Crickets in here: DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR TED KENNEDY'S SEAT TOMORROW

[debbierlus]

Crickets.

There is a fight in Massachusetts for the democratic primary seat.

Ted Kennedy's old seat.

Fight between the DLC & the progressives.

DU has had remarkably few threads on this historic race. This is a crucial seat. The difference between the candidates is significant with the highly probable DLC milquetoast candidate leading.

Voting is TOMORROW.

If you live in MA, you still have tonight to do your homework.

I am voting for Michael Capuano because I like the name Michael. Oh, and because he is a progressive and he voted against the Iraq war in Congress. He has my endorsement.

I think given the primary is tomorrow, DU needs to kick & recommend this to the top right now, so everyone is reminded to volunteer to phone bank for their MA candidate (you can phone bank from anywhere, if you want to help outside the state), and VOTE tomorrow, if you live in MA. And, call your friends in MA and remind them to vote!

VOTING IS TODAY!

[polichick]

1. That time went fast - can't wait to see who wins! K&R

[debbierlus]

4. I was reminded I needed to post this when I received last minute panicked emails

Debbie - Who are you voting for?

(Translation, I don't know ANY of the candidates names, and I know you pay attention to these things so tell me who to vote for?)

Oh, the power.

Between friends, families, and the proxies who vote because of THEIR opinion, I might get 50 votes tomorrow!

[debbierlus]

39. Too fast. Not enough people are paying proper attention

[MannyGoldstein]

2. I'm Voting For Pags - We Need Jobs In Mass

Just kidding!

Capuano has my vote.

[debbierlus]

34. I was going to say.....Woah, you had me there!

[Mojambo]

3. Pulling for Cap

Think I'm probably going to be disappointed.

[debbierlus]

5. Lot of uncomitted voters out there - give a call to family and friends and get them to do the same

You can get more votes then phone banking that way.

Be sure to send out a group email tonight as well.

It will only take a few minutes and it can help decide the race!

[Mojambo]

9. I'm not local.

Just an interested observer from the other side of the country.

[debbierlus]

23. Don't need to be local - you can volunteer and call from anywhere if you have a computer

http://mikecapuano.com/content/home

[ruggerson]

6. Go Martha Coakley!

:P

[debbierlus]

7. Oh, please no!

:spank:

[ruggerson]

15. She opposes troop increase, she's great on STupak and on gay rights

what's there not to like?

[debbierlus]

24. Did you watch the debates or read her position issues?

I thought she was incredibly weak in the debates, and her position issues on her website are political speak with no substance.

[ruggerson]

30. I did watch part of the debates

I thought she did fine. I think she's going to make a great Senator.

[Alexander]

47. Did you think Sarah Palin was great at debating as well?

Because that's about how well Coakley did.

Figures you'd support her.

[HughMoran]

52. Wow!

Holy dagger to the heart Batman!

[ruggerson]

55. Yeah it figures

I like progressives. I'm sleepless she doesn't float your boat.

[usrbs]

8. Martha's stance on the Stupak amendment pulled me into her camp.

And Capuano's flipflop on the same helped as well.

I saw Khazhei yesterday and he is a very good choice as well, and totally against the current Afghanistan adventure.

[MannyGoldstein]

14. Khazei's Against Single Payer

And Fells Acres...

[ruggerson]

21. agreed - there's also this:

Repealing DOMA
Martha has stood as a national leader in defending same-sex couples and their right to marriage. Martha is the only Attorney General in the country to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, which unfairly excludes married same-sex couples and their families from critically important rights and protections.

In Washington, Martha Coakley will continue this fight and will lead the effort to repeal DOMA.



Ending "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell"
In Washington, Martha will support ending the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, which has caused the discharge of over 12,500 service members to date, the harassment of countless others, and the overall weakening of our armed forces by discharging and stigmatizing so many qualified and patriotic men and women. As Senator, Martha will fight for the right of all Americans to serve their country openly, and the rights of all military families to be treated equally

[debbierlus]

33. I would recommend reading this before you vote for her - not smear, but hard truth

The ethics of Martha Coakley are revealed by this case. She should not hold a Senator's seat. Period.

http://www.examiner.com/x-14537-Albany-CPS-and-Family-Court-Examiner~y2009m9d4-Involvement-in-Amirault-case-makes-Martha-Coakley-unfit-to-replace-Ted-Kennedy-as-Senator

When Martha Coakley became district attorney of Middlesex County in 1999, the Amiraults were still in the news. But by this time hardly anyone believed they were guilty of the horrendous crimes they were alleged to have committed. In fact there was no evidence that anyone had abused any children in the Fells Acres Day Care.

But what did Martha Coakley do when the Parole Board voted unanimously (5-0) to pardon Gerald Amirault? She did everything in her power to see that he stayed in prison, including sending an assistant DA to oppose his release at the hearing. Coakley also went on talk shows to spout her views about his guilt. (Read about Martha Coakley's involvement in Cheryl Amirault's Plea Bargain also).

In a bid to be re-elected Governor of Massachusetts, Governor Jane Swift, rejected the Parole Board's decision. There is little doubt, however, that Martha Coakley's actions strengthened Governor Swift's resolve to deny Gerald Amirault's release from prison.

Governor Jane Swift sold Gerald Amirault's freedom for what she hoped would be another term as Governor of Massachusetts, but the voters chose Mitt Romney instead. Martha Coakley worked harder than Jane Swift to keep an innocent man in prison, seemingly for political advantage also.

If Senator Edward Kennedy was a lion in the cause of justice, and there is some debate about that, then Martha Coakley is a barn cat whose actions are based on primitive instinctual forces of political survival and savagery. Her lack of a sense of what constitutes justice and injustice makes Martha Coakley unfit to be a United States senator, particularly considering she would be filling Ted Kennedy's shoes.

[Sebastian Doyle]

10. If the DLC steals a seat that has been held by a Kennedy for over 50 years

That would truly be a sad day for Massachusetts :evilfrown:

[Alexander]

11. Hopefully Capuano will win.

He seems to have the only chance of defeating Martha Coakley, who is a DLC lightweight.

[debbierlus]

25. That's why I am posting here - to increase awareness

And, if people want to call and volunteer from their computers, that would be great as well!

[WilliamPitt]

12. "Crickets in here"

Not sure what your point is.

Not everyone on DU is from Massachusetts. Very few of us are, actually.

I am. Voting Capuano tomorrow.

But everyone else?

Crickets.

[debbierlus]

18. Are you serious, Will?

First, many DU'ers are from Massachusetts and it is a significant enough of a event to have it on the frontpage as a reminder for people to vote.

Second, if people want to add a Progressive Senator, progressives might want to spend a few hours volunteering to phone bank tomorrow. I had two Du'ers volunteer for Mike because I posted about him in general discussion just the other day!

Third, if people have friends and family in MA, they might want to remind them to vote. Many people here are probably the go to person for politics. Their calls could add considerably to his final tally tomorrow.

Fourth, this was Ted Kennedy's seat and it is a historic race for his replacement! People might want to chat about it.

The predictions for turn out in this race are depressingly low. We need to do what we can to up the numbers!

A little snide, Will. I am surprised at you!!

[WilliamPitt]

37. This thread has been read by 415 people.

Maybe 20% of whom live in MA.

I don't think your thread is swinging the election one way or the other. Sorry.

If you want to make a difference in the election tomorrow, you'd do better directing your energies elsewhere, i.e. outside. Call Capuano's campaign and volunteer to knock on doors or drive people to the polls.

Don't post threads about "crickets" on an online forum. That's only the outline of actually doing something.

Don't scold me. Do something besides use a keyboard.

Just sayin'. See you at the polls tomorrow, I hope.

[debbierlus]

44. Whatever Will

I was doing this in ADDITION to my other volunteer activities.

The fact that you feel compelled to even post to make a case against how posting on a democratic blog to gain visibility or votes is ineffective is just strange.

It is a easy, quick, and EFFECTIVE way to get a few more people to the polls, a donation, or even a few volunteers.

The fact that you feel compelled to lecture me on 'real' activism is bizarre.

I'll just sign off with the your snide last line.

Just sayin'. See you at the polls tomorrow, I hope.

Christ.

[WillyT]

13. K & R !!!

:kick:

[Mind_your_head]

16. I *know* a Capuano family.....

they're not very trustworthy, actually....in my experience. Their daughter is an obvious lying menace (and they let her get away with it)

Not the same capuano family....I'm sure.

Sorry to bring it up.

[debbierlus]

22. Smear tactic....Smear tactic

:)

[Mind_your_head]

26. It's not a smear....I TRULY KNOW a Capuano Family with w "devilish daughter'.....

that I'm struggling with....b/c the devilish daugher is one of my daugher's good friends (and I don't like this girlfriend).

I already stated that it may not be the same Capuano family...

Oye. :eyes: (It's 'hell' being a parent).....discerning and all.....I think I *fail* (do I gain any points for 'trying' to be aware?)

edit to add: I don't like this girlfriend

[debbierlus]

28. I believe you - I was kidding around, hence the smiley face!

:)

[horseshoecrab]

17. Been having a discussion in DU Massachusetts

I'm voting Capuano too. He is the best person for the job. Truly a good guy and a progressive democrat.


Everybody (in MA) VOTE!

:hi:

horseshoecrab

[debbierlus]

19. Bring it out here guys, for tonight and tomorrow. This race deserves General Discussion coverage

Tonight and tomorrow...

I think we should have talked about it more, here. I posted once to get volunteers from other states to join in and help elect a real progressive and two people signed on.

If people want to champion other candidates, they should do so as well. I feel strongly for Capuano and given the poll, it seems as if he would win the election of DU by a wide margin.

[Mind_your_head]

20. Who does Ted Kennedy's widow, Victoria support?

Who does Carolyn and the rest of Kennedy clan support?

TIA,
M_Y_H

[horseshoecrab]

31. The immediate family has not endorsed

(Immediate being Vikki, Patrick, Ted. Jr.)

Max K. (son of RFK) supports Khazei.

Patrick appeared a couple of days ago with and is working with Mike Capuano on legislation to lower usurious cc interest rates.


horseshoecrab

[unkachuck]

27. K&R....n/t

[janet118]

29. I'm leaning towards Capuano but . . .

I like Khazei. He has a lot of energy and great ideas but he is a newbie to the Washington scene. Of course, that could be a good thing - look at Franken. I've definitely ruled out Pagliuca and Coakley.

One thing I heard from a phone banker from Capuano's district is that he has really good constituent services. The biggest hole Kennedy left was that we no longer have a Senator who will actually take care of the people in his state. Kerry's office is not very helpful to the "little people." Also Capuano comes from a real working class background and has worked on legislation in Congress.

I really like Alan Khazei, though. Sigh, maybe I'll flip a coin tomorrow. Heads, it's Capuano; Tails, it's Khazei.

[debbierlus]

32. Remember, he voted against the Iraq war when it counted and that says a lot

Always remember, it was NOT popular to oppose the war back then.

He stood up on principle and that says something. And, getting connected with the people is crucial. If we can't have the Lion of the Senate anymore, at least we can have someone who will actually listen to us!

[horseshoecrab]

35. Capuano was against the Patriot Act

Another principled stand.


horseshoecrab

[Mind_your_head]

36. I don't doubt you, but can you provide proof of that position? eom

[horseshoecrab]

38. He voted against it

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2001/roll398.xml

works against it to this day.


horseshoecrab

[debbierlus]

45. Thanks horseshoecrab

[Starry Messenger]

40. K & R

[tmyers09]

41. Michigander pulling for Khazei.

[Mass]

42. Let's hope Capuano wins. We do not need another middle of the road in this seat,

We need to keep the few progressive seats we have.

(note: I like Khazei but think the votes should focus on Capuano in order to allow him to beat Coakley)

[debbierlus]

43. I like Khazei too. However, he is dead in the water - if voting for him means Coakley wins

It is no win for anyone

Capuano is our only hope of having any sort of progressive in the Senate.

I understand wanting to vote for Khazei, but I think people should seriously weigh out the political realities. I respect what they choose either way, but it should at least be considered.

A bit of a Nader quandry.

[Arkana]

57. Last I checked, being against DOMA and DADT

and championing equal rights for gay couples was a big no-no for anyone in the DLC.

[ruggerson]

61. +1

[unhappycamper]

46. I just got back from voting for Capuano.

Because only 5% ~ 7% of voters will show up, my vote may have the strength of 20.

[Alexander]

48. I convinced a friend of mine in MA to vote Capuano.

We'll see if he can pull out a victory tonight.

[debbierlus]

49. Thanks!

[debbierlus]

50. It is insane isn't it? All about turnout, turnout, turnout

Some of my female friends are driving me NUTS because they are voting on gender instead of issues...

That was their deciding point!

AUGH!

[debbierlus]

51. I can't believe threads about Tiger Woods are on fire

While this falls to the bottom....

Okay guys.

Golf. Sex. Adultery.

If you are in MA, vote! Turn out is REALLY low. EVERY vote counts!

MIKE CAPUANO IS THE GUY!

[CoffinEd]

53. Pulled (or filled in the oval) for Mike

Mike Capuano that is.

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

54. Voted for Mike!

As did Mr. Doggie. Freaky quiet at the polls, though.

[Arkana]

56. Heh.

Boston Channel's website totals:

Capuano: 3
Khazei: 3
Coakley: 2
Pagliuca: 1

That's all the votes?

(I voted for Martha Coakley) *dons flameproof suit*

[ruggerson]

58. But she's DLC

She opposes Obama's troop surge, she's to the left of the pack on social issues, strong on healthcare - but, hey, she's DLC!

[Arkana]

59. I'm absolutely fine with Mike Capuano as well. I just don't want

Steve Pagliuca to get anywhere near it.

[ruggerson]

60. I'm totally fine withi Capuano too

obviously it's a given a Dem will retain control of the seat. But I do find the hysterical "DLC" shouting about a good progressive to be amusing.

[Arkana]

62. Boston.com is showing a huge Coakley win right now.

[ruggerson]

64. GMTA

Was just there. Only 18% in however.

[Arkana]

65. AP has called the race for Coakley.

Scott Brown easily won the Republican primary.

[AllieB]

63. Voted for Capuano today.

:-)