50 Days Until Election Day

By: Lowell
Published On: 9/17/2007 8:14:22 AM

As JC and Rob have pointed out, we're coming down the home stretch here in Virginia.  In just 50 days, voters will go to the polls, with both the House and Senate up for grabs.  Democrats need a net pickup of 4 seats in the Senate to take control of that chamber.  In the House of Delegates, we need 11 seats to reach 51, although fewer seats would still be very useful, getting us close and allowing for breakaway Republicans (and independents) on any number of issues. 

At this point, I'm guessing Democrats will gain 4-5 seats in the Senate and 4-7 seats in the House of Delegates.  But really, it's all going to come down to turnout, and that's very hard to predict.  Will the Democratic or Republican bases be more motivated this year?  Will "all politics be local" and each race take on its own unique dynamics?  It's hard to say, but if you're wondering why you should care, here are just a few reasons to get involved and to vote on November 6 (just 50 days from now):

1. Governor Kaine needs allies.  The House of Delegates currently is dominated by the most far-right, flat-earth Republicans around.  We need to change that.
2. in 2011, Virginia will go through the next round of Congressional redistricting. This election is the Democrats' last clean shot to take back the State Senate and guarantee us a voice in 2011 redistricting.
3.Virginia has moved from "solid red" to "purple," and we need to keep moving the state in the "blue" direction politically.
4. The outcome of this year's races could have implications for 2008 and beyond.  For instance, defeating Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis would likely weaken Tom Davis, which would help Mark Warner become Virginia's second Democrat in the U.S. Senate in 2008!
5. We need to continue moving Virginia blue and growing the netroots in this state.  Victories this year will send a signal that the Commonwealth continues to evolve, possibly to the point where it's competitive in 2008 for president.  Virginia turning "purple" or even "blue" sends a signal to other southern states, and could help accelerate similar movement in North Carolina, Tennessee, and elsewhere.

Is that enough motivation for a Monday morning? :)

Comments



great comments... (lgb30856 - 9/17/2007 1:26:16 PM)
lowell. we are working real hard here in the 1st senate district for John Miller.
We need all the help we can get.
Come on out or donate at www.johnmillerforsenate.com


Who do we give to (humanfont - 9/17/2007 2:43:58 PM)
Which campaigns are on the bubble that could use a last minute infusion of cash from small netroots donors?  Is there an actblue list?  Maybe we should come up wih a list of best targets in the last 50 days and publicize heavily on Kos, etc.


The DEMPAC List (code - 9/17/2007 3:39:59 PM)
Not to compete with Raising Kaine's ActBlue donation Station (image on the right - http://www.raisingka...), but we're all on the same side, and DEMPAC has actually developed it's new candidate lists with Lowell's help.

We're about to publicize these lists tomorrow on YouRoots (via email), but the main point is that we've tried to identify the candidates that, like you said, could most use support (money and volunteers) to swing elections. We know VA is going Blue, but good strategy can make it go Bluer!

Check out the "DEMPAC Featured Candidates" lists here...
Northern VA: http://www.youroots....
Hampton Roads: http://www.youroots....
Central VA: http://www.youroots....
Southwest VA: http://www.youroots....

There are donate links on each candidate that link to DEMPAC's own ActBlue fundraising pages. Give, volunteer - do both! These excellent candidates need everyone's help!