I live in the North Carolina 5th Congressional district and am a long-time Democratic activist here. Our district is a beautiful place with wonderful people, but we are represented in the House by the wicked witch of the West:
Yes, indeedy, that is the real, the one and only, CongressWoman Virginia Foxx (R Nutjob, 5th District NC).
But maybe not for long?
I know we're all frustrated about polls that show Democrats are not energized or mobilized for the 2010 election season. No surprise here. But if that's the case, then what are we going to do about it?
I know what we're going to do here in the 5th district. We're not going to hide under a rock or "hope" things change for the better. We're not going to try to just hang on. We're going to step it up. We're going after the most batshit crazy the other side has got.
We're going to take her on.
We're going to take her down.
We're going to energize our troops and get out our vote by giving our base and independents someone they can get excited about voting for. We're going to offer up a strong, viable and progressive alternative to Madam Foxx. Because we deserve it. And so does the rest of the Country which rightfully continues to wonder what the hell we're smoking by continuing to send this to Washington. And this. And this. And, of course, this.
Just in the past few days, an impassioned call has gone forth throughout the mountains and foothills of this largely rural district for farmer, carpenter, radio host, and son of a Preacherman Billy Kennedy of Bethel, Watauga County, to stand up and take Ms. Foxx on for this seat:
Billy Kennedy is a Democrat from Watauga County with long history and prominence in the community. His current community service includes: Watauga County Democratic Party Executive Committee, North Carolina State Democratic Party Executive Committee, Precinct Chair in Watauga County, active campaigning for candidates, and hosting "Watauga Talks" on WATA-AM. Billy is the son of former Black Mountain Mayor and Presbyterian Minister, Will Kennedy.
I've known Billy Kennedy for some years now. He would be a serious candidate and would run a serious campaign. He is a strong progressive and cares about the working people in our district. At a speech he gave the other day in Wilkes County, Kennedy said:
My name is Bill Kennedy.
I am the son of a Preacher.
My father died 3 years ago, but he left me knowing the importance of making a genuine difference in the lives of others.
I am 52 years old.
I am happily married and have three grown children.
I know no matter how little money a person has, if he has family, he is indeed rich.
I am a self-made man. I am a working man.
I am a farmer and a carpenter. I raise cattle on my farm in Bethel, Watauga County.
I know the feeling of the soil on my hands and the mud on my boots.
I am an honest man.
I believe politicians should tell the truth.
I believe Mark Twain was when he said if you tell the truth, you don't have to keep track of the lies.
Billy Kennedy is the real deal, and I am happy to a part of the people's movement to encourage him to run against Madam Foxx. From Kennedy via Facebook yesterday:
Facebook Friends:
I have tracked the Draft Billy Kennedy group on Facebook and am deeply grateful for the attention and all the positive encouragement. I’ve been overwhelmed and honored by so many people asking me to run for the 5th district Congressional seat. Our district needs representation in Washington that is serious about the needs of people in our area, most especially jobs and future opportunities for ourselves and our children. In light of these hard times, it is not acceptable that our current legislator, Virginia Foxx, says "no" to every proposed solution while at the same time taking advantage of limited taxpayer dollars for her own needs. As for now, I am seriously considering my options. This is not something I can suddenly rush into without a lot of homework and planning, not to mention the support of my family and closest friends. I hope to have a concrete decision in the coming weeks and will certainly let all you good people know as soon as possible what my plans are. In the meantime, keep the faith that positive change can indeed come to our district.
Sincerely,
Billy Kennedy
Will you join and support the people of the 5th district by signing the Facebook petition to Draft Billy Kennedy for US House?
If we can recruit Billy Kennedy to take on Foxx, we can make it happen.