Maj. Paul Hackett to endorse Kucinich primary challenger for Congressional seat...

[SaveElmer]

Paul Hackett's back -- supporting Rosemary Palmer
Posted by Stephen Koff August 14, 2007 14:28PM

Iraq war veteran and short-time U.S. Senate candidate Paul Hackett tomorrow will announce his support for Rosemary Palmer, who's trying to move Dennis Kucinich out of Congress.

Palmer, running for the 10th Congressional District nomination, has a tough challenge, but if Hackett were to truly get involved, he might draw some attention for Palmer.

Palmer's 23-year-old son, Lance Cpl. Edward "Augie" Schroeder II, was killed in Iraq two years ago. A former teacher, Palmer says that Kucinich seems too preoccupied with his quest to become president to represent the district well.

Hackett, a Cincinnati attorney, was a rising political star when he launched a campaign for U.S. Senate last year, having been wooed by Senate Democrats. But then-U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown decided to get in the race, and Hackett got out. He felt used and angry and let people know it. But he and Brown eventually made nice and Brown is now a senator.

Hackett's involvement in Palmer's race "adds instant credibility," says Anthony Fossaceca, Palmer's campaign manager. It tells voters that she's serious and that, like Hackett, she's willing to go against the grain, he says.

"And it means a lot more now coming from Paul," Fossaceca says, "who doesn't do many of these."

http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/08/paul_hacketts_back_supporting.html


And some bloggers are weighing in

Hackett was first the mainstream Democrat to come out tooth and nail, campaigning against the Iraq War. Since then he's fought tirelessly for the fighting Dems, vote vets, and other progressive causes dedicated to supporting our troops and ending the Iraq War. Point blank, Hackett's endorsement in OH-10 - to a candidate other than Dennis - is a resounding vote of no confidence within the grassroots for Kucinich's controversial Iraq position.

And Hackett's support couldn't go to a candidate who's personally lost more in this war, or who's a finer representation of someone bent on setting right a wrong. Rosemary Palmer got involved in Ohio politics in 2005, supporting Dennis Kucinich for his fierce anti-war position after she lost her son was to Iraq. However, Rosemary' obviously questioned Dennis' approach to ending the Iraq War, since she's now running against the very man she initially supported.

http://www.buckeyestateblog.com/oh_10_hackett_gives_kucinich_the_proverbial_finger_endorses_palmer

Click Here to contribute to Rosemary Palmer's campaign...

[knight_of_the_star]

1. I wouldn't call it a vote of no-confidence

Hackett isn't the voice of the blogging community online, no one really is.

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. Paul Hackett who?

Dennis is the best.

[MADem]

6. While I recognize that it's an uphill battle to unseat an incumbent, it does happen.

Remember the Lieberman - Lamont primary? Holy Joe had to invent a new party when he lost that contest.

It's not my district, so I have no dog in the race. I don't know the makeup of the district either.

But you ignore Paul Hackett at your peril. I wouldn't discount his influence in support of this candidate. At the end of the day, the challenger has to stand on her own two feet, but if she's got a good platform, presence, a good fundraising arm, a good organizational machine, and enthusiastic supporters, she could have a campaign going.

It's never wise to be complacent.

[Major Hogwash]

31. Not even a chance in Dennis' backyard.

Wanna bet? A friendly wager to give DU a few more dollahs? Say $10?

[MADem]

32. No, because I don't know the lay of the land, and it wouldn't be backed by any sort

of guesswork based on understanding at all. I just don't know his district.

All I'm saying is that no one thought Lieberman had ANYTHING to worry about, initially. Complacency is an enemy of success. Holy Joe managed to pull it out of his ass by changing the rules in midstream, but had he been shut out of that independent process, Senator Lamont would be representing CT in DC.

I said that incumbents tend to have the high ground, but high handed dismissal is a huge mistake, is all. Ask George Feeeelix Macacawitz Allen about that kind of attitude. It doesn't pay.

[Cooley Hurd]

3. I used to like Hackett, but after this...

...he can pound salt. I'll stand with Dennis, any day!:patriot:

[mike_c]

7. I'm with you, and besides, I was never all that fond of Hackett anyway....

I mean, Hackett is not much of a liberal no matter he dresses up. Kucinich is the real thing.

[Trisket-Bisket]

4. I live in the 10th.

I plan to vote for Palmer. We are getting tired of the banal vanity of Kucinch.

[lligrd]

5. Is Banal Vanity Now A Synonym For Not Being Afraid

to speak the truth?

[bahrbearian]

54. No Banal Vanity is when you don't do what the DLC tells you to do.

Or Say , or think .

[cui bono]

40. Banal vanity? Care to explain?

I can't believe why anyone would vote against the Kuch from what I know about him. He's the real deal from my pov.

[countmyvote4real]

8. When Dems eat their own for nothing, they diminish themselves.

I am SO over this falling media star. Glad to know he's a fake after all.
That would be PH, not DK.

[billyoc]

17. Eat their own! it's a 6 figure a year job and another Democrat wants it.

How the hell is that "eating their own", exactly? :eyes:

[MaineDem]

28. We tend to get better candidates when there's a primary

Our candidate is better able to respond to the GOP when he or she has already run in a Democratic primary. It's not "eating our own" to challenge in a primary.

[burrowowl]

9. Hackett is an Ass!

It almost rhymes! He showed himself for what he is during the last election, anyone have a memeory?

[Norrin Radd]

14. The word "placket" was used as an insult in Elizabethan England,

but it was a sexist epithet.

[Hippo_Tron]

10. Primaries are part of the process, Palmer has every right to run

That said, I'd need to know more about Palmer to decide who I'd support in this race.

[SaveElmer]

27. I admire your consistency...

Seems some are for competition in primaries as long as it isn't their favorite being challenged...

[MADem]

34. I can't help but hark back to the imbroglio about

Cindy Sheehan running, not as a Democrat, but as an Independent against Pelosi...and so many here getting BULLSHIT because, while no one challenged her right to run, they didn't want to hear her Democratic Party-bashing bullshit on a Deomcratic forum. AND it was against the rules--not because she was challenging Pelosi, but because she was NOT challenging Pelosi as a DEMOCRAT. If she filed as a Dem, she'd have no problem either here or at Kos.

Now this candidacy is NOT against the rules--the other person is running as a Democrat. People are free to support whichever one they choose, and duke it out based on ideas, experience, the whole schmear. Once the primary process picks a winner, the website and the party backs that winner. Seems pretty simple to me.

[marmar]

11. "Hackett's endorsement in OH-10 ... is a resounding vote of no confidence"

What bullshit!

[Wetzelbill]

12. Hackett has never been all that progressive

His military background and penchant for colorful language was a big boon to him, but he's never won an election. He has no record and is pretty weak on lots of issues. He looks good and sounds good, but that hasn't ever won him anything, so whatever credibility his endorsement brings isn't something that you can win elections with.

Dennis on the other hand is a proven fighter. He has a great voting record and I've been told he has outstanding constituent services. His running for president hasn't stopped him from being in on important votes or important legislation. Plus, he was right on this war when others were wrong and he's still right on it. He may come off odd to other people, but that's superficial. DK walks the walk and I'd stick with him any day.

[Greyhound]

13. Of all the reich-wing politicians in Ohio, this idiot is going to try to unseat

one of the very few liberals in congress?:wtf:

I wonder which "business interests" are backing this person?

[saltpoint]

23. John Boehner and Mean Jean Schmidt would have been worthy

targets for Hackett. Those two's exit from the U.S. House could not come soon enough for me.

Instead he turns his slingshot toward Dennis Kucinich?!

Hmmm.

[IndianaGreen]

15. Does Rosemary Palmer want to keep a residual force in Iraq?

Her bullshit argument about Dennis not paying enough time to his constituents is bogus. Dennis did a yeoman's job in saving thousands of jobs in Cleveland that the federal government was going to outsource elsewhere through BRAC process. Those people that still have jobs are greatful to Dennis.

As to Hackett, he can endorse whoever he wants, but Cleveland ain't Cincinnati.

[EST]

16. Well, good.

This should spell the end of the "Paul Hackett is god" and "Paul Hackett for president" sycophant posting on DU.

Many people held their noses, opened their wallets, and sent money to him-I did-figuring that, in a gerrymandered republican district, the only person who could win against the republican machine would have to have weak democratic credentials.

Hackett's support for an opponent of one of the few representatives who are making any difference in congress and who are totally opposed to the sliding fascism now rampant is going to do one of a couple of things.
One thing it may do is make him attractive to the "new republican" image they'll be selling as soon as the presidential primaries are over. I expect Mr. Hackett, based on what I've read, would be more comfortable as a "moderate" republican than as a "conservative" democrat.

[ulysses]

41. he may be the new poster boy for the "unity party" horseshit.

Wouldn't surprise me.

[EST]

45. Hmmm...

Hadn't occurred to me.

[ulysses]

48. just a thought.

I do that sometimes. :)

[saltpoint]

18. Is Ms. Palmer the steakhouse heiress or is this another challenger

altogether?

In any case I hope Kucinich kicks her butt.

And I suspect he will.

How Republican of Paul Hackett to try to undermine one of the most pro-people liberal voices in the U.S. Congress.

[ShortnFiery]

19. Maj. Paul Hackett is seemingly morphing into a political ruling class TOADY.

:thumbsdown:

[saltpoint]

20. Agree. I'm really kind of shocked that he would do this.

Hackett's progressive compared with most people in SW Ohio in public service, but he's way right of Dennis Kucinich, evidently.

This is kind of an ambush by Hackett on a good man. Kucinich has served the people in NE Ohio a hell of a lot longer than Hackett has been on or near a ballot in SW Ohio.

[ShortnFiery]

21. Perhaps he'll fall like Harold Ford did after challenging Pelosi ...

Perhaps Hackett can be the Vice President of the DLC? Those back-stabbing centrists must stick together ya know. :P

[saltpoint]

22. My thought is, What would motivate Hackett to try and unseat Kucinich?

The stakes are high. Dennis had a challenger last time and he whupped her pretty good. She had some money behind her, too, and Dennis simply outflanked her.

Hackett is evidently trying to make a point about Kucinich, and I hope his constituents let Hackett know he's as full of shit as a Christmas turkey.

I hope Kucinich crushes Ms. Palmer's attempt to unseat him.

[ShortnFiery]

25. I have confidence that Kucinich will prevail. The "inside the beltway" rubes are not in touch

with the American People. Like the rest of America is becoming consolidated, I fear that too many "political decisions" are being made by clueless strategists from within the beltway.

Kucinich is a true American Gem. I hope that he will hand Ms. Palmer her political ass come election day. ;) :blush:

[saltpoint]

26. I'll happily donate to his campaign to see that said item is so delivered.

:toast: :hi:

[Hippo_Tron]

30. For one, I'd like to know if Kucinich would've voted for the Iraq timetable if it had been close

Or if they'd had a chance to get 2/3rds to override the veto. I haven't made my mind up about who I'm going to support in this race. I want us to get a progressive majority in the House, but I'm not entirely sure that Dennis is a team player and someone who isn't a team player can be just as much of a nuisance as a DLCer or a blue dog in instances like the one I mentioned above.

I'm also going to take a closer look at Palmer and see what her positions are. If Palmer is cut from the DLC/Blue Dog Cloth, I probably won't support him. But if he's a progressive and a team player, I may consider it.

[saltpoint]

55. Hi, Hippo Tron. Is this Rosemary Palmer the woman who is the

steak restaurant heiress, or is this a new candidate? (Kucinich faced a primary challenger last time, presumably a more conservative Democrat... not sure)

I'm long since moved out of Ohio, but still follow politics there very closely. Mean Jean Schmidt in the south and Dennis Kucinich in the northeast make for some tantaizing political conversations.

I think I'll endorse Kucinich in this matchup with Palmer, no matter what. That's an endorsement from afar, but I'll take Kucinich's lifelong service to constituents almost any day.

[cmd]

37. Dennis called him a DINO (which he is)

Iraq war veteran and former political candidate Paul Hackett said that when he won a primary election in 2005 to run for Congress against Jean Schmidt, Dennis Kucinich told him that he'd prefer to see Schmidt, a conservative, pro-Bush Republican, win. Why?

Because Hackett had fought in Iraq and was "a Democrat in name only." That's what Hackett says Kucinich called him. Hackett was on a cell phone when that conversation took place, and he says he did not bother to respond back. But it "certainly was the only negative conversation I had with anybody in that race" on the Democrats' side.

Hackett made this revelation a short time ago in a conference call with reporters to announce his support for Rosemary Palmer, the 10th Congressional District candidate challenging Kucinich in next year's Democratic primary. Hackett said he's supporting Palmer because of her leadership qualities -- something he says has been lacking in the 10th District for a long time. Kucinich, he said, hasn't done squat.

http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/08/developing_did_kucinich_dis_ha.html

[rinsd]

50. Kucincih does not come off well in that exchange (admittedly one sided at this point)

[cmd]

53. It would be interesting to know the other side of that story. n/t

[tkmorris]

24. I believe Hackett is an opportunist

and always was. I think his primary talent was wetting his finger and sticking it into the air, whereupon he used the info on wind direction to cynically forward himself.

I was happy when I first heard of him, but his reaction to Brown entering the race seemed petty and angry, without real cause. He has troubled me ever since. This seals it. The funny thing is that if his hubris hadn't been so strong he might have run for a House seat, which he almost surely would have won at the time. He could be an incumbent Representative right now; instead he is just some pissed-off guy who once ran for the Senate.

[elaineb]

29. Interesting...Could you please explain WHY you support Rosemary Palmer?

...when I assume you have no real knowledge of Kucinich's district?? And maybe I'm making a big leap here, but ending your OP with a plea to contribute to Rosemary Palmer's campaign seems to imply support for her.

Do you know anything about the work that Kucinich has done for his district other than the very vague criticisms (and they're always vague) that occasionally pop up (usually from the pages of the conservative Plain Dealer, I notice) and which people like you just love to repost? Since you've chosen to support Rosemary Palmer, what is your specific list of complaints about what Kucinich has done or not done for his district? My mother had reason very recently to contact his office regarding a difficult Medicare issue, and got same-day help from a staffer there in immediately straightening out the problem with the Medicare office. I'm sorry I can't give more examples, but his staffers are on the ball. Circumstantial evidence (that he keeps getting re-elected over and over) would also seem to imply that his constituents are very happy with him as a representative. What do you specifically want him to do that he's not doing? (although I find your interest in Kucinich's local accomplishments unfathomable, since you don't live in his district yet manage to contribute in a negative tone to nearly every Kucinich thread on DU).

Oh, and, interestingly, Hackett isn't from Kucinich's district either (Indians Hill??? One of the richest communities in Ohio? Not even close!)

[DU GrovelBot]

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[flpoljunkie]

35. Any evidence Kucinich is not representing his district well, or is this just campaign rhetoric?

[WCGreen]

36. Dennis is my congressman and he has built up a high level of

constituent service that is hard to match anywhere...

He is very hands on when it comes to helping people get disability, citizenship issues, medicare and medicaid assistance and he brings money to our district...

I live in the part of the district that is heavily republican...

They know a good thing when they see it and vote heavily for Dennis...

I do agree that Palmer has the right to run and should be afforded all that goes with being a challenger...

Let her make a strong case why Dennis should be removed and the people will respond...

But as of right now, I really don't think anyone in this district gives a rats ass about what Paul Hackett does or doesn't do...

It's a non factor...

Now if Ms. Palmer can pull off a major Union endorsement, then things might be different...

[Zorra]

38. She might get a fair amount of votes from republicans. Maybe

100 votes from right-wing Dems, too.

[WCGreen]

51. It's a primary election...

Republicans don't vote in democratic primaries...

[Lydia Leftcoast]

39. This is so transparently the revenge of the DLC

for Kucinich calling them on their 20+ years of collaborationist, corporation coddling, job exporting, warmongering, yuppie bullshit.

[SaveElmer]

42. You think Hackett has been paid off by the DLC...?

Funniest one yet...

Hackett has gone from darling of the netroots to DLC stooge...all because he is opposing St. Dennis...

[Lydia Leftcoast]

43. He was never my "darling"--I never saw the appeal and suspected astroturfing

Too conservative for me, so it's not a stretch to imagine him carrying water for the DLC.

[ulysses]

46. exactly.

Besides, his five minutes as netroots darling was based on his opposition to the war...so he's opposing the one Dem candidate who would get us out quickly? No, something smells.

[Kolesar]

57. He was useful as a Marine who called bush obscenities, but useless beyond that

He whined and slimed Sherrod Brown, his opponent, but Rolex-wearing-lawyer from the richest community in Ohio would not be bothered to actually make fund raising calls. The number one responsibility of a candidate. So, he slinked away and did not make good for months. What a dumbass.

[cui bono]

44. Exactly what I was thinking. Why say this now?

They must even be afraid of his presidential race and the message he brings to it for them to do this at this time.

Clearly he's doing something right. For the American people that is.

Go Kuch!

[penguin7]

47. How come Kucinich is the only congressperson getting flak for

running for president and ignoring their consticuency?

How come Obama, Biden, Clinton and Dodd don't get this horse manure?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

49. Because despite the declarations of their fan clubs, and the political naifs

who think that this is American Idol, and not the important election of my 50+ year lifetime,
Obama, Biden, Clinton, and Dodd are all sucking up to the corporate interests and wouldn't rock the boat--merely rearrange the deck chairs.

The boat has tilted so far to the right that it will need considerable leftward rocking just to get it back to the center.

The powers that be don't want real change. They just want someone who will tinker with the economy enough to protect their stock portfolios. The well-being of the average American is of no interest to them.

[Hippo_Tron]

58. I don't see anyone on DU giving Kucinich flak for not representing his constituency

It just so happens that he has a primary challenger who is giving him flak for it and has a right to do so, just as someone has a right to challenge all of the other candidates in the primary.

[cui bono]

52. This really angers me. Kuch is the most progressive rep out there.

I look forward to his response. Perhaps this is just what we need to get the DLC motives out in public.

[Kolesar]

56. Your post looks like you are endorsing Palmer over Kucinich. Is that your position?

do you think people should replace Kucinich?