Georgia Blogger to Challenge McKinney
By Dignan Posted in User Blogs — Comments (12) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Well, this was a very interesting day to say the least. Little did I know when I wrote this post last night that I would end up getting over 12,000 visitors to the blog today and have my inbox filled with email about the post.
I'm sure that many people felt that I wasn't serious about challenging Cynthia McKinney. But I am completely serious about this. Bloggers are often criticized for being willing to pour forth their opinions on any number of subject. Opinions are a dime a dozen. But I am willing to act.
I did get quite a few emails that echoed this popularly held sentiment:
"Dignan my boy, save yourself. I'm in an area that was removed from Cynthia's district in the last election cycle. I know how you feel."
"Don't waste your effort running against her. She's black in a majority black district. She panders to the black vote and has infinite support from others who pander to the black vote."
You have nothing to offer that constituency. You have no hope of winning even 1% of that vote.
That said, good luck!"
I understand that this is the conventional wisdom, but I disagree. It doesn't have to be this way. And I believe that the people in the precincts that have historically been heavy-duty supporters of McKinney are smarter than that.
There was certainly a point where Cynthia's views and rhetoric were more inline with the majority of her constituents. But that day has passed.
So what would a "Dignan for Congress" campaign look like?
Power to the People
As those of you who have read some of my posts on corporatism may know, I am no fan of the manner in which big business is given a leg up by our federal government. Therefore, my campaign would not accept any donations from companies. Only contributions from individual citizens would be accepted. I am certainly for sale; but only the people can buy me.
Untainted by Washinton
For whatever reason, when elected officials go to Washinton, they too often are changed by the prevailing culture. In order to maintain my position as a public servant, I would commit to run for only two terms. My time would be spent representing my constituents rather than positioning myself for the next campaign.
No Spin
Unlike Bill O'Reilly, I actually mean it. You can expect me to be straightforward and forthcoming as a candidate. My longtime friends know that I have never been one shy about speaking my mind.
So why can't it happen? Stranger things have happened.
In my previous post, I said that I am throwing down the gauntlet to Cynthia. Well, now I am going to throw down the gauntlet to all of my readers and supporters. It is time to put your money where your mouth is.
If you are serious about supporting my candidacy to replace Cynthia McKinney as the U.S. Representative of the 4th District of Georgia, then I ask you to send me an email stating your financial commitment. If I receive at least 500 emails with commitments of at least $100 each, then I will file.
How great would it be for the blogosphere to help a fellow blogger get elected to public office? Spread the word!
No reason she can't lose is 2006. Best of luck and keep up up to date.
I have to admit, I would miss her (like I did after 2002). First of all, news stories like this are fun. Like a Michael Bay movie -- she's so bad she's good.
Does she really hurt Republicans? I don't see how. She's kind of a secret weapon, actually -- she reminds people how nutty the left can be.
for the fact that SHE IS MY REPRESENTATIVE and a joke at that. Why should I have to sacrifice having good representation so the rest of you can have a good laugh? :)
And I'm not saying you shouldn't try! Just that jdub is probably right...
Every potential victory will be sought, and fought for seriously by the Dims. I believe that we will see an outpouring like we have NEVER seen, when it comes to fringe factors campaigning against the GOP.
Seems the only hope is the liberal, African American vote that put her into office steps up and voices their disgust in her...possible, but could be costly
IMHO, the GOP is still willing to accept certain defeats, even before they occur
the anti-business and anti-O'Reilly stuff :)
Being pro-big and small business myself I am not sure I care for the rest of your stands. However throwing McKinney out of congress is an extremely valuable service.
I'm not anti-business. I am opposed to the federal government giving aid to businesses. That isn't capitalism; it is corporatism. I would rather see businesses left alone by the government.
I don't believe in Government bailing out or helping business either. Though I don't think most business get this help.
Thanks for clarification.
There is more government assistance to business than you may know. Look at the entire sugar industry. It is given assistance by our government in the form of a closed market that harms consumers. Many of the largest corporations have plenty of tax breaks available to them. And then there is the practice of economic development where states gives millions in the form of tax breaks for companies to locate facilities.
Did her publication of the facts that members of Congress were by-passing security screening, and the current method for faciliitating amount to the leaking of classified information ? Has her publication of this information exposed members of Congress to new risks ? Will her public disclosure of this information require all members of Congress to be screened in the future ?
and desire to do the right thing are admirable, I feel it a lost cause. Not that you wouldn't be a good option, but I think the backlash against your filing would be large.
Look at the responce by the National race baiters (..Jesse, Al, to name a few) to the election issue in NOLA.
I fear you would not only have to face the incumbant, but also do battle against the likes of the above.