Phil Kellam Can Win

By: DanG
Published On: 6/24/2006 9:23:55 PM


I know we spend all of our time talking about how Jim Webb has a chance to beat George Allen this fall.  But with all the excitement over Webb's momentum, we can't forget our congressional races.  The most competetive of which is Phil Kellam's campaign in the Second District.

I was at Phil's Headquarters-Opening Party earlier tonight.  It was a fun time.  I got to speak with many people there, and learned a great deal about going on with this campaign.  I spoke with Phil, has campaign manager Charles, and a couple of other people involved.  After listening to them speak, I am sure that if we give Phil all he needs this fall, he is going to absolutely destroy Thelma Drake come November 7th.

Phil is a great guy.  Very charismatic, and from what I can tell, one hell of a campaigner.  When you go to talk with him one-on-one, he really takes you in.  He actually listens to what you say.  That's why he's going to be a great Congressman.  He's not running on planned platforms, he's running on people.  He's in Congress to represent his constituents in the Second District.
Charles Kelly is Phil's Campaign Manager, and a great dude.  He remembered me on site, which is pretty cool for a Campaign Manager in one of the most competetive races in the country.  I had a nice talk with him about policy and how the campaign was working.  He asked what I thought of the recent debate, and I told him that I thought Phil was just on top of Thelma, mostly because Thelma kept bringing up those MoveOn ads that Phil can do nothing about.

I spoke with a lot of people about "unconventional Democrats" and creating a big tent party.  I lean to the Conservative side on some issues, and sometimes I feel as if the more Liberal members of the Democratic Party are trying to chase me out.  You know the saying, "Conservatives welcome converts, Liberals hunt heretics."  Well, every member of the Second District, both Liberal and Conservative, has a friend in Phil Kellam.  He promises to vote with his own conscience, not how party leadership tells him to.  This comforts the "heretics" such as myself, but will it turn off his base?  Seeing as Thelma Drake votes with the President 98% of the time, and is one of the most Conservative members of Congress, I think Phil will be able to keep the base around.

The excitement is real, folks.  Thelma knows she's in trouble.  Why else would she drill these ads so early?  She's trying to get Phil to waste his money on something voters won't remember in November.  But she doesn't understand that we've got a smart candidate with a smart team.  They haven't gone after the MoveOn ads because they don't want to break election law; they refuse to take Thelma's bait.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Phil Kellam can win.  But he can't do it without the money.  Like Jim Webb, Phil will be running against a well financed opponent. Donate to Phil today, and let's take back the House this fall!

Comments



for what it is worth (teacherken - 6/24/2006 11:13:13 PM)
on primary night I was told by a well-known observer of national politics that Thelma Drake is toast and she knows it. 
Take it for whatever you think it is worth


I'm sorry I couldn't make his HQ Grand Opening Party.... (beachydem - 6/25/2006 10:00:30 AM)
Was there a good turnout?  I hope as many that came to his pre-debate rally last week.

I hope to work and donate very hard for Phil, our district needs a people person, not a professional politician who works to please the leadership.



About 70 people (DanG - 6/25/2006 10:35:36 PM)
Not bad for a casual thing.  Phil's got support from all over the place.  You could see that there was a tone of divrsity in the crowd.  A good time was had by all!