Bentley Davis's Blog

Steve Driehaus has momentum!

Bentley Davis — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:20:09 EDT

For the last filing period, Steve Driehaus, a Democrat from Cincinnati, outraised his opponent -- a Republican incumbent who has held the office for 13 years. This is pretty amazing! So many people have seen that he can take back this seat for us. The downside is that the incumbant has a huge war-chess and therefore has more cash on hand than Driehaus. I want to urge all PB folks to contribute what they can, even if it is $5 to keep this momentum going.

I know everyone is caught up in the primary debates, but let's help the congressional candidates too! This is a very winnable seat, with help.

lots of candidates

Bentley Davis — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:18:14 EDT

I don't have as much time to spend on PB as I have in the past. However, when I do come here, almost all of the posts are about our presidential contenders. It is wonderful that folks are so passionate. But I must make a plea...

There are candidates for the US Senate -- in which we desperately need to build our majority. There are several candidates for US House. These Congressional candidates must do well if the new Democratic President is to accomplish anything. While the presidency is important, Congress writes the laws and votes on the laws. We should be cheerleading for them.

Not only are there candidates for the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, there are candidates for Governor, state house and state senate. Candidates are working to be county commissioners, sheriffs, and candidates for municipal government. In all of our passion for the presidency, let us not forget the many, many other races that are happening. These candidates need volunteers, they need money, they need to get known.

So, here is my challenge.... Can each of us post something about other races going on in there areas?

Driehaus named Candidate for Change

Bentley Davis — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:14:51 EDT

The DCCC picked its latest slate of "Red to Blue" candidates and the list includes Steve Driehaus! According to the DCCC site these candidates

"earned a spot in the program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress.

These candidates have come out of the gate strong and the Red to Blue Program will give them the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November," said Chairman Chris Van Hollen, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "The candidates for change in our first round of challenger Red to Blue are strong examples of Democrats who represent a commitment to new priorities for the families in their districts.

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. The program will introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns."

Driehaus offers an exciting opportunity to take back an important seat. I encourage anyone who can to help continue Steve's momentum by Contributing Now! or you can mail a contribution to Driehaus for Congress, PO Box 11101, Cincinnati, OH 45211.

Chabot doesn't understand the need for net neutrality

Bentley Davis — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:22:52 EDT

Today, the house was hearing testimony about new anti-trust legislation to protect the internet -- "net-neutrality" laws. According to the Washington Post, Ohio Republican, Steve Chabot, "questioned the need for new net neutrality rules. "The Internet has flourished in a relatively regulation-free environment," he said. "Legislation is not always the right answer. Competition is."" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/12/AR2008031201020.html

Wow.

For those in the Greater Cincinnati area....

Bentley Davis — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:55:00 EST

Please join Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and hosts:

Former Governor Jack & Susan Gilligan, Peter & Nancy Cassady, Ellen Gilligan & Charlie DeSando, Jody & Terry Grundy, Venessa & Byron White, and Jim Carroll

For a Private Reception in Support of State Representative Steve Driehaus, Candidate for US Congress.

Contributions:

Friend of Steve's: $100

Practically a Driehaus: $250

Steve Driehaus has been an effective and dedicated Representative in the Ohio Legislature for eight years. Greater Cincinnati needs and deserves that type of representation in Congress! Please come and support our efforts to help elect strong, effective congressional leadership for Greater Cincinnati.

driehaus2008.com

Moving

Bentley Davis — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:36:52 EST

I haven't been all that active on PB in the recent past. But for those who are still active who remember me, I wanted to let you all know that I have moved from Maine to Cincinnati -- where I grew up. Now that I am in Cincinnati, I will be working for the future Congressman from Ohio's 1st CD, Steve Driehaus. I encourage all of you to follow this race where we can take back a Republican held seat.

Driehaus' campaign website can be found at: www.driehaus2008.com

Another update from Maine

Bentley Davis — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:41:06 EST

I posted yesterday about my caucus in Rockland. However, more numbers are in and I have to point this out. First of all, the caucus in Rockland had 310 participants. The Republicans had their caucus on 2/1 and only had 30 participants -- we had 10 times more than they did! County wide, Knox County Democrats had 2311 people come out to caucus yesterday. The Republicans in Knox County had a total of 299 on February 1! The real story is how much excitement is out there. Now we need to make sure that the caucus attendees become activists and knock on doors, drive local candidates, phone bank, etc. This is huge!

To make the numbers stand out more, Knox County has 7130 registered Democrats (before the caucus). They have 8479 registered Republicans and 10,887 independents/ greens/ others. With those numbers, we had 32.4% of the Democrats come out to CAUCUS -- not vote, but caucus. The Republicans on 2/1 (when the race was much more uncertain) had 3.5% show up. I have to say again, WOW!

report from the Rockland, ME caucus

Bentley Davis — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:04:42 EST

Wow! We had nearly 300 people. There wasn't enough room; there wasn't enough parking; there weren't enough chairs; heck, there weren't enough forms! At the last presidential caucus, we had 162. The energy was terrific! Obama won 11 delegates to the state convention, Clinton won 6, and uncommitted had 1.

By contrast, the Rockland Republican's had only 30 attend. 1/10th! And according to voter registrations, there are (were) an almost equal number of Democrats and Republicans.

A smaller town, Warren, had 76 people attend -- 5 delegates for Obama, 1 for Clinton. This is (was) a Republican town. But they still only had 26 show up for the Republican caucus. This is amazing! I'm very excited....

Maine Caucuses today!

Bentley Davis — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:26:13 EST

Today, we caucus in Maine. We are expecting huge turnouts. It promises to be exciting and hopefully will result in enthusiastic volunteers for the whole ticket (we have a big senate race here too -- a chance to turn a seat in the senate). I hope all who read this in Maine go to their local caucus. Information on locations and times can be found here: http://mainedems.org/caucus08.aspx

I will be at mine!

Undecided

Bentley Davis — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:57:23 EST

As many of you know, I was supporting Bill Richardson. Now, I am undecided as to who to support in our primary for President. The remaining candidates all have great qualities. However, I am appalled at the nastiness that the various campaigns and the supporters are exhibiting toward one another. Personally, I want no part of the name calling; the pettiness of what one did in their youth; or any of the other attacks. Honestly, I don't know who to support or what to do.

Please tell me why your candidate is great -- not why the others aren't.

Maine Caucus absentee information available

Bentley Davis — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:24:08 EST

For those in Maine, I want you all to know that absentee forms for the caucus are now available. Information can be found on the Maine Democratic Party website. The site has absentee request forms or you can call the party headquarters and have one mailed to you. Of course, you can attend the caucuses on February 10. At the rate things are going, Maine might be an important state afterall.

call from my daughter

Bentley Davis — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:56:28 EST

I just got off the phone with my daughter who has been working in NH for the past week for Bill Richardson. She was taking brake from holding a Richardson sign outside a polling location. She told me yesterday she worked on lit drops, then made calls, then did signs until the wee hours of the morning. She was at her polling location when the polls opened. Good daughter that she is, she called and checked in with her mom. Now, she said, she is going to find a place on the floor to take a nap.

I hope Richardson does well today!

Experience

Bentley Davis — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 07:41:03 EST

Why not the candidate with lots of experience? Our most experienced candidate, Bill Richardson, has received little coverage by the press. But he has been a 7 term member of congress, an Ambassador to the UN, Secretary of Energy, a two term governor, and the consummate diplomat. When he was reelected governor, he took 69% of the vote, including 40% of the Republican vote. He has the experience we need to lead our country.

great NYTimes Story

Bentley Davis — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:00:21 EST

"For Democrats, Too Many Good Picks; For Republicans, an Easier Path" It is true. We are in a great place this cycle with so many talented, committed, and smart candidates. I'm routing for my favorite tonight. But regardless who wins, we are in an enviable position.

tomorrow

Bentley Davis — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:26:58 EST

Well, I'm back, kind of. My dad has made it through is first major surgery and I haven't had much time to blog. But I have been politically active nonetheless. Not as much as I would like, but still making calls and campaigning for Richardson.

I'm hopeful that we will see some positive results from Richardson tomorrow. He is the candidate with the experience to help our country through the foreign policy morass in which we are mired. Moreover, he is the candidate who could put many previously red states into play -- the Western states in particular. I hope the folks in Iowa and NH listen to the candidates and make up their own minds as they have done in the years past instead of the MSM.

On a side note, my daughter is currently in NH for the next week working her tail off for the governor. I am one proud Mom.

Richardson on tv

Bentley Davis — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:48:21 EST

Tomorrow, Sunday, Bill Richardson will be on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos. I encourage you to watch if you are able.

Richardson focusing on the issues

Bentley Davis — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:19:25 EST

Recently, someone wrote that Bill Richardson was "sucking up" for a VP job. I need to correct that. First of all, Richardson is running for President. He might not be first in the polls right now, but his numbers have been steadily rising and a lot can happen in 30some days. Second, and most important, Richardson called on all the candidates to run this primary campaign without ad hominems and to focus on the issues alone. He made this pledge and a call for the others to pledge with him nearly a year ago. I happen to agree with his stance.

Venom within the party does not strengthen the party. When the primary is over, we will all need to work together in order to make our platform policy. Personal attacks make that cohesion in the aftermath much more difficult. They also give free fuel to the Rs. Differences exist and we can point those out without getting personal.

Thankful

Bentley Davis — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:40:35 EST

Thanksgiving usually isn't a big holiday for me. A day to catch up on cleaning the apartment. But I have a lot to be thankful for. I haven't posted much lately.

Election results

Bentley Davis — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:43:02 EST

I know that someone has already posted the result, but I did not win the city council seat in Rockland. I came in third place for 2 seats. But it wasn't for lack of trying. I had signs on many, many lawns. I had print ads. Most importantly, I knocked on about 1,300 doors and on election day, I stood at the polls for the whole 12 hours they were open. I want to thank some of the wonderful friends here on PartyBuilder for your encouragement and/or donations. I am well aware, that not all on this site are friendly.

From the moment I took out my papers, I was the target of a right-wing hate machine.

city council campaign update

Bentley Davis — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 18:20:51 EDT

It has been a whirlwind past few days. My signatures are all certified -- so I'm official. The local paper had another little piece on me. Check it out: Link

My palm cards are designed and at the printers. Hopefully, they will be done quickly so I have something to leave at the doors. And fundraising has begun. I am off to a campaign committee meeting in a few minutes, but I wanted to check in and let my PB friends know that I am feeling optimistic. I miss you all!