KS-03: Ocasio-Cotez: "Let's flip this seat red in November"

[PatrickforO]

212. Randy, I like you, but I disagree with your headline.

You say 'let's flip the seat red in November' and by that, at least to me, it sounds as if you're saying that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are plugging a 'cannot win lefty' against a more moderate candidate. First, here's a couple of paragraphs from a February article in the Kansas City Star:

Note the election we're talking about here comes up August 7.

There are about 100,000 registered Democrats in Johnson County. That is a surprise to many, because until recently, Democrats have been almost invisible. This compares to about 185,000 Republicans and about 115,000 unaffiliated.

Their shared repulsion at the right-wing policies of certain Republican demons has galvanized the Democrats. Those demons include former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, President Donald Trump (and, by association, U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder of the 3rd District) and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who is running for governor.

OK, now let's look at the field. My source here is Open Secrets.
Yoder (R) is the incumbent. He has raised $2.6 million of which $1.5 million is from PAC contributions. He has spent $1.2 million. So he is a darling of the Koch brothers and other billionaire freaks.

Now, let's look at our field. There are 7, SEVEN Democrats running not just Sharice Davids.

The first guy is Tom Niermann (D). He's raised $694K, of which 89% is from big individual donors. He has thus far spent $309K.

Second, we have Brent Welder (D). He's the one Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are helping. He is second in the Dem field at fundraising, having raised $620K, of which 60% is from large donors, 32% from small donors and 8.3% PACs. He has put $56K of his own money into the race. Brent has thus far spent $220K.

The third Dem running is Sylvia Williams. She's raised $311K so far and spent $78K.

Fourth, we have Sharice Davids. She has thus far raised $298K and spent $153K. Of the money she's raised, 71% is from large donors.

Fifth: Mike McCamon (D), who has raised $153K.

Sixth and seventh: Chris Haulmark and Jay Sidie both just names on the ballot.

Now, if I'm sitting here analyzing this based on fundraising, I'm thinking that either Niermann or Welder are the strongest options we have against a VERY WELL FUNDED Republican who is throwing money around like nobody's business.

So I will say this: Whichever Dem wins, we're all going to have to support them because KS District 3 is a big uphill slog. So, Randy, it seems to me that for you to say a vote for Welder will 'flip the seat red' seems a bit unfair. Looking at the strength of the R candidate in terms of funding from the big capitalists and corporation, the seat may stay red no matter who we run.

That said, I pledge to support whichever Dem wins. Might even send them a small contribution.

Because we have to try.

Just remember, all of you, that after August 7, THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE DEMOCRAT STANDING, SO SUPPORT THEM.