Chris Van Hollen, the leader of the DCCC, is concerned that liberal groups targeting corporate democrats are creating a "circular firing squad" which could cause the Democratic Party to lose seats in the 2010 elections:
Liberal groups targeting moderate congressional Democrats should "beware of forming a circular firing squad" that could hurt the party in 2010 elections, says the head of Democrats' House campaign efforts.
I've got a message for you, Mr. Van Hollen.
I know, you think you can take my vote for granted. You think you can pander to me at election time and ignore me later, because I have no one else to vote for. You think that I will vote for Democrats no matter what, because I have always voted for you in the past. You're wrong about that.
I am a liberal, and I am tired of being marginalized and ignored by the Democratic Party. I am sick of having spineless leaders in Congress who are afraid to take risks and do the right thing. I am tired of triangulation and phony centrism. I am sick of hearing about change at election time and getting more status quo after the elections.
Most of all, I am tired of seeing these types of headlines:
Leahy Bails on 'Truth Commission' Plan (because republicans will make a fuss)
How will the White House make amends for censoring single payer in its Iowa health care forum live blog?
Geithner's plan is filled with loopholes
If the Democratic Party leadership continues to follow this policy of completely ignoring the left wing of the party, if they continue to shy away from making substantive change, if they continue to let Republicans dominate and bully them, then they have nothing to offer me, and I'll be forced to vote for a primary challenger or stay home in 2010. If they want my vote, they need to give me a good reason to vote for them. Being just a bit better than the Republicans is not enough.
Mr. Van Hollen, you have control of both houses and the executive branch. You have power, now it's time to use it to do things that are good for America. Please, give me a good reason to vote for your party. Otherwise, I may join the "circular firing squad".