Tomorrow is the end of the first quarter of fundraising for candidates. If you have favorites, now would be a really, really good time to donate to them. The numbers they post for this quarter are often the most critical for the entire cycle.
For challengers, this is the quarter the DCCC uses to decide whether they're going to provide support. Think State Senator Craig Pridemore would make a better, more progressive House member than Denny Heck in the open seat in WA-03 (as I do)? Better contribute now.
And for incumbents, we're starting to get to the point where challengers need to decide whether they're going to run or not. Strength scares them off. So want to reward people for voting correctly? Today would be a good day to do so.
Money is speech. Give the people you like voices.
Here's a quick guide if you haven't decided who you like yet:
Some of my personal favorites for their raw courage on my "Courageous" page.
If you're looking to reward the toughest votes on health care reform, try Adam Bonin's "We've Got Your Back" page.
For some outstanding challengers, look to Howie Klein's "Blue America 2010" or the PCCC and DFA's campaign for Bill Halter.
Is climate change your big issue? Support some of the toughest votes for the energy bill.
And finally, two that deserve special mention:
Jennifer Brunner is running for Senate in Ohio after having cleaned up the Secretary of State's office there post the 2004 election debacle. She rocks.
And Connie Saltonstall is running against Bart Stupak.
But here's the deal: this quarter's numbers can make or break people. And every little bit helps. Help our standard bearers succeed.