Help me pick a candidate to give money to ($1500 thru DU)

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

Okay all you people who have already pledged full support for a candidate. Below are some of my concerns I am willing to donate 1,500 dollars in the next month thru DU to the candidate that gets my support but I am seriously undecided right now.


Now my state doesn't have a democratic primary but apparently we have some sort of unofficial meet in late Jan. (Florida cough)

I know the ones I like I know the ones I don't but I haven't exactly caught fire with any particular one.

Part of the problem is that I have been against the Iraq war from the get go and few of the Democratic candidates seem willing to end the war. (a couple seem like they would expand it next door)

I am also concerned about the economy and many candidates seem to pander to big business (sanctuary cities, mortgage bailouts)

Also I have it on good authority that the candidates that share my values could never win. (If I can't believe MSNBC who could I believe)

I feel that it is important to take moral stands no matter what their popularity (gay marriage, death penalty) unfortunately many candidates are worried about being associated with people like me (I'm a liberal you see)

And I don't like short people (okay I'm kidding.... sort of)

So I'm still undecided.

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. If you live in Florida you know party labels are meaningless

And liberal issues routinely get lip service, only to disappear in partisan legislative spatfests.

If you can, please direct your funding to a candidate with a demonstrate capacity to mobilize a political machine capable of defanging opponents, who promotes the causes that matter to you.

I've only found a single presidential hopeful who's been following a careful, disciplined plan for decades to manage this historic opportunity for Democrats to take the white house. Since her election to the Senate, she's proved collegial and has a reputation for effectiveness. I'm proud to have handed out leaflets at parades on her behalf when it mattered.

Your money may not mean as much to her campaign as to others, but if you can demonstrate support, I would appreciate the gesture.

[KharmaTrain]

2. Candidate? How About Candidates...

I've already donated over 2Gs to campaigns in the past year...and not one dime to any national campaign. They don't need the money, the lesser races do. Right now there are Progressive and Liberal candidates attempting to get campaigns rolling and a couple dollars here or there will go a long way in helping create a bigger and better Progressive majority in the House.

It's a great thing you're doing and I'll probably match you with more donations on my own in the weeks ahead. I'd suggest you look at the ActBlue website and "spread the love".

Cheers...

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

5. That's not a bad idea.

Not a bad idea at all (Christ outside of Wexler I can't think of the last local congressional candidate I sent money to)

Still doesn't solve the ye olde which Presidential candidate to support, alas.

[KharmaTrain]

6. An Investment In The Future

I'm blissfully uncommitted in the Presidential beauty pagent. I'll wait to see how the primary voters decide on that front.

The "undercard" races are the ones where the future begins...and where the money is needed most and best spent. In August, I was fortunate to attend YearlyKos and met several of these candidates...real people who aren't "establishment" candidates...many are challengers in upcoming primaries. I gladly donated to several of these people as both a show of support and an investment in changing the party for the better.

Here in Illinois, I've already donated time and money to a primary challenger in my District as well as in neighboring ones. Even if they don't succede, I feel it's money well spent.

Cheers...

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

8. Yeah but the democrats barely ran a campaign in my district fl10

Which is bizarre because it is a purple district with a Cook Partisan voting score of D+1 and has seen a severe loss of manufacturing and service jobs to both outsourcing and illegal immigration.

And lets face it Rep Young isn't exactly a rock star.

So far the Democrats don't have anyone running as far as I can tell.

[KharmaTrain]

11. More The Reason To Do Some Investigating

You may be in a district where there is a small party operation that is trying to take root. 25 years ago I moved to this suburban area...it was crimson red. One year, my wife and I went to vote and when we asked for a Democratic ballot, the precinct worker gave us a strange look and said something like "we didn't expect any Democrat voters here". I did a daily talk show and finding a local Democrat was all but impossible...the local party had been ignored by the national party and barely had any money or people to support a candidate. Today, I live in a totally Blue district...including State Rep and Senator. It took time and a lot of money and elbow grease, but change can happen and it starts on the local level.

I'd suggest you check DKos or ActBlue and see if there is a candidate running in your area...it may be something you can get involved with and find very rewarding. $1000 dollars to a national candidate is "chump change", but that same money for a local campaign is like gold. While Dr. Dean has done a great deal in helping build Democratic parties in purple and red areas, but it's up to us to chip in as well.

IRC, Young is tied in with a bunch of scandals and is very vulnerable. I would hope there's a candidate ready to take him on. Hell, I'll even chip in a few bucks.

BTW...another group that could use your donation and support is MoveOn. Every time I get pissed by another GOOP slime attack on these people, I'm making another donation. It must be drawing blood.

[Breeze54]

32. In that case; Carl Levin needs help!

From his e-mail today:

snip-->

"There are just 4 days left.

After that, potential opponents will be making final decisions on whether to run against me.
If those potential challengers see my supporters coming through before Sunday's midnight
reporting deadline to the Federal Elections Commission, they will think twice before
entering the race.

https://secure.democratsenators.org/dia/organizationsDSCC/fosenatorcarllevin/contribute/092707_eoq3.html">Click here to make an immediate, secure contribution of $50, $75, or more.
The September 30 deadline - midnight Sunday - is just 4 days away.

The Republicans are eager to find a top-tier challenger to run against me. As Chairman of the
Senate Armed Services Committee, I have been fighting them every day to force a change of
course in Iraq.

Right now, you can help stop these efforts cold. A high-profile challenger is less likely
to make a big gamble if our campaign looks too strong to be defeated.

Many of you have already responded, and I am truly grateful for that support. Now, I hope that
many more will stand with me before the crucial deadline at midnight Sunday. It's just days away.

An immediate contribution today is an investment in victory next year.

With your support, we can fight back against whatever the opposition throws at us.

I appreciate your consideration and I hope you will choose to support my campaign
before the urgent September 30 deadline - just four days away.

Sincerely,

Carl Levin

http://www.carllevin.com/

P.S. I pledge to continue working on issues that are important to our country, including
preserving our manufacturing base, expanding access to affordable health care, and forcing
a change of course in Iraq. If you're as determined as I am, https://secure.democratsenators.org/dia/organizationsDSCC/fosenatorcarllevin/contribute/092707_eoq3.html">please make a contribution today!!

[toadzilla]

3. Dennis Kucinich!!!!!!!

He is the only candidate willing to stand up to the corporations, end the war, and fight for the people.

He is the only candidate who shares the main stream views of Americans. He is the only one who is for Impeachment.
He can win, we just have to support him, vote for him, tell everyone we can about him.

[TheUniverse]

16. Damn straight.

Dennis is the man who will tell the truth even when its unpopular.

[Egnever]

18. Gotta agree

Even if he doesnt get elected the money is well spent just to keep his message broadcast on a national stage!

[Cleita]

19. Amen!

He needs the grassroots money too to run a more visible campaign. Go to his website. The link is below in my signature and read what he has to say. What I like about Dennis, too is that he walks the walk. Many candidates tell you what you want to hear and then proceed to ignore their promises after elected. Dennis will do his utmost to fulfill his promises. His Senate record tells you whom he is.

[G_j]

30. he IS the one truthfully and courageously addressing your issues

he is the telling the truth
I think supporting the truth is the best investment

[toadzilla]

33. supporting the truth, i like that idea.

[flvegan]

4. Donate it to me.

I'll be a great prezzident. I'll support all the Tian Zhuangzhuang initiatives.

As a fellow Floridian, I feel your pain.

I was against the Iraq war from the start. If I'm elected, not only will the troops come home, but I'm on AF1 to go help them get packed myself.

I'm concerned about the economy, hence my request for your donation.

I could win. If only nobody else was running.

I'm pro-gay marriage, pro-choice, anti-death penalty.

I'm 5'11"

Just make that check out to "Cash" as DU has YET to put up my flvegan for President page.

Sound good, AMBASSADOR Tian Zhuangzhuang????

*wink*

[Kelly Rupert]

7. Wait 'till the general. n/t

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

20. Why? nt

[RangerRK]

9. Tian Zhuangzhuang meet Bobblink

When you donate to a candidate,that money goes to the corporate media to pay for ads etc, when the corporate media is already giving the top tier free advertising every day.

WE need to start helping each other out instead, starting here at DU.

[never_get_over_it]

10. Send money to Dennis Kucinich

He is the ONLY candidate who had the opportunity to vote for or against the Iraq invasion and DID SO - Even though Obama "claims" to be against it from the beginning he was not in the Senate at the time and did not so we'll never know how he would have voted - and where the hell was he for this ridiculous Iran vote the other day - there are several Dems I would have bet my house would have voted against IWR and did not - SO I KNOW DENNIS voted against it Also Dennis is SO RIGHT ON ALL OF THE ISSUES - I'm so sick of people saying they don't/won't support him because he can't win - seems like a self fulfilling prophesy to me.

Also there is a great candidate running for Dennis Hastert's seat in IL - he ran in 2006 and did pretty good - he is running in a primary for 2008 and really could use some help. If you could send him a few bucks that would be great - love this guy - John Laesch www.john08.com

Also central FL Clint Curtis is running against Tom Feeney and if you could throw a few bucks to him too it would be great. www.clintcurtis.com Tom Feeney tried to hire Clint to write code to steal elections - Tom Feeney should be in jail not Congress and unfortunately he is my "representative"

BTW I thought we did have a primary in FL - I'm fairly new here but I thought they had set a primary for January 29 th and the national party was having a hissy fit over it

[hootinholler]

12. Bang for your buck send it to Dennis.

At least you will help get your viewpoints out to the rest of the US. I think without support, that the MSM will stifle his message completely instead of partially.

-Hoot

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

15. I was frightened to post this in GD:politics

But I'm a little surprised that only Dennis Kucinich supports are jumping on board*. (with the exception of a well written Clinton supporter)

I wonder if it is because I described myself as a liberal.

Scary that the supporters of Democratic Presidential candidate would naturally assume a liberal wouldn't be interested in what they have to say.



* I'm even more shocked that DU's spell checker tried to changed a slightly misspelled Kucinich into Gingrich.
I mean how viable a candidate can he be if the spellchecker doesn't recognize him.

[SoCalDem]

13. help a local congressperson or school board candidate?

They often get little or no help and can sometimes be crucial to how your commuity works:)

[BlooInBloo]

14. Maybe $500 each to one local, state, and national?

[ElsewheresDaughter]

17. dennis kucinich

[L. Coyote]

21. Give to all of them.

[Snotcicles]

22. Al Franken can use the money. He is a good man and we need him in the Senate. nt

[LSK]

23. Al Franken & Mark Warner n/t

[Megahurtz]

24. Give It To Kucinich!

Please! He's the only one that wants to stop the War!

[in_cog_ni_to]

25. I'm not wasting any money until after the General election. I did that once, never again. Give it to

the nominee...it may actually do some good then. If you throw it at a candidate other than Hillary....you're wasting your money and she doesn't NEED your money, yet. You could give it to Kucinich, but there's not a chance in hell he's going to win, so you may as well flush it down the toilet. Just some advice from someone who has been there, done that.:(

[alfredo]

26. There are races for governor in three states this November.

I live in Kentucky and would love you to help our party. You can also wait to see who is running against Mitch McConnell and help that candidate.

Take a look at the Change For Kentucky link.

Or you can go straight to the party and contact Jeremy at this link.
http://www.kydemocrat.com/ht/d/sp/i/580676/pid/580676
His e-mail is there. Tell him a CFK member sent you.
Take a look at our candidates:
http://www.kydemocrat.com/ht/d/sp/i/1045393/pid/1045393

Crit Luallen is a wonderful person. Jack Conway is a card carrying hunk. So says my sister. Steve Beshear is a good solid Democrat. He's a hard worker too.

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

27. Can one donate to local races through DU

or is it only national candidates?

[alfredo]

29. That's a good question. I guess Skinner would know.

His OP says presidential campaigns. That makes sense because opening it up to state races complicates matters.

[BringEmOn]

28. Watch Sicko, then decide.

[Breeze54]

31. Dennis Kucinich!! He's the only candidate that didn't vote for the IWR!!

He has an Iraq exit plan! He has a healthcare plan! He isn't a corporate Dem!

----

http://www.dennis4president.com/go/homepage-items/%91stunning-admission%92-by-clinton,-obama,-edwards-is-tantamount-to-a-permanent-occupation-of-iraq/">‘Stunning admission’ by Clinton, Obama, Edwards is tantamount to a permanent occupation of Iraq

DOVER, NH --

The stunning admission by Democratic frontrunners Clinton, Obama, and Edwards that they might
keep U.S. troops in Iraq beyond 2013 “is tantamount to an announcement of a permanent occupation
that could cost U.S. taxpayers $5 trillion and bankrupt any opportunity to address health care
reform, education, jobs, or any other domestic policy initiatives,” Presidential candidate
Dennis Kucinich said today.



It's Up To Us

Your contribution is vital to the success of the campaign!

Help Dennis fight for a new era of Strength Through Peace by making a contribution today!

https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=aDlDFFT9TMGh0ghebdP6VkYKCfcT%2fFNw">Click Here to Contribute.

http://www.dennis4president.com/go/homepage-items/help-dennis-raise-%24300,000-by-september-30th!/">Help Dennis Raise $300,000 by September 30th!

We have made great progress together, and our friends in the Democratic field are working
to silence our campaign from speaking out on critical issues! Dennis delivers hope to
Americans ready for a candidate whose deeds match his words. Help Dennis deliver real
solutions for Iraq and for Universal Health Care to a divided America.
Together we will not be silenced!

[mmonk]

34. I suggest looking at where everyone stands on the issues

and from that, which ones are the most specific. If I were you, I'd write off the ones that dance around the issues or try and be everything to everybody while saying little in reality. I've made donations on actions as well as saying the right things. Thus I have given to Kucinich, and Richardson the most. I recently sent a donation to Dodd for his work and effort in the Senate concerning habeas corpus. No one can decide for you who to donate to. But I require upfront positions and actions.

[Kip Humphrey]

35. GO HERE to find out who meets your concerns and priorities: Candidate Calculator

http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

My results:


Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich (D)
87.50% match

Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (D) - 81.25%
Illinois Senator Barack Obama (D) - 75.00%
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards (D) - 71.88%

New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D) - 68.75%
Delaware Senator Joseph Biden (D) - 65.63%
Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd (D) - 65.63%
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) - 62.50%
Texas Representative Ron Paul (R) - 46.88%
Businessman John Cox (R) - 28.13%
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) - 28.13%
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R) - 28.13%
Arizona Senator John McCain (R) - 18.75%
Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo (R) - 18.75%

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (R) - 9.38%
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) - 9.38%
California Representative Duncan Hunter (R) - 6.25%
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson (R) - 6.25%

[Tian Zhuangzhuang]

36. Here is mine

Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (D)
70.97% match

Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich (D) - 64.52%
Texas Representative Ron Paul (R) - 61.29%
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) - 48.39%

Delaware Senator Joseph Biden (D) - 45.16%
New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D) - 45.16%
Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd (D) - 45.16%
Arizona Senator John McCain (R) - 45.16%
Illinois Senator Barack Obama (D) - 45.16%
Businessman John Cox (R) - 41.94%
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) - 41.94%
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson (R) - 41.94%
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards (D) - 38.71%
Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo (R) - 38.71%

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (R) - 35.48%
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) - 35.48%
California Representative Duncan Hunter (R) - 32.26%
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R) - 29.03%


Yikes what is Edward's doing in the middle of the Republican pack.

I'm leaning toward Kucinich simply cause outside of one Hillary supporter no one else seems that committed to their candidate.

I do like the idea of support a progressive challenger in a democratic congressional primary.

Does anyone know of any where a DINO is vulnerable?

[LWolf]

37. Give it to the candidate who exhibits leadership by

taking strong positions against corruption and for people, and who backs up those strong positions with passionate, dedicated, consistent support:

Dennis Kucinich.