Ignore my name for a bit, I am leaving PDA...

[Kevin Spidel]

From my blog at www.spidel.net:
--------------------------------

Well, if you have not heard by now… you will hear about it this week.

I am leaving PDA.

Only for a bit.

PDA is my heart and soul.

Tim, Michele, Sherry, Michele, and myself along with a few other folks… are the core founders of PDA. I would not leave it if it was not a serious cause. I am leaving only for a few months.

Currently I am Deputy Director for Progressive Democrats of America (PDA,) which is a federal PAC. We can endorse candidates, but we can not work in coordination with candidates. There is an endorsed candidate of PDA’s slate that needs my help. Not necessarily NEEDS, as she is a strong candidate and is doing very well. But I have agreed to leave PDA and move to Illinois as her Campaign Manager.

You see… this is the battle for the soul of the Democratic Party. It is the same fight as PDA. It is the same direction. But legally, I need to leave PDA for a bit to work on this campaign.

But, this candidate.. is THE progressive candidate in 2006 for House.

She ran last time and got over 43% in the general… forcing the Republican to retire. See Will Pitt’s article here: http://pdamerica.org/articles/news/cegelis-endorsement.php

But the Democratic Party… this time around.. decided not to celebrate her victory… but airlift a candidate into the district to build off her success. The DCCC is supporting someone, not even living or interested in moving into the district. She is pro-Iraq war.

This is THE fight against the established party, and the grassroots of the party.

And we can win. I am honored to work as Christine’s campaign manager. I will leave PDA on the last day of this month.

You will find the tales of the campaign here: http:/www.spidel.net

I am leaving Arizona for a few months, and will miss you all dearly. … Really.

I am hitting the road again. The first time since Kucinich. It is that important to me.

Please support this race. Stay in touch here and keep informed of the campaign.

Peace, and justice… Kevin

[welshTerrier2]

1. good luck, Kevin ...

when will the Party stop "pickin' 'em" and let us Democrats decide??

are you taking a break from DU as well? if so, why?

[Kevin Spidel]

2. no no..

DU is my sancturary :)

but need to figure out how to change my user name :(

i am 100% PDA still!!!!! have no doubt!

[welshTerrier2]

4. throw yourself on the mercy of the admins

maybe they'll cut you some slack ... you do have something of a special circumstance here ...

glad you'll be around ...

[Kevin Spidel]

6. emailed sinner...lets hope! n/t

[welshTerrier2]

12. that's nice but ...

you might want to edit the name in your subject line ... i'm just sayin' ... :spank: :spank: :spank:

[Kevin Spidel]

25. skinner that is... yes...

trying to change kevin_pdamerica to something else. no response form the admins yet :(

[MaryRN]

3. Good luck and...

Be safe and well. What a wonderful opportunity! Please keep us posted and come back to us as soon as you can. Peace - Mary

[Kevin Spidel]

10. thank you! n/t

[Breeze54]

5. Thanks for letting us know Kevin!

You're a good man!
Your in my e-mail inbox daily!
Thanks for all the notices and info!
And good luck in Illinois!
See you in a few!
:thumbsup:
PS.
They have computers and 'internets' in Illinois now!
:rofl: :rofl:

[Kevin Spidel]

8. plan on me keeping in touch in Illinois!

can't get rid of me! just letting folsk know in DU-land... that after this week, i am not speaking for DU.

[mcscajun]

22. Think you meant "i am not speaking for PDA"

Easy typo to make ... "speed error"

:)

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. Henry Hyde's seat!!! YES! Kevin, let me know if you need help.

I live in Illinois and would be happy to help, if you need me! Best of luck to you. I hope Christine wins and wins BIG. Give 'em hell!

[Kevin Spidel]

9. count on it!

stay in touch!!!!

[Kevin Spidel]

11. thanks for the reccommendation!

keep it kicked and recommended for the heart of the party! it is PROGRESSIVE!!!!!

[paineinthearse]

13. Christine Cegelis & Kevin - good luck!

A pox on the DCCC and its inside-the-beltway candidates!

:kick:

[madfloridian]

14. We have had our differences, Kevin. But kudos on this.

I am glad PDA took up Christine's efforts. I know the local DFA people are working with her feet on the ground just like they did before. Many of us at other forums have taken up the cause as well. I see DFA has their list out this week, and she is not on it.

I was assured they would be helping. I am disappointed and I intend to let them know it. I notice their candidates are all state level, not national. But Christine Cegelis was a Dean Dozen, that is like being a legacy at a college or sorority. She should listed prominently there. They will hear more from me.

Good luck.

[Kevin Spidel]

15. THIS means a lot...

thank you...

seriously... thank you!

[fooj]

16. Good luck!

Peace.

[madrchsod]

17. post this in the illinois forum

and watch the fireworks...i`m in fat denny`s district but have been watching Christine's fight with the national party. i watched the big guys ignore zamora in my district-14th and have been pissed off ever since. well welcome to illinois and hopefully this spring the illinois du members can have a meet-up at a campaign stop.

[WilliamPitt]

20. Done

[Wilms]

18. Thumbsup n/t

[katinmn]

19. I wish that wasn't such a familiar story. It is happening here, too.

Both the DCCC and DSCC are supporting right-leaning Dems over progressive Democrats. Plain and simple, they don't want progressives running and they are trying to drown us out. What the hell is wrong with the party??

I admire you for taking on the fight. It's going to take a lot of us doing the same thing. You will make a difference.

Good luck!

[coffeenap]

21. Thanks Kevin, from an Illinoisian. You have a big fight with Rahm.

I can't understand his decision not to run Cegelis--it makes no sense, since she almost won last time.
Best wishes--and thanks for going to the mat for progressive ideals.

[NoFederales]

23. I salute your convictions.

NoFederales

[Cadfael]

24. Got my sign up in the front yard!

:thumbsup:

[davidinalameda]

26. good luck!

I want your job!

[Kevin Spidel]

27. thanks for all the love folks!

means a lot. Thank you for understanding why I need to leave PDA for a bit. No worries.. I WILL BE BACK!