Gwen Moore for Congress

[ClassWarrior]

A true progressive is running for Kleczka's seat. And the old Jobs With Peace gang is holding a reunion tonight in support of Gwen's candidacy.

That's Friday, 06/18/04, from 5-9 p.m. at the Transit Union Hall, 734 N. 26th Street.

Feel free to just show up and party. Refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome. All contributions will be gratefully accepted.

[eyesroll]

1. Cool...

I can't make it (and am officially staying out of the 4th CD race) but I really like Gwen Moore. We had a good conversation at a Milwaukee for Democracy event awhile back (the group ended up endorsing Tim Carpenter, another good choice).

We've got a few good people (with different strengths, different weaknesses) running for that seat -- and whoever wins the primary will win the seat, barring a major turn of events -- so let's make sure we choose right. We don't have to factor "electability" into this equasion.

[ClassWarrior]

3. Why are you staying out of the 4th, Eyes?

I know you're in a different district - is that why?

I'm intrigued by Carpenter too, but I need to know more about him before I can pass judgement. And, as far as I'm concerned, Moore's activist credentials will be hard to beat.

Did anyone go to the reunion last night? (I had to miss it too.)

[eyesroll]

5. Just being pulled in too many directions at once

I probably like Moore the best personally (I'd do a lot more homework, of course, if I lived in the 4th). But I've got my hands full with everything else (Kennedy, Feingold, Waukesha County Dems, MoveOn, etc...)

[Bushfire]

2. Both Carpenter and Moore need as much support as they can get

to beat back Matt Flynn's law firm's donations. I've yet to decide who I will support, but it won't be Flynn in the primary.

[Bushfire]

4. Gwen gets Emily's List, and AFT Union endorsements.

just google " gwen moore congress " , and check the pdf's.

[sybylla]

6. Wonderful news!

After hearing her speak at Fighting Bob Fest last year and the convention this year, I have to confess she is my favorite in the contest. She's very progressive and comes across as very knowledgable and competent.

[ClassWarrior]

7. What's Fighting Bob Fest like?

I'm torn between this year's FBF and the Peace Action National Congress here in Milwaukee. I'll probably do PA, but FBF sounds really great.

By the way, hi. I really enjoy your posts.

[sybylla]

8. Fighting Bob Fest is awesome

I went to the first two. Ed Garvey founded the organization that puts them on. John Nichols and the owner of the Cap Times in Madison have a strong role in the Fest as well. John Nichols is the editor of the Cap Times and author of books like Jews for Buchanan. You can find out more about the organization at http://www.fightingbob.com

The Fest itself is very moving. They bring in progressive politicians and journalists from around the country to speak about the state of affairs in this country and how it could be, or should be, better. Last years speakers included
Sen. Feingold
Rep. Gwen Moore
Rep. Bernie Sanders from Vermont
Lt. Gov. Lawton introduced Jim Hightower
John Nichols, contributing editor of the Cap Times and author
Greg Palast, author and journalist for the Guardian in the UK
Matt Rothschild Editor of the Progressive Magazine
Ellen Bravo, the chair of the organization 9 TO 5
Presidential candidate Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Lois Gibbs who was responsible for litigation of Love Canal
Bert Grover who is the former State Sup. of Schools
Robert Miranda who is an activist from the Milwaukee area

The speaker list changes almost daily until the day of the fest. You can check out the list at http://www.fightingbobfest.org There is also a Fighting Bob post in the Wisconsin forum that has the link as well.

The fest itself is, as I said, awesome. The entire day is like a huge tent revival for progressives. There are morning speakers, then break out (small group) sessions where you can listen to activists who have expertise in particular areas help you understand where the issues are and show you what you can do to help fight the good fight. For example, last years sessions under the theme of Corporate Power and Democracy included discussion of farming issues, dealing with big box retailers, corporate control of education, corporate media/PR and many more.

The whole day is an absolute adrenaline rush for progressive thinking political junkies like me. Its a place where you will hear wise men and women, politicos as well as the veterans in the trenches, say all those things that you always believed in about the way this country should be. No one sits on the fence and even tries to take a centrist position at Fighting Bob Fest. Every one you see there is a hard core liberal with a dream, just like you and me.

Think about coming. If not this year, then next. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

[ClassWarrior]

9. Sounds awesome.

I will consider attending. Thanks.

[Bushfire]

10. Gwen gets UAW and NEA endorsement

http://www.gwenmooreforcongress.com/

[Bushfire]

11. Flynn seeks 'clean campaign' pledge from other candidates

Congressional candidate Matt Flynn called Wednesday for his Democratic primary rivals to join him in a "clean campaign" pledge.

Aides to Flynn's 4th District opponents derided the pledge but said their candidates would run clean campaigns anyway.

Flynn, an attorney, will face state Sens. Gwen Moore and Tim Carpenter and state Rep. Shirley Krug in the Sept. 14 primary, while former state official Corey Hoze will meet attorney Gerald H. Boyle in the Republican primary. The winners will compete Nov. 2 to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Kleczka (D-Wis.).

<snip>

Krug and Moore won't sign the pledge because it would prevent them from highlighting differences among candidates' positions and records, aides said. Carpenter spokesman Todd Robert Murphy called the pledge a "typical political ploy" but did not rule out signing it.

more...

http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/jul04/242029.asp

[sybylla]

12. It always seems these days that the politician calling for

a clean campaign pledge is the first one to break it. I'm glad to see politicians are starting to shun this superficial ploy.