The Democratic Party cannot afford to lose men like this -

Dover

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Mon Feb-23-04 08:17 PM
Original message

The Democratic Party cannot afford to lose men like this -

Edited on Mon Feb-23-04 08:28 PM by Dover

Doggett is a RARE BIRD in politics and a treasure. PLEASE support him as he has supported us with every ounce of his being.

Dear MoveOn member:
While the Presidential race dominates headlines, Tom DeLay's underhanded plans for Texas are quietly moving forward. DeLay's goal has been clear from the start -- to eliminate key progressives, and at the same time ensure that the makeup of the U.S. Congress stays solidly Republican.

One of DeLay's prime targets is U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett. Lloyd has been one of the most progressive leaders in the House. He was a leader against the rush to war in Iraq and has consistently stood his ground against the extremist policies of the Republican leadership. Here�s what Republican staffer Joby Fortson had to say in an internal memo, upon seeing what they were able to do to Doggett�s district: "ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha" <1>.

Congressman Doggett is fighting to stay in office. He is running in the newly-drawn 25th district and has asked for our help in his primary bid. We encourage you to support his re-election campaign by making a donation, here:

https://www.moveon.org/pac/doggett/

Congressman Doggett helped lead the effort to oppose the invasion of Iraq and aggressively lobbied his colleagues in an effort that resulted in a majority of Democratic members of Congress voting "no" on the Iraq war resolution. At a February 2003 anti-war rally in Austin, Doggett told a cheering crowd:

"Mr. President, the policies that you are pursuing in the name of our security are wrongheaded. They will make our families less secure. You jeopardize the security of our families when you insist on a land invasion and umpteen years of occupation of Iraq..."

In addition to his efforts against the Iraq war, Doggett has compiled a lifetime 94 percent voting score on important arms control issues and has been a vocal opponent of Star Wars, nuclear weapons testing, landmines and wasteful military spending. His votes consistently receive top ratings from PIRG, League of Conservation Voters, American Public Health Association, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

More on the map in Texas:

DeLay's re-districting map was approved in December by a court stacked with Republican appointees. It's designed to knock off Democratic incumbents who stand in the way of the far-right's agenda, giving Republicans an edge at the expense of large numbers of Texas voters who will be disenfranchised. In the words of Republican staffer Joby Fortson, "This has a real national impact that should assure that Republicans keep the House no matter the national mood." This is not democracy. It's gerrymandering at it's worst, and yet another attempt by the Republican national leadership to game the system.

You can help keep a strong, progressive leader in office and at the same time send a clear message to DeLay and the Republican leadership by supporting Doggett's primary bid. You can contribute online at the following web page:

https://www.moveon.org/pac/doggett/

This is MoveOn.org PAC's first email to our members in 2004. Through the MoveOn.org PAC, MoveOn members can change who has influence in politics -- from a few big-money donors to a massive number of small-money donors. Members can directly reward those candidates who take stands on our behalf and support challengers with progressive values, and at the same time demonstrate to everyone that there is grass-roots support available for those who are willing to fight for our interests. From now through November, we'll highlight candidates for the U.S. House and Senate and invite you to support them by volunteering and giving to their campaigns. You can also support the PAC directly at the following web page:

http://www.moveonpac.org/moveonpac/donation.phtml

Thanks again for all you do.