Schumer calls Hackett, hints he should yield Ohio Senate race to Brown

[BurtWorm]

Brilliant, Chuck. :wtf:

http://www.cleveland.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/ispol/1128850235291450.xml&coll=2


...

Not surprisingly, Brown's reversal has infuriated the Hackett camp. Hackett not only had begun assembling a staff in recent weeks, he also had bought a $130,000 motor home for campaigning around the state, says friend and adviser Michael Brautigam.

"He did that when he firmly committed to the race, right after Brown looked him in the eye, and said, 'I'm not running. Good luck,' " said Brautigam. "Politicians who shake someone's hand, look a person in the eye and say one thing and then do exactly the opposite is what's wrong with politics in America today."

Brautigam said Hackett is considering his options this weekend while on drill duty with the Marine Reserves. He said Hackett was dismayed by a phone call Thursday from New York Sen. Charles Schumer, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, hinting "that Paul should get out of the race." Hackett is "not interested in getting in a bloody internecine fight in a primary when the real target should be Mike DeWine," Brautigam said. But if Hackett doesn't run for the Senate, he said, he's likely to bow out of politics.

"Paul is truly not a professional politician. Being stabbed in the back by the Democratic Party will likely cause Paul to go back to his family and his small business, and the Democrats will continue their addiction to losing," said Brautigam....

[texpatriot2004]

1. Oh NO Don't go Paul, Please don't go. We need you. n/t

[roguevalley]

2. PAUL! STAY! THIS IS WHY YOU CAN'T GO!!!!!

[dogfacedboy]

3. Stay in there, Paul. Help bring change to this f'ed up system! n/t

[dogfacedboy]

4. Stay in there, Paul. Help bring change to this f'ed up system! n/t

Dupe. Sorry.

[rockthevote2006]

5. Re:

I hope Paul gets the Democratic nomination. He did a good job in the special election.

[newyawker99]

93. Hi rockthevote2006!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Dr.Phool]

6. I beg to disagree

People, including politicians, do have a right to change their minds.
Everybody's not going to like it, but that's life.

I didn't follow Hacketts campaign that closely to get a good grasp of where he is on the issues, and he did make an impressive showing in his district.

I did live in Cleveland until 3 years ago, and Sherrod Brown does have a solid, bonafide, progressive record. At this stage of the game, I'd say that Brown has the best shot at unseating DeWine, and that's the main objective, not a personality contest.

[BurtWorm]

16. Why did Brown yield to Hackett first?

Did he not want to run? Did he get talked into running? Don't the Dems want new blood? Are they ruling out backing Hackett to the hilt? Are they sure that's the best plan? Or are they just falling back into old, risk-averse habits, as Lindsay Bayerstein (majikthise.com) puts it?

I don't know what the answers are. I frankly don't know Sherrod Brown. I agree that the objective is to take a seat back from the Repubs. I hope someone knows what they're doing.

[Buddyblazon]

24. They don't know what they're doing....

they're Democrats.

We are our own worst enemy.

[FreedomAngel82]

29. Me too

I just think the voters should be able to decide. Some may not like Brown. I'm kind of mixed though. :shrug: If Hackett really cared about politics he wouldn't drop out of the scene that easily. He could try for a state seat and then try again for Congress in the next election.

[Lady President]

44. Answer to a few questions

I can't begin to answer all your questions, but I did hear Brown speak tonight and he addressed some of what your asking.

It was widely publicized that Brown had decided not run this time. He made that decision for a few reasons; his daughter's wedding, fear that there would be problems with his wife's job, he was leading the charge against CAFTA and didn't have time, and other family reason he would not disclose. However, I spoke to him in 2004 and he indicated then he wanted to run for some statewide office. (He was appropriately vague, but he clearly was interested.)

Personally, I would prefer a proved progressive. New blood is fine, but Brown is really good and has the values DUers usually say they want in a candidate. He is to the left of Hackett. I would encourage everyone to read a little more about Brown. His record is very impressive. Currently, he is speaking at Reform Ohio Now events, and as a former SOS, knows the potential voting problems as well as anyone.

Yes, he stated that Democratic leaders including Chuck Schumer and Harry Reid strongly encouraged him to run.

No, they are not ruling out Hackett. Brown said that Dems., including himself, would fully support Hackett if he get the nomination.

Both candidates have risks. Brown is very liberal. Hackett is untested. Neither has enough name recognition, so a polite primary could help both.

[Rowdyboy]

21. I think Sherrod made a terrible tacticle mistake by waiting so long...

to announce. He stepped on his own message and, instead of being the savior of Ohio Dems, he's the guy who forced Hackett out.

That said, he's a much better candidate than Hackett and has a MUCH better chance of beating Dewine. Thats really whats matters most to me.

[Tigress DEM]

40. And he needs to apologize publicly and work out privately the rest.

I wish Hackett would run against Ken Blackwell. There's a fight worth fighting and one that sorely needs winning.

[Tigress DEM]

39. Still, if you make a full on statement that you are NOT running, don't go

crying to the DNC when someone takes you at your word and dives in.

[Buddyblazon]

7. Letter writing campaign to Schumer and Brown.

Dear Sirs,

Time for your milque-toast, limp-dick, crony brand of politics to take a seat. Sit down, shut up, and take note. If we need to be sold out, lied to, or abandoned...we'll give you a call.

Yours in painful honesty,

The American People (minus tx_dem41)



Edited for character accuracy.
Edited again to exclude people.

[JI7]

8. you must not know a thing about Brown

if you refer to him as having "corporate crony brand of politics".

i have no problem with people having issues with Brown running but there is no need to make up shit about him.

Brown is known for being about worker's rights. his big thing is being anti trade pro union etc.

don't be surprised if Kucinich endorses him in the primary.

[Buddyblazon]

9. Well...I'll delete the "corporate" part....

and leave in the "crony".

Hows that?

[JI7]

13. a "crony" to labor perhaps

[Buddyblazon]

17. I am a member of IATSE Local 7.

And I know my brothers would look at the actions described above as less than "manly".

Perhaps if he had gone back to him, and told him face to face. That would be the correct way to handle it. And perhaps the story is incorrect. But if it is, then I will again say he handled it the wrong way.

Greetings brother. Of what labor organization are you a member?

[JI7]

19. i don't have problems with you taking issue with how Brown

decided to enter the race. i can see why people would have ap roblem with it. i wish he hadn't done it this way either.

my problem is making Brown out to be something he isn't on the issues.

i'm not a member of any union yet as i'm still moving around jobs. and still deciding what i want to do. i do recognize the importance of unions and know who supports them over the corrupt big business types. and that Brown is one of them.

[Buddyblazon]

22. That's fine...

and I'm glad he supports Unions.

However, I am a pretty picky person when it comes to who speaks for me.

That behavior IS NOT HONORABLE. And I am person that believes in honoring your word. I've brought much heartache upon myself because I gave someone my word on something that was difficult to deliver. But in the end I ALWAYS deliver what I promise. No matter how long, or how difficult that feat be. It's actually a fault of mine. And I have been taken advantage of many times because I am a man of my word.

But now I don't promise things that I know I can't fulfill. And if he planned on running then he shouldn't have promised he wouldn't run.

OR he could just stick to that promise...........

and not run.

[gulfcoastliberal]

55. A lot of dems say this, then vote for NAFTA, CAFTA, GATT, etc ad nauseum

Clinton ruined American unions when he signed the commoditization of US wages, oops mean NAFTA & GATT into law. Not trying to bash dems but they do sell-out to corporations almost as much as repukes. Tired of the teevee or radio media? Who signed the telecom "deregulation" scheme? Oh yeah. Him again.

[JI7]

59. Brown DID vote AGAINST those things

[gulfcoastliberal]

70. I profess my ignorance of Brown. I'm glad he's voted against such things.

What is his position on the Iraq occupation?

[nvliberal]

64. Blame Reagan for the destruction of unions.

His firing of the air traffic controllers back in 1981 spearheaded the corporate move to destroy unions in this country.

Unions have never recovered once companies were given the green light to wreck them.

[gulfcoastliberal]

76. Reagan certainly did many egregious things - with dem aid.

Reagan couldn't have pushed through legislation dems were against, since they controlled both houses of congress. The dem congress actually worked against Pres. Carter on many things - they hated him. Congress should've impeached Reagan - Alzheimers or not - for Iran-Contra. The evidence was there but they just refused to do their duty.

[Prodemsouth]

79. Dennis K would not have carried his own state if he were the

Democratic nominee for President in 04. Ohio is a Conservative state despite the Republican scandals, and large Cities like Cleveland. I found out that I had some things to learn more about Ohio on a Brown/Hackett post. But I still think a "tested" progressive will not win Ohio. DeWine can move around and is not a complete idiot like Santorum in PA.

[sunnystarr]

95. So from what you're saying about Ohio

Hackett would have more of a chance at unseating DeWine.

[tx_dem41]

23. Signed ..."The American People"....

ummm...you don't speak for me. I want to win the seat.

[Buddyblazon]

26. Edited for you.

Sorry to speak for you.

[tx_dem41]

33. Be prepared to add a lot more progressives onto that list. n/t

[Buddyblazon]

41. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to explain to you that it was only

figuratively.

But "The American People" part was just part of fictitional letter...that I did not send.

There. Explained. End of this trivial discussion about my choice of words IN A LETTER THAT WAS NOT MAILED.

[Lexingtonian]

10. Schumer is a smart guy

and it's not like there there's a shortage of other statewide offices held by corrupt Republicans that Hackett could run for.

[BurtWorm]

11. My understanding is that Brown told Hackett the race was his.

He must have been talked into stabbing Hackett in the back. Nice job, Dems.

[democracyindanger]

46. Where'd you hear that?

[BrklynLiberal]

85. The word for Schumer is SHREWD..with all the negative connotations.

[PittLib]

98. I, for one, wish Schumer would...

STFU. I blame him for the PA senate race ... he is behind the selection of Bob Casey Jr., and therefore, a biased primary. I don't call that "shrewd" (even if negative) - I call it plain stupid. I am obviously not a fan.

[Gyre]

12. Glad I didn't respond to the Ohio DNC mailer!

* can say "hey" to them in hell before they get any $$$ from me again.

Gyre

[Buddyblazon]

14. I believe the point is...

Brown personally told him he was not going to run. And now instead of going to him and saying, "I've changed my mind.", he lets Schumer give Hackett the news.

Now, there may be more to the story, but if the above is accurate, where I'm from, that's not a very honorable way to approach things.

It may be different where you're from.

[helderheid]

15. OH NO HE DIDN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!

Support hackett!!!

[tx_dem41]

25. No....I'll support the progressive Democrat that has the best chance..

of winning a very vulnerable seat. I'm a Democrat, not a member of a cult of personality.

[Buddyblazon]

28. Just like they convinced everybody that Kerry had the best chance...

and Dean was a nutball.

Do we have to keep playing this song?

[tx_dem41]

30. No one had to convince me.....I am very aware of both candidates...

the odd thing is if you are a true progressive, the choice would be obvious....Brown. And, if you care about winning the choice is obvious too.

[Buddyblazon]

37. I do care about winning...

thats why after seeing Hackett make the best showing in an extremely strong red area in OVER 30 YEARS by NOT pulling punches and telling it like it is...I want him in DC speaking for the American people.

Even the politicians I like are pansy ass. None of them have said on the record that Bush is a chickenhawk SOB. In fact, the ONLY person i've heard say that...ON RECORD...would be Hackett.

If I have a choice between another buddy buddy politician that doesn't want to step on toes and walks on eggshells...and one that could give a rats ass about making waves...I'll pick the trouble maker.

But hey. He's not running in my state. So I don't have a say. So maybe you can sleep better tonight knowing that I won't be voting for any of those guys.

[VolcanoJen]

78. I'm a Democrat, and, like you, I'm not a member of a cult of personality.

I'm an Ohioan, and I've got a huge stake in this thing, just like I did in the Ohio 2nd special election, where America learned who Paul Hackett is.

I resent having my support of Hackett, who comes from the community in which I reside and work, reduced to "star-worship" or other such nonsense.

Ohio voters are more sensible and thoughtful than you imply. We're ultimately the only ones who have a choice in this matter, as well, and in order to avoid a re-hash of the '04 primary wars, I hope all DUers will refrain from rash generalizations that insult voters.

[jsamuel]

18. What do you know? I got attacked for seeing this coming.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5010364&mesg_id=5010364

[Buddyblazon]

20. Ah....

I guess the "crony brand of politics" statement I made WAS correct.

Imagine that.

Good call, jsamual.

[FreedomAngel82]

27. If Paul wants to run he should run

Let the voters decide who they want to represent them against DeWine. Schumer should butt out. He's not a citizen of Ohio.

[ohtransplant]

31. I understand Brown told Hackett he wasn't running

That's enough for me.

I understand Brown has a good record.

My problem is he seems to have gone back on his word. The motives may sound grand and be noble and circumstances may have changed but...this is what leaves a bad taste about politicians. When can you take them at their word?

Not only that but Dems look like the keystone cops - uncoordinated and undisciplined.

[Dr.Phool]

50. There are some things that make you change your mind

I ran for Congress last year. I decided in November that I was not going to run next year. I talked with 2 people who were considering running in the same district next year, and assured them that I wasn't running.

Well, the more I find out about their policies, ideas, and backgrounds, I'm ready to scream "I'm Running"! Three people have filed for that race, a DLCer from Homeland Security, A guy who was a Republican 3 weeks ago, and was trashing Kerry's war record, Swiftboat style, when he announced, and a fundamaniac conservative.

Would I be tarred and feathered if I filed to run, after I said I wouldn't.

[usregimechange]

32. Ok, guys contact your people, we don't need this type of crap!

[wisteria]

34. IMO, Hackett isn't ready to run for a senate seat just yet.

His time will come. He needs more experience and political clot first.

[BurtWorm]

35. In olden days, the party would take a promising candidate

under its wing and nourish him or her. Now they seem to try to play it safe. Is Brown really safe, though? Is "safe" safe? I don't know. If Hackett is promising, he should be developed.

[tx_dem41]

42. I agree that he should be developed....

From talking to Ohioans, throwing him into a statewide Senate race is NOT the way to develop him.

[Buddyblazon]

45. "Developed"

Translation= We should make him work the system for years and wait until his rawness and ideology is beaten out of him. Only after he has become another limp-dick, self serving "politician" can we allow him to run for office with a "D" in front of his name.

[tx_dem41]

51. No....the word coming out from the progressive grassroots in Ohio...

is that he isn't that good a campaigner. He's also turning off many progressives, because he is fairly conservative on many issues.

[dorktv]

47. That does drive me nuts about the Dems...No support for

people that make an effort. Why are we not asking Hackett to try again against that woman?

Why are we not trying to get people who do well go against the other person again?

[nvliberal]

60. In the old days, neophytes

would have gained experience getting elected to local offices and then statewide offices before going for the "big time" in running for federal offices.

Hackett is an amateur, and we need somebody who has a chance against DeWine.

[FreedomAngel82]

63. We do live in different times though

We have people worse then the mafia! If Brown can deliver and the people of Ohio trust him a bit more then he should go for it. If Hackett still wants to run he should and let the voters decide who they like more. If Hackett is serious about a career in politics he wouldn't just go home and give up but try something state wide and then try for Congress the next time around after he has a record to show people. He did very well for a newbie and such a short time to get to know the voters. I was really surprised. I hope he does stay involved in politics if he's serious enough about a career.

[Tom Joad]

36. Do either of these people oppose the war?

I know Hackett is on record saying that the war is not unjust, but rather "mismanaged".

In my neighborhood, a whore house is always a whore house, whoever the management. And an imperialist war is always an imperialist war, no matter the Party who orders the bombs to drop.

[napi21]

38. I don't live in Ohio, but even I donated to Hackett's campaign!

I don't know what Schumer is up to. Most of the time, I think he does a good job in the Senate and for NY. I don't like this kind of tactic though.

I even got a thank you card yesterday from the Hackett campaign, thanking me for my donation, and trust me, it was a very small one! I have only donated to 2 campaigns in my life (of 62 years). The first was Howard Dean, and the second was Paul Hackett!

I really want some STRONG Dems in DC! Paul seems like he is! If this Brown creature is as strong, why haven't I ever heard of him before????

[Carolab]

48. Sherrod Brown is a good guy!!!! Look at his record:

http://www.issues2000.org/OH/Sherrod_Brown.htm

[ohio_liberal]

92. He sure is a great congressman

But a Democrat hasn't won a statewide race in 13 years. We need a candidate who represents Ohio in general, and Ohio is not liberal. We NEED Paul Hacketts in order to win. We've got to have a candidate who appeal to rural Ohioans. There aren't enough Dems left in the big cities to offset rural voting. The Democratic base has taken a hit for years because the mills are closing and our union voters are moving out of state and are just plain disgusted with the establishment. How does anyone think Bob Ney, before redistricting, kept winning in a district full of Democrats? Because the Democrats in Ohio are conservative. They're terrified of "liberals" who want to take away their guns and raise their taxes. Sherrod Brown doesn't stand a chance. It saddens me that this is so, and we Ohio liberals are working hard to change this. But still it's true.

[Chan790]

43. The issue here

IMO is with Chuck Schumer. This is eerily similar to what he did in PA with Pennacchio and Casey.

He shouldn't cajole people into a race who have no interest in that race and then threaten/cajole the people who are already in the race (and presumably have a genuine interest in the position) to drop out because their politics are to the left of his own...geez, he's worse than a DLCer.

Wait...is he actually a DLCer??

[PittLib]

99. Amen ...

I posted above before I made it this far - and I am with you Chan, yet again. This has me more confused than the PA race ... he is promoting a true progessive over "name recognition" - the opposite of what he did with Casey and Pennacchio. At least OH has two decent candidates (I gave to the Hackett campaign) ... and we are "stuck" with the lame, decidely non-progressive Casey. I don't think they could stifle Hackett if they tried, like they are attempting with Pennacchio. This bullying has to stop ... challenging primaries are essential. Schumer will be hearing from me.

[mps]

49. Please email Senator Schumer

and tell him to stay out of Ohio's Senatorial race or he should not be the head of the Democratic Senatorial Committee.

Here's his email page:

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/contact/webform.cfm

[PittLib]

100. And Pennsylvania, too...

please. He knows not what he does.

[JohnnyCougar]

52. It must be nice to have two democratic candidates who are awesome

that could possibly win a Senate seat back for us. This should not be turned into a bad thing.

I like both candidates, and what Brown did was less than noble. But he is an experienced politician, and is arguably better equipped to handle a major national office such as Senator. And sometimes, even good people change their minds. I would argue that it is more prudent that Brown runs for Senator.

Hackett is obviously a good candidate, too. Why doesn't he run again in District 2? He has great name recognition now, and has been through the process once. Plus, in '06, the public will more readily support a critic of the war, as support for the war is permanently headed south. I would be surprised if he doesn't win this time around. Then, after 4 years in the House, if all goes well, he can kick Voinovich's ass in 2010. I don't think Republicans in Ohio are going to be very popular in the next 6 years, so this seems like a plausible scenario.

I think the right thing to do is to have Brown run, but have the DSCC or the DCCC promise to help Hackett next time around (I understand the irony of the Dem establishment asking Hackett to take their word again, but hopefully, he can be gracious). It would be more than justified, as Hackett seems to be a valuable asset to the people of Ohio and the Democratic party. Hackett can win elsewhere, and his political career should not be done because of this.

[VolcanoJen]

72. A Political Golden Rule: Strike While the Iron is Hot.

Sherrod Brown simply does not have what it takes to win statewide. He will be absolutely crushed in the southwestern counties of the state... the same ones that handed Bush his victory in '04.

The same area that, oddly, turned on the well-oiled Republican machinery in the special election and voted for this unknown named Paul Hackett, despite the fact that he had a "D" after his name. Damn if he didn't almost win.

Mike DeWine is a Greene County boy, and graduate of Miami of Ohio. He's southwestern Ohio through-and-through, and the Republican voters down here will turn out in droves for him, as well as a few Dems and Independents because of his local ties in these crucial districts... unless they have another option. And there's something about Paul Hackett that appeals to them... something that Sherrod Brown does not possess.

If we really want this Senate seat, we're going to have to do something brave and unconventional... not something as predictable and boring as sending Sherrod Brown to go and get slaughtered.

What was once a strong, reliably liberal state has become a haven for war-loving, flag-waving neoconservatives. Ohio Dems keep losing statewide elections because we are dysfunctional, lazy, afraid to defend ourselves, and averse to risk-taking.

The rag-tag group of folks who ran Hackett's campaign were outside of this broken-down state system and they showed us how it's done... and if they'd have had two more weeks, I think they'd have smoked the Republicans.

Sorry, Brown fans. I know he's a good guy and one of us, but I want to win this Senate seat, and we don't stand a chance if it's not a new face with some impressive credentials and bold ideas.

That guy is Paul Hackett, and this is his moment.

[gulfcoastliberal]

53. There those pro-war "liberals" & their DLC surrogates go again!!

Can't have a veteran of this disaster called Iraq running for office! That would fuck up their "position" on continuing to support the billion dollar per month boondoggle, costing who knows how many lives. Fuck Brown and fuck the DLC. I am so fucking pissed that the Dems continue in their loser, spineless support for whatever * wants. Fuck the DLC!!

[JI7]

62. Brown voted against the IWR and he is not part of the dlc

neither is Schumer.

[FreedomAngel82]

65. Brown and Schumer are NOT Dlcers

How do you know he's a DLCer? I looked on the list and Brown isn't listed. There are two Brown's but not from Ohio. Schumer is NOT a DLCer either. Way to go for fucking a guy who isn't a DLCer. Look for yourself before you mouth off people: http://www.dlc.org/new_dem_dir_action.cfm?viewAll=1

I've also yet hear where Brown stands on Iraq. Way to prejudge. :eyes:

[gulfcoastliberal]

71. Why would he co-chair their 2002 convention & write in Blueprint?

DLC | Blueprint Magazine | September 25, 2002
Balance on the Bench
By Sen. Charles E. Schumer

Friends, New Democrats, and moderates everywhere, lend me your ears. I come to praise President Bush... and to criticize him.

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=106&subid=122&contentid=250865

Schumer is connected to the DLC - but I do applaud him for voting against Roberts.

2002 DLC National Conversation

May 30, 2002

Please join ...

Bruce Reed
DLC President
Harold Schaitberger
President, International Association of Fire Fighters
Event Chairman
U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer
New York
Honorary Co-Chairs

[WildEyedLiberal]

54. I understand that people don't think Brown should've changed his mind

But those things happen. And frankly, what I'm seeing in this thread is a lot of kneejerking and mischaracterizing of the facts.

Apparently, Brown is much more liberal than Hackett. But because Hackett energized DU over the summer, suddenly he's the next Great Progressive Hero, who is eminently qualified for every office under the sun.

Why is Hackett so worshipped? Because he called Bush a son of a bitch. That's it. One poster even admits such upthread.

I find that immensely shallow. It's not a senator's job to scream and wail and call Republicans potty names. It's a senator's job to pass good legislation benefiting the people and to uphold our system of democracy. To think that some here would choose a candidate based on the ferocity of his rhetoric is not a lot different from freepers rallying around rabid ideologues who pay lip service to their favorite pet causes.

I have nothing against Hackett. But it disturbs me to see him so worshipped here just because he called Bush a name, while a solid liberal like Brown is accused of being a corporate, whiny, weak crony because he has the gall to oppose DU's darling Hackett.

[patrioticliberal]

56. If Schumer is supporting Brown

He's a weak piece of shit.

[WildEyedLiberal]

57. What an idiotic thing to say n/t

[patrioticliberal]

58. No, it's the truth. Schumer is scum.

[WildEyedLiberal]

61. This isn't about Schumer. It's about Brown.

I don't give a rat's ass what you think about Schumer. Brown is more liberal than Hackett, that much is obvious from his record. Hackett still has a right to run, but Ohio Democrats have every right to choose a more liberal candidate to represent them if they so choose. Everything else is just pointless pissing into the wind.

[davepc]

80. Can Brown get the Cincinnati suburbs to vote for him?

Hackett has show he can.

It's not a matter of who is more or less liberal, it's a matter of who has shown they can deliver a broad based support for their candidacy.

In that regard Hackett has a leg up on Brown, and I see no reason why Brown would be better in that regard the Hackett.

Brown and Schumer think the Ohio Republicans are SO weak that they can get a more liberal congressman through. Maybe they're right, but I myself don't see it.

They mis-interpret Hackett's strong showing as a dislike for Republicanism in Republican leaning districts. I think those Republican leaning folks saw something in Hackett that they liked and felt comfortable voting for him. Can Brown show those people the same thing?

If he can, then lets get behind Brown. But if he can't (and I believe he can not) then why not seize the traditional Ohio Democratic strongholds as well as sniping off chunks of "red" Ohio with a candidate who has proven he can deliver them?

Brown is the safe play.

He who dares, wins.

[BrklynLiberal]

86. As a New Yorker, I agree. I would not vote for Schumer for dogcatcher.

[VolcanoJen]

66. Speaking from the Ohio 2nd, I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it.

I first posted this in the Ohio Forum, but thought it beared repeating in this topic... especially since there aren't enough Ohioans in this thread, if you ask me! :-)

<<< BEGIN RANT >>>

The last time Sherrod Brown won statewide office was 1986!!!!!

Look, I know Brown is popular up north, but you Brown supporters have got to be kidding me with the "he's tested and he's won statewide office" meme. IT'S BEEN TWENTY YEARS, and he lost the last statewide election he ran in, don't forget!!

If you think Ohio is the same in 2005 as it was in 1986, you don't live in the same Ohio I do.

One thing is for certain... in the last twenty years, the Republicans have formed their Ohio base in the southwestern corner of the state, namely, the suburbs and farmlands surrounding Cincinnati. This area is consistently the one that puts Republicans over-the-top in statewide offices.

It is the area that gave Bush the 2004 election, in my opinion.

The more liberal areas of Ohio are going to vote for the Democratic Senate nominee anyway... but if that nominee is Brown, it is my belief that the Cincinnati area will once again hand the election to DeWine.

I want this Senate seat so bad I can taste it... but the national Dem party politicos are proving again that they don't understand Ohio politics and dynamics. And they're going to blow it again with this Sherrod Brown annunciation, just like they have in every election since Metz and Glenn left the Senate.

The election will be won down here. And for that election to be won by Democrats, Paul Hackett must be the nominee.

[Carolab]

67. Paul hopped the fence.

That's the key thing.

[VolcanoJen]

69. Hopped the fence?

Sorry, I don't understand...?

[Carolab]

104. Appealed to the "other side" as well as progressives.

He was unique that way.

[Carolab]

105. Here's a good "hop the fence" article for you.

Note this is from 2003.

http://tooabsent.com/herald/endurance/no_apologies.html


It will take some hard work to get the guys with pickups to vote Democratic while Democrats repudiate the Confederate flag on the back windows, but it will be nice to have a candidate--let alone a president--who isn’t afraid of hard work. John Edwards is probably right, that saying it the way Dean did offends some of those white people with condescension, and if Dean does nothing but toss off disposable one-liners, his strategy will be disastrous. But he is right: Democrats have to earn these votes in order to win, and more importantly, the country needs these votes on the same side of the ballot as those of poor and middle-class black people if we are going to survive as anything resembling a decent nation. If Democrats are serious about what they cried last November, that they have to be Democrats again, progressives again, liberals again--that they have to stand up and be tough and yell and get in people’s faces about what they think and believe and know--then they have no choice but to hop the fence into the pasture the Republicans ripped off from them years ago, and slap them around a little. Guys in pickups with Confederate flags like a good, unapologetic fight now and then, and a lot of them also have American flags on those trucks.

[ohio_liberal]

94. Amen, my sister from Ohio

It's been 13 years since a Democratic candidate won a statewide office. Whether anyone likes it or not, Ohio is not liberal. Ohio Democrats are rather conservative union voters and minorities. We need a candidate who can pick up the moderate Republicans, and Sherrod Brown ain't the one to do it.

I've said it like 10 times in the last 2 days. The big cities can't offset the rural voters. We've gotta have candidates like Hackett.

[friesianrider]

68. What the hell are the Dems doing here?

Jesus, are the establishment Dems SO deathly afraid of someone outside the Beltway who hasn't proven they can lose effectively?

My God. Paul is the best damn candidate the Democratic Party and this country has seen in awhile. I hope he sticks to his guns and the Dems back him up on this.

:grr:

[Marlie]

74. Just finished watching "Mr. Smith goes to Washington"

Frankly, I would like to see some new blood in our party and
Paul is just that. I think the people would vote for him in flocks
rather than an old established, in the circle, same old
candidates. Unfortunately, the Democrats don't want new, fresh
faces - I think Paul could be another Obama. The people are
sick of the establishment. I wish Schummer would try to do what's
best for the Country, not what's best for the party. I think
Paul would be a sure winner, especially since Ohio has had
more than their share of Iraq casualties.

[lwin]

73. It's called Primary Politics

How quickly some of you have forgotten the bloody Primary Wars in here during the Dem Nomination Presidential race!

We have the same kind of pissing contest...YOU drop out, no YOU get out!...thing going on right now in my district for a Congressional seat. It's gotten ugly now that one of the candidates went whining to the press (big no-no) and it's spilled over into the papers, who have run with it.

Also, a State Assembly seat in the next district over has 5 people going at it day and night.

I hate it and wish we could get behind one nominee early and concentrate. Alas, it doesn't seem possible most of the time.

[donheld]

75. Hackett needs to call Schumer, hint he should go to hell

:grr:

[jillan]

77. Have we started a letter writing campaign to Hackett?

Tell him - in not these exact words - fuck Schumer!
Please run Paul!

?????????????????????????????????????????

If not, we need to!!

[farmbo]

81. Do we really want potty -mouthed Michael Brautigam running anything?

Hackett DID enjoy HUGE support from the Ohio Democratic Party during the 2nd CD race (Which, just by the way he LOST!), yet now, when there's a slight bump in the road, Hackett's law-partner-cum-political adviser Michael Brautigam, runs serious smack in the National Media against the whole party apparatus... and will find himself quoted in every DeWine commercial for the next six months.

:grr:

Is Hackett a serious candidate or a one trick pony? We'll never know if he doesn't quit sending self-absorbed amateurs out to the press podium... to re-convene the infamous democratic circular firing squad.

[Algorem]

90. THIS ELECTION IS OUT OF ORDER!YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!

He better calm down,his head might explode like an IED.

[Ninga]

82. Sherrod Brown has been able to win consistently in

a heavily GOP district. Which by the way, has more money per capita than any other GOP district in the State of Ohio.

What am I saying you ask???

If Brown can win election after election, in the face of these facts, that should tell you something about how Brown is regarded.

[leesa]

83. What's with this shit?? Isn't a primary a place for multiple candidates

to run? Got some corporate contracts at stake Schumer? Got some corporate payola at stake Brown? Screw em...go for it Hackett. This makes me support him more than anything. Get rid of the old crap, in with those not on the corporate payroll.

[BrklynLiberal]

84. As a New Yorker, I can attest to the fact that Schumer is a POS!!!

I used to think he was a good guy, but have discovered he is one of those guys who holds up his finger to see which way the breeze is blowing and walks that way. I would not vote for him under any circumstances.
As it turns out, his "packaging" and some of his rhetoric may be more appealing than some of the more obvious POS's, but he is totally unprincipled.

[FlashHarry]

87. Brown should get Bob Shrum to manage his campaign and be done with it

Addicted to losing. Yep.

[Algorem]

88. Jean Schmidt has to run again next year.Hackett must complete his mis-

sion and defeat Jean Schmidt.

[Walt Starr]

89. I back Hackett

To hell with Brown. He went back on his word, so he does not deserve the seat.

[In Truth We Trust]

91. I prefer Hackett! Fuck Schumer! let them compete in a primary; that's what

they are for.

[julialnyc]

96. Not only do I think Hackett has a far better chance at winning, but I also

saw him as an optimistic sign that democrats were starting to think outside the box and encourage more people with their unique experiences to join the party.

This just demonstrates that they are having their own private party and we're not invited!

[WA98296]

97. Run Paul, Run!!!

[KingFlorez]

101. Two people don't need to run

We only should have one Democrat running, because primaries can cause problem later on in the general. Hackett should drop out and run against Schmidt again.

[PittLib]

102. I think y'all are missing the point ...

ire should not be directed at Hackett OR Brown, regardless of the circumstance. It should be directly aimed at Schumer and the DSCC (DSSC? - I always forget). It is for the Ohians to decide in the goddamn PRIMARY. It comes down to $$$ - and that is bullshit. We all end up losing that way. We need to have fair and balanced primaries and allow the people speak ... not some asshole strategist from NY. Do not let them choose your candidate for you. He did the same thing here in Pennsylvania and I resent the hell out of it.


I do not presume to tell Ohio voters who they should support. I contributed to the Hackett campaign and like the guy, and I know nothing of Brown (though I would tend to back the more progressive). But, hey ... I don't live in Ohio either. What I do know is that you have a right to have two good candidates duke it out (in a positive battle of ideas and wit) and choose for yourselves who deserves the seat ... and kindly tell Chuck Schumer to butt the fuck out of your race while your at it. Fight for fair primaries!

[spuddonna]

103. Geez, I guess we don't need primaries anymore!

:sarcasm: Let's let all those super-smart senate leaders tell us who we should support! We don't need to see who would get a bigger push in the primaries, just do as the dear leaders say!

What bullshit...

You know what? If Hackett wants to run, he should run.
If Brown wants to run, he should run.
If freakin' Aunt Bea wants to run, she should run.

It's called a democracy. We should try it sometime...