Let's not talk about a nominee for '08 until we shore up '06!

[wndycty]

I have seen a number of DUers arguing/debating on who will be our nominee in '08 and it bothers the hell out of me. For us to have a chance in '08 we need to pick up one or both chambers of the Congress in '06. Whomever our nominee is in '08 will need to rely on the entire ticket and that ticket will be shaped in '06.

Additionally, our '08 nominee may emerge in '06 by his or her ability to help people get elected. I have my favorites for '08, however I think it is all irrelevant until we see what happens in '06, furthermore our nominee for '08 may emerge in '06.

[MaineDem]

1. Hear hear!

I totally agree with you.

[wndycty]

2. The shape of Congress in '06 greatly impacts the race. . .

. . .depending on whether or no there are Democratic majorities in either chamber and also the types of Democrats that are elected. I consider myself to the far left, but I also have an appreciation for strategy. In politics one month is a long time, and a year is an eternity. I have a handful of favorites for '08 (at this point I would hope others have a few candidates they could support, not just one individual), but I want to see how '06 shakes out first.

[MaineDem]

4. I want to see the energy being spent on '08 put to use now

So many people are all involved in the Presidential race. The effort will be somewhat lessened if we win the White House but still have the GOP majorities in Congress.

Also, it's vitally important that state legislatures retain or gain Democratic majorities. The election laws are formed in the states and that's where we need to focus for all voting irregularity laws.

We can't afford to let up in '06 and I'm not sure everyone realizes that. (I'm sure most do but it's worth reminding them.)

Edited for typos.
Edited again for a typo. Sheesh!

[teamster633]

7. The States are way more important than I ever imagined.

I guess Katherine Harris should have clued me in but I was too dense to see it then. Ken Blackwell kicked the scales from my eyes after he kicked the country in its collective balls. If we don't win the battle of 2006 we don't have much chance of winning the war of 2008.

[wndycty]

9. True and . . .

. . .its difficult to develop a strategy for '08 until we see what happens in '06.

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Focus on '06 - that will give us momentum/strategy for '08.

Take this one step at a time.

[Lefty48197]

5. Well OK, but...

if we don't nominate ________, then I'm 1) voting green; 2) not voting; 3) completely giving up on the Democratic Party.

[leftstreet]

6. Why can't we do both?

[wndycty]

8. It would really be a huge waste of time. . .

. . .how can we determine who is our best nominee if we don't know what the political climate will be? We don't know what is going to happen with Iraq, we don't know what is going to happen with the economy, we don't know a lot about the factors or issues for '08, how can we figure out who the best candidate will be?

[asjr]

12. '06 is what we need to concentrate on right now.

'08 is naturally on our minds, but controlling the Senate and House, to me, should be the first item on our agenda. If we can get the momentum going it will carry over to election '08. There may be a dark horse out there somewhere that might surprise all of us. The longer the Republicans hold the seats in congress the worse off we are. I have always thought if Republicans were in charge in the time of Christ they would have placed their money on Barabas.

[leftstreet]

15. I don't disagree with you - but someone, somewhere, in the Dem party

has to keep an eye on 08.

The Repubs understand the sheeple voters better than the Dems do. How else can anyone explain Ronald Reagan?

:puke:

[wndycty]

16. There is nothing wrong with keeping an '08 but. . .

. . .there will be no legitimate front runner for '08 until we see what happens in '06. More importantly if those who are hoping for a particular candidate to emerge in '08 want to see that person nominated they will shift their focus to '06.

[DanCa]

10. Why it's just fantasy politics?

The 06 races havent even started yet and I am sure will maintain a laser fine focus on winning both the house and the senate in 06. Right now it's just talk on a message board. You know it's like water on a ducks back let it roll off ya :D JK
In all seriousness though I do believe that the first priority is in getting back the house and senate. But I really dont see any harm in engaging in fantasy politcs.

[wndycty]

Self delete--DUPE!

[EFerrari]

13. Imagine if we put the same energy into secure elections,

we might even win! :)

[wndycty]

14. And if we expect '08 to be secure we need to take action in '06!

:kick:

[skipos]

20. We did really well in 05 (VA, NJ, CA) and we can do well in 06. nt

[wndycty]

11. Think about the energy being put into fantasy politics for '08

Imagine if we put that same energy into '06 we might come up with something good. I think you are from Illinois, there is going to be a great primary in the 6th, pick a side Cegalis (announced) or Duckworth (unnanounced) because we can pick up that seat. Also in the 3rd CD we have a pro-life Democratic incumbent (Lipinski) being challenged by a pro-choice candidate (Sullivan) and that is just Illinois!

[LiberalFighter]

17. In addition, a possible contender may flop between now and 06 election

That would be a big disappointment to many resulting in their possible disinterest in the 2008 election. We don't need that happening either.

The best thing to do is wait on those candidates until they enter the race. Yes, there can be some prodding but keep in mind they may just be testing the waters and find out that it is too risky or not enough support.

We will begin to find out more on who the possible candidates will be by the summer of 2007 or whenever the state parties have their annual events. Those are mainly the Jefferson Jackson Dinners. Keep tab on who are the feature speakers.

On the emerging based on their ability to help people get elected THAT would be those candidates that are able to call in their chips for both financial and event appearance support. When a possible contender shows up for a fundraising or rally event for a candidate from city council to Senator that builds support. If they can't get support from local and state political leaders they will have a difficult time raising the initial funding needed to start and keep them in the race.

[Mythsaje]

18. Exactly what I've been saying for months now...

I refuse to even consider '08 until '06 is done and over with...it'll be much easier to plan the strategy once we have a better idea of what we're dealing with.

[journalist3072]

19. Can I just say....

That I thing we need to take the focus off of '08 (for now) and concentrate on '06.

The mid-term elections next year are going to be critical. And as President Clinton says often, if you look past the next election, you might not make it past that election.

So I think our focus needs to be on '06 for now.

[Doctor_J]

21. I think this is wrong

If a few really qualified/presidential candidates are out front and "the face of the party" next summer, it will help all of the congressional candidates.