rep is down here- they are basically unbeatable because of the all of the morans that live here.

e.g my next door neighbor believes that women on welfare should be forced to take birth control until they get a job. She doesn't think people on death row should have the opportunity for any appeals. She thinks that the problem with society today is that women work. I still can't believe I live here.

[converted_democrat]

97. I spent the first 22 years of my life in Ohio, Brown has not a prayer

in the rural community. All of my family still lives there, and they all love Hackett. They think he is tough, smart, and they think it's great he served in Iraq. (They loved it when Hackett called the President out on national T.V.) BTW, most of them are Repukes.... Hackett has appeal to both parties.
I'm not saying Brown is a bad guy, I'm just saying he does not have a prayer against DeWine. No matter how pissed the state of Ohio is at the puke party right now, they will vote DeWine before they ever dream of voting for Brown. Hackett is the most viable option, given the circumstances.

[VolcanoJen]

99. Hackett proved it, by winning the most rural of counties in the OH-2.

I hear it all over the place, down here in the Repub part of the state.

"I'm a Republican, but I gotta tell ya, I'm loving that Paul Hackett fella. True blue, he is. Tough guy, Marine, gives the President hell!"

Brown isn't a bad guy at all... in fact, he's one of the best guys. He should run for easy reelection to Congress, and then come back and fight Voinovich for his senate seat in 2010.

But, right now is right now. The President and Republicans are sagging in the polls, they appear to be cronyish chickenhawk incompetents, and the moment is ripe to sweep "new blood" like Hackett into office.

It's Hackett's moment, and I think, for the good of Ohio and the nation, that we should let him take on DeWine.

Great, intuitive post, converted_dem!!

[One_of_8]

107. I'm a Californian, but ...

if Paul Hackett runs, I'll happily donate to his campaign. I donated to his last campaign and I think the Democrats need a lot more like him. I don't know a think about Sherrod Brown, and obviously I'm not going to be voting in the Ohio election, but I'm sick and tired of "more of the same." We need real fighters on our side, and Hackett seems like a determined fighter.

[blue neen]

126. Volcano Jen,

I travelled from Pennsylvania to work for Hackett's campaign in July and August. I wonder if I had the pleasure of meeting you or working with you out there? :hi:

There were phone calls coming into the campaign offices from people all over Ohio and from all over the country, for that matter. This man connects with the people!

IMHO, Paul Hackett is the man for the job in OH. As you pointed out in other posts, he is the only Dem candidate who will be able to carry rural OH.

If he has to run in a primay against Brown, then I will probably be trekking to OH again in the spring (provided that everything looks okay for the PA primary). I was born in Warren, OH, so it's nice to feel allegiance to both Pennsylvania and Ohio. Wouldn't it be great if we could take both Santorum's and Dewine's senate seats? :)

edited to include a link to a thread about Hackett that I started when I came home from OH in August:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1983799

[Kukesa]

152. I'm from Youngstown!! n/t

[blue neen]

154. Way back when I was a kid,

(in the dark ages!) my uncle worked for the newspaper there. It was called the Youngstown Vindicator. I wonder if it's still in operation.

[Kukesa]

168. Yep, it still is. n/t

[Deep13]

181. Why?

Frankly, neither candidate has much of a chance in purely rural Ohio. Such folks are very, very conservative and Dewine's positions on so-called traditional values will have them sown up. Maybe your folks are an exception, but I never have put much stock in anecdotal evidence. Nevertheless, the northeast is where the bulk of the population is. I have spent the previous 14 years of my life here, all as an adult, and the lesson I have learned is that the sales pitch is more important than the product. Compare Bush and Gore. Which was the better product? Can there be any real disagreement there? Nevertheless, the sales pitch and ad campaign won Ohio in 2000 for Dubya and maybe in 2004. I am not suggesting that either Ohio candidate is a "Bush".

How will Hackett deal with the corrupt and entrenched R propoganda machine here? Will he have the experience and insight to dodge it effectively or will he make the fatal mistake of making the campaign tactics of the enemy an issue? If the Rs can turn Kerry into a traitor and Bush into a working class hero, they can certainly make Hackett into a .

Do not suppose that Sherrod is another Gore or Kerry. He will not make their mistakes and never has. Frankly Sherrod has an instinctive understanding of campaign strategy and management. He is aggressive and relentless. Also, he will do it in a way to avoid offending wishy-washy swing voters. The "chicken hawk" type remarks won Hackett praise among Ds, but it turned off a lot swing voters who do not accept that Dubya is basically evil and who assume any president deserves a modicum of respect. "What?! The Rs denegrate us all the time. Are the rules different for them?!" You know that they are. The Rs own the media.

[lyonn]

199. I think you have proved VolcanoJen's point

Hackett can fight the bush bunch. Gore and Kerry just didn't make a splash and played it safe and failed to speak clearly to the people. Both were worthy candidates but lost.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

11. Cool story!

I hope Paul Hackett runs and wins.

[hwmnbn]

12. Hell, I'm in Illinois....

and I'll work for him. He should know he and his message have national support. Congrats.

[henslee]

14. Good for you.

[henslee]

15. Good for you.

[Pithy Cherub]

16. You were begging Paul hackett on behalf of many of us!

Paul should know the level of support in case he mistakes the desperation for future stalker potential. Really very glad you let him know how much he is appreciated and how many from outside Ohio who would like to se him elected!:)

Way To Go Volcano Jen! What a wonderful friend you have!

[mongo]

17. You know all the cool kids

Great story - I hope he stays in the race.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[seabeyond]

20. waving, i owe you one still

all in good time, wink

[seabeyond]

18. kick ass, excellent. now. lets get dnc and dlc to see this on the

board. that we decide what dems we want. not them. and that we stand behind paul and want him. and they had better move out of our way, and let us take ohio. alright. this is what i wanted to hear. email campaign to dnc and dlc? i say yes. front and center. everyone on this board. remind dean about grassroot power,.......

[VolcanoJen]

109. Seabeyond, I say YES!!!!

Yes!! Front and Center! Let the DNC and DLC know that we'll decide.

Step #1: REMIND DEAN.

I say YES, Seabeyond!! YES, FRONT AND CENTER! Excellent post!

HACKETT FOR OHIO '06!

[seabeyond]

123. hOOOOOOOO yAAAAAAAAA

is that the military for kick ass. or oh ya

[Walt Starr]

19. I'm from Illinois and I'll donate to Hackett!

Definitely. I want people who are real, not somebody who spent the better part of his life as a professional politician.

[seabeyond]

23. i am from texas and i will donate to the man ..... AGAIN. n/t

[Carmerian]

162. That makes at least two of us

I'll certainly give more this time than I did last time, too.

[spuddonna]

64. I'm from WA and I'll donate! n/t

[Kukesa]

85. I'm from OHIO and I'll certainly donate, too! n/t

[VolcanoJen]

100. I love y'all!!!

Texas, Illinois, Washington...

This is beautiful!! Thank you from the Buckeye State!

[OhioChick]

21. That's great that you were able to

speak to him, Jen!

And Paul......if you're reading, PLEASE run. Ohio needs you!

[roseBudd]

22. I am so jealous. I hand delivered DUer letters to his law office & never

got a call back or an email. He probably thinks I am stalking him.

[VolcanoJen]

28. LMAO!! I should have mentioned that you're not stalking him.

I'll defend your honor next chance I get, rosebud!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[roseBudd]

108. I should send him a copy of the flyer I made him. I only had 1 copy

when I saw him at the Cleland rally because I hadn't been to Kinkos yet. I am a big believer in "alternative" canvassing materials. Thsi flyer went over very well in the very red wards of Madisonville. Most did not know about the special election, so I wan't to make sure they remembered.

[VolcanoJen]

110. Rubberstamp Schmidt!!

We can use the same against DeWine.

Remember when Paul Hackett gave TV interviews in front of print shops, with their neon "RUBBER STAMP" signs glowing in the background?

Pure genius, and all Paul, I'm here to tell you.

Stick to that keyboard... we're going to need you and your artistry!

[spuddonna]

24. Whoa! That's awesome! He'd have my vote, and would definitely get my $$$!

:rant:
I've already stated this elsewhere, but I totally support the idea of a real representative democracy - complete with primaries and verifiable voting! (I guess I'm just a liberal moonbat for wanting these things!)

If Paul does decide to run, and Brown does, too - good! I can't understand why the Democratic party would shoot itself in the foot and allow the debates between them to turn into a smear campaign.

The whole point of a primary is supposed to make your candidate stronger, better able to defend his or her platform.

I believe Dems can do this, and I don't need the Senate Dems telling me who should or shouldn't run! I think there are other Paul Wellstones out there, who no one knows, who will come forward and answer the call to civic duty...

[immoderate]

39. Good point!

I like both Brown and Hackett. A primary would heighten the visibility of both. Lots of free publicity. If done right they could both run against Dewine in the primary, and not shoot each other down.

--IMM

[spuddonna]

60. Exactly!

People keep talking about a 'heated primary, a slugfest' - well guess what? I want the pol that can win a fight! Even if it is a 'member of the family'! lol

Also, I've seen Hackett on Real Time with Bill Maher; I haven't even HEARD of Brown! I don't know exactly what 'favors' Schumer owes Brown, but they must be big ones if he's ready to talk someone off the ticket with national name recognition...

[MoJoWorkin]

84. A contested primary tends to get nasty, and means defeat and

depleted funds for the run in the general election. That is what happened in MO where McCaskill ran against Holden. Claire McCaskill repeated the Repug lies against Holden and then they tore each other up. We now have Senator no-Talent, because of it.

:puke:

I agree that Hackett can win, and doubt Brown can. Also, if Brown said he wouldn't run and now decided to, then he can't be trusted as a man of his word.

GO HACKETT!!

[FreedomAngel82]

26. I think he should stay in if he wants to

If enough people want him more then the other guy then so be it. The people should choose. I do see why Reid supports Brown though since this guy has more experience and more liberal and everything. I think Mr. Hackett will bring a lot to the table though for democrats in Congress since he was in Iraq and he knows a bit about what's going on. He probably still has some buddies over there and everything. Isn't there another Iraq veteran running too? I thought I heard about another guy running. My district is having a vietnam veteran running as a democrat. I think veterans will be the people to get us out of Iraq since they know the ground and people like Clark too. I think he should stay in the race if he wants and there be a showdown. If he doesn't get through and he really cares about politics he'll stay in. I just remember when I first heard about him I had the strongest sense that we won't see the end of him though.

[Fleshdancer]

27. HOLY CRAP! How cool is that???!!!?

I am so freakin' jealous of you right now! Thank you so much for saying what you said to him...I would have told him the exact same thing (after I stopped embarrassing myself by sqealing like a school girl of course). Have you considered posting Hackett's request for writing on the DU Activist page? Blogs and LTTE's is something we can do right now to show him (and Ohio) that he has our support.

[VolcanoJen]

30. To be fair, I squealed for a few seconds.

I kind of screamed and giggled and he just laughed. I can make such an ass out of myself, sometimes.

Then again, Paul Hackett is a fuckin' rock star to me, and I want nothing more than to work for him again.

Great idea about the DU Activist page... from our brief conversation, I really don't think Paul is aware of the support he has out there.

[ohio_liberal]

29. OMG!

You lucky woman! :)

[VolcanoJen]

32. Hi honey!!!!!

That was so unexpected and surprising and fun.

I love my friends!! :-) :-) :-)

[ohio_liberal]

81. Listen, if you talk to him again

Please tell him I want to have his bastard love child. ;)

-or-

Let him know that people in the Upper Ohio Valley (and a schidtload of DUers) are hoping he'll run :)

[Kukesa]

86. LOL! n/t

[VolcanoJen]

88. LMFAO!!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[malmapus]

40. That is awesome!

Thanks for sharing, wish I was in Ohio so I could vote for him :)

[wryter2000]

42. Cool!

We need you, Paul Hackett! :bounce:

[jsamuel]

43. :D

:thumbsup:

[OhioBlue]

48. That is awesome.

Thanks for the story!!!! I hope he stays in too. My respect for Brown has plummeted because of the way he went about this! I'll work for and donate to Hackett!

[femrap]

50. Flame away...but I get a bit tired of all of this swooning

behavior over a guy who has a couple of years of experience on the city council of Milford, Ohio.

I am beginning to think that women are supporting this guy because 'he's so cute and reminds me of John F. Kennedy, Jr.' That was written on a blog.

It's embarrassing.

And I still don't understand why Hackett (and his supporters) think that carrying 80 pounds on his back and kicking in doors in Falluja has to do with being a Senator from Ohio....Geez. Hasn't Ohio had enough problems and embarrassment for a while?

If Hackett runs, it just shows he is even more self-absorbed than I originally suspected. Why doesn't he face Mean Jean Schmidt again...he has the name recognition in that part of the state.

And I would like to know how many of you who just love Paul live here in this corrupt, financially broke, religiously-overwrought piss-hole state.

[VolcanoJen]

52. Again, thanks for reducing my devotion and belief in Hackett...

... to sexism. :eyes:

I live here in this state, I support Hackett for reasons I have outlined ad nauseum in these forums, and if I've mentioned before that he's a hunky Iraq war veteran, that's because ignoring the superficial undertone of elections contributes to the reason Democrats can't seem to win an election in this damned state.

ETA: And another thing... you refer to Hackett having support and name recognition in "that" part of the state... don't you live in "that" part of the state too... Cincinnati?

For what it's worth, I have lived my entire life in Ohio, I love Ohio, and I don't view my home as a "piss-hole."

I find it increasingly frustrating that Ohioans would be so self-mutilating.

[nashville_brook]

79. you go girl! so tired of the sexism here.

real people ARE sexy -- honesty is sexy -- and standing up for what you believe is sexy.

reducing passionate political involvement to a schoolgirl crush is NOT sexy -- or cool.

there's only 2 senators from every state. people who don't live in Ohio have almost as much stake in the race as in their own. i'm sure plenty of folks would rather Tennessee was represented by anyone but Frist and Alexander.

the first politician i ever gave money to was Paul Wellstone. not my senator -- but one of the best leaders to ever grace the Senate.

we're with ya, jen (and paul) -- rock on!

[VolcanoJen]

94. And, believe you me, this Buckeye will be in Tennessee...

... fighting Frist the second you guys come up with a tough, viable Democratic challenger.

There's a national interest in each Senate race. Those 100 men and women represent all of us, really. Otherwise, well, why even bother to fight Rick Santorum, for example?

"Real People Are Sexy!! Honesty Is Sexy! Standing Up For What You Believe In Is SEXY!!" - nashville_brook

Thank you!!!!!!!!

[femrap]

143. Self-mutilating???? LOL...

No, I was born and raised in Ohio....have lived all over the state...Cleveland, Athens, Cincinnati, Columbus...never got to the northwestern part though.

But I have lived out of this state as well....California, Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky....so I have another outlook. I come back to my home state and it is a mess. It has become North Texas. For the first time in its history, young people are leaving it....that makes Ohio like West Virginia.

I am simply stating the facts about Ohio...we are in a terrible financial crisis. It costs less to go to the University of KY than it does to attend an Ohio state university...and that's for Ohio residents.

Hey....what the repugnants have done to MY HOME STATE has turned it into a piss-hole state. Geez, don't take it so personally. But you better look around and start worrying....I don't want to live in another Alabama or Mississippi. When I lived in KY, people would laughingly say, 'Good thing there is Alabama and Mississippi, so we aren't last in education, health care, whatever.'

I hope you are working as hard for the RON (Reform Ohio Now) Issues that are going to be on the ballot next month...November 8...!! That will do more for our state than Hackett ever could.

[OhioBlue]

55. I live in the State

It's embarrassing because we actually have a candidate that we can be excited about??? Instead of a candidate with the personality of a fence post? (BTW - I'm not saying Brown is THAT dry, he is better than the dems we have had running, but certainly he has no where near the personality of Hackett).

And, I'm sorry, but your comment about "I don't understand why Hackett (and his supporters) think that carrying 80 pounds on his back and kicking in doors in Falluja has to do with being a Senator..." makes you sound like a real jack ass. You sound like the swift boat repukes with your minimization of his service message.

[femrap]

139. That quote about the 80 pounds and the door busting......

THAT IS STRAIGHT FROM PAUL HACKETT'S MOUTH....that's why it was in quotes!!!

So now who sounds like a real jack ass???.....as I said I heard Hackett very early on...before the handlers got to him and trained him what to say and not to say....

He said that as a positive about himself....he thought that was IMPRESSIVE. He got off on busting in doors in Fallujah....got it????

[OhioBlue]

155. well, after careful consideration of your response...

I would have to say, you still sound like the jack ass.

from your post (And I still don't understand why Hackett (and his supporters) think that carrying 80 pounds on his back and kicking in doors in Falluja has to do with being a Senator from Ohio....Geez. Hasn't Ohio had enough problems and embarrassment for a while?)

um.... 1 - it wasn't in quotes.... and... 2 - when/if he said that he wasn't using it as a qualification for Senate.... 3 - your characterization of the Hackett platform and our support for him - it is plain and simple condescending and it is a swift boat type attempt to frame a message to minimize his service.

[femrap]

189. Well....1. hope you feel all grown up by calling

me names....at least the jack ass is the symbol for the democratic party....and 2. you weren't there (to my knowledge) when I heard him speak on those 2 occasions.

Vote for whomever you like....but calling other progressives names isn't how we are going to make this country a better place.

Good luck to you...

[OhioChick]

58. I live in this "piss-hole" state

and all of my family, friends and acquaintances really want Hackett to run........men included.

[Kukesa]

73. I live in this corrupt piss-hole, too,

and I'll support Hackett, thank you very much.

[ohio_liberal]

82. Oh that's just fucked up

He's gorgeous, and that's just a happy bonus.

He's a great candidate. Don't like him, don't vote for him. It's that simple.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

83. What did flying USMC jets and floating in a space capsule have to

do with being a senator in Ohio? :shrug:

Why not let the primaries decide?

[VolcanoJen]

90. Why not let the primaries HAPPEN?

Thing is, Paul Hackett doesn't realize he has any support left in Ohio, because national Dem politicos are telling him he doesn't.

I want a primary. Let Buckeye Voters decide between Brown and Hackett.

Bring it!!!

[Kukesa]

115. See, MM, it's like this --

we folks in Ohio take our heroes very seriously. Last year during the K/E campaign, dear old John Glenn accompanied K/E to all the rallies (he really looked tired toward the end). When Glenn came on stage the Buckeyes went wild, cheered and cheered; we love him.

Here in Dayton we have a street named "Col. Glenn Parkway."

See how we are??

[VolcanoJen]

116. One Year Ago, Dayton, Ohio.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1117750#1117817

I remember it well... the ballpark exploded when Ohio's first hero, John Glenn, took the podium to introduce John Kerry.

What heady days... it feels as intense then, as it is now.

Why? Because it remains that intense.

John Glenn is an American hero and deserves our respect and admiration. Paul Hackett carries, and is more worthy of, that mantle better than anyone in Ohio politics today.

[DaytonOHDem]

132. I was there in Dayton with my three kids. John Kerry was great and

so was John Glenn. Hey, Volcano Jen I helped in the last couple of weeks of Paul Hackett's campaign. I would love to help again. Can you keep us informed with what he decides to do, I want to get in on this from the beginning this time. I live in Milford, OH and would love to help him again. Thanks.

[Kukesa]

140. We need you! We really do!

And, welcome to DU -- I live in Dayton and VolcanoJen is very special to me.

Jen and I were at every K/E rally in the Dayton area. Maybe we ran into each other ???

[DaytonOHDem]

167. Thank you Kukesa for the welcome. I grew up in Dayton. Love it there.

I live in Cincinnati now and I really miss Dayton. I feel I have nothing in common here with the people in Cinci because most of them are Repubs. Please if you and Volcano Jen can keep me up to date on Paul I would really appreciate it. Does Volcano Jen live in Dayton also? Thanks again for the welcome. I have been on DU for 3 years but just started posting.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

119. I know, and it's great! The other poster made a remark however, about

Hackett's military service being irrelevant to his suitability for the U.S. Senate. I wanted to draw a comparison.

[femrap]

136. If Hackett wants to run in a primary, I can't stop him.

Then Brown and Hackett can say negative things about each other, giving the Pugs ammo. Plus we waste lots of money that we could have for the real race.

I just keep coming back to 2 years on city council in Milford, Ohio vs. Brown's experience and name recognition. It doens't really matter what any of us say here...

[blue neen]

128. Yes, those of us who drove, flew, or just hitchhiked to Ohio in July

to work for Hackett's campaign really are just that shallow!

Look, let me tell you something. I'm 50 years old. I do not swoon at this point in my life. I met Paul Hackett and shook his hand and talked to him just like I would do with ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING. And guess what? That's all Paul Hackett would expect.

I supported him for many reasons. He is intelligent, honest, and genuine, for starters. He has an appeal to all segments of the population. If you would have been in OH-2 working on the campaign, you would have been able to see that and experience it.

Paul Hackett would most definitely not be an embarrassment to the state of Ohio. He would be an asset. If you look back at when things started really going badly for the Bushies, Paul Hackett calling George Bush a chickenhawk is number one on the list. Here's a man who speaks truth to power.

For the record, I am a native Ohioan. My family moved to western PA when I was child. I have been back to visit many times and still have family living there. I was also fortunate enough to make some wonderful new friends when I worked on the special election.

Let's work together to defeat Mike Dewine next year. :hi:

[Kukesa]

129. It's a deal, blue neen --

let's work together to defeat Mike Dewine next year!!

[blue neen]

150. See ya then, Kukesa!

You can help us out in PA, too. Dewine and Santorum are being thrown out of our Senate next year.

We're going to take this country back from the crooks and criminals!

:hi:

[femrap]

133. I met Hackett very early on....maybe before his

handlers told him what to say and what not to say later on in the campaign. I'm not sure. But he wasn't speaking any truth to power during the primary. I felt I got a 'true' look at him. And I have to admit, my gut reaction was negative....I went to hear him again and it was worse the second time. I am sure everyone out there has had negative reactions to people....I have to go with my gut reaction.

Correct me if I am wrong...but the 'chickenhawk' statement was very late in the campaign, right? On Ed Schultz?

Hey, I want DeWine defeated more than the next person. But I do now understand the meaning of the saying, 'Hold your nose and vote for him.'

I believe Sherrod Brown would have a better chance of defeating DeWine. He has more experience. I would like to see Hackett run against Mean Jean (or someone else if she is defeated in the primary) because he has the name recognition and reputation in the 2nd District. He is not known outside of Southwestern Ohio.

[blue neen]

148. I believe that he is very well known outside of Southwestern OH.

In fact, some parts of OH-2 are fairly close to central OH. In my travels to and from Ohio (mostly I-70), I found that everyone I talked to knows exactly who he is.

He had Ted Strickland working for his campaign, Sen. John Glenn, Sen. Max Cleland. Many of the people I met on the campaign were also working for R.O.N., and that's a statewide drive, isn't it?

Rush Limbaugh found Hackett threatening enough to devote considerable time to slamming him. Paul Hackett appeared on Hardball and Bill Maher's show, among other shows. Randi Rhoades and Al Franken spent a lot of time covering the story, as did Tom Hartmann. USA Today ran several articles.

BTW, Hackett called Rush Limbaugh a fat-assed drug addict. The man calls him as he sees them. I like that.

I wish I could find exactly when he did first call Bush a chickenhawk...but, that was the first time someone had the guts to say the truth about Asshole. With. Out. Leave.---AWOL George Bush. And it's been an avalanche of bad news for * ever since.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, femrap. I just hope the opinions stay civil. Good luck with R.O.N.

[VolcanoJen]

159. The general campaign was all of two months long...

... so I'm not sure what you mean by "the chickenhawk statement was very late in the campaign." It was noted at least by July.

Now that I think about it, he also called Cheney a chickenhawk.

I appreciate that you feel you got a "true" look at him. I'm saddened that you don't show the same consideration to those of us who feel as passionately for Hackett as you do against him.

And, finally, for all your cries that he is unknown outside of southwestern Ohio, it's interesting that posters from all over the country have pledged their financial support within this thread alone.

[Kukesa]

170. "Not known outside of SW Ohio?"

Just look at this thread -- look at the responses and where they come from: California, Nevada, Illinois, etc. etc.

I just don't get your reasoning.

[femrap]

190. People from those states DON'T VOTE IN OHIO....

I am sorry...I should have said outside of sw Ohio, but within Ohio....how's that?

Sometimes I get the impression that northern Ohio and southern Ohio oppose each other....very similar to the Northern and Southern California phenomena.

I do know that the I-275 beltway around Cincinnati acts as a type of magnetic shield from the rest of the state and the world for that matter.....information doesn't go out and information doesn't get in....it's a strange and unexplainable fact that science has had a difficult time in discerning....this topic has been covered in various National Geographics....

[VolcanoJen]

192. Of course those outside Ohio won't vote in our senate election.

But that's not the point anyone is trying to make about Hackett's notoriety.

The point is fundraising. Senate elections are relatively national. Money pours in from around the country. The better known your candidate is outside of his own state, the better for raising the dough. The more dough we raise, the more ad-time we can buy for TV within Ohio, to be sure that all Ohioans are acquainted with the candidate (just as one example as to how campaign money should be spent).

Candidates aren't limited to raising funds only within their state... thankfully!

Whoever the nominee is, we're going to need all the money we can get our hands on to beat DeWine and the superior organization of the Ohio GOP and, of course, the front-loaded RNC.

ETA: If you need more evidence as to the struggles and rivalries between "The Two Ohios," real or perceived, try going to a Bengals-Browns game. :-)

[mtnester]

207. Here is why it should be Hackett

First, a map of Ohio 2 showing its pieces of hugely Repub pieces of Hamilton and Warren Counties:


Next, the results from the Presidential Election in 2004 for the counties in Ohio-2:
Adams County - Bush 64% Kerry 36%
Brown County - Bush 64% Kerry 36%
Clermont County - Bush 71% Kerry 29%
Pike County - Bush 52% Kerry 48%
Scioto County - Bush 52% Kerry 48%

Hamilton County - Bush 53% Kerry 47%
Warren County - Bush 72% Kerry 28%

Hamilton and Warren County a little separate cause this is a full county result, and OH-2 has been redistricted to only include the massive uber Rebub areas in a small portion of Hamilton and Warren Counties.

Results of the Schmidt vs. Hackett race

Adams County - Hackett 53% Schmidt 47%
Brown County - Hackett 56% Schmidt 44%
Clermont County - Schmidt 58% Hackett 42%
Pike County - Hackett 63% Schmidt 37%
Scioto County - Hackett 65% Schmidt 35%

Hamilton County - Schmidt - 51% Hackett 49%
Warren County - Schmidt - 58% Hackett 42%

The numbers folks...the numbers. I know, I know it is Ohio, however, the new election reform on this November's ballot can maybe clean our voting mess up for 2006.

I am personally drafting a letter to Mr. Dean tonight. He is the head of the DNC, and dammit, he needs to throw his weight around on this one and get behind Hackett, get the Dem team behind Hackett, and get Sherrod Brown into another position, or get him to keep the seat he is already in. The Ohio Lege (Repub controlled) has already tried once to pass a nasty little legislative disease that would force a candidate to resign his position if running for a different one. So far, the damn Repubs realize this could hurt them too, however, if they find a way to make it work against the Dems, and work for them, they will pass it.

And I repeat, from the coffee houses, restaurants and county fairs of Central Ohio - Sherrod who?

[Kukesa]

208. A letter to Howard Dean? Great idea. n/t

[VolcanoJen]

209. Fantastic analysis, mtnester.

Fantastic!!!

:thumbsup:

[Kukesa]

177. If you still believe that Hackett is now well known

outside of Southwestern Ohio, link to this -- it's from Mother Jones:

http://tinyurl.com/9yhnc

Lots of bloggers from all over the place. Net roots, and we got 'em.

[ohio_liberal]

178. Look at where the contributions came from

(warning--HUGE image)

http://www.growohio.org/ images/user/6/HackettContributor.jpg

copy and paste in your browser--remove the space in the link

[Kukesa]

185. Now, that 's an impressive map!

Not known outside of SW Ohio, huh?

Here's the link with the spaces taken out:

[ohio_liberal]

188. LOL

I posted it with the space in the link so that it wouldn't distort the size of the DU page. :D :hi:

[Kukesa]

205. Oops! Mea culpa, mea culpa. Sorry. n/t

[lizzieforkerry]

212. That map brought tears to my eyes- Incredible!! nm

[DaveColorado]

53. We need more great Americans like Paul

He is a true hero, and I hope he runs for Senate in Ohio.

[understandinglife]

54. Most outstanding. We need Hackett to run and WIN!!

Thank you.


Peace.

[LSK]

56. wow, really cool story

[OKNancy]

57. May the best person win in the Democratic primary!

Brown seems like a fine person, but if I were a Democratic voter I would think " Who can win in the general election?"

I hope the voters in Ohio think along those lines. We Democrats have to win, that's all there is to it.

If VolcanoJen says Hackett is the one, that that goes a long way in my book. :-)

[VolcanoJen]

65. You're a sweetheart, Okie-Gal!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Eurobabe]

72. Very cool Jen! Now let's hope he runs...

We need him in OH.

[WCGreen]

210. Well, I have know Sherrod fro almost 30 year...

And he has only lost one election in all of that time....

[Fly by night]

61. Hackett did NOTHING to fight the obvious election fraud in the OH-2 race..

... despite the very suspicious evidence (last-minute tabulator crashes, "damp" ballots, etc, etc, ad nauseum). A number of us were ready to come to Ohio to help with a recount (since all of OH-2 votes on paper ballots) and the letters that rosebud delivered dealt with reviews of the election fraud evidence and many offers of help. Instead, Hackett did and said nothing -- not even acknowledging rosebud's efforts on his behalf. I understand that citizens groups are considering a recount of that election, without Hackett's involvement. (After all, it's our government, not just the politicians or the wannabes.)

So despite supporting him in the OH-2 special election, his non-response to election fraud (in Ohio no less) has made me much less interested in him than I was for his first foray into politics. If you're not willing to fight election fraud in Ohio as a Democrat, why bother to run (unless you are a publicity hound or a stone-cold masochist).

[VolcanoJen]

70. Please illuminate me as to Brown's position on voter disenfranchisment...

... in the second congressional district of Ohio.

And, for what it's worth, I'm working to get to the bottom of the rosebud snub.

[Fly by night]

74. As a Tennessean, I don't know anything about Brown's position, only ...

... my personal experience trying to get Hackett to act on the election fraud evidence in his race. There was more than enough evidence of potential election fraud to generate a response from him, including demanding a recount. But instead, all we got was silence and rudeness (in the case of rosebud).

We need representatives who will fight for democracy in Ohio as well as Iraq. Hackett had the chance and he walked away. Again, while I won't work against any Democrat, I'm less inclined to work for someone who walks away from a fight that needs to be fought.

Iraq isn't our Vietnam -- Ohio is.

[VolcanoJen]

78. That's fair.

Of all the skeptical responses in this thread, yours bears the most weight.

The rosebud snub bothers me on a personal level, and I'll do what I can to find out more about it.

Hackett does not wish to walk away from this fight... but his arms are being twisted by powerful, national Dems. He's weighing his options, and he's encouraged that support remains for him to run for Senate against DeWine.

Thank you for bringing an important issue to my attention! And I can't tell you what it meant to Ohioans during the Kerry/Edwards '04 campaign when so many Tennesseans came up to fight side-by-side with us.

[nashville_brook]

76. run paul run!

a vet in the senate! what a wonderful thought!

[phiddle]

91. My letter to the DSCC:

Please take me off of your list. As much as I would like to see the Democrats regain the Senate and the House, and begin to function as an effective opposition to the right wing madness currently in power, your handling of Paul Hackett, whom I consider one of our best hopes for the Senate, has given me no confidence that you will use my energy and resources well. I will in the future "comparison shop" for candidates to support, and should Mr. Hackett decide to fight a primary battle, I will of course contribute to that effort.
Sincerely, XXXX

[Kukesa]

92. Good letter; good for you! n/t

[lonestarnot]

93. Come on Paul, I sent money you can hack it!

[The Witch]

103. groaner foul!

Ehehe... hack it... I get it...

:yoiks:

[Demrock6]

101. Brown had his chance.

Hackett waited until brown decided not to run. Brown flip-flopped.

Brown should stay in the House, where he is needed also. Hackett would be a great senator.

[The Witch]

102. REc'd for PAUL!!

god bless him!

[sepia_steel]

106. Wow,

way to go Jen!

[VolcanoJen]

111. LOVE that avatar, sepia!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[sepia_steel]

120. Thanks!

I love to see people I admire having fun.

[roguevalley]

112. Mr. Hackett, if you are reading this, I am from Alaska and I'll send

you money. Please stay. We need real human beings on our side.

[VolcanoJen]

113. For what it's worth, I have a very strong feeling that he's reading this.

Support all the way from Alaska... do you see that, Paul???

It's what we keep telling you... Run, Baby, Run!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

122. TX also, I'd donate... Email this thread to his law office!

[AnotherMother4Peace]

134. Definite donation from CA - hell yeah!!! (& I don't usually curse)

[Kukesa]

138. From California? Yea!!

We'll take it -- we Buckeyes are going to need a lot of money and a lot of help to ensure Hackett's victory.

It's a good thing we have a lot of heart.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

144. Do ya think he'll stay in the race? I sure hope so.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

145. Oops I keep hitting that "post message" button

[AnotherMother4Peace]

135. Definite donation from CA - hell yeah!!! (& I don't usually curse)

[graywarrior]

114. Paul! Stay in the race and the money will come.

I live in Florida and I'll make a promise to send something to keep you in it. Don't make me come up there....

[usregimechange]

117. kick, run Paul!

[Cults4Bush]

121. WTF!! This thread here deserves more reccomends even if you don't like

Hackett you have to appreciate a DU'er who has gotten some recognition form him and DU should take some pride that he knows who we are and maybe even cares.

This is actually quite thrilling to me!

Good all over ya VolcanoJen!

[Kukesa]

130. I agree, Cults, and welcome to DU!! n/t

[Left coast liberal]

124. I sure hope he hangs in there and runs. nt

[Geek_Girl]

125. I hope he runs

It's exciting to hear that DUers are so involved in politics that candidates take the time to listen to their advice.


:yourock:

[Nimrod2005]

127. Coolest story ever

I am new here, I think this is why I decided to join DU...This energy!!!

[Kukesa]

131. And welcome to DU, Nimrod. n/t

[globalvillage]

137. I got a 'thank you' card from Paul the other day.

"... Now is not the time to let up. If we build on all the work we've done so far, we will win this state back for working Americans, for Americans like you and me, for the quiet moderate majority that has stayed quiet for too long."

Sounds like he's running.
;-)

[iconoclastNYC]

141. He'd be stupid to piss of the DNC

Listen...he has a great political future ahead of him. He shouldn't burn bridges by pissing off somsone who's been playing in Ohio politics for years and years. That would just be STUPID. Yeah the bad guy is Brown for waffling on the run. Ok. But we shoudln't advocate Hacketting doing something politically suicidal just because Brown is an asshole.

I want Hackett to have a long career in Democratic politics and the smart poltiical move here is to let Brown go for the Senate and have Paul run for OH-2.

[WCGreen]

156. He wont because he knows he wont win the OH-2 in

a regular election.....

All this talk about rural counties...

Well, those rural counties were represented by Democrats only twelve years ago... Long time democratic speaker of the Ohio House, Vern Riffe, ruled over the are for decades....

So, those rural area are not the same as the ones up into the state....

And Sherrod has won in those area....

[VolcanoJen]

160. When did Sherrod Brown win the southwestern rural counties?

What year was that, that he last ran for statewide office and made a run in those counties?

Different political climate today, much?

[WCGreen]

174. When did hackett win tn the rural north...

Cause it just isn't Cleveland up ya know...

So you are all gaga over Hackett...

I'm just waiting...

I don;t think Hackett deserves a free ride....

And for that matter, neither does Brown or anyone else that wants to run....

Let them both run and may the best man win....

No sense arguing with you.....

You have already made up your mind even though you know little about Sherrod.....

[VolcanoJen]

161. Wait one second...

... you're sporting a Dean avatar, and you say Hackett would be stupid to piss off the DNC?

:shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[sniffa]

142. awesome news jen! weeee!!!

:bounce:

ah, i didn't know you were from cincinnati.

[Tiggeroshii]

146. I HOPE I hope I hope

That would be great. Maybe we can assist in pressuring the DSCC to back the right guy once again!

[WillyT]

147. Way Ta Go Jen !!! - If Ya Talk To Him Again...

You tell him that he has support from all over the country. I'd be willing to send a few bucks from California toward a Hackett win in Ohio!!!


:bounce::kick::bounce:

:hi:

[newspeak]

149. I'm in Nevada

I donated numerous times to Paul Wellstone; and I'll definitely donate to Hackett. I may not agree with some of his positions, but he's got fire in his belly and that's what we need!

[OzarkDem]

151. Hackett should be Chair of the Ohio Dem Party if he doesn't run

There aren't many other options for him to run for office if he doesn't run against Sherrod.

He would be excellent as Ohio's version of Howard Dean. As Hackett so aptly put it, the ODP has become addicted to failure. They need new leadership badly.

I could also see him as Majority Leader in the Ohio House of Reps.

[napi21]

153. I got a thank you note from Paul last week too! I'm from Ga.!

Hey Paul. If you are reading this thread, you must now realize how much support you have, all over the US!

I realize things get nasty in the top political circles, but remember how the DNC tried to smack down Dean's election for Chairman of the DNC? Well, they LOST! It was Dean that convinced the people that it WAS in our hands! He's there because that's who WE wanted, and we'll do the same for you!

[welshTerrier2]

157. "his staffers were teaching him so much about the influence of blogs"

how cool is that ...

great job VolcanoJen ... you spoke for all of us !!

[autorank]

158. Article I wrote about Hackett

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0508/S00186.htm

[Kukesa]

169. Wow! You certainly did.

Well researched, well written, and comprehensive.

Good article!

[BigBearJohn]

164. I love Paul. I donated to his campaign. I am 100% behind him!!!!

[unblock]

166. the heck with ohio, paul, this COUNTRY needs you!

you serve as a model for how to energize the true MAJORITY in this country. you help us see that we ARE the majority and that we don't have to believe the CRAP the mainstream media puts out. you are and will continue to be an inspiration to others who need to see that you can speak the truth, passionately from the heart, and WIN, WIN, WIN!!

[greekspeak]

173. He sent me a thank you post card for donating some bucks to him

And I thought I was lucky. I would probably turn into Jerry Lewis right there on the phone.

[sonias]

187. Great post VolcanoJen!

Hope Paul does run. He has to. He'll get support and money from all over the country. Texas included. Run Paul Run!

Congratulations VolcanoJen!


Sonia

[SharonRB]

194. Lucky you!

Not only does Ohio need him, the country needs him in the Senate.

[VolcanoJen]

200. 200 Posts for Paul!

OK, they're not all for Paul... but the interest in this race (which may not even come to pass) is encouraging, and fascinating.

[Kukesa]

204. Is it possible to send this thread to Paul? n/t

[Career Prole]

201. I got a "Thank You" postcard yesterday from him

for my donation last time, from way down here in Reddest Texas.
If you see this thread, Paul, I've got another donation ready to go when you are! You've got supporters all over the danged place!
:yourock:

[Oilwellian]

206. I saw Hackett on Bill Maher's show and was so impressed

If he decides to run, I'll donate to his campaign...and I live in Virginia. :D

[VolcanoJen]

213. UPDATE: Is Paul sending his supporters a wink and a nod???

In midst of talk about the winks and nods over the Meirs nomination, you can't help but wonder if Hackett isn't winking and nodding at his own supporters in this post:

From Paul Hackett's blog on Daily Kos

Running in 2006
by Paul Hackett
Fri Oct 14, 2005 at 03:10:51 PM PDT

It was great to see everything come together during the Special Election. Except for the people who didn't think it was actually me last time I posted, I want to thank each and every one of you - what you did for our campaign was awesome.

Good times are ahead for progressives with the guts to fight.

If you are ready to fight, then lead the charge - run for office.

Anyone ready to fight? I'm ready to fight. Hands up!

[ohio_liberal]

214. He's in folks!!!

Cincinnati Enquirer article says that Paul Hackett will formally announce his candidacy on October 24th.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051015/NEWS01/510150369/1056