House Dems staying out of 26th primary, citing Jon Powers
Jon Powers‘ early start has proven to be a formidable campaign advantage in the race for NY-26, as evidenced by this piece in Newsday.com:
WASHINGTON - The head of the House Democrats’ campaign arm said Monday he is staying out of the primary fight for outgoing Rep. Thomas Reynolds’ seat.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee would like to avoid a bruising internal battle as they look to win the Republican district…
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the head of the DCCC, told reporters in a conference call Monday that “we’ve got a number of good candidates up in that district.”
(snip)
He specifically mentioned Jon Powers, an Iraq war vet, saying he “obviously got off to a very early start,” racking up all but one of the county party endorsements.
I agree that the early start has helped Powers but that’s not the only reason Powers is gaining momentum. Powers has demonstrated an eagerness to get out and listen to the voters, engage them in conversation, and he has firsthand experience with leadership in very stressful situations due to his time in Iraq.
I think his actions both during his wartime service and his decision to go back after his service to start War Kids Relief are resonating with voters as much as his early start in the campaign.
If voters didn’t connect with Powers, then it wouldn’t matter how much or how soon he was talking to them. It’s the connection that powers the race.
This is progress. Even though Powers is the best candidate in the race, the “old” DCCC would have wanted Davis because he can self-fund. The “new” DCCC is staying out.
I agree about the DCCC.
Here’s another thing to consider. Those of us in the Rochester media market section of this district know very little about the Buffalo part, but we’ve probably heard that Kathy Hochul, the newly elected Erie County Clerk, is exploring a run for NY26. She went to the Livingston County Democratic Committee meeting last week and gave her pitch. What she didn’t mention, however, is that her home in Hamburg isn’t even close to the district; it’s several towns away! We weren’t familiar enough with Erie County to realize that, and I am truly annoyed that she did not bring it up.
With every new candidate who comes along, I am more convinced than ever that Jon Powers is the right candidate for this district. He will win the primary, but what a shame he will have to waste so many resources against other Democrats that should be used on beating the Republicans.
I understand the D3 logic, and it makes perfect sense to me.
“All the way to Washington, Jon!”
http://www.powersforcongress.com
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