Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community

BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Report and Call Out

by kid oakland
Thu Jul 27th, 2006 at 10:02:31 PM EST

Friends, yesterday we added 46 names to the 33 we already listed...for a total of 79 elected officials listed and categorized in the first phase of the Booman Tribune Electoral Politics Project. (Phase 2 will list candidatesand Phase 3 will list organizations.) To those who contributed, thank you so much.

79 is great. But it's not enough. I know we can do better...and if names 73 and 77 were Gavin Newsom and Ted Kennedy...it's a safe bet that there are many, many more progressive elected officials we've been missing. And that's the point, at the end of the day this project isn't about some arbitrary number or goal, but about great elected officials who deserve to be mentioned.

I have two points to make to you this morning.

First, anyone who is concerned about the issues we listed in our progressive platforms should be very concerned about adding names to this list. Are you for Election Reform? Then help us make the most complete list of elected officials who fight for that issue. Care about one or another of our Progressive Planks...the environment, education, tax reform, corporate reform, anti-war...but don't know more names off the top of your head? No one does. I've worked with people who do projects like this for living...they use existing databases, they use the net, they use trusted resources...hell, they use google! Which brings me to point two.

Second, we can all help by doing some research. It's easy. There are so many more great officials out there on ALL of the issues we've mentioned...and, to leave them off the list is just not fair. When I set the goal at 250, the "kid oakland challenge" it was because I just know that good things will come if we go deep and make this list as comprehensive as possible. We haven't even begun to scratch the surface...there are so many local elected officials who are deserving of wider recognition and a place on this list.

Let me talk about how we can add more names...

First, right off the bat, I want to encourage BooTrib researchers to use these resources and add their own:

Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute

Verified Voting endorsement list (Click on elected officials.)

Midwest Progressive Elected Officials Network with list of members.

Washington Post Congressional Voting Guide(h/t kansas)

Green Party Elected Officials

Common Cause on Election Reform and many other reform/accountability issues.

Progressive Punch. (A great resource for tracking national officials)

Politics 1 (A great State by State resource.).

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (We've got a good number of these Reps listed, but worth a look.)

the Urban League Mayor profiles

People for the American Way Young Elected Officials Network

Progressive Democrats of America

Progressive Majority

Now, you may ask me, if I don't know the politician up and down, how can I list them? First, many of these elected officials ARE well known. But, for myself, when I'm not fully familiar with someone...I research, I look up newspaper articles and provide links, I use referrals from progressive organizations. This process won't be a "perfect" expression of pure politics, that's not what it's meant to do...it's meant to generate a broad-based list that can be a resource for all of us.

Our goal is here to get as deep a list as possible. We want local names. We want "small fry" people that others might not have heard of, officials who we may well here much more from in the future! And since we're looking to teach each other, where we can...provide a link. So, an entry might look like this:

1. Lupe Valdez, Sheriff, Dallas TX, Equal Rights, Gay Rights

I know that I look stupid for setting a goal of 250 after only getting 33 names last Tuesday.

Well, I'm still here and we've got 79 names today...well within striking distance of the "small goal" of 100 names.

If you ask me, we will hit 250 and pass the "kid oakland challenge" today.

Now, that won't be because I'm a nag. (Okay, let's face it, it will partly be because I'm a nag.) We'll hit 250 names because this is a good project and we owe it to ourselves to put our netroots efforts where our politics are and leave no progressive elected official fighting for our platform behind.

BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Report and Call Out | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Repor (none / 1)

1. Emanuel Cleaver, US Rep, Mo. 5th

If nobody else has, I'll nominate Emmanuel Cleaver, US Rep, 5th District, Mo. For better or worse he votes a pretty much straight Dem ticket. On certain crucial progressive issues he is a firebrand. For instance, he is himself a very popular Afro-Amer protestant minister, and yet he is publically furious with his peers who inveigh against homosexuality. Here's something in The KC Star this morning. Please pardon the length, but it just feels good to read this:

Emanuel Cleaver is really angry

The House is expected to vote next week on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

In a provocative interview with The Star, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver - the only practicing minister in Congress - displayed an uncharacteristic, visceral anger about the amendment, which he opposes.

He's mad at Republicans for messing with a holy sacrament. And he's really mad at African Americans leaders who support the ban.

"I give Republicans credit," Cleaver said. "They have discovered that some African Americans will abandon their concern about and interest in issues that impact their congregations in favor of a candidate who speaks in opposition to homosexuality."

"The Voter ID card is way down the line. Doesn't matter that it will prevent many African Americans from voting. Their No. 1 issue becomes homosexuality...There needs to be some kind of sociological study to find out why African Americans are so intolerant on the issue of homosexuality. I don't know. People have talked about it for years."

"Was Jesus against this? Jesus never addressed it. But we do know Jesus was for love. That an inextricable part of the preaching of Jesus Christ was love...And I think many people who are so anti-homosexuality slip into a level of meanness that does not reflect well on Christianity."

Read more about Cleaver's take on the gay marriage ban in this weekend's Star.

My Website

by kansas on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 12:49:04 PM EST

Awesome (none / 0)

thanks for this...feel free to add more names.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 12:57:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Awesome (none / 0)

Straddling Ks. & Mo. Trying to be local first. Wracking brain.

My Website

by kansas on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 01:18:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Awesome (none / 0)

I'm struggling over whether to rec my own Congressman, Dennis Moore, Dem., 3rd District, Kansas. He's a member of the Blue Dogs. He almost always votes with the Dems--again, for better or worse--and he can be counted on to support Choice. But lately, in a year when for the first time he is not facing a tough re-election in this Republican district, he has taken some infuriating turns into pandering or worse--like lining up for the flag monstrosity and voting for the credit bill, for instance.

What do you think? Do you want him on for Choice, if nothing else?

My Website

by kansas on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 01:51:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I think it's your call... (none / 0)

as is every name on the list. We won't agree on every last name.

A friend and I have a "graded report card" for politicians. The more "progressive" your district, the more you're held to the "progressive standards".

In my view, someone who is a leader, who is able to lead in a way that is more "progressive" than their region or district get's HIGH marks. An elected official who "phones it in" and plays it safe and essentially fails to lead on progressive issues in a "progressive" district or region is letting all of us down.

This, of course, requires nuanced thinking. But, imo, it is the best way to hold politicians accountable and get out of the narrow trap of "purity."

I don't expect everyone I support to be "like me" or agree with me on every issue. But I do want them to show leadership and advance our Progressive Platform the best they can. That's the rationale I'm using for inclusion. I'm sure that I don't agree with Bill Gardner, New Hampshire's Democratic Secretary of State on every issue...but he signed the Verified Voting platform on Electronic Voting when many other SofStates did not.

That's leadership. That merits inclusion on our list, imo.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:24:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

More names for the hopper... (none / 0)

Bill Richardson, Governor, New Mexico, Election Reform, Environment.

Nancy Nadel, City Councilmember, Oakland, CA, Environmental Justice, Housing

Teresa Fedor, State Senator (126th), Ohio, Election Reform, Verified Voting

Bill Gardner, Secretary of State, New Hampsire, Verified Voting

Hannah Pingree, State Representative, Dist. 129, Maine, Verified Voting, Equal Rights

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 12:50:25 PM EST

Re: More names for the hopper... (none / 1)

Rep. Hannah Pingree is a Maine Clean Elections candidate (very progressive, but no donations allowed).

No Federal candidates allowed...fmi.

However, Jean Hay Bright for U.S. Senate (D-ME) can't tap the fund, so pls. add Jean to the list!

Jean was also endorsed by Bob Fertik's ImpeachPAC!

Thanks~

"If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice, have recognition for difference without attaching difference to privilege." bell hooks

by mainefem (mainefem@nospam.gmail.com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 03:35:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Thanks... (none / 0)

you bring up a good point.

This list isn't about donating money...(though someone conceivably could use it that way...so thanks for making note of this, and pointing out the Maine Clean Elections movement, like so much that I've learned in this process, I didn't know about it.)

...so much as it is about building a database and shared resources about three groups of progressives:

elected officials

candidates

organizations

We're in phase one, listing progressive elected officials wherever we might find them. Jean Bright looks like a great name for the candidates list. Thanks!

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 03:54:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Maine Clean Elections Act of **1996** (none / 0)

...was a citizen's initiative referenda (we're miles ahead of the rest of the country, in many regards).

One of two states who have it, BTW (AZ, to a certain extent).

It covers local, county, state, & Gubernatorial candidates...info is listed on the link above.

It does not cover federal candidates.

It's a wrangle each cycle to keep the funding alive, as its coffers have been raided in the past to cover the "budget shortfalls" re: general state revenue stream.

So, Hannah can't accept monies whatsoever, but Jean needs'em desperately.

Go figger.

As indicated here in this thread, Hannah was the primary sponsor of our verified voter law (it passed before the 2004 debacle).

What many progressive don't comprehend is that verified voter laws are a state-by-state issue; and there's no chance in hell a federal law will pass while the NeoFascists control all three branches of the gubmint.

Nada.

"If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice, have recognition for difference without attaching difference to privilege." bell hooks

by mainefem (mainefem@nospam.gmail.com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 04:15:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

hey k/o (none / 0)

don't we have any more progressives here at home? [I'm in the south bay]. I assume you're in Barbara Lee's district.

seems to me most of our local dems are socially liberal but corporate. at least here, "corporate" puts them on the right side of issues like net neutrality.

The Four Horsemen of Bushism: War, Corruption, Hypocrisy and Greed

by esquimaux (esquimaux1 at gmail dot com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 01:19:23 PM EST

You pose a good question (none / 0)

I've listed Ron Dellums, Nancy Nadel, Barbara Lee, to name three, in the elected officials list and plan on listing Sandree Swanson, Jerry McNerney and Aimee Allison in the candidates section.

But, yes, I was hoping to see more people put up many more Bay Area names. I hope folks aren't thinking that's "on me." I'm trying to spread the playing field here.

Fwiw, virtually the entire Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco City Councils are made up of folks who would be seen as very "progressive" pretty much anywhere else in the nation.

However, we progressives are very "picky" about whom we call progressive in communities with a liberal majority. Jerry Brown and Ignacio De La Fuente are left wing Democrats anywhere else in the nation, for example.

What about San Jose? And Fremont?

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 04:17:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You pose a good question (none / 0)

In that respect we cannot leave Tom Ammiano off the list either. He is a long time Board of Supervisors member for San Francisco. He is strong on gay rights, education, health care and just about every other progressive ideal out there.

There's a sense that people in America aren't getting the truth. - George W. Bush (Gee, ya think?)

by Kamakhya (onyx at earthlink dot net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 05:03:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

a couple more suggestions (none / 0)

no north bay people here? How'd we forget Lynn Woolsey? Congresswoman CA-6 (Sonoma), co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, proprietor of the Woolsey For Peace website. She also has good taste in enemies.

I believe Sam Farr in Monterey (Congressman CA-17) is considered an evironmental leader.

San Jose city politics seems to be pretty much about development, I don't know who there would be considered progressive.

I like my rep Anna Eshoo (CA-14) well enough, but I'm not sure I think she's "progressive".

The Four Horsemen of Bushism: War, Corruption, Hypocrisy and Greed

by esquimaux (esquimaux1 at gmail dot com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 09:16:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

and oh yeah (none / 0)

not in office any more (damn!), former CA State senator Byron Sher, a leading environmentalist for many years. I think he's the only term-limits casualty who I actually miss. (Jackie Speier may go on that list).

I know this is about counting officials and candidates, but I can always hope he'll run for something again :)

The Four Horsemen of Bushism: War, Corruption, Hypocrisy and Greed

by esquimaux (esquimaux1 at gmail dot com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 09:26:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: (none / 0)

I've been thinking some more about this and two thoughts come to mind.

Integrity. As an ex-Chicagoan, I could name a lot of relatively progressive candidates who are somewhat tainted by machine politics and/or corruption. I don't want to recommend anyone who is progressive but lacks integrity.
Maybe we need two tiers of candidates like progressive "all-stars" and merely really good progressives. I'm loathe to nominate Durbin after his take down of the grassroots in IL-06, but he's a lot better than most on most issues. Is there such a thing as progressive probation?

If you want things to get better, be prepared to deal with change.

by Kahli on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 01:35:33 PM EST

If Durbin doesn't cut the mustard... (none / 0)

then find some other names!!

They are out there. And the more local, the easier it is to factor in regional differences in politics.

Progressive means different things in different places. We won't all agree on anything. (Bill Richardson may not be "progressive" on all things...but he's visibly pushed two issues that will make a difference, imo, the environment and election reform.)

And, taking election reform, I'd say that any elected official who signed on to the Verified Voting resolution on Electronic Voting counts.

Why not research more on that list? Or any of the other resources I've listed?

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:08:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If Durbin doesn't cut the mustard... (none / 0)

Okay, but what about the corruption issue. Since you've mentioned Richardson twice, and since I now reside in NM, I can say that the aroma of cronyism around him is at times intense.

If you want things to get better, be prepared to deal with change.

by Kahli on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:20:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

LIke I said... (none / 0)

if you want to just debate and knock down...then we get nowhere.

We're going backwards. Okay, so we take Richardson off without proposing someone new? (Did you read the link from Verified Voting?)

I say, let's ADD names...let's research and include more elected officials before we debate REMOVING them. That will give context.

Fwiw, I can handle debate...but piety w/o productive, constructive contribution is pretty frustrating.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:30:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: LIke I said... (none / 1)

Okay. I was one of the first to submit names. I had done so twice before this comment of yours and I went and did some research and did another one.

I was asking what I thought were legitimate questions, especially since I think this is a great project and I would like to see it succeed. I'm sorry you feel my requests for clarification were inappropriate. Enjoy your project. I'm done.

If you want things to get better, be prepared to deal with change.

by Kahli on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:36:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm sorry... (none / 0)

I'm just frustrated, and I should have said so.

I definitely don't want you to abandon this project...and welcome any name you put forward and am grateful for all you've helped.

I hope you reconsider, and I apologize for coming off defensive.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:40:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm sorry... (none / 0)

Okay. I understand your frustration. I really don't know why people aren't jumping all over this.

If you want things to get better, be prepared to deal with change.

by Kahli on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 03:27:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Whew! Thanks for understanding... (none / 0)

I guess projects like this aren't everone's cup of tea.

I do feel pretty strongly, however, that:

a) the end result will prove very worthwhile
b) the process of building a list like this is very educational. (I know it has been for me.)

To be frank, I'm constantly surprised by how little I know...once I get my feet wet.

It's not enough for us progressives to simply push for our platform on blogs where most everyone agrees with us...we need to support and educate about our candidates, our elected officials and our organizations. I hope this project can play a part in that.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 04:03:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Further (none / 0)

what do you expect, that we elect Progressives and then don't do OUR JOB of keeping them honest and giving them citizen input? There's no free ride.

I'm fine on criticizing Richardson on cronyism. I welcome it, but would appreciate evidence over innuendo. But, let's be real...we're making a list of politicians, of elected officials.

NONE of them are pure. ZERO. Last I checked, none of US are either.

It's better to add, to enunciate, in my view, that's all. There are SO many more great elected officials out there.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:37:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If Durbin doesn't cut the mustard... (none / 0)

Hannah Pingree looks pretty cool.

by BooMan on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:21:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If Durbin doesn't cut the mustard... (none / 1)

Lisa Madigan: Illinois Attorney General (civil rights, women's rights, environment)

If you want things to get better, be prepared to deal with change.

by Kahli on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:32:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I didn't see this (none / 0)

when I made the comment above. Thank you, again, for adding to this list.

Lisa Madigan does seem like she has good local support and has attracted national attention.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:56:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Another resource (none / 0)

WaPo has a database of How They Voted. It's really easy to use:

VOTES:

My Website

by kansas on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 01:52:38 PM EST

More really GREAT elected officials for you... (none / 0)

The point of this project is for all of us to learn and build a resource. Try these folks:

April Fairfield, State Senator, 58th, North Dakota, Agriculture (Genetically modified foods, Corporate Reform)

Nan Orrock, Georgia, State Representative (D-56), Civil Rights, Equal Rights, multi-racial Coalition building, running for State Senate.

Adam Kline, State Senator, Washington, Civil Rights, Privacy, Civil Liberties

David Bieter, Mayor, Boise, Idaho, "New Cities" Mayor, Smart Growth, Progressive Government

Dave Cieslewicz, Mayor, Madison, WI, "New Cities" Mayor, Housing, Minimum Wage

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 02:01:15 PM EST

workin' on it (none / 0)

I posted this in the wrong thread, so here 'tis again:

This won't help you make your goal today, but I do have calls in to a former Mo. legislator and a Ks. activist to talk this over with them. I'll post their lists as soon as I get them.

My Website

by kansas on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 03:24:49 PM EST

Rep. Hannah Pingree (none / 0)

Yes, Hannah sponsored our verified voting legislation; however, as a Clean Elections candidate, she is unable to accept financial donations.

Thanks~

Her Mom is Chellie Pingree, BTW.

"If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice, have recognition for difference without attaching difference to privilege." bell hooks

by mainefem (mainefem@nospam.gmail.com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 03:45:56 PM EST

More, more, more... (none / 0)

Bob Kiss, Mayor, Burlington, Vermont, Vermont Progressive Party, Progressive Government, Social Democracy

Mark Begich, Mayor, Anchorage, Alaska, "New Cities" Mayor, a Blue Democrat in a Red State

Mark Miller, State Senator, (16th District) Wisconsin, Health Care, Midwest Progressive Elected Officials Network

David Cicilline, Mayor, Providence, Rhode Island, First Openly Gay Mayor of a State Capital, Government Reform

Alisha Morgan, State Senator, Georgia Dist. 39, People for the American Way Young Elected Officials Network, Civil Rights (Georgia Voter ID provision)

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 03:48:23 PM EST

Re: more names (none / 1)

Patricia Madrid currently New Mexico Attorney General. Running for NM-01.(Anti-war, fair taxation)

David Coss, Mayor of Santa Fe, NM. (Environment, workers rights)

If you want things to get better, be prepared to deal with change.

by Kahli on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 04:56:51 PM EST

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Rep (none / 0)

OK kid, I haven't seen any Indiana submissions yet, so here are mine. It's difficult to find progressives in this red state, but there are a few.

Julia Carson, house IN-7, equal rights, poverty, environment.

Pete Visclosky, house IN-1, retirement, health care, education.

Neither is "out front" much if at all, but their votes are consistently progressive.

Vi Simpson, Indiana Senate 40, health care, education, environment, civil rights.

Vi is my state senator. She has been in the senate since 1984, and is a member of the budget committee. She is often "out front" on the issues and I feel lucky to have her as a senator.

Mark Kruzan, Bloomington, IN mayor, environment, equal rights.

Mark is a former state legislator, 1986 - 2002 and was House Majority Leader for 6 years.

Finally, I wanted to add challenger Barry Welsh, (living wage, health care) to my list. He's facing Mike Pence, IN-6 in November and is giving Pence a hard time. Barry and his wife have both posted diaries here at BT.

Here's an informative place to check incumbent voting patterns.

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 06:31:46 PM EST

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project (none / 0)

Here's a group of Minnesota's finest:

Minneosta State Senator John Marty - campaign finance reform, environment, education, health care.

Minnesota State Senator Ellen Anderson - health care, education, environment, urban issues. Ellen is one of my very favorite politicians of all time. I HOPE that one day she will be our governor.

Minnesota State Senator Jane Ranum - health care, environment, education, urban issues. Unfortunately, I just learned that Jane will not be running for re-election this year. But I wanted to mention her anyway.

Minnesota State Senator Sandy Pappas - Education, environment, health care

Doesn't information itself have a liberal bias? Steven Colbert

by NLinStPaul on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 07:45:48 PM EST

another resource (none / 0)

Congressional Progressive Caucus. We can argue about who's progressive enough; these are the elected officials who use the word themselves. A lot of them have already been mentioned above, like B. Lee, Conyers, Waters, Woolsey, Farr, Jackson Jr, Kucinich, Frank... but there are plenty I hadn't heard of (62 total including a couple I have heard of who I'd call "centrist").

The Four Horsemen of Bushism: War, Corruption, Hypocrisy and Greed

by esquimaux (esquimaux1 at gmail dot com) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 10:08:14 PM EST

Agreed (none / 0)

I've had this list up in my link resources...and am really surprised that more folks haven't included some of these names.

Personally, I think the "progressive enough" debate is emblematic of a problem we progressives have. We're always worried: "God forbid we stand behind someone who isn't...in total agreement with us on everything."

I mean, here's a list of Reps who actually call themselves "progressive" and half of them aren't on our list.....yet.

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Sun Jul 16th, 2006 at 11:09:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

List of candidates at DFA, (none / 0)

I don't know if it is wise to post that group here or not. There are some great folks listed. There is a lot of info about each and their website is listed.

Just thought I would mention it.
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/dfa-list.php

Many candidates post at the blog also.

http://blogforamerica.com/

by floridagal on Mon Jul 17th, 2006 at 02:21:43 AM EST

Totally fine....except (none / 0)

this is the elected officials list, not candidates....

This upcoming week we work on elected officials!

k/o

by kid oakland (kidoakland<AT>comcast<DOT>net) on Mon Jul 17th, 2006 at 03:11:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Repor (none / 0)

Claire McCaskill, Mo. State Auditor, Dem.,(currently also running for US Senate against Jim Talent); stem cell research (big in Mo. right now), health care, other progressive issues.

My Website

by kansas on Mon Jul 17th, 2006 at 08:43:04 AM EST

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Repor (none / 0)

If they're good enough for The Nation, they're good enough for me . . .

Progressive City Leaders

Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor, Los Angeles, sunshine provisions, affordable housing
Rocky Anderson, Mayor, Salt Lake City, environment, equal rights, living wage
Pegeen Hanrahan, Mayor, Gainesville, FL, environment, smart growth
Elaine Fleming, Mayor, Cass Lake MN, environment, equal rights
Ross Mirkarimi, City Supervisor, San Francisco, equal rights, affordable housing, small business/fair competition
JoAnn Watson, Council member, Detroit, city services, corporate reform
Bill Perkins, Council member, New York City, privacy, living wage, equal rights
John Herrera, Alderman, Carrboro NC, equal rights, affordable housing

Taking It to the States: Fighting the Right at Home

Ted Koffman, State Representative, Bar Harbor ME, environment, smart growth
Jim Marzilli Jr., State Representative, Arlington MA, tax reform, living wage, environment

Local Heroes: Eight State Legislators Who Are Making a Difference

Richard Alarcón, State Senator, Los Angeles CA, anti-poverty, corporate reform
Senfronia Thompson, State Representative, Houston TX, equal rights
Mark Pocan, State Representative, Madison WI, prison reform, sunshine provisions
David Zuckerman, State Representative, Burlington VT, agriculture, living wage, campaign reform
Nan Orrock, State Representative, Atlanta GA, health care, equal rights
April Fairfield, State Representative, Eldridge ND, agriculture, environment
Adam Kline, State Senator, Seattle WA, privacy, criminal justice system reform
Ethan Strimling, State Senator, Portland ME, environment, health care, tax reform, anti-war

Urban Archipelago: Progressive Cities in a Conservative Sea

Dennis "Boog" Highberger, Mayor, Lawrence KS, smart growth, city services, equal rights
Dave Cieslewicz, Mayor, Madison WS, environment, smart growth
Joe Moore, Alderman, Chicago, living wage
Larry Agran, City Council, Irvine CA, child care, affordable housing, environment

Additional resources for urban politics:

New Cities Project

Cities for Progress

by TGeraghty on Tue Jul 18th, 2006 at 02:33:13 AM EST

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Repor (none / 0)

This such a great idea! I'd like to nominate Peter Goldmark who's running in Washington State in the 5th District. I've heard Peter speak as well as chatted with him at a local BBQ fundraiser. He's the real deal in an area which has historically trended red. He's up against a Republical incumbant, but has managed this last quarter to garner $100,000 more than his opponent in contributions! Peter is an eastern Washington rancher with a doctorate in molecular biology from UC Berkeley. He went to Harvard for a post doctoral fellowship and runs a small research project out of his ranch. The website is at http://www.votepetergoldmark.com Address is Box 1512, Spokane, WA 99211 with a phone of (509) 838-4888. I believe he's set up at ActBlue.
Peter has come out in favor of stem cell research, has a great environmental approach (hands on) is willing to fight for health care and energy issues. The ranch, from what I understand is family run, with his dad and kids and if you've ever seen a wheat farm in eastern Washington you'd know that it's a testiment to hard working, real family values alongside some smart business choices.
Mostly, when I watched and listened to him at the BBQ I was struck by his ability to zero in with people, listen and comeback with actions not spinspeak. He's the real deal and is worth supporting full on.

No Hillary, you were outspent by the people not the Obama campaign.

by mainsailset (rideback@gmail.com) on Fri Jul 21st, 2006 at 09:20:49 PM EST

Add Donna Frye (none / 0)

councilwoman, 6th district, City of San Diego

She has fought hard for open government, fiscal responsibility, environmental issues (especially related to water and wetlands), and grass roots democracy.

She has often been the only vote on council in favor of integrity, openness and fiscal responsibility.

I can personally vouch for her character

her bio http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd6/about/index.shtml

by Heart of the Rockies on Sat Jul 22nd, 2006 at 08:22:05 PM EST

Mark Ritchie: MN Sec. of State (none / 0)

Mark ran the November 2nd Project in 2004 and founded the Insitute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, an organization that focuses on small-scale, family, and sustainable agriculture. They've been intimately involved with Fair Trade & Peace Coffee.

by northcountry on Thu Jul 27th, 2006 at 08:27:17 PM EST

Withdraw Erik Fleming? (none / 0)

It has come to my attention that Erik FLeming D-MS, who is running against Trent Lott for U.S. Senate endorsed Lyndon LaRouche for President in 2004 and has been friendly with him and his supporters for some years now. I do not know much about LaRouche, but we might want to reconsider putting Fleming on our list of candidates. If I added him in haste, without knowing something that may offend someone, I apologize. I did it because I disagree with Trent Lott about everything he stands for. It seemed appropriate to put Fleming in our list. He does have progressive positions on all the important issues, but apparently the Democratic Party is not supporting him, though he won the primaries fair and square.

Again I don't lnow much about LaRouche, but it seems he has a bad name over some issues or another that I am not aware of. I have always thought that his followers were kooky, but not sure what the problems with him were/are. Can someone help me out here?

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead

by blueneck on Fri Jul 28th, 2006 at 08:53:33 AM EST

Re: Withdraw Erik Fleming? (none / 1)

Fleming is also a major abstinence education advocate. LaRouche is a strange dude with a really tangled history.

Before blogs, his subsidized investigative journalists did a lot of important work. Unfortunately, they never abided by anything approaching jounalistic standards. I linked to a LaRouche source yesterday (about Rummy possibly attending the Beaver Creek conference) and that was the first time I've ever done it because they are not credible sources. However, they usually have a basis in fact and can be useful for steering you to information.

by BooMan on Fri Jul 28th, 2006 at 09:48:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Withdraw Erik Fleming? (none / 0)

Fleming's website does not list any issues, but I found this at the Jackson Free Press website.

Last week, Senate Bill 2922, which was intended to make a mother listen to a fetal heart beat and view a sonogram of the baby she could possibly choose to abort, was amended in the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, to ban all abortions in the state except when the life of the mother is in medical danger. I successfully amended the bill to include rape and incest as mitigating factors in allowing an abortion. The bill passed, as amended, 94-25. I voted for the amended bill. The Senate will probably concur with the bill this week and Governor Barbour has said he will sign it. Our bill, because of my amendment, is different than South Dakota's, therefore the SCOTUS will have two different laws to review when the issue comes before the court within the next two years. The ACLU of Mississippi and the National Women's Health Organization are meeting to plan legal strategies once the governor signs the bill.[emphasis mine]

Therefore, I do not want to support him as a 'progressive' candidate. I hereby WITHDRAW HIS NAME from our pool.

Sorry everyone, I should have been more rigorous in doing my research. A lump of coal would be better than Lott, but this guy Fleming doesn't deserve any special support from us, IMO.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead

by blueneck on Fri Jul 28th, 2006 at 03:08:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BMT Electoral Politics Project: (none / 0)

George Miller, Dem-CA, Seventh District
Terrific! I am happy everytime I read about something he's done, some way he's voted.
He posts on TPM Cafe!
He fights for working people. I am grateful he's out there, and that I live in his district. He opposes the culture of corruption, he is against the war-- he's terrific.
http://www.house.gov/georgemiller/
Also-- the
Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club
-- very active in East Bay-Berkeley CA
http://democraticrenewal.us/
(I am a member of the Voters Rights Task Force of the Wellstone Demo Renewal Club)
sandra yolles

syolles

by syolles on Fri Jul 28th, 2006 at 01:17:03 PM EST

BMT Electoral Politics Project: Progress Report and Call Out | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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