Byron reports (yes! reports! you know, the thing that Journalists do but that Bloggers don't! reports!) the following:
I had the chance to speak with some high ranking DCCC folks for a little bit at the convention, and they are considering investing into TX-22 against Tom DeLay. They'll obviously be working to help reelect all of our embattled incumbent congressmen in Texas, but recent polling data gives the DCCC much reason to consider putting some funds into Morrison's race. Andrew posted a DCCC poll last week that showed DeLay under 50% and leading Morrison by only ten points. That poll included Independent Fjetland at 7%.Without Fjetland, DeLay leads Morrison 50%-36% in the latest DCCC polling:
Tom DeLay - 50%
Richard Morrison - 36%
Undecided - 14%While the district is Republican, DeLay runs eleven points behind Bush. The point here is that with a little bit of work, Morrison could wind up with DCCC assistance in a targeted race. But the only way that the DCCC will invest in the race is if Morrison continues to show the grassroots and fundraising success that he has shown so far. So, donate to the campaign to help make that happen.
Even if Morrison doesn't defeat DeLay (even if the DCCC does invest in the race, I know I'm not alone in being somewhat skeptical of Morrison's chances), Morrison will have made an impact just by running a competetive race. For the first time in years, Tom DeLay has opened a campaign office, and any money and time that we force Tom DeLay to spend in his own district is money and campaign time that won't be spent elsewhere.
I don't understand why you'd push to get DeLay defeated. Succeed and there goes half the material for your blog... :-)
I think Morrison's problem is summed up in the by my sister-in-law who embodies a great many voters in Delay's district.
Every primary she votes for whoever is running against Tom Delay. Every time, her candidate loses. Then the general election comes around and she just can't allow herself to vote for a Democrat. Not very logical, but very common.
Posted by: Patrick on August 3, 2004 11:33 AMNo question, that's the task Morrison must undertake if he wants to have a real shot at winning. All I can say to your sis-in-law is to look at what Morrison says about himself and what he stands for, and then decide for herself. If that "D" is insurmountable, there's not much else to say.
Posted by: Charles Kuffner on August 3, 2004 12:55 PM