Monday, September 24, 2007

It's Called Debt

There's been a lot of yacking on the blogs today about a fundraiser Rep. Porter is having tomorrow. For the record, I didn't get an invitation either, and I haven't talked with him at all about the event. Also, I agree that bloggers should've been included in the press invite to the event. On the other hand, I'm glad to see him raising money. Money is one of the things-not the only thing-that stands between Democrats and victory in Georgia. If you look at states where the Democratic House and Senate caucuses have chipped away at the margins and regained the majority, the leadership of those caucuses made it their business to raise money-typically LOTS of money-whether or not their own races were contested. Our elected officials have to do that as well. As long as the caucus carries debt, we are operating with one hand tied behind our back when we try to get Democrats elected. So, while we box his ears for not inviting us to the party, let's not discourage him from raising the cash. We need it.

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6 comments:

Vic said...

Don't feel like the lone stranger, i didn't get an invite either and i can name all of Dubose' pet cats but i get his son's names mixed up.

Crank up your whirly gig Helicopter and let's crash the Dubose-Manuels event, after this event in downtown Macon:

www.GBPI.org in Macon
Tuesday 9/25/07
4-6p.m.
Ramada Plaza, 1st Street Macon
Preservation Hall A-D

GBPI To Tour Georgia to Help Citizens Learn About Tax Reform and Modernization

This fall, GBPI will host a series of meetings throughout Georgia. 'Tax Reform: A Reality Check' is designed to educate the public about proposals being discussed by state legislators that would make major changes to the state’s tax system.

The tour will be a collaboration of:
1) GBPI
2)AARP
3)Georgia, Georgia Association of Educators
4)Georgia Coalition United for a Responsible Budget.

The meetings are free and open to the public, but registration is required. (at meeting?) Meeting will begin at 4:00pm and end by 6:00pm. Refreshments will be served. To register for any of the meetings, please fill out the form on the GBPI website.

Chris said...

Other states usually have a Democratic governor elected that can help neutralize whatever advantage their majorities have -- or they don't have fundraising limits so some of the individual members are able to more easily cultivate relationships with high dollar donors.

Georgia will turn around, but it won't be money that does it. It will be a combination of demographics in suburban Atlanta districts and some sort of issue backfire by the Republicans (possibly property tax reform) that nudges along some of the suburban areas that aren't trending demographically quite as fast. Then the money will follow.

It's a tough position to be in, but things will turn around and there's not much (unfortunately) we can do but be prepared to not screw it up when they do.

Vic said...

dangit Chris, sounds like you've given up. there is plenty to do but i don't think anyone is going to do it until Jason Carter gets down to Georgia and shows them how.

Tina said...

I didn't get an invitation either, and would have gladly have posted an announcement of the event had I received one. The GFDW Grapevine blog tries to publicize upcoming Democratic events without taking sides among candidates--just as a service to our members and readers. We also use event photos.

Chris said...

Vic,

I haven't given up. There are probably 5 or 6 good targets for the House next cycle starting to shape up. I hope the House/Senate/Party spends its money wisely where they have the best chance to make gains.

I'm just saying that in a lot of those areas factors beyond our control (like population changes) make them winnable, so we shouldn't stress or be too down on ourselves for not being able to win in some other areas. We were in charge for 130 years, now the R's have had some power for 6. I think voters wanted to give them a chance, and they're probably ready to give us another chance, but it's just part of the natural cycle of things.

Amy Morton said...

Very busy day, folks. Sorry to be so late back to the party. Chris, you're not saying that $ is a non-factor, are you? Because while demographics are an issue, so is the ability to fully fund targeted races. We just haven't had that since Barnes was Gov. We can't wait on a Dem. gov. to work on the legislature. Just like Congress made midterm gains, we may be able to do that as well. Of course, they did have Republicans in all the wrong beds, with their fingers in all the wrong tils and pushing an upopular sgenda, and in Georgia...wait....wait...maybe we can win.