Signs of Tsunami

Dennis Shulman-- closing the deal in New Jersey

Some of the most hotly contested congressional races are turning towards Democrats. One of the most important races for progressives in the country, in the suburbs east and south of Seattle (WA-08) pits progressive leader Darcy Burner against a pathetic and corrupt rubber stamp Bush puppet, Dave Reichert. Darcy took him apart in a debate last week and the newest polling shows her beating him by a healthy 5 point margin despite all the corporate and right-wing money pouring into the district on his behalf. One Darcy Burner is worth ten generic, nominal Democrats from the Republican wing of the Democratic Party.

Also up in polling today, two fine New Jersey Democrats, Linda Stender and John Adler. And the DCCC Red to Blue program has announced they are widening the playing field-- by a lot. They've added two of our favorite Blue America candidates, Larry Joe Doherty (TX-10) and Dennis Shulman (NJ-05), both fighting vulnerable rubber stamp Republicans, Michael McCaul and Scott Garrett. Two weeks ago we met a solid Alabama Democrat here at FDL, Josh Segall (AL-03), and they added him too-- as well 5 other Democrats who have seen their opponents hopes for re-election fading: Linda Ketner (SC-01), Jim Harlan (LA-01), Becky Greenwald (IA-04), Nick Leibham (CA-50), whose powerful new ad you can watch here, and Elwyn Tinklenberg (MN-06).

They also slotted in 5 new candidates into the Emerging Races list: Julie Bornstein (CA-45), Bill Durston (CA-03), Rob Hubler (IA-05), Bill Mitchell (FL-09), and Georgianna Oliver (OK-01). It's a mixed batch of really bad Democrats who won't support the most crucial Democratic principles and values to absolutely outstanding progressive leaders like Bill Durston, Julie Bornstein and Rob Hubler. Obviously, we urge you to donate to progressives at the Blue America ActBlue page. And you can help Bill Durston here.

Everyone at Blue America is extraordinarily proud of our friend Dennis Shulman, this year's embodiment of the Obama slogan, "Yes, we can." When I called to congratulation him on behalf of the thousands of donors who have contributed to his campaign through Blue America, emphasized that the addition to Red to Blue is welcome on top of the New Jersey grassroots support that has been building for his candidacy. Dennis (it's why we love him):

"Our grassroots campaign for change has been growing so rapidly in Northern New Jersey, and we welcome the additional support.

Why have people throughout the district, from school teachers and retired truck drivers to hardworking mothers of seven, dedicated their time and their $10 and $15 checks to this campaign? For the same reason the national netroots have been so supportive-- we have been speaking the truth about the key issues of the day, and taking the fight to Scott Garrett, who is ridiculously out of touch on the issues and corrupt to boot.

The hardworking families of New Jersey pay their taxes fully-- shouldn't Scott Garrett pay his too? Voters are sick and tired of having a member of Congress who believes that "representing them" means putting the special interests in charge of his office. After November 4th, we will provide the district and country the change we need to get our economy moving again."

And Obama is doing well too-- especially as McCain goes more and more negative.