Do You Think Congress Would Be Better Off With Fewer Political Careerists And More Scientists... And More Moms?

IN-05 doesn’t fit the kind of profile of a competitive enough district for the DCCC to take an interest in. But 2020 isn’t shaping up to be a normal kind of year and seats that have previously been considered safely red, could well fall in another anti-red wave. In the case of IN-05, the GOP incumbent, Susan Brooks, is retiring, offering more of an incentive, even in a district with a PVI of R+9 where Trump beat Hillary 53.1-41.3%.

The predictable DCCC approach, of course, is to find a white bread candidate advocating Republican-lite policies. That candidate is decidedly not Jennifer Christie, a grassroots progressive Democrat who was inspired to run by a desire to stand up effectively against the Climate Crisis. Her platform is built, boldly, on a Climate Agenda and on single payer Medicare-for-All, gun safety, campaign finance reform and plank after plank that in no way could be interpreted as “Republican lite.”

In 2018, Susan Books beat Dee Thornton, a not very inspiring candidate who is running again, 180,035 (56.8%) to 137,142 (43.2%), losing 7 of the 8 counties that make up the district, including must-win Hamilton, which provides the biggest share of voters. Christie’s strategy is to expand the blue base in Marion County (a slice of northern Indianapolis), flip Hamilton, Boone and Madison counties and limit Democratic losses in Grant and the other more rural counties.

In 2018, Thornton was outspent $1,909,690 to $170,213. This cycle the DCCC is pushing centrist Christina Hale who has outraised all 3 Republicans + the 3 other Democrats combined. That’s how the DCCC and EMILY’s List thinks elections are won. I asked Jennifer why she thinks that isn’t the case. Here’s how she responded. And… if you like what she has to say, please consider contributing by clicking on the Blue America 2020 congressional thermometer on the right. She framed her response with a question of her own: “Why should an everyday middle class mom of young children and a scientist run for Congress, especially when we already have experienced politicians to do the job?”

The very question points to what is wrong with representation in our country… Lets start with the “mom of young children” part. I am the only mother with young children in this race. How many moms with young children are in Congress? Let’s just say not many. I have four young children at home and am often asked, “How will you do this?” Or “What will you do with your children?” I wonder how many men are asked this question. Yes, it’s hard running for office and raising little ones but they are the reason I am running. The truth is that having young children gives an important perspective. I don’t have to be reminded to consider how legislation will effect children because I am living it… my very FIRST thought is,” how will this effect children and everyday families?” We should have more mothers with young children in Office! And when we do, we will have laws that work for children and their families such as better education, decreased poverty, universal healthcare, and better workers’ rights.

Now the scientist part: I am the only scientist in this race. Now, more than ever, we need scientists in office. We have been witnessing an all-out assault on truth with “alternative facts” and cries of “fake news.” This couldn’t come at a worse time when we are facing the existential threat of Climate Change. We must rely on science to save our planet. Scientists are disciplined to seek solutions based on unbiased data and observation. Imagine a Congress that truly sought and listened to experts and data in order to formulate legislation and vote. The main reason why I am running is to solve the Climate Crisis. This is the greatest threat to ever face humanity and yet we have seen virtually no real action or leadership on an issue that threatens our very existence. Our campaign has already released a Climate Agenda, and we are ready to fight for a Green New Deal and legislation, such as a Carbon Fee and Dividend, that will bring us to zero emissions to save the planet.

And how about the everyday middle class part? When 1% of the population owns almost 90% of the wealth, when our middle class is paying a higher tax rate than the richest companies in the nation, when the wealth gap grows bigger every year and workers are paid less…You bet we need regular middle class moms! I will fight for you like a mom fights for her kids. I will vote for bills like Medicare For All that will improve the lives of people.

It’s true that I am not a politician. And that’s exactly why our campaign is powerful. I am driven to run because politics as usual isn’t working. Our campaign is funded for and by the people. We are not accepting any corporate PAC money and have refused fossil fuel money by signing the “No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge.” We have talented field staff and a large and motivated grassroots volunteer team made up of highly skilled women and men in the district who want to make change. In other words, we are the everyday people in our district stepping up to be the change.

We have a primary in May. I was the first to file, and soon after, the current congresswoman announced that she would retire. The seat became an open and targeted seat. Quite a few people have entered the race. I respect my opponents and like them on a personal level. However, I am still the only scientist, mother of young children, and progressive actively supporting transformative change like the Green New Deal, Medicare For All, Gun Reform, and more. We have the most clear and comprehensive positions in the race which can be found on our website, JenniferForIndiana.com.

Why should someone like me run? Because no one like me has ever run before in our district and we need the everyday voice of a mom scientist who is committed to the people and the planet.