Kossacks:
Like most of you I am FURIOUS at Senator Blanche Lincoln's refusal to vote for any public option proposal despite the fact that 55% of voters in Arkansas support a public option. (Poll here)
Blanche Lincoln needs a strong primary challenge to make her fully accountable to the voters. So far, she has none. That may change. (More below- with poll). [UPDATE: If you support a strong challenge to Blanche Lincoln, please rec this up so it won't disappear]
I am talking to a close friend who is seriously considering challenging Lincoln. He doesn't want to publicly release his name until he has committed to running. Let's call him Jake.
Let me tell you a bit about Jake. In his 60's, John has been a leader in progressive causes since college.
--He labored in the Civil Rights Movement, helping to integrate businesses in the state of Texas.
--He led efforts at his college to end the Vietnam War.
--After college, Jake became a muckraking print and radio journalist, challenging political leaders to live up to their promises.
--He wrote, edited and published newspapers which sought to move American society in a more progressive direction.
--He spent more than 20 years as a carpenter.
Today, Jake is a college professor, still committed to progressive politics, still working to make the world a better place.
Part philosopher, part carpenter, a great speaker and a strong debater. Jake combines intellectual brilliance and progressive commitment with a deep southern drawl. He is equally at home at a university and a construction site.
Jake strongly supports single payer healthcare, but believes that a robust public option is the best compromise obtainable.
I believe that Jake can mount a strong, effective campaign against Blanche Lincoln. While Jake realizes that defeating Lincoln is an enormous challenge, he believes that she must be held accountable for putting the interests of big insurance companies ahead of the needs of Arkansans.
Please provide me with your thoughts, comments and especially questions on Jake's potential candidacy.
And vote in my poll below.
Thanks