A friend of mine is running for Congress and he is frustrated at the lack of attention that the 2006 Congressional races get even a year before they occur. He started campaigning, mainly by reaching out to all the local grassroots groups, soon after the 2004 election, considering it critical to get started 2 years in advance to have any shot at winning in 2006. I figure he has a 50-60% shot at winning his seat. More below.
I don’t think the left is going to do well in 2005 and 2006. I think the nation as a whole is still too mired in their fiath in the Bush fantasy. But that doesn’t mean that you and I can sit it out until 2008. I view 2005 and 2006 as primarily laying the ground work for 2008 and beyond,  while also containing the very real possibilities of some pick ups. Plus if nothing else, we need to defend our candidates against the unscrupulous attacks of the corrupt neo-Cons.

I am not going to plug my friend’s candidacy, not because I don’t think he is a FANTASTIC candidate (he is!!!!) but because his race is not going to come down to a Repub vs. a Dem but will be decided in the primary by whichever Dem wins. It will be a large field with two good candidates. But it won’t shift the power in this nation.

But my friend’s complaints that leftists aren’t paying enough attention to the 2006 races yet are even more critical in races that will come down to a real race between Repubs and Dems. We need to be building now and BEFORE now if we want a shot in 2006…or even, I would argue, 2008. See, I go one step further than my friend–I think we need to work hard in 2005 and 2006 to win in 2008.

So what should we do? Do you really want to win?

First, anyone who hasn’t done so yet really has to find their local DFA or Dem group to get active in. Our participation is what makes this a Democracy! Even a few hours a month with your local group can make a huge difference locally, and really elections are won locally. Get involved! Get known in your community! It will pay off in future elections.

Second, fight for 2005. My favorite list of 2005 candidates is the DFA A-List.  These are the DFA endorsed local candidates who need our support. Small donations or, if you live in their area, donations of your time could give excellent grassroots candidates a real shot at victory.This group REALLY deserves your attention. For those who want a more high profile race, I recommend donating to Hackett’s campaign for the Ohio 2nd district special election, Corzine’s Governor’s race in New Jersey, or Kaine’s Governor’s race in Virginia.

Finally there is 2006. PLEASE don’t think this is too far off to worry about yet. The 2006 races could be won by early money NOW. I recommend three donations. First there is Fronteir PAC, who is looking to the Western States, including the very winnable Montana Senate race. Then there are two very smart and complementary ACT Blue sites that are targeting the ten most vulnerable Republicans, and the most targeted Democrats we need to defend.

And for those who don’t want to be that active, there are still other ways you can adapt your hobby or vice to heling liberal causes. If you like biking, join or start your own Critical Mass group. If you like running, join or start your local Running for Change group. If you are a drinking man or woman, join or start your local Drinking Liberally group. And there are so many other good ways to get involved (MoveOn, Wellstone Action…). Find your niche of activism and get into it. But we need you!

You cannot imagine how important your donation of time or money is right now. I honestly think if we fight extra hard right here, right now, we will retake our nation. I think, conversely, if we let 2005 and 2006 slip by unfought, we will be powerless until at least 2012 or later. Whatever you can do now is like gold. Do whatever you can and bring our nation back to sanity.

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