I think that one thing that paved the way for democratic success was Dr. Dean's forward looking-ness. That we were ahead of the curve looking forward. Anticipating.
It just hit me. Sitting here wearing an Eric Metcalf Browns Jersey, watching them win in a thrilling 7-6 game (no DVR so had to watch commercials)- I cannot believe how much outside groups are pouring into Ohio. THIS IS THE BLUEPRINT FROM CITIZENS UNITED. IT'S NOT GOING AWAY.
There isn't one commercial Break, not even in watching the Giants' game, where there is not some ad attacking Brown by Crossroads, or whomever. This race should be a joke. I believe Sherrod Will win, but when we get complacent whether it is long term or short term, they just get crazier and emboldened (both as citizens and who we elect). So I ask rhetorically, and hope there are answers and discussion and not just (hope a judge gets on the bench, as that would presuppose a Congress not bought that passes a bill) . . .
It is seriously disturbing to me that Josh Mandel can run on the accomplishments of his predecessor. Get hung up on by Radio Stations because he will not talk about his rediculous spoils system, etc, etc (oh but he was a Marine!). Be completely unqualified for any position let alone US Senate.
He is a possible future. Not just on Nov 7, but in others. In a way not just done when Feingold, or Cleland was/were targeted. This is far more the Offspring of one decision. That will ripple beyond Mandel's hopeful defeat. That post Citizens United- any R and their billionaire buddies can get Rove to find anyone who can memorize what he tells them. Then just pour gobs of money into the state.
I hope it is stopped, but that just tweaks the blue-print. Maybe dissuade put that is little comfort.
I am confident and hope individuals are contributing to Sherrod. I am confident that Sherrod will win. But it is still disturbing as Josh Mandell is a true "know nothing", and many people of Ohio are falling for it. So sick of ads I'd imagine they don't want to get the facts. Let's hope that Sherrod wins. But if he doesn't this will simply embolden the Republicans. This is a blueprint 1.0.
I do not think it is "new" to spend gobs of money to run (even your own), nor far off to say this Congress already is in the pocket enough of someone that you'd never see the Consumer Protection Acts we luckily still have. But it is new how it is done. And that it is making so much noise it is working. Best Case Sherrod loses, R's think about the $ wasted, maybe a little less. But it is a blueprint. One that will be changed.
For now, get out the vote, contribute, phone-bank, vote, etc. If we do, let's not forget what we are seeing, lest the 2.0 version catch us by surprise. It may come back bigger and badder. There i never a time too early to combat. I don't know how.This is as important an election as I remember in my life. But until Citizens United is reversed (which is a big until/if as it'd take a lot of time and changes which hopefully this election precipitates, and is not precipitated by the citizens getting so fed up), we are going to have to be even more vigilant, and creative. We may deter the $ this time, but it will come back.
Here's to everyone working hard for this Election. And hoping that we don't see a time even we think "What's the Point". So even if Sherrod wins, we cannot forget how close someone less qualified than many of my friends was this close. . .
To Donate to Sherrod Brown (i figured some might want to who know the numbers better than I, as to HOW much money is getting poured in)
https://secure.sherrodbrown.com/...