DCCC sending Lawyers, Guns and Money to the NY29th
Inspired by Exile’s musical references. DCCC support means lawyers, guns and money to Massa in his quest to unseat incumbent Bush backer Randy Kuhl.
I took a long lunch hour and attended the Massa Press Conference and following fundraiser yesterday. I saw both the Democrat and Chronicle and City Newspaper there. I overheard that Channels 8/Fox and 13 were supposed to come as well but changed their plans at the last minute (probably due to Bill Clinton being in town).
I’ll post some video later. It was great to see Congressman Van Hollen, head of the DCCC, pledge support to Massa. He pledged organizational and direct financial resources. Joe Spector asked (His last day @ the D&C is Wednesday - we will miss him) and City Newspaper’s Jeremy Moule followed up about what amount of financial support. Congressman Van Hollen was vague in this area.
Here is the deal. The DCCC can’t commit to a certain amount of funding because, well, the election is quite some time away. OK, sounds good but does that make sense? Actually, I think it does.
A dollar spent in this district can go further than other districts. Media costs less here than other markets so when push comes to shove - When allocating dollars, all things equal the NY-29th stands a better chance than say a high cost media market. I took that as good news.
So there are the lawyers (organizational) and Money (direct financial). Guns anyone? Well, the DCCC has access to an independent expenditure arm. This is different than the direct financial support they can provide. This arm provides issue ads and such into the district - independent of the campaign. So the DCCC can then aim and fire in conjunction with all that they are already doing as the election draws near.
DCCC - Welcome to the 29th - like Warren Zevon said - send us Lawyers, Guns and Money and help get us out of the mess that is the Republican party.
Update: Joe Spector has an article in the Star-Gazette about the DCCC’s support for Massa.
Lawyers, OK, money, OK, GUNS?? Let’s not associate guns with Massa since Kuhl already has a “lock” on guns!
I’m assuming this comment was done tongue in cheek with a sense of humor.
Actually Kuhl simply has a lock on guns and his campaign offices.
I’m happy to see any support for Eric.
But in the end, we’re responsible for electing our legislators and we’re responsible for funding their campaigns. Last time, the d-trip didn’t fulfil their promises and it would be a shame if anyone let down their guard because of what Van Hollen or anyone else says.
If you want Eric elected, donate to him here: Eric’s page on ActBlue . Don’t count on the DCCC funding him or providing assistance.
If he gets money from the DCCC, too, then it’s just icing on the cake.
I agree, we’ve hit the ground running with this campaign. No reason to back off at all. It’s wonderful to have this support and I so appreciate Van Hollen for standing at Eric’s side, but take NOTHING for granted.! Eric-we’ll always have your back!
Good point. I don’t think anyone is letting their guard down.
What is great about DCCC money especially issue ad money is it affects 3 races in this area.
[...] has great coverage (as usual) on this event. Check it [...]
Sorry, this RT story misses the mark for grassroots activists reading it. It just makes Massa seem as if he’s just learned how to run a campaign the Republican way.
One of the dirty secrets of politics is that “the Republican way” has been more — not less — grassroots for many recent elections (2004 especially comes to mind).
Progressives don’t have a lock on grassroots politics and we shouldn’t think that we do.
Sorry I disagree. Missing the mark? Running the Campaign the Republican way? the No corporate PAC contributions pledge is still intact in fact that is a badge of honor here.
Why would DCCC support not be welcome? That simply doesn’t make sense. When Massa accepted DCCC support last time (and yes they didn’t deliver it fully) was he making a mistake then.
I think not.
big money and high powered lawyers is not the grassroots way.
You are reading way too much into this.
Massa is getting direct financial support and organizational support. In addition he is getting indirect support in the form of independent ads.
Reread the post.
You are reading way too much into this.
They (Rahm) promised money last time around that never materialized.
Again, if you believe in Eric Massa, don’t stop at cheering the DCCC. Donate to his campaign. I did, and I will again (although maybe not until after this year’s election).
davesnyd - your comment is out of place here. I was responding to hiwayman17’s assertion that “big money” and “high powered lawyers” is not the grassroots way which seems to be a follow up to his/her earlier comments.
the post never used the term “big money” nor “high powered lawyers” . I suggested the post be reread because the fact that the DCCC is here EARLY and pledging support is a good thing.
Now - you your point - I’m reading too much into this? Stop putting words in my mouth. Please - the DCCC came into town. Pledged early support for Massa and that is that. Yes - the DCCC isn’t going to win this election by itself. No kidding - it will will take lots of funds and dedicated supporters.
DCCC early pledge is a good thing - take it as a good thing and leave it at that.
Sorry, but money and lawyers are very foreign to many grassroots activists who have only their time to give.
And the use of “guns” makes me sick especially in context with Randy Kuhl.
Really - lawyers and money are foreign to the grassroots? Grassroots organizations don’t have access to lawyers and money? Sure not enough of it but I’m sure there are grassroots organizations that do. I suppose it depends on the level of the organization. I’m not sure as a blanket statement that is true
Regarding the term “guns” - well can’t help you there. I really don’t mean to be snarky here - if I did I would have stopped at the last period. It is a song title spun into a metaphor for the promise by the DCCC to help get us out of the mess the Republicans have left.
[...] piece, along with stlo7’s take on it yesterday explains how Eric will benefit from this support. Thanks to Chris Van Hollen and the [...]
[...] DCCC sending Lawyers, Guns and Money to the NY29th [...]
[...] Looks like the DCCC sent lawyers, guns and money to the Western New York. Recall Chris Van Hollen came and announced support for Eric Massa in [...]