RK ARCHIVE - Why the reluctance for DSCC to support Jim Webb?

The diary is still "live" at dailykos. That is, you can still comment, and even though it won't go into the recommended box, you are welcome to add recommends if you so desire. I am posting this here to give the issue more visibility.

Comments

DSCC ideological bias? (Info_Tech_Guy - 8/10/2006 9:51:11 AM)

I just posted this to your diary on the DK... I made a number of these same points several months ago here on RK.

Look Webb was denied "Fighting Dem" coverage on the official Dem Party site even though he is the epitome of a "Fighting Dem". Retired General Kennedy heads up a position within the Dem. Party tied to this issue. (I forget the exact position/responsibilities.) She attacked Webb in the primary quite unfairly and in conflict with her role and responsibilities to maintain a level of neutrality. She endorsed Webb's opponent Miller and essentially called Webb a chauvenist.
Now, Webb is clearly a populist Democrat. He is anti-outsourcing and not a go-along/get-along corporatist type. In other words, Webb's political views run contrary to the policies and voting records of DLC-type Dems like Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton.
Is there a pro-DLC, corporatist bias in the DSCC? Are there people in the DSCC who are sabotaging efforts to fund Webb because he may not be sufficiently "corporate friendly"-?

Evidence? (Dude - 8/10/2006 11:27:40 AM)

How can I provide evidence? I can tell the narrative, however.

Immediately following the primary, there was pressure put on Webb's campaign to bring in some professionals. Instead of reaching out to the DSCC and settling this issue, Webb's people closed in, defended their turf, and made sure Jessica was secured.

This effectively cut off their DSCC fundraising...a complete amateur could see that this campaign is a complete disaster. Like I said, the office wasn't even open on weekends until recently. They haven't even started knocking doors yet.

webb campaign has problems, but... (accidentalwoman - 8/10/2006 10:28:57 AM)

i agree that there are serious managemenr and communication problems within the webb campaign headquarters. in southwest virginia many supporters feel that the staff has allowed their personal egos and issues to interfere with the operation of the campaign. they are exceedingly slow to react. it goes beyond money.

i believe that webb's victory and allen's defeat are of national significance. the dnc is using it's SOP to allocate money but by now it should be clear that the SOP hasn't worked for years.

i sent an email to a few people last night and i will add it to this comment.

Today I received an email soliciting donations for the four candidates selected by the dnc to receive large contributions from the national party. Jim Webb is not on that list. Virginia is not on that list. I was so angry that I unsubscribed from the list. While completing the form I realized that if they receive enough negative feedback about their decision it could still make a difference. The internet could make that difference.

Many of the democrats I know feel that Virginia is always written off by the national party. Sometimes that is probably a good decision. In this race it is a potentially disastrous mistake. In this campaign and at this time Webb needs to be spending all of his time campaigning. This is an exception to the normal process but the potential victory is worth the investment.

If you agree, then perhaps you could suggest to others that they convey their unhappiness directly to the committee or the senators on the committee.

i would like the DNC is painfully aware of these concerns.

Agree with previous comment (Elaine in Roanoke - 8/10/2006 10:44:01 AM)

From the perspective of a Roanoke supporter of Jim Webb, I agree that the campaign has had serious problems that may be correcting themselves now...sure hope so.
The momentum coming out of the primary somehow was lost as the campaign did little that those of us in my area could see. Did Arlington have a month-long congratulatory party?
The DSCC will not allocate money to a campaign that polls in double digits below the incumbent and does not raise appreciable money during a time when it should have. After all, we beat the better funded and more organized "establishment" Dem candidate in the primary.
A state-wide Senate campaign is the big leagues. Arlington campaign leadership needs to demonstrate that they are ready for "The Show," or they should go back to the minor leagues so that Jim Webb can bring in some new players. The "trade deadline" is fast approaching!
We have the candidate who can beat Allen and his minions. We have the election when the Repugs are very vulnerable. It's time to get things done.
(Yes, I have worked for the campaign since the days when we were gathering signatures for the ballot. Yes, I have and will continue to give money to the campaign. No, this is not sour grapes or some sort of criticism because I don't support what Jim Webb is trying to do. My comments come because I DO care, and if I can figure out why the DSCC hasn't seen a campaign that is ready for big money, then the people in the campaign should be able to see that.)

my take (Matt in VA - 8/10/2006 10:44:05 AM)

if you were the dscc, and you had to choose between tennesee, arizona, and virginia, taking into account the current environments, candidates, and campaigns of each state, which would you choose?

as good as webb is on paper, he's not shown himself as a dedicated fundraiser and as smart as he is, he's not proven himself to be a good debater, or energetic campaigner. if i were the dscc, i'd want to see some results and progress before making my investment.

Plan and simple (va.walter - 8/10/2006 10:46:27 AM)

Poll numbers. There are 5 races (OH, RI, PA, MI, and MO) that the DSCC has decided we WILL win if they're properly funded. There are a couple others that need to be retained and therefore funded. Adding CT to that list just made our jobs harder. In all likelihood, we get money after OH, RI, PA, MI, MO, Wash, Minn, Mary, NJ, Nebraska and CT.

The DSCC is going sit and wait and see which of TN, VA or AZ gets competitive. Until the challenger in one of those races cuts it to a single digit race, not a penny will be spent. The Mason-Dixon poll was a real killer. As I'd been saying for weeks, the late July post primary polls could determine the race. Zogby going to 10, Mason-Dixon going to 16 and the others around 10-12 told the DSCC to wait. Hope it's not too late.

I may not like your answer (David M - 8/10/2006 11:02:52 AM)

but I agree with your analysis.

Every state feels like they are the race.

We just have to make the case for Jim, because Webb is the best candidate that Dems have this year in terms of what he would mean nationally if he beats Allen.

Exactly. (va.walter - 8/10/2006 11:22:38 AM)

The DSCC will wait to see if the VA, TN or AZ candidate and his campaign can get the race into single digits and will then possibly jump in. Honestly, and I hate to say this, after the 32% showing in the Mason-Dixon we are probably second or third out of those 3 states. The push up to Labor day and the next round of polls may be our last shot. Time for everyone to get active.

actually.. (Dude - 8/10/2006 11:30:49 AM)

CT won't get any party money.

AZ and NE are behind Virginia

otherwise, you're correct.

The problem is that the Webb campaign keeps alienating the DSCC by sending "Yee haw!" press releases. They're continually demonstrating that they're not really taking this seriously. it's just a way to pass the time during a hot summer.

I'm curious to see how CT is handled (va.walter - 8/10/2006 11:33:54 AM)

I don't think we'll know until we see some polls and see whether the Republican congressmen come out hard to Lieberman. If the polls are tight and the Repubs all start supporting Lieberman some money will have to be spent.

I agree NE is probably behind VA although several publications, including the National Journal, disagree.

As for AZ, I put it even with VA right now. Like I said, VA, AZ and TN are the 3 to watch.

The one other thing that could vault us up the money list is if the seats we need to hold all turn safely Democratic. If that were the case, we could stop defending seats and get offensive in VA.

actually.. (Dude - 8/10/2006 11:30:57 AM)

CT won't get any party money.

AZ and NE are behind Virginia

otherwise, you're correct.

Webb needs BUBBA, and big names.. (drmontoya - 8/10/2006 10:55:27 AM)

I think that Allen can be beat, just look how far lamont came in a matter or 2 months.

Lowell, in my promise to be the best cheerleader I can.. tell me we are going to get big names soon so we can get the mojo back and poke Felix in the eye.

Webb could use support from Jimmy Carter? Bill Clinton? Other Senate Dems?

I am calling on bubba!!!

No chance Bubba comes to VA (va.walter - 8/10/2006 11:03:29 AM)

Not after Webb's past comments and his sticking by them (which was probably the right thing to do). Clinton is in a unique league and he doesn't throw his support around lightly.

As for big names, we actually have a uniquely difficult situation in Virginia. Most of the "big" Democratic names/elected officials are not the type Webb wants campaigning here in Virginia. There are obviously some governors and a few Senators who would go over well but by and large the national folks are not the answer. We don't have the Giulianis and McCain's that Allen is trotting out (although I'd love to see Obama here).

The answer, and maybe the biggest question, are the VA guys. Mark Warner should strap Webb on his back and carry him around the state. Warner's and Kaine's apparent reluctance to jump head first into this race is as disappointing to me as the DSCC apparent abadonment of Webb.

Warner & Kaine. (drmontoya - 8/10/2006 11:15:13 AM)

That's a good question, where have they been?

Perhaps someone should start taking to them, don't they have a lot of pull in Virginia?

We are talking about Warner the most popular Governor of recent time, and the CURRENT governor?

Okay, that's enough of me being critical for the day.

Let's get people to support Jim Webb, that's what I did during the Clark campaign, called for endorsements and support myself!!!! =)

Schumer is not that good, but..... (Mark - 8/10/2006 11:25:58 AM)

I have to take exception with what I see as rampant mentions of his religion and/or ethnicity. Support for Israel is not unique; it so happens that there are plenty of people 'rooting' for Israel in this war.

I just bristle at the tone of your comment, especially the "Jewish New York Senator" part. His religion has nothing to do with this as far as I can see, and to bring it up in terms that are derisive and unfair just takes away from the debate of this subject.

Also, if Webb was getting the "Hackett treatment", who would be the candidate then? Schumer may have the unpopular opinion on Iraq and Israel/Lebanon, but it is his opinion, and he is entitled to it.

And no, I am not Jewish or even religious, and I am not a Chuck Schumer fan.

I'm sorry but you're the Republican party's dream. (va.walter - 8/10/2006 11:43:31 AM)

There's nothing Allen would like more than to talk about Webb's supporters who believe "Israel is perpetrating a holocaust on the Lebanese people." To talk about Webb supporters that believe what we've done in Iraq is morally equivalent to 9/11. To talk about the "Jewish Senator from New York." I love your passion but I can't support your rhetoric. This is the type of thing that leads to "Webb is anti-semitic" calls after a stupid cartoon was drawn. Sorry.

Following your logic (Rebecca - 8/10/2006 3:34:38 PM)

Following your logic the grassroots and the netroots are the Republicans dream. Saying that opposition to the current administration's policies is the Republican's dream is totally illogical. I hope Democrats will realize when some are allowing themselves to be manipulated by what Republicans think.

I am constantly amazed at how some people are constantly looking over their shoulders to see what the Republicans think. I personally think its more important to see the world as it is and take a stand.

The victory of Ned Lamont and the fact that Congress has a %20 percent approval rating should tell us all what the grassroots thinks of the current policies.

Where is the opposition pary?

Clearly, you are not being censored (Mark - 8/10/2006 12:03:07 PM)

And I didn't say I was 'sick' about anything.

You have a right to your biased, skewed opinions, just like anyone would. I agree with walter that this is not the way to approach this problem of recognition by the DSCC for Jim Webb. Your rhetoric belies an underlying belief that the DSCC and Schumer, et al have it out for Webb. I don't think that is true.

Schumer's religion does not have anything to do with this subject, and your statements about a 'Jewish Holocaust' on the people of Lebanon gives cover to all the kooks out there that would paint Webb's supporters as some kind of fringe element, something we cannot afford. You are off base by quite a bit, and although you have a right to your opinion, it doesn't mean you are right or correct in your observations.

Please consider that the Allen campaign would love nothing more than to paint Webb with a broad brush of intolerance, just as his opponent did in the primary. I am asking you to stop and consider this because your comments are not productive.

I have tried to be nice here and talk with you in an intelligent way; please take it in the spirit it is being given.

Israel Lobby (Alicia - 8/10/2006 1:27:57 PM)

I see both sides to this - and also see that anyone who mentions Israeli actions in a negative light is considered a negative person.
I'm far from an anti-semite - but I do not support Israel in this war against Lebanon. I have supported a cease fire since the beginning.
The Israel Lobby on the Hill is a HUGE force to be reckoned with, and maybe Rebecca was pointing that out.

Emotions (seveneasypeaces - 8/10/2006 2:39:33 PM)

I think the recent tragedies in the Mid East have a lot of people very stirred up. I know I am. Now the Mediterranean is being polluted, not to mention the devastating destruction to Lebanon itself. Meanwhile you can't get the truth about the cluster bombs being used and the planned precision damage by laser weapons. And polls are posted saying Americans are supporting this atrocity. Always ask what was the question being answered. Americans are not being informed, they are being sensationalized.

It is dangerous to mix this topic with Webb. He is probably under a lot of pressure like Rebecca said. McKinney was asked to sign a contract with AIPAC that she would not talk about Israel. She refused and she faced a lot of money and lost. I didn't realize AIPAC had such bazookas. They own our Congress?

More will be on another website (Rebecca - 8/10/2006 3:50:38 PM)

Allen with the lynching rope hanging in his office...

There are certain topics which need to be discussed fully, like imperialism hiding behind other issues (end-times, zionism, war on terror, etc). An essay will be posted on another website.

I have to say the Christian end-times nuts are as responsible as anyone for the mess we are in. Unfortunately John Bolton falls in that category. I hope everyone can see this goes well beyond a particular religion. What bothers me about the religious aspect is that we are allowed to criticize Christians how want to blow up Muslims indescriminately, but not Jewish people with the same views. Does anyone see that this is not about a religion, but about imperialism? We need to discuss the underlying issue and not be manipulated into thinking it is about criticizing a particular ethic group.

Can't Agree (Elaine in Roanoke - 8/10/2006 11:29:21 AM)

Schumer is certainly a moderate, corporate-friendly Democrat...but then so are most of politicians of both parties in Washington. Our campaign finance system almost guarantees that.
I fail to see how you tie Chuck Schumer being Jewish and Paul Hackett being pushed aside. Sherrod Brown is one of the same Washington establishment fellows. He also is a seasoned candidate. Paul Hackett made some blunders on the campaign trail that might have gotten worse. His "straight talking" and use of "battlefield" profanity when being interviewed was no getting good play in Ohio.
Sherrod Brown is NOT a supporter of "stay the course" in Iraq. He is one of the more liberal of the D.C. group. He also is polling ahead of his opponent!

Suck a lemon (seveneasypeaces - 8/10/2006 6:31:26 PM)

Had Miller made it all the way past Geo. Allen, he would have become a DLC. So don't talk bad about your own kind.

NARAL has been disappointing. They didn't endorse Leslie Byrne last year. I can't forgive them for that. I don't know what Jim Webb thinks of them but they let her down. I don't support them anymore.

Miller misrepresented Jim's stand on Affirmative Action. He essentially lied. Jim wants to draw the circle larger, not smaller. He doesn't want to leave anyone out, he wants to include the extremely poor of Appalachia. He is a champion. Miller the "democrat" tried to ruin that.

There will be some damage control because of the Miller campaign.

Navy Capt. Michelle Howard said that "when the ships opened up (to women in 1979), it originally was just the tenders and ships that didn't deploy. Then, in the 1980s, the Honorable Mr. (Secretary of the Navy James) Webb opened up the logistical ships."

I personally don't have a problem with people who have BEEN TO COMBAT thinking that maybe women don't belong in those situations. Women are the tenders of the next generation.

He unfortunately did endorse felix the first time, but prior to that he campaigned for Chuck Robb. Since then he and Chuck have resolved this. Many in Chuck's campaign endorsed Jim.

You are acting like a typical DLC. Thanks for proving my point.

Rebecca???? (Nick Stump - 8/10/2006 7:39:12 PM)

If I didn't know better, I'd think you have a problem with those of the Jewish faith. You do a lot speculating in your post. I know Paul Hackett and yes, he was pushed out, but it wasn't because Schumer is a Jew. Your speculation is uninformed, with no understanding how things works. You should probably spend some making buttons for the campaign before you speculate anymore. There's been enough trouble in this campaign over the anti-semetic issue, without you throwing this BS around. Frankly, I was just stunned and embarrassed for youwhen I read your post.

I have sent the DSCC the following email... (Loudoun County Dem - 8/10/2006 12:20:34 PM)

Hello,
I am writing as a concerned citizen and Democrat to ask the DSCC to increase your support in Jim Webb's campaign in Virginia.
I know that Jim Webb will be an exceptional Senator and could very quickly close the gap with Allen and pass him if he can get the resources to get his message and life story to my fellow Virginian's unfiltered (before he can be defined by the GOP smear machine). I talk to my neighbors and friends and they are very ready to send a message by ditching Allen (which is why he can't breach 50% approval even with near universal name recognition).
Time is of the essence, we must act now.
Thank you,

I will follow up with a phone call tomorrow...

Ease up, DLC (Mark - 8/10/2006 2:36:46 PM)

It would be hard to find a more dedicated bunch than most people here at RK.

Check your attitude. If you think we like being preached at, like you are some kind of expert who wants to teach us a lesson, you are wrong to believe that we want or need to hear it.

Got anything constructive to say?

Keep it real, user 1775. We have been here already, and you sound like a nag.

Now I see where DLC'er Joe Lieberman gets... (Loudoun County Dem - 8/10/2006 5:07:43 PM)

...his disdain for the will of the voters (who are THEY to tell the DLC what they want and think? I guess the DLC must protect us, the unwashed masses, from ourselves).

Let's see... The DLC driven thinking produced Clinton and then proceeded to 1) Lose the House, 2) Lose the Presidency, and 3) Lose the Senate.

You're right DLC Dem (a bit redundant, don't you think?), why should I even bother letting the DSCC know what I think? Oh yeah, I remember... DEMOCRACY!!!

Jim Webb... (bladerunner - 8/10/2006 12:48:26 PM)

...will be okay. He's a political newcomer and it shows--but he's got some good ideas plus he's a breath of fresh air compared to Felix. He does need to warm up a little and get personal, when I shook his hand in a small setting he was looking past me and there was no connect--but that's okay too. He also needs to ratchet it up and go on the offense and don't fall for anymore of Felix Allen Jrs traps. I have full confidence in him!!!!

What's hilarious about this entire exchange: (phriendlyjaime - 8/10/2006 4:40:32 PM)

I am going to be blunt, bc it is not that I am tired of these diaries, but I am tired of the red flag it waves in front of trolls and whiners to come out swinging with their lack of knowledge:

People who actually volunteer and show up at events and do the grunt work have a better idea of the $$ situation. I guess all the boohooing is from whiners that want to blog all day and sit on their butts instead of volunteering.

Are any of you habitual complainers serious? How many campaigns have you actually worked? And did you always know all of the ins and outs? Did you always have an idea of the $$ on hand? Has no one ever heard of waiting until the big guns are pulled out from behind others backs?

Have you all noticed that most of us ACTIVELY (doesn't include simply blogging, sorry) involved in the campaign aren't feeling that nervous? It's not the kool-aid, it's called being a bit more in the know. Can't take the suspense? Go volunteer; and really, just put up or shut up.

And Ken-great diary. Not that I need to tell you, bc they are always well written and informative. It's a great topic to broach, and I am glad it came from you bc I know it isn't a "No one cares about VA and Webb and me, GBCW!!!!!!!!" diary. Now, someone was rude to you here, but really, c'mon now...taking insults from someone who is snide and can't even hack writing a diary is like George Allen taking ethics lessons from George Bush...oh wait. Nevermind, he went ahead and got that covered already.

As usual - Jaime rocks! (snolan - 8/10/2006 7:21:28 PM)

She has a very good point. Get out and do something.

Last night I wore my Webb t-shirt to dance class and it raised questions from a few people who did not know he was even running for U.S. Senate! In one case the couple had read his book and loved it. They were thrilled to hear he was running for Senate and plan to get involved.

It tries my patience that with less than 100 days to go people still don't know who is running or even what district they are in; but we have to bring the information to as many as possible.

I know from personal experience during last year's election that if you are working the polling places you are way to busy to worry about the minute by minute updates on the progress of the election; and much happier too.

As I just figured out the rating sytem (Nick Stump - 8/10/2006 8:53:30 PM)

I thought I would give you one, myself. I'm a blogging mess. If I think I've written something that ought to be posted, I've sent it to Lowell and he's been kind enough to do the honors, but I'm learning. I just gave Jaime my first rating, as she's always upbeat and on point. My first computer was my frontal lobe and a teacher hitting my fingers with a ruler when I didn't arch them over the typewriter properly, so I'm coming along. And man, I sure can type fast.

Something here smells just "right"..... (Fluvanna Democrat - 8/10/2006 7:43:52 PM)

hrconservative and I.Publius are out in front about who they are. You've got to respect them for that. On the other hand I think perhaps there are folk in this discussion who aren't who they represent themselves to be.

Stay united RKers. Don't allow them to divide and conquer.