Thanks for posting this. It's very important that people hear from Howard. I've been very concerned reading comments like this on the blogosphere:

I was all set to donate money to the democrats today because of Dean's one-year anniversary, but now this! Looks like I'll be spending my $50 elsewhere.

I think it's very important that the word is spread that the DNC didn't have a role to play in this.

If the DNC had nothing to with it, then they should be contacting the senators and representatives who did and chewing them out. I thought our gaol was to win and now they screw it all up. This is ridiculous. Why can't our party get it together. We will never win majority or presidency again.

Down With Tyranny says:

I sent Hackett a contribution when he ran against Schmidt last summer and I would have done the same for whomever the Democratic primary voters chose to represent them against Mike DeWine. But we'll never know who the voters would have chosen because the Inside the Beltway party bosses, as is their wont, have driven Hackett out of the race.

OK Howard, if Paul Hackett wasn't pressured into withdrawing by the DNC then who the hell did?? One of the best candidates we could possibly have for the US Senate and the DNC hasn't done anything to support him, they just leave him to the whim of failed local political operatives who have let Ohio become dominated by Republicans?? Come on, who are you trying to kid??

Let us remember that Paul Hackett was part of the "Fighting Dems for Congress"

My letter to Reid and Schumer:

I am disappointed and deeply troubled by the treatment of Paul Hackett by the leadership of Senate Democrats. Major Hackett was encouraged to enter the race against DeWine by the leadership. After being assured that Sherrod Brown was not interested in the Senate race, Major Hackett announced his candidacy, worked hard to get his message out, and collected contributions from grass-roots supporters all over the country, including myself. Moved by Hackett’s powerful campaign for Congress in 2004, many people outside of Ohio were excited by race and supported Hackett’s campaign in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately, the story does not have a happy ending. We first learn that Sherrod Brown was encouraged to enter the race after Hackett launched his campaign, forcing a mutually destructive primary contest. I am not sure what genius in the Democratic Party decided to abandon a Congressional seat held by Sherrod Brown and then create a destructive contest primary that would involve two refreshingly issue-oriented candidates. Next, we learn that Hackett is dropping out of the race, effectively pushed out by the Senate leadership.

I hope you can you understand my dismay at the Hackett saga. I hope you are not shocked at the disappointing results of recent elections. This disgrace will not be forgotten.

From the DFA blog:

..."We changed the debate on the Iraq War, we inspired countless veterans to continue their service by running for office as Democrats and we made people believe again. We must continue to believe.

Remember, we must retool our party. We must do more than simply aspire to deliver greatness; we must have the commitment and will to fight for what is great about our party and our country; Peace, prosperity and the freedoms that define our democracy.

Rock on.

Paul Hackett"

---------------------
This doesn't sound to me like someone who is abandoning the Democratic Party. This sounds like someone who believes that we need to change the Democratic Party from within and intends to keep fighting. Changing the party was one of the main reasons Howard Dean ran for President. And it will happen... but not if progressive people give up because of disappointments like this one.

If the Democratic Party is going to change, it will be BECAUSE of the progressives not giving up.

like i have said before i am not a democrat because of the great track record of bravery and vision offered by the party for the last twenty five years. i am a democrat because the alternative party is out to destroy everything i believe in that has to do we the social fabric of life. i think the fact that a guy like hackett gets so much press and so much grass roots energy and then is basically dumped by the party leaders is a very big screw up. but i will be supporting whoever the democrats run because the alternative is so awful. but i won't forget the lame alito fight, the patriot act cave in, and so on.

so what are you and the rest of the leadership going to do about this evil budget of bush's, doctor dean? is this not worthy of a filibuster either? it has a provision to slide social security rape past the american people and of course stomps on widows, orphans and so on...

I posted this over at Blog for America because some bloggers were faulting Gov. Dean, the DNC, Democrats, or the Democratic Party without distinguishing who is in change of what. I'm unhappy also about this heavy-handedness of the DCCC and DSCC.

"What they did to Paul Hackett and OUR party's democratic process stinks! Reid, Schumer, and Emanuel show that they don't like a fight and fighters and primaries. Don't blame Howard - it's not his job. His job is to remodel the party from the grassroots up. Just like Hacket said, "Remember, we must retool our party."

The DNC is not in charge of picking candidates. Gov. Dean can't show preference between candidates competing for the Democratic Party nomination.

You are thinking of the DCCC Chairman: Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL). Or DSCC Chairman: Sen. Charles Schumer.
Go find the tab for OUR PARTY AND OUR LEADERS on the DNC web site."

http://www.democrats.org/a/party/ourleaders.html

Posted by paige on February 14, 2006 at 12:30 PM

The DNC would have supported whoever won the primary.

The larger point to remember is that the DNC didn't pressure Hackett to withdraw. It was Chuck Schumer (DSCC), Harry Reid, and Rahm Emmanuel (DCCC). They were the ones who pressured Hackett to drop out.

It's "We the People" not "Chuck, Harry & Rahm."

Why have you run Paul Hackett out of the Senate Race? It seems that you really do not want change. Paul Hackett could have been President in time and was a very good candidate for Senate. Who made this back room deal to run him off? Should we all be run off from the Democratic Party Too? Also who made the deal not to run anyone against Richard Lugar of Indiana. He is running uncontested for Senate and the Democratic Party is doing nothing about it.
What is going On here?
Blue Star Father

I agree with lw...

We can't just be ready to up and quit the party when the old leaders do something we don't like. Instead, what we should be doing is making sure we get rid of as many Republicans as possible and replacing them with as many good Democrats as possible, and I believe that Mr. Brown is a good Democrat. If we can maximize the number of good Democrats we have in elected office in all facets, then I believe the leadership problem will self-correct.

Hackett said the Dems that pressured him into getting out were Reid and Schumer/the DSCC. It may be seeing things through rose-colored glasses but I think Dean has enough of a track record that he should be taken at his word on this. As others have said, this must remind Dean at least a bit of his own treatment in '03/'04.

Mary, good point on organizational flow charts. Missed point on the gestalt of the Democratic Party.

Perhaps the whole team ( DNC,DLC,DFA,DCCC,DSCC,etc.) could learn from this news article. You can't finesse courage, unity and vision just like you can't buy a bigger....well....you know...

Penis enlargement surgery a waste of time: study
Mon Feb 13, 2006 7:07 PM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Thanks to the incessant spam, it's become the most hyped of all operations but researchers said on Tuesday that most men who have had penis enlargement surgery are not satisfied with the results.

About Paul Hackett - you can't even know how deeply disappointed I am to hear that Paul Hackett dropped out of the Ohio Senatorial race --- and I don't even live in Ohio! I live in Indiana. We need someone like him in the Senate in Ohio and Indiana. I can't believe party big wigs would do this and force him out -- just the kind of s.o.s. we are use to regardless of the party. Sickened. Probably no more $ from me.

What are you doing Howard? Why have you run Paul Hackett off?

Posted by Ian28 on February 14, 2006 at 12:52 PM

It's given many Dean supporters flashbacks, that's for sure.

Dear Gov. Dean

That is not how Paul Hackett puts it - "Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign." Paul says "party leaders". In the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning the printed a comment by Paul - ""This is an extremely disappointing decision that I feel has been forced on me," Hackett said, noting that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and New York Senator Charles Schumer recently had asked him to withdraw."

I would suggest that the DNC keep old time politicians such as Reid and Schumer closed up.

Until this party becomes honest and forward and drops the politics of old we will be at the mercy of the "W"s. No wonder Ohio has Gov. Taft, with Domocratic leadership calling the shots.

What. The. Hell.

I'm so frustrated by this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I will twist my brain around both Howard's message and that of this Kos diary. They are seemingly strangely full of hope and sunshine... but I kept seeing this in the Kos diary in response to the worst messages of how the party was broken beyond hope: "That's great news!"

I kept thinking "What a schmo! It's BROKEN, don't you get it?" Then I finally got what he/she was saying... the more broken it is, the easier it is for people who care to take it over.

Now is our time.

Thursday, when I go to the county seat to deliver my petitions in lieu of filing on behalf of my district's candidate, I will also be picking up one for myself to run for precinct captain of my district's committee.

Is IS broke, and I'm gonna help fix it.

This Hackett BS almost made me give up, but I'm getting my head around the idea that the more busted it is, the easier it is for people who care to step in and make it what WE want it to be.

Don't say "they should..."

Say "I will..."

Yes, I too was upset about the Alito loss and now this heavy-handedness with Hackett, but it's the same fight we progressives keep fighting. We want our party back. We honor FDR. We like government; we're good at it and don't apologize for good governance. There are factions in the Democratic Party and our faction, the progressive, hasn't been in leadership for a very long time. Our party has its progressives, populists, liberals, conservatives, too, and corporatists. Quit when one battle is lost? There is no sense in quitting or refusing to contribute to the DNC or refusing to go to our local precinct meetings. We want more democracy, not less involvement. Have you bought a Democracy Bond yet? Or sold one? Be glad we have in Howard Dean a true leader and fighter for democracy.

I realize how upset you guys are about Paul but I look at it this way. If Paul really wanted to run, why didn't he continue the race, go to the people of Ohio and say, hey this is what is happening, I need your support, please send money, let's let the people decide.

Why did he feel the need to quit?

And what is the problem with Sherrod Brown, I mean, it's not like Hackett was fighting some DINO.

It seems that feeling I have glommed from the various blogs is that Democrats (in terms of the base) are spoiling more for a intra-party fight than a fight with the Republicans (which most officholders seem to hold); not only that, but a total clash of styles (get one candidate rolling towards the general instead having it out in the primary with a big field). And it's not like the DNC itself or the DSCC could just command Hackett to withdraw. Hackett himself decided to withdraw, after probably some prodding and just assesing the situation himself.

I think its really dangerous that those who supported Hackett (I was personally ambivalent to this primary because I feel either candidate I could vote for if I were in Ohio) will get SO angry that they end up fufilling their prophecy of Brown losing to DeWine buy not participating in the general election. I think it is imperative that, in the case that the general Democratic candidate is a good candidate, that we all do what we can to support said good candidate, because in the end, we need good Democrats in effective power, plain and simple.

Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign.

But there was no quid pro quo. I will not be running in the Second Congressional District nor for any other elective office. This decision is final, and not subject to reconsideration.

I told the voters from the beginning that I am not a career politician and never aspired to be—that I was about leadership, service and commitment.

Similarly, I told party officials that I had given my word to other good Democrats, who will take the fight to the Second District, that I would not run. In reliance on my word they entered the race. I said it. I meant it. I stand by it. At the end of the day, my word is my bond and I will take it to my grave.

Thus ends my 11 month political career. Although it is an overused political cliché, I really will be spending more time with my family, something I wasn't able to do because my service to country in the political realm continued after my return from Iraq. Perhaps my wonderful wife Suzi said it best after we made this decision when she said "Honey, welcome home." I really did marry up.

To my friends and supporters, I pledge that I will continue to fight and to speak out on the issues I believe in. As long as I have the microphone, I will serve as your voice.

It is with my deepest respect and humility that I thank each and every one of you for the support you extended to our campaign to take back America, and personally to me and my family. Together we made a difference. We changed the debate on the Iraq War, we inspired countless veterans to continue their service by running for office as Democrats and we made people believe again. We must continue to believe.

Remember, we must retool our party. We must do more than simply aspire to deliver greatness; we must have the commitment and will to fight for what is great about our party and our country; Peace, prosperity and the freedoms that define our democracy.

Rock on.

Paul Hackett

Howard,
Your response to this situation is INADEQUATE. Especially considering all the press this event is receiving. It reads like a carefully composed press statement. If I felt like wasting ink, I could print it and underline all the "talking points."

As an Ohioan who lives in Mr. Dewine's district, I can tell you that Sherrod Brown is not popular, not well liked, and not particularly respected by the electorate at large. Maybe his deeper pockets and cronyism appeal to guys like Reid and Schumer who apparently believe that Brown can defeat Dewine, but hasn't he tried before?

And doesn't it occur to you or anybody in this spineless excuse for a political party that maybe "same old, same old" isn't what's needed now?

I agree with Tim Dickinson of Rolling Stone:

"Sherrod Brown? He is nothing if not a "safe choice."
Committing to a candidate like Hackett means committing to changing business as usual -- and despite their mounting losses, the Democratic establishment seems to have an unholy commitment to the status quo."

I am not a large contributor, but I've contributed both time and money to the democrats in the past, always hoping that maybe they'll use a little of the money for spine-implants.

Stop trying to straddle fences. And if you must use talking points, at least spend a little time developing good ones.

Do you, Howard, ever reply to any of the comments posted? If so, I'd like a reply. I'd like you to explain to me and all the other disapointed Democrats in Ohio. And a genuine reply, please. Leave the talking points for those fellows at Fox News.

You should be busy on the phone, or even already traveling Ohio to grovel, apologize and beg Paul Hackett to re-enter the race. But I hope you'll find time to read the comments posted and maybe time to compose a response.

I'll await your reply, but as usual, I don't expect much.

I am a VET

A VET friend of MINE posted this to me about Hackett

I'm starting to think "Indie" these days unless someone gets a handle on the thing. I thought Howard Dean would bring something to the party but I'm not sure of anything anymore, except the barrage of requests to give money.

IS THIS ALL YOU CARE ABOUT??? What about ethics??? Honesty?? fk the money!

OUT

Blue - the bottom line is which one will beat the republican... the answer was simple. Paul just didn't have the support. It's better to come to terms with it now then wait until later when we're on the doorstep of the elections.

How can we effectively criticize the Bush bunch for their cronyism when Democrats pull stunts like this? Congressional Democrats need to understand that the party base doesn't want this sort of manipulation. Congressional Democrats are letting the party down. They need to be standing for what is right for the American People -- not burying their heads in the sand and continuing to play old political games. I would have been happy to donate to Hackett, but Sherrod won't get a penny from me. It reeks of the dirty politics that we expect from the right.

Posted by Tebbiki on February 14, 2006 at 01:19 PM

"I also want you to know that it is the policy of the Democratic National Committee not to intervene in contested primaries."--Howard Dean

The DNC has nothing to do with this. It was the DSCC and DCCC, along with Harry Reid. Vent your spleen to those guys.

I live in Ohio.
I will be voting for Brown in May and November.
I don't think Brown is a DINO (far from it on some if not most issues).
I will be very pleased if he beats DeWine. But...
I think Brown may get hammered in southern Ohio, SE Ohio, and the area around Cincinnati.
The ends -- Dem faces in the Senate -- don't automatically justify the means -- the treatment by the DSCC and Reid (NOT DEAN) of Hackett.
This is not OK.

Here in Az the news report on Air America radio specifically pointed to Schumer. The report said Paul was VERY SADDENED by this turnabout against him since Schumer was one of those originally encouraging him to get INTO the race. It says Paul will likely NEVER get into politics again.
I flew out of my chair in fury to my computer. Damn you and way to GO Schumer! How many Dems will that move bring to the POLLS! And how many dollars will that bring to our party?! I heard a recent news report of a big Dem Senate war chest (run by Schumer). But Schumer and other Washington inbreds, and that's exactly what they are -the same ones who FORCED Kerry on us, (no disrespect intended)are about to force on us another well funded but weakly run election with absolutely no new blood. AGAIN! And especially in OHIO where reform is sorely needed.
If Schumer and his gang want to flash their money around how about buying us a new Senator in Nebraska instead. Its the votes and voters and RESPECT we need. Not money and titles.

Gov. Dean should urge the creation of new leaders in this party. Schumer Reid Pelosi and Hoyer and Imanuel are good Dems but just don't show the necessary 'fierceness' and credibility we all crave.
We need real representation by the Deans, Gores(!), Feingolds(!), Obamas, Clintons and Durbins. Their voices express the strength and conviction of the Real Democratic Party too long hidden by the status quo.

Sad, Sad, Sad.

Sherrod Brown should have never entered the race. I suspect Schumer was behind this whole fiasco.

All Americans are tired of career politicians. Schumer's stupidity on this issue shows us why Democratic politicians are losers.

I was dumbfounded when I heard about this. If the DNC wasnt involved in running off Paul Hackett, then I suggest to you Gov. Dean to explain to Schumer and Reid just how angry we are. I'm not from Ohio, I'm in California and I'm just plain pissed off. The reason Paul Hackett gave us beaten down democrats hope was because he had the guts to speak the truth no matter what. We've had 'business as usual' democrats for the past 5+ years and look where it's gotten us. I dont care that Sherrod Brown is established and has name recognition. It's deplorable that Schumer and Reid can decide who THEY want to run, screw the voters. This is just wrong.

I am also disgusted by the treament of Paul Hacket. He deserved better! I think we need new leadership in the Senate. Harry Reid has done nothing but bring the democratic party down. He needs to be replaced. we need NEW blood in the house and senate, down with the old, man! Doing business as usual will not save us from the repugs. Damn Harry Reid and Schumer. Stand down and let those who have the GUTS to lead take over our party. You are part of the ol boys network in washington. Make room for a real leader, and get the hell out of the senate!

Now is the time to throw our support behind Sherrod Brown. He is NOT a DINO by any means.

Thank you, Paul! (he is such a cool guy to talk to)

Even if the DNC didn't encourage this withdrawal, though, I believe that it played a role, if only by inaction. Our party needs new blood and new ideas. The reality is that the Republicans play their game (quash dissent, reward your friends with taxpayer money, lie and harass if necessary) much better than we do and they always will. If all we have to offer the public is a bunch of criticism of the status quo and the promise of kindler, gentler Republican party, they're not going to come out and vote for us. We need people who are on fire, with new ideas, who are easily distinguishable from Republicans, who offer more than lies and a vision of America as Victorian England (complete with Dickensian slums for the "undeserving" under imminent threat from terrorists.

Paul Hackett was one of those people. Look what happened when he challenged Jean Schmidt -- he got an enormous number of votes in a district that is overwhelmingly Republican. He was an alternative to Washington business as usual. Imagine what he could have done with a more liberal electorate.

I believe it's your job DNC chair to guide the party to a coherent platform -- one that allows Americans to live in a free and prosperous society where they can also feel safe. Right now, too many Dem candidates just sort of generally want things to better and have a variety of different ideas to accomplish that. Dem incumbents are willing to do whatever is necessary to forward their own careers. Instead of staying out of contested primaries, the DNC needs to support the candidate who best supports the platform. You aren't intervening in an argument between your two kids over a favorite toy -- you're directing a national political party. Some Democrats are going to be better candidates than others. It's ok for them to have additional or regionally specific ideas, but they need to be evaluated based on their willingness to sign on to party principles and proposals. At the end of the day, those candidates are going to be the ones who can accomplish things in our government. They're not going to be voting for Sam Alito or supporting illegal budget bills or criticizing each other in public. They're the ones who are best for us as Democrats and as Americans.

In case you haven't noticed: Politics as usual is over. Hackett had better numbers among independents and republicans (and no paper trail). DeWine will attack Brown's record and Brown will show weakness. I guarantee it!

Did you know I live in Ohio, Bluejae?

If a republican were reading this, it would be falling over laughing at our fracturing. If this were happening on their island, they would stick together and ride the storm out. We have a voice with democratic leaders. Now quit complaining and get back into the ring. We loved Reid, Shumer,and Brown in the past; now they need our support again. Invest in Democracy bonds and in Brown; he isn't bad.

DailyKos just posted an interesting bit of info on the topic. Go there!

For everyone who wants Howard to let Schumer, Reid, and Emmanuel know how you feel, you can DIY:

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Phone (202) 224-2447
General information e-mail info@dscc.org

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Phone (202) 863-1500
E-mail dccc@dccc.org

Sen. Reid
Phone: 202-224-3542

I would like to have folks email me if you are interested in spawning an independent Hackett for Senate campaign.

I am of the mind it's time to kick this talking points crap to the curb.

If interested, add your name, city, state, and working email address to nathan@themindvillage.com.

We will then move forward to encourage Mr. Hackett to either continue running as a Democrat with all-out support OR run as an independent.

I KNOW Sherrod Brown. I KNOW he is a losing candidate.

Indeed, instead of asking someone else to do something - let's do it and get this man back in the race. It may take mountains - but I am all for it. Let's show Schumer, Reid and the other crazies in the DSCC, DCCCC, and DLC (and yes, sorry - the DNC) that we mean business.

Again - nathan@themindvillage.com

Name
City, State
Working Email

Let them laugh. The same thing is slowly happening to their party as well.
(Where is the RNC comments page?)
This 'support the party at any cost' attitude is keeping real debate out of our politics.

We need NEW leadership in the Democratic Party from the top down. Someone with back bone that has a vision, and can do more than "ask for money". I would not give one dime to the "status quo good ole boys" and the like who ran off Paul Hackett. This Nation needs True Democratic Leadership and quickly or Bush will get us into war with the entire Middle East and China.

BlueStarFather - let's do it then. Let's get Hackett back in this race!

Well Spoken Dawnelle but I don't believe that the Democrats have a person of the Ole Guard that cares about our values or votes as long as someone sends money....

Re Hackett issue - in reading this board, the official DNC response is a good example of how disjointed this party is now. Who is in Charge at the top or is it a "flat" organization! We get mail, telephone calls, and email from DNC, DSCC, and DCCC. All with issues, hands out for money, more money, and sometimes, honestly, I hang up the phone and wonder.... who is in Charge because it sure seems disorganized.

Well Spoken PEE-Wee...is there anyone who will listen to us?

I am so sick and tired of hearing all the rhetoric about how our party is changing to be more inclusive since Dr Dean took the helm. Bullcookies!!! I live in Wisconsin and our state party has not changed one iota for the better. If you are not an insider then screw you seems to be the standard thinking.
My county party was taken over, literally taken over, by an organized effort of very non-grassroots people who promised money via large donations -- hey what about going for the small contributions v/s the big donors? And, the state party HQ was behind it all the way. And, the tactics were pretty dirty, as in accusations of racism and more. The state party told us to use the wrong by-laws which is what allowed an illegal election in our county party! Yes, the state dem party did just that!
It was a horrible experience and now the party is the worse for it. We have republicans on our county executive board! Where was the DNC on this? What about the DNC campaign organizers Howard promised us?- they're here, they're just wroking for anyone who can promise landing big money for them. As far as the promise of working with the grassroots goes, well they are looking for people who have already set up grassroots organizations to also take over. Sweet, we do all the work and then we get kicked to the curb.
Hackett was totally grassroots, got a lot of people organized and now he's out and another insider gets the spot. This is all going to go very badly for not just our party but more importantly for our county.
Dear Dr Dean needs to either get his people on an ethical track or he needs to admit he's just another power grabber.

Chris
Your type of view "shut up and trust our leadership" has killed the democratic party for over 12 years...what if you had to stand up for the 26th amendment or something like that? I have written the DNC and still have not heard why they did this to Paul Hackett or why they are not running anyone against Richard Lugar of Indiana. But they have been able to ask me for money numerous times since this morning!!!

"I also want you to know that it is the policy of the Democratic National Committee not to intervene in contested primaries." -- Howard Dean

We need a lot more than this quote to be reassured that distinguished American veteran, Paul Hackett was not forced out of the Democratic party. Here's what Mr. Hackett says (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/14/politics/14ohio.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin):

"This is an extremely disappointing decision that I feel has been forced on me," said Mr. Hackett, whose announcement comes two days before the state's filing deadline for candidates. He said he was outraged to learn that party leaders were calling his donors and asking them to stop giving and said he would not enter the Second District Congressional race.

"For me, this is a second betrayal," Mr. Hackett said. "First, my government misused and mismanaged the military in Iraq, and now my own party is afraid to support candidates like me."

I am disgusted. I am an independent who voted for Dean and Kerry. I've listened to Mr. Hackett on the radio. He's just what we need, a straight talker, like Mr. Dean was reputed to have been. "Fighting Dems" my ass. Have a real primary where issues are argued instead of showing the cowardice for which the Democrats are becoming famous. Enough of this choosing of candidates based on some stuffed shirt's opinion of who can win. Didn't you learn your lesson with Kerry? I'll send money to an independent Hackett. Go Paul go. Keep fighting the friendly fire.

Join the fight oomrathama - send an email supporting such an effort to nathan@themindvillage.com

name
city,state
working email

The American People are finding out that neither the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party are doing what is in the best interest of their constituents or representing them, so because of this now we are edging dangerously close to a class C revolution as a method of representative change.

This 'support the party at any cost' attitude is keeping real debate out of our politics.

Posted by pee-wee on February 14, 2006 at 02:21 PM

Exactly right, pee-wee!

And to the multi-posting Corinne: Do you work for Howard Dean or something?

Doesn't it fall to Howard (assuming he reads these comments or has his people read them) to contact other Democratic leaders and let them know how people are responding to this situation? As the DNC chairman, I tend to take the view that the "buck stops" on Howard's desk.

Sherrod Brown's name is a familiar one to people from Ohio, particularly in SW Ohio. Unlike Nathan_Cincinnati, I don't actually know Brown, but I've seen his name over and over and over and over and over on various ballots. I'm sure if he runs unopposed, he will win hands down! That's why Reid et al were so afraid of a primary. But how does that help in defeating Dewine?

I believe that Hacket wouldn't play the game of politics as usual with Reid et al, so they found somebody who would.

And Howard, as the big cheese at the DNC, should care how the media coverage of this makes the party look. He should care how this makes party members (particularly Ohioans) feel, and he should forge new ground and actually LEAD the party.

WIN A MAJOR BATTLE, Howard! Win back Paul Hackett. Send a box of candy and a "good luck in the primaries" note to Brown! Make a statement to the press. Who cares if you make Senator's Reid, Schumer, etc., look bad? They've made themselves look bad with their disgraceful behavior.

If Howard isn't willing to do this (and I'm certain Corinne or one of his other employees will have many reasons why he 'just cannot') then he is just another "business as usual" Dem.

If that's the case, then like-minded Ohioans should email Nathan (nathan @themindvillage.com) and get the ball rolling for an Independant run. It's just sad, though, because usually all an Indie candidate does is rob votes from the candidate of the party he's defected from.

I'd like to see a 'win' in Ohio. I'd like to see somebody besides that old fart Dewine in the Senate. But another old fart like Brown isn't exactly our best hope.

Lead Howard! Lead!

I'm sure you've heard that Karl Rove has put the word out that any Republican who supports an investigation of Bush's wiretap policy will be blacklisted. No more Repubican funds for campaigning. Is this the discipline you want for our party?

Smokem Tebbiki well said!

So do we write off Ohio Now?

That Schumer might have pushed Hackett out of the race should be no surprise. The last thing that coward Schumer wants is someone in the same chamber as him who is willing to take a principled opposition to the Iraqi mess. After all, remember that Chuckles Schumer STILL says that even knowing what he knows now he would vote again to authorize the war.

This party stinks, and with all due respect to the people above who say the best thing we can do is work to put progressives into office, your position is akin to suggesting that we could change the direction an aircraft carrier by dipping paddles in the water and paddling in the opposite direction. The entrenched, elected members of the Democratic House and Senate delegation are more concerned about their egos and their DLC fantasies about what constitutes electoral "success" than they are about anything resembling progressive principles.

Don't write off Ohio - get it back in play.

MaryinSeattle - to what are you referring?

Governor Dean -

Excellent year. Good job. It's over. Resign now and declare for 08. We need someone in the race who represents us. Clinton? Bayh? Kerry? Rendell? DLC chumps. Biden? Not much better.

Run again.

Oh...by the way...

Chuck Schumer?

Another DLC Democrat.

How do we make THOSE assholes go third party?

-- Memorize
Democratic Party message in 30 seconds:

One: American jobs that will stay in America, using energy independence to generate those jobs.
Two: A strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies.
Three: Honesty and integrity to be restored to government.
Four: A health care system that works for everybody just like they have in 36 other countries.
Five: A strong public education system so we can have optimism and opportunity back in America.

MaryinSeattle,

There is a HUGE difference between threatening people with loss of party support unless they cooperate with the president in breaking the law and evaluating candidates who have the best chance of winning an election AND being effective in Congress for their state and the country. One is extortion, the other is common sense.

Here in Missouri, this internal squabbling and lack of discipline has been disastrous. We had a Democratic governor (Holden) from rural Missouri who did a pretty good job (especially considering he had the Republican congress from hell). The only real thing he did wrong was veto our concealed carry law (which most Dems thought was a good idea). The veto was overridden and the NRA vowed they wouldn't forget come primary time -- they poured enormous amounts of out of state money into Claire McCaskill's primary campaign. She won the primary and lost the general election because most of the rural voters viewed her as a "city girl" who wouldn't support their issues and the NRA backed the Republican. So now we have Matt Blunt as governor. Holden, with an incumbent's advantage and the rural vote, could have defeated Blunt. But because McCaskill was willing to put her own political ambitions ahead of what was best for our party and our state, the Republicans won. McCaskill, meanwhile, apparently has no insight and is running for Senate.

The message that should have been given to McCaskill is that if she broke party loyalty to win the primary, she had better win the general or she was out of politics. Maybe that seems draconian, but the Republicans can and will use personal ambition to set up straw men at the primaries so they can knock them down in the general elections. It's not just an urban myth and the only way we can combat it is with discipline.

This is the last straw! Paul Hackett stood for everything we Democrats need. I am not in Ohio, but I felt so strongly that I sent him a contribution last week. I had also sent a good contribution to the DNC.

I have spoken to persons in Reid and Schumers offices asking why Hackett had been pressured into resigning. They denied any knowledge of the reasons and said Hackett's decision was his own. The latter fact was known, but the reasons are what I wanted.

Like others, I have contributed to and supported the DNC, DSCC and DCCC as well as individual candidates. And almost daily, I receive phone and mail solicitations to donate more.

We are fools if we continue to support "Repub lites" who we have to email and call to get them to vote with real Democrats on issues, although that effort is usually futile!

Wes Clark would have been a stronger presidential candidate than Kerry, but he was not what the DLC, in their superior wisdom, wanted. Paul Hackett comes along now like a breath of fresh air and he gets the treatment.

Personally, I am sick of getting hyped up about someone who really represents us, only to have them stabbed in the back for some wishy-washy politico who accomplishes nothing.

And to the multi-posting Corinne: Do you work for Howard Dean or something?

Posted by Tebbiki on February 14, 2006 at 02:52 PM

LOL, no, I can't lay claim to that. I lurk way more than I post. But thanks for the compliment.

I just think it's important to lay the responsibility exactly where it belongs: DCCC and DSCC.

Posted by BaronScarpia on February 14, 2006 at 03:08 PM

Chuck Schumer: The Democratic successor to Al D'Amato.

this is just unbelievable- weak kneed democrats strike again- you've got a hero running in a state rocked by corruption -the time to win Ohio is now- with a strong candidate you can even beat the voting corruption of the ohio electorate and what do we do. we cave and kick the one candidate who can change our image of soft on terror soft on the military for just another typical party hack with a big war chest. We should be ashamed and dean and the rest should step down right now.

No one would be complaining if Paul Hackett was given his shot in the primary. We are mad, because certain people won't let nature take its course. Certain people kept Paul Hackett from becoming all that he could be since day one.

All I am going to say to the DNC is BOO HISS and What the Hell were you thinking!?

I just sent this sarcastic message to Harry Reid and to some of the press including Lou Dobbs. I contributed $500 towards Paul Hacket's campaign, and $100 toward seven other young Iraq vets running for office as Democrats. I conributed to a candidate for the Senate in Tennessee, and to the Tennessee Democratic Party. No more.

Either clean house and get rid of the elitists "safe" establishment "leaders" or forget forever that people like me - generally liberal and definitely patriotic - will support the Democratic Party.

[a chimp wearing a crown at a podium speaks]

My fellow Amurricans,

We’ve had five long years together and I thought I’d let you know we’re winning the War on Terra.

The most important battle in this fight was won yesterday when an Iraq war veteran, a major in the Marines, withdrew under extreme pressure from his campaign for the US Senate on the Democratic ticket in 2006. Sabotaging Paul Hacket was a major victory for the Monkey Nation!

These people – and I mean the “fighting Democrats” with actual combat experience and the balls to speak up on military matters with some credibility – were becoming the most dangerous threat to the Monkey Empire we are establishing in Amurrica.

My operatives finally found evidence that the Democratic Leadership had no balls, and we used this to “turn” them and get rid of the most potent threats to me, the King Monkey, and my troop of followers in Washington. You can now rest easy.

We’re firmly in charge, and we’re going to stay there with the FULL cooperation of Democratic Party leadership.

God Bless, and Big Bananas.

George W. Bush
Presdint of the United States

1. To Corinne - Your belief is what they want - The DNC didn't do it - The DSCC and the DCCC did??? Are you crazy or what - The DNC is the blanket organization - they are the Democratic Party. I do believe that the DSCC and the DCCC are Democrats and openly speak for Democrats. If Gov Dean cannot lead then get out of the way. Stand up Gov Dean and show you have the hangye downey things and take FULL control of the Democratic Party.

2. Bluejae - Yes he is a DINO - It lies like a Republican - It has skeltons in the closet like a Republican - OH it is just Sherrod Brown a DINO. He tried to win before and he will fail again. Then the DSCC & the DCCC & the DNC will blame it all on the Democrats of Ohio.

3. Kathy_in_Indiana - Paul had the support of many just not the cood ole boys in the back room. If Paul did not have support then how could he have gotten 48% of the vote and almost beat Jean Schmidt.

4. Tebbiki & 1BlueStarFather - Im with you.

5. No I do not live in Ohio now (did for over 40 years) but I do work in Ohio and I live in Kentucky. I know - Kentucky Dems are not the best either. Maybe that needs to be changed - We need new leadership in the Democratic Party, starting at the top.

I'm disgusted with the Democratic Leadership today. The people of Ohio deserved the chance to pick the candidate they want. And many of us out here in the grassroots of the Democratic party cheered the leadership, guts and outspokeness of a candidate like Paul Hackett. I feel like we were slapped in the face today. That is why I will support candidates of my choice and will think long and hard about supporting the DNC or the leaders in the Senate with my dollars.

WOW what ever happened to letting the people decide who they want to represent them. I want to win also but but win ethically and not like a poor republican. If this is the way the democratic party plans to win count me and any money I might have contributed out. While I want to think the democratic party is better than the republican party I am beginning to believe that all politics stinks. Win at all cost.

I've got part of an interview Paul Hackett did with Ohio 2nd blog posted at Howard-Empowered:

Ohio 2nd: What do you say to all the people who just say "Screw the party" and "This is just typical Democrats, why should we support them when they don't support us?"

Paul Hackett: Ahhh, well, that's like what I *normally* say. That is an emotional decision, it's an emotional response, and we've got to get beyond that. I mean, look, forgive the football metaphor. There are countless offensive linemen who play football whose names the average observer doesn't know. But they play an integral role in the success or failure of a football team. So I would like to think in a worst case scenario that I and my team and those of us who shared this passion were at least an effective lineman. And we broke a hole through which others will pass through and be successful in 2006, which is ultimately what this is about, which is winning, for the Democratic cause and issues that we hold important. And whether I'm the guy who gets through, or Sherrod Brown gets through, provided that somebody gets through who shares our interests and values, that's what's ultimately important.

And look, I would be feeding you a line of bullshit if I told you that I don't feel pissed off right now at Sherrod and Chuck Schumer, but I've got more in common with them, at least in what I think is right and wrong in this world than I do with Mike DeWine, and his cronies. So, you know, I'm tired, and I'm a little bit pissed, but I'll be over both of those in a day or so. And, I did say it before and I'm saying it even today when I'm tired and a little bit pissed, that if there's something I can do that fits in my schedule, and I don't mean that as some sort of cryptic slam, I'll be happy to do it. But I'll also be honest and tell you, I'm looking forward to going back to my life. And I'm looking forward to coming home.

Don't be misled by talk or inconsequential action. The party I have belonged to for the past forty years is dead. They are addicted to old concepts. They have handed government to the executive branch mostly for fear that they would lose thier positions or fifes. Even a small shameful power is apparently enough to hold on to. Now that the courts and the legislature and the executive is of one, don't rock the boat by letting an outsider, perhaps a truthteller to compete. I am disgusted.

DCCC Contact Information

from Rawstory

Veteran's politican action committee 'outraged' on Hackett pullout
02/14/2006 @ 10:56 am
Filed by RAW STORY

From a release to RAW STORY.
Advertisement
#

JON SOLTZ, a 28-year old combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Executive Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Political Action Committee (IAVA PAC), released the following statement upon news that Iraq Veteran Paul Hackett was leaving the Senate race in Ohio, due to internal pressure from the Democratic Party.

"It is an outrage that the Democratic Party has forced Paul Hackett out of the race for U.S. Senate. Hackett brought credibility on the number one issue facing the nation - the war in Iraq. The Democratic Party loses credibility on that issue because he is no longer running, and because they had a hand in his decision.

"The good news is that there are still a number of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans running for office around the nation. We are committed to getting these patriots the early institutional support they need, because it is becoming abundantly clear that the party leadership has no interest in them."

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America PAC (http://www.iavapac.org/) is the only political action committee led by a Veteran of the war in Iraq, exclusively benefiting those Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans running for public office, and holding public officials accountable for their actions that affect the Troops and Veterans.

This is disgraceful! Since when do we Democrats practice the Republiscum tactic of "eat your own".

We are not going to get people like Paul to run if the DNC breaks promises. You don't recruit a man to run then dismiss him because a prettier candidate decides he wants back in the race. The Democratic party is supposed to be the party of integrity and honesty. If you turn on your own to try and leverage a minor advantage then you are no better than the fascists who stole our government.

From the DCCC website...

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee serves as the primary national engine working for a Democratic majority, but the real inspirations are the candidates themselves.

The Democratic Majority never got the chance to cast their vote when it came to Paul Hackett, and he was certainly an inspiration.

I do not like what I have been reading about what occurred with Paul Hackett.

As a lifelong Democrat and a veteran , I find it deplorable to find that Mr. Hackett was essentially forced to bow out of the senatorial race in Ohio by his own party! This shows that the leadership in the party is no better than the lying, cheating Republican crooks that control the government. Our leadership better wake up and smell the coffee. People across the country are enraged and betrayed.

It isn't the place of the party leadership to choose the candidates - that's the job of the electorate.

Our leadership needs to get it straight or get out.

Maybe it would be better for the Democratic Party to split out between the Progressives and the DINO's.

From the Democracy for America blog:
------------
"Anyone who has looked at poll results knows that the Democrats have been losing for over 15 years because voters don't trust Democrats on the issues. Paul's campaign gave all of us hope that the Democratic Party can again have candidates who are honest and open about their positions; thereby regaining the interest of the voters.

More importantly, Paul's campaign gave us hope that the Democratic Party has the discipline and drive to innovate by embracing the entrepreneurial competition of ideas and candidates which are so critical to honing our message and preparing candidates to battle the right-wing spin machine.

Our community understands the importance of this, and regrets that we must continue to baby-sit the congressional leadership until they have the maturity, confidence, and discipline to embrace and encourage the kind of innovative campaigns that Paul brought to the Party.

Today that baby-sitting job got a lot tougher. Even after 15 years of losing, too much of our leadership continues to waste valuable time and donors' hard earned money trying to maintain a party machine in second place. They do this by trying to bring new and exciting ideas to heal for the sake of their own second place status, because to them second place in DC is better than fighting for our country, our values and our party.

Thanks to Paul, the drive to take our country back for those who built it continues at full speed.

Paul, thank you for everything you have done. Take some well-deserved time off, but please, please, come back to the fight as soon as you can. You are the future of our democracy. You are the future of the Democratic Party—or the next Party—depending on whether the Democratic leadership in Congress can ever get beyond its remarkably oversized sense of entitlement.

Today they lost, but you kept your word and didn't compromise your values. We thank you for this, hope to see you soon, and wish you and your great family all the best." - Jim Dean

The growing concern of progressives is with an unapologetic Democratic Party strategy to move Democratic races into the DLC playbook for November and beyond.

From DFA to a dozen other progressive movements that emerged after 2004, the sense was that the Democratic Party will continue to lose if it continues with the status quo. That sense continues to prove itself prophetic.

The Hackett issue is illustrative of a Party leadership making a clear choice to re-rembrace a strategy that lost the White House, the Alito battle, the Senate, the Congress, and the zeigeist.

By now allowing Hackett a primary platform, the Party loses an opportunity to bring the progressive army into the Tent. A poor strategic choice. Hackett would not have won, but he would have given a voice to the new generation of Democrats not afraid of our values, our message, our mission.

This failure of vision is why the gates must come down now.

Across America, progressive grassroots organizations should begin to storm their local Party meetings and bring the future into focus, now.

To Mr. Dean and the Candidate Makers in Congress:

It's a sad day in the Democratic Party when a good candidate like Hackett is run out of town on the establishment rail. Sad!

We here in the hinterlands have been looking for a gonad among the Democratic congressional ranks, and now we know we must continue our search.

Rahm, Schumer and their ilk are the problem, not the future. They are the old incumbent protectionist guard who do not want their comfy applecart upset. They are willing to screw the party, new candidates, and the party's prospects to keep their personal status quo nice and safe, just like their approaches to Bush and Dead Eye Dick and the rest of the Rovians. They are all nutless wonders.

No wonder the Republicans are kinking YOUR butts in general.

If I were Hackett, I'd run as a real Republican, one in the middle, one for fiscal sanity, and one for standing up for conviction.

I am a Democrat and proud of it but a hell of a lot less proud of it now than before you ran Mr. Hackett out like a leper.

Change or lose, Boys. It's that simple.

If it is the policy of the DNC not to intervene in contested primaries, then it should have stepped in to prevent Sens. Charles Schumer and Harry Reid from pushing a good candidate such as Paul Hackett out of the Ohio senatorial race.
Much has been made of veterans as Democratic political candidates, yet now the DSCC is emulating the Republican Party by forcing out a good candidate in favor of the "preferred" candidate, Rep. Sherrod Brown, all for the sake of expediency. As a resident of Ohio, taking away my choices at the primary voting booth does not make me feel warmly toward the DSCC, Sherrod Brown, or the Democratic leadership.

Paul is on Ed Schultz trying to save face. So sad.

Henry Waxman?

This is an exercise of control of the Republican party.

Our fault is being weak enough to allow it to happen.

I don't know how substantiated this is, but our "Democratic Party leadership" leaning on Paul Hackett to withdraw his campaign for the Senate is a stab in the back of so many of us who are inspired by Paul's straight forwardedness and energy. I believe that the financial contributors to "the" Democratic leader "leaning" on Hackett to withdraw, is really a provider to the Republicans. And keeping this puppet Democrat leader in power, inhibitting more vibrant Democrats from arising is basically how we keep other, weaker countries at their "place." How disguisting!

Democrats are weak because our leadership has been infultrated.

Whisper campaign?

This is an exercise of control of the Republican party.

Our fault is being weak enough to allow it to happen.

I don't know how substantiated this is, but our "Democratic Party leadership" leaning on Paul Hackett to withdraw his campaign for the Senate is a stab in the back of so many of us who are inspired by Paul's straight forwardedness and energy. I believe that the financial contributors to "the" Democratic leader "leaning" on Hackett to withdraw, is really a provider to the Republicans. And keeping this puppet Democrat leader in power, inhibitting more vibrant Democrats from arising is basically how we keep other, weaker countries at their "place." How disguisting!

Democrats are weak because our leadership has been infultrated.

Schumer?

flood the papers, especially the big one:
letters@nytimes.com

flood the senators' offices:
schumer.senate.gov
reid.senate.com

tell anyone who'll listen. it probably won't help...but at least it will keep the story up front. we can't let our party get away with republican tricks.

-jones

Did you here that guys? He was out-polling the other guy.

Posted by Demochick on February 14, 2006 at 03:26 PM

I'm with you. McCaskill has big city and last election's loss written all over her. Why are they running her instead of an attractive rural candidate? Talent is a boring, bumbling big city Republican that could be easily picked off. Everyone in the state is angry with Congress and the incumbent is vunerable.

So what are we doing...turning a winning proposition into another predictable loss? If this is what is going on in Ohio, then I can understand the frustration.

We need to start running the best candidates for the times and circumstances. This is not a time for offering the status quo to an electorate that yearns for change. I like McCaskill and am all for giving her the chance to run when the conditions are such that she can win. That is clearly not the case right now.

So who can win in Ohio? Hackett or Brown? Which offers voters a change from the politics as usual that they clearly have had enough of in the last six years? That should be the deciding factor.

What is Schumer and Reid basing their decision on? If it's the same old let's keep out the maverick mentality, kiss this senate seat (and a sure thing in Missouri) good bye.

Just heard an interview with Paul Hackett on Ed Schultz.

I'm suddenly not as upset that he's not in the race. What I heard was "yeah, oh well, that's the way it works. Bummer, but oh well".

Perhaps all that big talk was just a stunt for when he had the support of the DSCC. As soon they announced he wasn't the candidate they supported, he changed his tune in a big hurry.

I didn't hear a guy today who is outraged, who is standing up for what he believes in, who fights the good fight. I heard a guy who just decided to give up when the going got tough. We have plenty of those types already - I was hoping Paul was different. Guess not.

The action of "Swift-Boating" done by the Brown campaign and the underhanded things done by Waxman and Schummer were despicable, but "oh well, that's politics" isn't the kind of response to that treatment Democrats in this country are seeking. We're seeking a voice to stand up against the machine - someone to inspire and go against the grain when necessary to their fight for their beliefs.

I thought that we had found such a person in Paul, but given his comments and tone in his interview, I believe now I was mistaken. Maybe the DSCC saw something we didn't see.

The actions of the Democratic leadership concerning the Ohio Senate race is disturbing. Senators Schumer and Reid have apparently have torpedoed the Paul Hackett campaign - and effectively muted a refreshing, honest voice in politics. They don't get that the public is furious over "old boy" political networks using power, influence, and money to subvert the democratic process. The Democrats will pay the price (again) at the polls if this behavior continues.

While Gov. Dean is trying to put space between the DNC, the DSCC, and the arm twisting that resulted in Hackett's withdrawl, it is clear what values are represented by the party leadership.

I recently sent a contribution to the DSCC. I wish I had it back! The leadership can't be trusted any more than Republican cronies.

It reeks of Mayor Daley at the 1968 Convention.

When I read about in fighting in our party it is no wonder we don't win elections. Paul Hackett represented a true change especially in the ethics department. Is this what the so called leaders fear? If so the bastards do not only the democrat party a dis-service but also the country. A straight shooter is what we have been asking for for years a man who says what he thinks for crying out loud not platitudes of shit that we get so often from politicians/ie:career politicians!

Help we need people like Paul Hackett or this party is doomed to the same failures of the past and I know there are many that feel the same way I do. We need some courage people!

My understanding from news reports is that Paul Hackett did not just "leave the race" but was FORCED OUT by party hacks. Obviously, this man struck a major nerve with grass-roots Democrats everywhere. His courage and honesty are what we have been waiting for. What on earth is the Party thinking by allowing this to happen? Does no one understand that we DO NOT WANT the same old crowd, the same business-as-usual beltway bureaucrats? Especially in Crooked Ohio! SHAME ON THE PARTY! After allowing the Blackwell / Diebolt conspiracy to steal the Presidential election without a court fight, now this? Either the National Party is in the wrong hands, or they are allowing a local faction that is so inept that they could not carry Ohio in '04 despite the Republicans worst economic record in state history. Boo. Hiss.

I don't even know what to say to this. I am disgusted with all branches of Democratic leadership today... I don't even understand how Schumer and co. could have orchestrated such a huge blunder. I hope we haven't shot ourselves in the foot for the midterms, if we can't even coherently display widespread anti-war sentiment... let alone make ourselves look just like the very Repuglicans we need to replace.

We can express our displeasure by writing to Reid, Schumer, Emmanuel Etc. They need to know we are watching and will take them to task for running the wagon off the trail. They need to follow Dean's example of communicating with us regulars and asking us where we want to go as a party. The people have it and the people need to wield it: power.

Whatever the reasons for Paul Hackett's withdrawal, I'm greatly disappointed. I saw some spine in the man. There aren't many dems in power I can say that about. I think there's a huge anti-war vote just waiting to be garnered, and then this...... sheesh

I miss Paul Wellstone.

To Howard Dean: I believe that you and others in the Democratic party should beg Paul Hackett to stay involved. This is one of those days when I am ashamed to be a Democrat. Unless the party can make it up to Hackett, I believe this will hurt us badly.

Gov. Dean, I was and am your biggest fan. I have always felt you were betrayed by the party. I was ready to quit but you said to stay in, so I stayed. I'm one of the most active Democrats I know. But today I am discouraged.

Please contact Paul Hackett for a personal, off-the-record discussion. Ask him to work for other Democrats especially those brave Fighting Dems. I wouldn't blame Paul if he never ran for office again, but I hate the thought.

This has been such a crappy day for me as a Democrat. Maybe I'll feel better if I make a contribution to another good Democrat who has been betrayed by party bigshots, Christine Cegelis.

One more thing - I have a sinking feeling that the party will not give proper support to the Fighting Dems. I really despise the DCCC with their mentality of only helping out candidates who look like they have a good chance of winning. With the right attitude, we could take all kinds of races this year. And even if the Dem doesn't win, a strong race helps the party for the future. I hate the DCCC. And now I hate the DSCC, too!! OUCH.

Hackett was an inspiration when he ran against Schmidt, and I was looking forward to seeing him, and more people like him, run for office as Democrats. So I understand the frustration and disappointment a lot of people here feel at this announcement.

I am not an expert on Ohio politics, so I don't know how a Brown-DeWine matchup would play out. And I don't pretend to have any knowledge of what specifically led to Hackett's withdrawal. What I do know is that it is unreasonable and self-defeating to attack Dean and his staff...the people who are doing the most to bring about the grassroots change that made Hackett possible in the first place.

The rest of the party apparatus aside, Dean and the DNC are laying the groundwork for a lot more people like Hackett to run and win, now and in the future.

Re-direct that anger towards whoever deserves it....

The Dems must be taking to heart the voice of the people:

Democrats Push Bill That Would Bar Third Parties in Races for Congress

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES
http://www.gp.org

Thursday, February 9, 2006

Contacts:
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, mclarty@greens.org
Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@greens.org

Panic and retaliation among progressive Democrats over Green challenges are behind HR 4694, say Greens, citing the bill's prohibitive petition requirements, ban on private contributions; Greens call the bill patently unconstitutional.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Green Party leaders called on Congress to reject a House bill that combines public funding of congressional campaigns with a scheme to ban third party and independents from such races.

HR 4694 ("Let the People Decide Clean Campaign Act") would grant nominees of parties (i.e., Democrats and Republicans) that had averaged 25% of the vote for House races in a given district in the last two elections would get full public funding.

All others (i.e., third party and independent candidates) would be required to submit petitions signed by 10% of the last vote cast for partial funding, and 20% petitions for full funding.

Furthermore, candidates who don't qualify for funding would be barred from spending any privately raised money on their campaigns.

"10% and 20% in many districts represent prohibitively large numbers of required signatures," said Phil Huckelberry, co-chair of the Illinois Green Party and co-chair of the national Green Party's Ballot Access Committee. "The goal behind HR 4694 is to use public financing of campaigns -- itself a sorely needed reform -- to eliminate third party challenges in congressional races."

"In Missouri's 2nd congressional district, a candidate with a party that won less than 25% of the vote in the last two elections would need nearly 70,000 signatures to qualify for the public funding that her/his Democratic and Republican opponents would get automatically, and only signatures from the 2nd District would count. Nearly 35,000 signatures would be required in order to allow the candidate to spend anything at all on the campaign." (St. Louis Oracle, February 05, 2006 )

The Green Party of the United States supports public financing of campaigns as one of several measures to remove the corrupting influence of corporations on U.S. politics . But Greens warned that HR 4694 uses public financing of campaigns as a cover to destroy democracy by reducing the field to two parties.

Greens called the bill patently unconstitutional and, if passed, unlikely to survive a court challenge. But Greens said that the bill is significant because of the line-up of Congress members supporting it.

The bill's eight sponsors include liberal Democrats: David Obey (Wis.), Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Barney Frank and James McGovern (Mass.), Henry Waxman and Bob Filner (Calif.), Steve Israel (N.Y.), and Tim Ryan (Ohio). Mr. Obey, Ms. DeLauro, and Mr. Israel faced Green competition (Mike Miles, Ralph Ferrucci, and John Keenan, respectively) in recent elections, suggesting that their sponsorship is retaliatory. Mr. Miles is seeking the House seat again in 2006 (Wisconsin, District 7); Mr. Ferrucci is running for the U.S. Senate (Connecticut).

"The Democrats behind this bill have as little regard for democracy and open elections as Republicans who have use altered district lines and other methods to fix elections," said D.C. Statehood Green Party activist T.E. Smith. "Hiding this stratagem in a bill for public financing of campaigns makes it doubly shameful."

"An obvious motivation behind HR 4694 is panic over a Green insurgency. Voters have realized that the Democratic Party has given President Bush and the GOP a pass on various abuses of power and radical actions, such as the invasion of Iraq and the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito, which most Democrats declined to filibuster. The time is ripe for a non-corporate independent third party, and many Democrats are worried," added Mr. Smith.

MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org
1700 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 404
Washington, DC 20009.
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193

Text of HR 4694
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.4694:

Mike Miles for the U.S. House of Representatives (Wisconsin, District 7)
http://www.milesforcongress.com

Ralph A Ferrucci for U.S. Senate (Connecticut)
http://ferrucciforsenate.org

Coalition For Free and Open Elections
http://www.cofoe.org

Green Party rebuttal to President Bush's 2006 State of the Union Address (Video News Release)
http://www.gp.org/video/2006stateofunion/

I am so angry I can't see straight. I had a lot of respect for Schumer before this. Now it's obvious that modern politics really is still the good-ole-boy network, regardless of party, and this situation has made me lose complete confidence in the Democrats.

Maybe the DNC didn't "pressure" Paul Hackett to get out of the race, but you sure as heck could have prevented this from happening. As someone who has never lived in Ohio, and probably never will, this was a race I was following as a new hope for this country. Now, I really have had my hopes dashed, and I can see the Democrats continuing to spin their wheels as the Republicans scrape more and more of what it means to be an American away from the outside world's perception of us.

Today I am VERY ashamed to be a lifelong Democrat.

I'm disappointed that Hackett has dropped out of the race as much as anyone. I'm even more disappointed if it is true that he was forced out from within the party. But let's face the facts...Dewine is going to be next to impossible to beat. Hackett or Brown are going to have a serious fight on their hands if they expect win this seat.

As an Ohio resident, I was planning on voting for Hackett in the primary and hopefully in November as well. However, the truth is that Brown was going to get the nomination regardless. Hackett was trailing Brown by a significant amount of money, and time is running out if he was expecting to win.

Brown is also a good man who deserves our support. The first objective is to beat Dewine and win back the Senate. Now I'm voting for Brown instead of Hackett...and I'm not complaining.

RE: "Brown is a good man"

I'm not from Ohio, and I honestly don't know who Brown even is - that's the problem with him that I see. Even people from way over here on the West Coast know who Paul Hackett is.

However, I'm hearing that there was a "whisper campaign" put out by Brown's people that was spreading allegations of Hackett participating in "war crimes". Sounds like the Swift Boat Veterans of America must have converted to the Democratic Party when we weren't looking.

To me, that's not the sign of a "good man".

Dear Governor Dean.

Thank you for your fundraising letter. I hope that you will understand
that in the following letter that if I say "you" I mean " you the
leaders of the Democratic Party.

I will not be sending you any money. Every penny that I can scrape
together for the 2006 election will go to Paul Hackett for Senator from
Ohio. I don't care if he runs as a Democrat, Independent, or Whig, I
feel that he has an important message, is a great American, and will be
a fine Senator. I must tell you I will never forget my disgust with the
Democratic party, which has had my undying loyalty for 35 years of
voting, would become no longer the people's party, but just like the
Republicans, the party whose loyalty is primarily to the almighty
dollar.

To use the swift boat tactics I thought were reserved for the fringe
maniacs that control the Republican party against a man who was
RECRUITED by Democratic leadership to RUN, and then to disgracefully
choose MONEY over CHARACTER is the last straw. He was told he didn't
have enough money to be the Dem candidate, and to back off. And did the
emails from Dem leadership to Hackett supporters telling them NOT to
send Paul money have anything at all to do with this?

It is sickening enough when the Dems only offer weak support for FAIR
UNRIGGED ELECTIONS (including an investigation to previously stolen
elections), then came the Dem waffling on the legality of the Iraq
INVASION/OCCUPATION (not to mention your vote FOR the war, claiming you
were "duped" even as MILLIONS of unpaid citizens (so often confused by
politicians, of all parties apparently, with PAID LOBBYISTS) stood in
streets all over the world screaming "THERE ARE NO WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION!!!" while the Democrats listened to their lobbyists, the
Bush White House flaks, and each other.

It is indeed a dark day in America.

Democratic Leaders 'Betray' Hackett

By Robert Parry

"Our country and our party are better off when people like Paul step up and run for office". A sentiment I agree with, so why do the Senator's that pushed Mr Hackett out don't subscribe. Is this our party or just theirs. If they want to make the decisions, I'll sit back and let them do the electing also.

Mr Dean,

You have a bully pulpit. Use it.

Will you be forgotten as another in a long line of Democratic losers? Or will you be remembered as a man who stood firm against corruption and cronyism?

It is time for you to speak out against the DSCC.

It is time for you personally and publically to beg Paul Hackett to reconsider.

It is time for you to vow that you will oppose any DNC support for DSCC until DSCC provides equal support to all Democratic candidates in any given primary.

Or you could help Democrats to lose again.

--Mike Bird

Wow! I cannot believe the support that we have here. I have not seen another independent thread on the KA blog garner this much attention with so many people speaking their mind.

My letter to my Senior Senator from NY was scathing. Keep up the good work, my friends.

Dr. Dean, please round up this party and get us on the right track. We have a lot of good people with no clear message.

Yes, I'm sure Mr. Hackett will be thrilled with this heartwarming thanks from the party that pulled the rug out from under him.

This is a sad day to be a Democrat.

Demand truly democratic government, served by elected officials who uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

That is what it says at the DSCC.

WTF is this??? The more I read today, the more upset I get.

truly democratic government...oh yeah, we push Paul Hackett and say that is democratic.

highest standards of honesty...whisper campaigns and swiftboating is honest.

integrity...the DSCC HAS NONE!!!

Best of luck Mr. Hackett. Best of luck Democratic Party. Although I've only been a Democrat for a short time, I've already had enough. Paul Hackett was one of the best things going for this party and the DSSC goes and craps on him. If the DNC is going to tolerate this, I don't know if I can call myself a Democrat anymore. What the hell happened to the big tent? I think the tent is collasping DNC. What are you gonna do about it??

I don't really care if Hackett didn't raise as much money as Brown. If the leadership had backed Hackett the money would have been there. If Hackett had ran and lost, it still would have been worth it. It would have been a gauntlet thrown down that let the Republicans and lazy Democratic leaders know they would be held to task. It was a hill worth dying on.
Write to the people who took part in this fiasco and express your displeasure. They should have to explain.
Write to Schumer: http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/contact/webform.cfm

Write To Reid: http://reid.senate.gov/email_form.cfm

Write To Rahm Emmanuel:
http://www.house.gov/emanuel/IMA/issue.htm

And Then Write To Hackett To Say Thanks and Show your support:

http://www.hackettforcongress.com/page/s/contact

Wh