Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Speaker Hastert

by Todd Beeton, Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 08:24:56 PM EST

Polls are now closed in IL-14 and results should start coming in any time now HERE and HERE. We'll all be out of pocket this evening so won't be able to update the results but please update away in the comments.

Update [2008-3-8 20:29:12 by Todd Beeton]:Walt Starr is liveblogging the results HERE.

Update [by Jonathan Singer]: Here are the results at this hour:

√ Bill Foster (D): 52,010 votes (53 percent)
Jim Oberweis (R): 46,988 (47 percent)

568 of 568 precincts (100 percent) reporting at 10:11 PM Eastern

It's a win!




Tags: il-14, bill foster, jim oberweis (all tags)

Display:
Permalink :: 196 Comments :: Post a Comment


Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

I'll frontpage the final results.


The Wayward Episcopalian
by Transplanted Texan on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 08:30:53 PM EST

FOSTER WINS (none / 0)

There's 6% left to be counted, and the current spread is 6%. Unless Oberweis wins 99% of remaining votes, FOSTER WINS.


The Wayward Episcopalian
by Transplanted Texan on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:50:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This Icing On This Cake (none / 0)

Dixon, Illinois is a town in this district.

It is also the birth place of one Ronald Wilson Reagan.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:09:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

Wow, looks like Foster might win this thing! Obama deserves major credit for doing an edorsement commercial, and supplying his website and campaign staff to help Foster out.


by JewishJake on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:20:06 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

I almost forgot. Dan Seals, and another candidate whose name I'm forgetting, gave staff to Bill Foster as well, and deserve credit as well.


by JewishJake on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:25:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

So did scott harper who is running in IL-13.


by Delver Rootnose on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:54:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 2)

Woohoo another Obama superdelegate.  I'm sure the other down-ticket Super delegates are paying attention to what happens when Obama campaigns for you.


by conqdad on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:30:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Woohoo! (2.00 / 1)

Sure looks like Foster will pull it off!  And thanks to Senator Obama for taking time from his campaign to help a fellow Democrat turn a red seat blue.  We're all in this together.


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:26:08 PM EST

Re: Woohoo! (none / 0)

One Foster campaign ad featured Barack Obama so Obama's coat tails have to be a factor here.


It's time to restore balance and fairness to our economy,... It's time to stop giving tax cuts to corporations that ship jobs overseas... - Barack Obama
by Lefty Coaster on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:56:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woohoo! (none / 0)

I agree.  Geez, I can't believe how ecstatic I am about the Foster win.  Besides the obvious that it was Hastert's seat (Foster should fumigate) he's a real scientist.  It's a good day.


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:12:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woohoo! (1.00 / 1)

Wow, i guess foster won in spite of HRC.  Come lets enjoy and get off the horse.

david


by giusd on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:16:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woohoo! (none / 0)

It has nothing to do with "in spite of HRC," and the fact that you think it has anything to do with her shows just how blind we have all become. Obama cut an ad for Bill Foster and endorsed him and it is absurd to think it didn't matter. That is not an indictment on Hillary but Obama does deserve major kudos for it!

Other than that, yes lets go celebrate.


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:23:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

U.S. House - District 14 - Special General
Illinois - 313 of 568 Precincts Reporting - 55%
    Name     Party     Votes     Vote %
    Foster , Bill     Dem     31,423     53%
    Oberweis , Jim     GOP     28,210     47%

by yitbos96bb on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:26:52 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Even though Foster will have to defend in November, this race has already caused the RNCC to dump a lot of money and given the ego of losing Hastert's seat, I think they'll put more into it.  Excellent.


by yitbos96bb on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:27:59 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

AWESOME!!!!!


by rejectandenounce on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:32:55 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

U.S. House - District 14 - Special General
Illinois - 423 of 568 Precincts Reporting - 74%
    Name     Party     Votes     Vote %
    Foster , Bill     Dem     40,395     53%
    Oberweis , Jim     GOP     35,895     47%

Still holding at 53-47 with 74% in....

:crosses fingers knocks on wood::


"Mom, baseball, apple pie, and a unified Democratic juggernaut."
by Purplepeople on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:34:38 PM EST

IT'S OVER (none / 0)

With 74% reporting, the totals are now:



Foster   40,395 53%

Oberweis 35,895 47%

To catch up now, Oberweis would need to win the remaining vote 58-42. It ain't gonna happen.

FOSTER WINS!


by KeithPickering on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:35:37 PM EST

Re: IT'S OVER (none / 0)

I just checked the right wing blogs, and their is scant mentioning of this.

The republicans are worried!


by rejectandenounce on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:38:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

SOP (none / 0)

Most rightwing blogs very determinedly ignore any form of bad news.


"Mom, baseball, apple pie, and a unified Democratic juggernaut."
by Purplepeople on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:42:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: SOP (none / 0)

MMmm who does that remind me of ?


by Benjaminomeara on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:06:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.66 / 3)

This result shows that we would be the stupidist people in American history not to nominate a candidate who can deliver wins in red districts like Barack Obama.  He needs to hammer his electability and coattails home on the campaign trail.


by Toddwell on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:38:00 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 2)

Please give it a rest. It's precisely this behavior that is off putting to those of us who are actually neutral as to whether Clinton or Obama becomes the nominee. I came into this diary to read about something besides presidential politics.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:51:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 0)

Im just saying what it is.  Superdelegates are going to be looking hard at this.  


by Toddwell on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:56:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

Stop spamming this diary. I am not in charge here, and you should be happy about that because it's obvious what you are doing.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:58:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

Dude, Obama campaigned for him. That is a fact. It's not spamming. If a Hillary endorsed candidate had won a special election in the former Speaker of the House's district (or similar), I would absolutely be giving her props on it.

Don't be so thin skinned. Another Democrat is now in office. Rejoice!!


by swarty on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:31:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

4 points (none / 0)

1) Spam. You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. Spam is automated message bombardment. Unless you think these people are actually scripts running on a basement somewhere, that's not true.

2) If, by spam, you really mean astroturf, you're still wrong. These are well-thought out posts, not copy and paste jobs from some official website. Do you have any proof to the contrary?

3) If, by spam, you mean "an inappropriate discussion", well, did you notice where you are? It's not hillaryis44, it's mydd, a site dedicated to discussing how democrats will win in the fall.

4) Finally, whatever you actually mean, your effect is to threadjack and make the entire discussion about YOU. This happens because you've accused a category of people of arguing in bad faith or otherwise inauthenically, rather than responding to them.


by dirtyhippie on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:54:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Coattails in his homestate? (2.00 / 1)

It's great that Obama ran ads for him, and I'm glad that we won the seat.   But to project conclusive proof of Obama coattails onto a 52-48 win in Obama's homestate?  That's a bit much.


by KevinCinNYC on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:01:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (1.50 / 2)

Hence why its spam.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:02:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (1.66 / 3)

I cannot express to you how much stupider I feel after reading this thread.

These people exist in a mighty strange universe.  One day we're on our way to a Reagan-like sweep and a filibuster-proof majority on the strength of the mighty Obama.  The next day Hillary says something mean and suddenly she's handed the GE to McCain.  The next day we're somehow back to sure victory with Obama again.  It's truly mind-boggling.


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Steve M on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:17:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

Well, I'm wondering about the thoughts of some of the Clinton supporters here who intend to vote McCain if Obama wins.  I mean, if you're going to vote for McCain, wouldn't it be easier for his presidency to have a Republican majority?  You do want him to succeed, don't you?


by Drummond on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 04:57:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

I called the Clinton supporters who say they aren't going to vote for Obama if he wins idiots and not Democrats. THat they will vote for McCain is dumb.  That they are engaging in personality politics.  Clinton or Obama is 100 times better than Mr. 100 Years War. BUT, that has nothing to do with this discussion. THis is about not putting false argument that try to extrapolate things that you can not and that many of you already are running with as a valid reasaon to push the conversation even further into the ground here and else where. It's about skepticism for the purpose of producing the best result rather than candidate support for the purpose of blinding following because you are afraid your candidate will lose.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:01:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

You mean they're lying when they say they will vote for McCain?


by Drummond on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:23:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

I don't know if they are lying or not, but the idea that they would say vote Mr 100 Years War after 8 years of Bush destroys any notion that they are reasonable or analyzing where we are in this country. This is true whether its an Obama supporter or Clinton. I saw a major diary with something like 1300 comments over at daily kos in which the Teacher Ken (I believe an Obama supproter, but not certain) who said he wouldn't vote for Clinton if her names on the ballot, and then blah blah blah. Because after I read that, I stopped reading and left the diary. I didn't care about his reasoning. He lost me at I wouldn't vote for Clinton over McCain. My next thought is who was recommending this crap on a site that until recently was about electing Democrats over Republicans. Then i decided I didn't care, and I elft. Frankly, I am getting like that with some posters. I really don't care what they say because its all this over the top (I hope) crap meant to enflame rather than figure things out.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:29:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

Some of the Kossacks are threatening to vote for Nader thought, not McCain.  You can debate the virtue and wisdom of a Nader vote, but for anybody to the left of Genghis Kahn to consider voting for McCain is just over the top.


by Drummond on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:46:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, Coattails. (none / 0)

Steve, perhaps you need a vacation?  Your temper seems to be getting very short, and your attitude seems to be getting away from you.

Coattails are a huge issue.  Admit it, and think about it:  

Are we going to nominate someone who is sure to mobilize and unify the opposition?

Or, are we going to nominate someone who is going to bring millions of new voters to the polls in the fall, voters who will break disproportionately for "down-ballot Dems?


by upper left on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 07:23:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, Coattails. (none / 0)

Ah, and now,t he "you are being overly emotional argument." This is used quite frequently by Obama supporters on people with them disagree. I have seen it used on me, and several other posters.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:58:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, Coattails. (none / 0)

bruh,

Maybe your snide, condescending attempts to verbally brutalize those who do not agree with you have something to do with the fact that people occasionally ask you to chill out.  

My comment was addressed to Steve.  He and I banter back and forth on a regular basis.  Usually it is done with mutual respect, although we do not agree on much.  Occasionally, as in this case, we give each other a bit of an elbow. My comment was meant to be light hearted, rather than the aggressive fair you seem to specialize in.  You might find folks a little more inclined to treat you with respect if you were a bit less aggressive and occasionally willing to concede when others have a point.


by upper left on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:09:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, Coattails. (none / 0)

Your comments were one among many putting down Steve for voicing a criticism. Indeed, his comments were down rated. If you think this equals "respect" you have an odd definition of the word.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:33:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes, Coattails. (none / 0)

Everyone knows Obama is popular in his home state.  People are going way over the top when they extrapolate this one special election from suburban Chicago into a national result.

As long as I continue to see comments on this site like "Hillary might run as McCain's VP if she loses" I'll know that I'm still a long way from the edge.


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Steve M on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 09:17:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

This is the  ultimate source of my frustration. I don't care who down rates you for pointing out the obvious. I note they attack you for pointing out the behavior that they exhibiting, which by the way, to those of you doing it, only goes to prove the point since you are clearly misuing the rating system here.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:57:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (2.00 / 3)

This is a deeply Republican district that hasn't been represented by a Dem since the post-Watergate election of 1974. This isn't just "home turf" for Obama, it is a red state, and the fact that Foster won here shows that Obama has major coattails.


by JewishJake on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:03:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (1.50 / 2)

Again, please stop spamming. I don't care how many of you swarm in trying to take credit for a victory that Foster won, not Obama. it doesn't change what you are doing.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:06:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (2.00 / 1)

It's not spam to talk about coattails. When the mayor of Los Angeles endorsed Clinton, and helped her to win California, was that spamming to mention that in that thread? I didn't think so.


by JewishJake on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:16:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

Spam?

One man's canned luncheon meat is another man's coattails.

Get over it. His assistance clearly helped win this for OUR party. Don't be so glum about a democratic pickup in Denny Hastert's seat.


by swarty on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:35:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

I think you mean "red distict". Illinois is definitely a blue state.


Unable to rec or rate
Still supporting Obama
Still not putting up with "preening" posts
by jaiwithani on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:27:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (2.00 / 1)

I would be curious to know as I said else where- if this coattail arguments had any legs- how a candidate who isn't in his homesstate in a GOP district would fair with Obama's support. To me that would be a real test rather than in his home state.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:29:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (2.00 / 0)

This is a red district where a McCain endorsement took on an Obama endorsement.  The language of Obama's ad - you don't have to wait for November to bring change - clearly put his endorsement as that of Presidential candidate not that of sitting US Senator.  When are you going to start dropping your prejudice about the man who is about to become our Party's candidate?


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:33:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

Your answer postion has been answered multiple times along this thread by me and others. Your arguments would be valid if it weren't in IL


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:55:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

It may not be conclusive proof, but there's more there than Hillary's proof of helping create peace in Northern Ireland.

Another Democrat in office. Rejoice!


by swarty on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:33:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Coattails in his homestate? (none / 0)

In a red district.  That takes some doing.


by Drummond on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 04:54:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 2)

I second that. There is no need and it is not really relevant.


by Marvin42 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:04:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Spoken like a true Hillary supporter


by Timetheos on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:47:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Bruh is lying (none / 0)

he is a Hillary supporter


Listening comes first
by Moonwood on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:35:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Why so grumpy? (none / 0)

Certainly you can be put off if you want to, however, calling your self "neutral" seems like less than full disclosure.  Unless I am badly mistaken, you have hammered Obama for months from your pro-Edwards position.

While I understand that you are apparently offended by any expression of enthusiasm on the part of Obama's supporters, don't you think that the issue of coattails is legitimate?  

Winning increased Dem majorities in Congress is an absolutely essential precondition to getting any progressive legislation passed. This is evidence of what many of us consider to be one of the strongest arguments in support of Obama.  His ability to help Dems in "purple" and even traditionally "red" districts.  


by upper left on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 07:14:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Foster, Bill   Dem.    40,395       53%
Oberweiss, Jim  GOP    35,895       47%
by susie on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:38:26 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

We MUST nominate Obama. If he is on the ballot we can expect results like this all over the country.  Clinton supporters need to take a good long look at what just happened.  


by Toddwell on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:45:12 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

YAWN, get off it.  Stop using every event in the world to push your candidate.  Dems worked hard and stop demeaning my candidate and lets just enjoy a dem victory.  This post is typical of why when all is said and done it will be so hard to put the party back together.

david


by giusd on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:14:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

He's not demeaning your candidate. He's making the point that Obama helped Foster in ways that Clinton did not, and could not. Is this indicitive of what would happen in a general election? Are there democrats who would be helped by Clinton's name at the top of the ticket? I do not know.


Unable to rec or rate
Still supporting Obama
Still not putting up with "preening" posts
by jaiwithani on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:29:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Foster Would Have Lost With Hillary Support (2.00 / 0)

I'm in the 14th and this is a HUGE surprise. This district is so red that I would have felt it unfair to hold it against Obama had Foster lost. This is isn't dispositive but Oberweis (GOP favorite) had everything going for him. Hastert's endorsement, McCain's endorsement and fundraising, NRCC spending, a personal fortune, IL name recognition and Oberweis is far more polished.  

Superdelegates should look at this closely. I could be wrong, but I don't think Foster would have won this if it were Hillary doing ads and phonebanking for him.


by spectator consumer on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:21:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Foster Would Have Lost With Hillary Support (none / 0)

Oberweis was not popular though. He's a real jerk. My extremely right wing father-in-law who lives in Dundee near Algonquin said the race was "between two jerks." He wanted Lauzen bad in the primary.


by elrod on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:26:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

DH from majority leader who leaves in disgrace and then cant even keep his district in the GOP.  This is so sweet. And finally, IL goes from blue big time.  Can some one check.  But it is now 21 dems to 16 gop in congress?

david


by giusd on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:46:31 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Down goes Dennis' District...

hallelujauh!!! Free at last from the tryanny of DENNIS...

If Obama is on the ballot this fall...Foster is in for sure again.

This is the 50 state strategy in action..take back the red parts of the map, district by district..this fall with obama as the leader, a super majority is within our grasp.

Just hang on ,Billy!!! Ding Dong the wicked Dennis is dead...oh joy.


by hawkjt on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:49:19 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

With 94%, the margin is 6% - so unless Oberweis wins every remaining vote:

FOSTER WINS.

:D


The Wayward Episcopalian
by Transplanted Texan on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:50:18 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.00 / 0)

Why didn't Hillary help Foster?  Why didn't Bill help him?


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:51:10 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

Are you and he other Obama people spamming this diary? It certainly seems like it.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:52:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 0)

Spam? What is spamming about asking why Hillary and Bill also didn't do what Obama did to try to help win this seat?  


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:56:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

This diary isn't about the presidential race. You and the othe Obamabots are spamming this diary.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:00:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 0)

When a candidate comes out and does a personal ad for another candidate he is putting his coattails on the line and it is damn relevant.  It is not spamming despite your protestations and insults.  How about treating others with the respect we give you?


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:03:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

Please stop spamming.  Respect is something you earn. Taking over a diary to take credit for a victory earned by another isn't something to be respected. It's your typical attempts to deflect from your own bad behavior.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:09:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 0)

No one's taken over a diary despite your efforts to do so.  Obama campaigned very directly for Foster and it is relevant discussion in the thread.  You don't control the conversation here.


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:11:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.33 / 3)

No one is taking over a diary? Several of you posted, including with handy stats, with in a very short amount of time. You aren't just a shill, you are now crossing the line into being dishonest.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:31:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

We Obama supporters like to use things called "facts" to provide "information," in order to make our case. It's kind of like the way Clinton supporters use assertions and name-calling, only different. Sorry it seems threatening to you. It can be jarring if you're not used to it.


by EMTP democrat on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:44:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 2)

Well you like use the words fact and information, but not so much in your arguments. Here's my problem with what is essentially irrelevant information. One there isn't much we can extrapolate from this great Democratic victory with regard to states in which Obama doesn't have homestate advantage. It takes nothing away from his contribution to say this. It merely places causation here in context. Many of you want to then use this without saying it to conclude that his ability to go out and promote a Dem in his homestate is of value in say Alaska or NE or MO or CO or where ever. I am saying that's a difficult argument to make because of hoemstate advantage here. You would be on firmer ground if this occur somehwere other than IL. I would say you point even mattered then. But as it stands now, it's a thin reed, and one that ultimately had very little to do with a Democratic victory.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:50:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Donna Edwards, Maryland.


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:54:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

A democratic primary.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:59:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

I might add also with a deeply flawed candidate who was attacked by the Washington Post, had heavy support from the unions, etc. Who was Foster's oponent. What was Hassterts reputation before he left? Are there any exit polling about what influenced the voters of the district? How did Foster's message influence them? I can go on and on.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:01:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

"I am saying that's a difficult argument to make because of [homestate] advantage here."

Perfectly reasonable point. I wish you had led with that, instead of accusations of spamming and complaints of suspicious use of graphs.


by EMTP democrat on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:12:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (1.50 / 2)

Yes, that was my fault. But I assume others are able to reason as I am. I thought it was obvious that you can't extrapolate cause here as others are attempting to do, and that it was ultimately irrelevant  to try to tie this to Obama for the purposes of his Presidential bid. I assumed they brought it up becuase of his bid for President or else why bring it up. A  lot of that was buried in my calling the comments spam simply because I can't imagine people not realizing what they are saying is logically flawed.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:19:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

You are wrong though when you say it is completely irrelevant. It is not. It is obviously hard to generalize from a (quite unexpected) victory by a Democrat in his homestate to the effect he would have nationally, but at least it gives you a data point. With Hillary, we only know that lots of Democrats in red states are afraid of having her on the ballot and we have some polls that show that margins are much closer with Obama on it - meaning changes are higher that some Democrats will actually come through.

So, while you can argue that people are reading too much into this, it is also unfair to say that it shouldn't be looked at in this way at all.


by marcotom on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 07:54:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Maybe it was an overreaction on my part, but it's the result of  frustration with how quickly will run with arguments now, no matter how flimsy. If they posted, provisos, and said, maybe this isn't true  just once, rather than taki ng every assertion they throw out there as gospel then I would feel differently. But quitely frankly below even this monring you have folks like Bob Johnson arguin g how this is "bad for Clinton." It just goes further and further, and I don't see the value of creating these false arguments for candidates. This is how we got stuck, and then didn't try to improve Kerry. Accepting these electability arguments without question.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:52:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (2.00 / 1)

The only spam I'm seeing on this diary is your 10-15 comments telling other commenter's what to do.

It's a great night for dem's tonite. Drop it, will you?


by tysonpublic on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:44:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Because this is a sit in Sen Obamas home state, and he would be the most logical person to lend support. Why would a NY senator be as relevant?


by Marvin42 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:06:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

That might have been overkill.  It's still a GOP leaning district.  Obama was fine because he is our Senator.  


by yitbos96bb on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:54:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

From SUSA's poll (2.00 / 1)

Obama had a +14 approval rating in this district, Hastert had a +13 rating, and Blagojevich (unpopular D governor) had a -62 rating! They didn't poll Clinton, but I would be surprised if her number was positive


John McCain
by MILiberal on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:59:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (1.25 / 4)

And yet more spam. I notice many of you spread out on several of the major blogs.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:11:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Spam? (2.00 / 1)

How in the world is this spam? All I am is posting some statistics; I really am tempted to rate that comment a 0, but I'll refrain from doing so.


John McCain
by MILiberal on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:15:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Spam? (2.00 / 1)

Since some of you aren't getting why this is irrelevant let me ask a question. If he has a 14 pt approval rating- how is that helpful with regard to the claim that this is somehow coattails that are translateable to the rest of the country? What does this mean for OH or Co or FL or CA or wherever else the margins are close?


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:52:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I never claimed any of that (none / 0)

All I did was check exactly how popular Obama was in the region. He was less popular than I had thought, really, but this is a very Republican district.


John McCain
by MILiberal on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:54:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I never claimed any of that (2.00 / 1)

I get that, but what we can extrapolate from it considering its a district in which apparently if the other supporter is right- Obama is already popular- is very  little. That's why I say real proof of the coattails argument would have to have come from a GE outside of the state because that would give me some idea of whether Okay yeah this guy is appealing in places he hasn't already won people over for the GE.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:02:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Again (none / 0)

I never said anything about coattails. Perhaps you have been responding to the wrong comment or something?


John McCain
by MILiberal on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:07:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Again (none / 0)

You are right. Sorry. I was responding to another point.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:20:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (2.00 / 1)

When one person keeps repeating the same sentence to everyone else on the thread, that is spam.  Keep it up and I'll troll-rate you.


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:17:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (2.00 / 1)

Half of the posts mentioning Obama are being driven by the response to your absurd accusation of spamming.

Obama's assistance to Foster is relevant, it reflects the choice we have in this election between a fifty state strategy and a swing state strategy, and, if it has escaped your notice, every thread on MyDD references the nomination fight.

Stop with the random, and ironically, highly repetitive, charges of spamming, celebrate the victory, and accept that Obama had a hand in it, whether or not it makes you think he deserves your support.


by EMTP democrat on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:24:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (1.50 / 2)

I am not the only one complaining.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:32:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (none / 0)

No, you're not, but just because there's a pack of you doesn't make you right. I understand that Obama's support for Foster and hence his hand in is victory is a painful subject for Clinton supporters, but it isn't remotely akin to spam.


by EMTP democrat on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:48:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (none / 0)

I think you meant to reply to the person I was replying to.  Assuming that, I agree with everything you just said.


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:36:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (none / 0)

Whoops! Good call.


by EMTP democrat on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:46:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From SUSA's poll (none / 0)

Wow, everything you don't like = spam? I have seen much worse on this blog when it comes to spam, you need to get a thicker skin.


by marcotom on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 07:56:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

He probably didn't want their "help" nt (none / 0)


Saxby Chambliss
by bosdcla14 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:10:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

This is my first post here and I am looking forward to a most interesting election season.
Being as it's Illinois, there seems to be a fly in this ointment. Foster's primary challenger in the Democratic primary for the coming November election is challenging Foster's victory in that primary.
See the article at the Beacon News:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaco nnews/news/832190,2_1_AU08_14THDIST_S2.a rticle
oldswede
by oldswede on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:54:36 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

I assume that Laesch will drop the recount after this result.  


by Toddwell on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:55:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

AP CALLS IT (none / 0)

FOSTER WINS!!


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 09:55:01 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Wins (none / 0)

This is a good sign, and I can only hope this bodes well for our senate and house races.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:01:39 PM EST

Re: IL-14 Results Thread (none / 0)

Another Super-Delegate for Obama.


by rmx2630 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:01:40 PM EST

This is GREAT! (none / 0)

On We DEMOCRATS Go!


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:02:17 PM EST

Re: This is GREAT! (2.00 / 2)

This is exciting, and I wish some Obama supporters would stop turning every post on this to gloating. That's just stupid. It's good for all of us.


by mady on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:05:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This is GREAT! (2.00 / 1)

Its funny, its like people have forgotten that democrats belong to the same party.


by Marvin42 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:07:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This is a huge win for Obama (none / 0)

McCain endorsed Oberweis.

Obama endorsed McCain.

This presents a new talking point for Obama. HE has demonstrated without a doubt in the most important Republican congressional district that he has coat tails and matches up well against McCain in a majorly red district.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:08:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This is a huge win for Obama (2.00 / 2)

ERP!

Obama endorsed Foster.

I'm so $@##ing embarrased.

Spank me now.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:09:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This is a huge win for Obama (none / 0)

Except I'm not sure Clinton doesn't endorse McCain. At least he's "passed the Commander in Chief threshold."


by elrod on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:52:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

hahaha! (none / 0)

You give this to Obama? Give me a break!

I give this to Bill Foster, We Democrats and the people that voted for him! The voters were Clinton and Obama supporters and maybe even people who did not like either of them!

But you go right ahead and spin spin spin away.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:11:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: hahaha! (none / 0)

When did Clinton endorse Bill Foster?

I missed that?

Do you live in IL-14?


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:16:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

So what (none / 0)

Does that give the win to Obama? It IS Obama's state.

You want to give all the credit to Obama and not the man who won. How interesting.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:26:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So what (none / 0)

An equivalent would be having Hillary supporting a candidate who won in Staten Island or Peter King's seat on LI. It would be big news and rightfully so.


by swarty on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:53:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So what (none / 0)

I think the biggest news of the night is the validation of SurveyUSA as the official polling company of the 2008 election.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:12:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: hahaha! (none / 0)

Obama provided a huge amount of support to Foster.  He deserves credit for that but I guess not in Hillaryworld.


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:20:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

haha (none / 0)

WHO voted for the man? Would it be O and C supporters? Would it be Democrats? Or would it be only Obamacrats?

Yes Obama did help Foster IN Obama's home state, in an election cycle where the vast majority of voters are voting for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama and NOT the repugs.

This is a great win for We Democrats! Not just Obamacrats and Obama.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:29:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: haha (none / 0)

Of course it's a great win for all of us.  No argument there.  Turning a very red seat blue is always cause to celebrate.

Sorry if I ruined it for you by giving Obama a shout out for helping him.


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:40:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

True (2.00 / 3)

You did not ruin anything. What gets me tho, is this should be Great for We Democrats, look what We can do kind of thing.

We should ALL be holding hands and singing KumBaYa with this victory!   :)


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:51:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Mojo for you...n/t (2.00 / 1)


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:16:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And for you. (none / 0)


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:21:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: True (none / 0)

It would be nice if that could happen..but do you really think it can? Ever?

I don't.


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:35:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: haha (none / 0)

CErtainly O and C supporters voted for Foster.

Certainly more O supporters than C supporters,too, since this is Illinois.

But I would point to the uncanny accuracy of the SuerveyUSA poll in this. I have now built a strong trust for their results over all others. They were dead on in their poll of this race.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:18:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (2.00 / 1)

Score one for the good guys!!  Hastert was a douche bag with a capital D and capital B.


by agpc on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:05:50 PM EST

Obama Has Coat Tails (2.00 / 1)

And he matches up well against McCain in red districts.

No denying it, McCain endorsed Oberweis and Obama endorsed Foster.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:06:07 PM EST

Re: Obama Has Coat Tails (2.00 / 1)

Really? AZ Senator didn't have as much pull in IL, as the IL senator? Shocking. Stop the presses.

Sheesh.


by Marvin42 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:07:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

who won in 2006 in upstate NY.

Just b/c you're a Senator in a state doesn't mean you're popular in all of it.  


Saxby Chambliss
by bosdcla14 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:13:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

Actually she is very popular in NY state if you check. But I was not aware she didn't cut ads for other NY reps. Were they in need of help? Did they ask and she refuse?


by Marvin42 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:16:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

Obama won IL much bigger than Clinton won NY - and so picked up more delegates.


by mainelib on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:28:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

And my cat is white. The answer to the question not asked.


by Marvin42 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:24:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

There were many close races in NY, 2006 (2.00 / 0)

We lost 3 challenges by close amounts. If Clinton had donated money to their campaigns (considering how much cash she blew on her own reelection), it would have been enough to push at least one of those candidates over the edge.

But to be fair, Obama didn't help Seals (who lost by 6%) in IL either. Or Tammy Duckworth, for that matter.


John McCain
by MILiberal on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:53:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There were many close races in NY, 2006 (none / 0)

i am very curious about this. Could you please direct me to any analysis, etc, you may have found?

Thanks.


by Marvin42 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:24:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

No analysis, (none / 0)

just common sense.
There were a number of close races in NY in 2006
NY 19: John Hall (D) defeated Sue Kelly by 2%
NY 20: Kirsten Gillibrand (D) defeated John Sweeney by 6%. Clinton did support Gillibrand with fundraising/etc. so I'll give her credit for this
NY 25: Dan Maffei (D) lost to Jim Walsh by 2%
NY 26: Jack Davis (D) lost to Tom Reynolds by 4%. Davis was a terrible candidate who didn't campaign at all, from what I hear.
NY 29: Eric Massa (D) lost to Randy Kuhl by 3%

Clinton spent something in the range of $20-30 million on her own reelection, I believe. If she had used half of that to help Democrats in other NY races, we could have probably won NY-25 and NY-29, and probably took the NY State Senate as well.


John McCain
by MILiberal on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:05:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yes they were in need of help (2.00 / 1)

This was a very troubling trend for Hillary in 2006. She amassed this gigantic war chest to run against a nobody in John Spencer, yet she wouldn't help out Dan Maffei and Eric Massa, who could have used a few thousand more votes and picked up their upstate districts - not to mention the 13th (Staten Island) and Peter King's Long Island district, which could have been picked up if Clinton had bothered to help. And then there's neighboring state districts, like Chris Shays in CT and Ferguson in NJ, who narrowly held their districts.

The Democrats had a banner year in the Northeast. But they left some votes on the table. And the future Presidential frontrunner with a beanbag Senate race of her own had the chance to help pick up these extra races. Obama stumped all across the country for key Democrats - including especially Claire McCaskill in Missouri - but Hlllary sat on her hands.


by elrod on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:58:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (2.00 / 1)

You're right about her popularity in NY.  I honestly don't know why she didn't cut ads---it could be that the campaigns asked and she refused, or the campaigns thought that it would not help them in the elections.

However, other folks have made observations that I think essentially undercut my claim, namely that Hillary did campaign hard for Gillibrand, and that Obama did not for Seals or Duckworth.  All points well taken, I think that my original argument doesn't hold much water in light of them.    


Saxby Chambliss
by bosdcla14 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:29:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (2.00 / 0)

I wonder how much of either one not campaigning may have had to do with local politics, personal issues, etc. I honestly don't know much about NY or IL and the complexities of the issues.

I can't imagine two high profile senators with tons of money would refuse to help local dems for no reason (Obama or Clinton). Doesn't make sense.


by Marvin42 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:26:30 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (2.00 / 0)

Having worked in Northwestern PA and Upstate NY and been involved with politics there I will say this- I have heard (and I say heard because I have no evidence only hearsay) that it is very difficult to get Hillary's help for down ticket candidates in NY.

I don't know if this is true or not- but the fact that has been said (I heard this a lot in 2004 and 2006,) is troublesome to me as a Democrat.


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:38:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

If true I agree. I would think one of the biggest assets of being a very visible democrat is to help with down ticket races.


by Marvin42 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 11:27:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (2.00 / 1)

Look, I am a rabid Obama supporter who lives in upstate New York, but Hillary Clinton singlehandedly got Kirsten Gilliband elected to the 20th CD here.  Kirsten was an early supporter of Hillary's Presidential bid and I have NEVER held it against her and will vote for her in the fall.

I don't support Hillary for President but she helped turn my CD blue so I will be thankful for that.


by swarty on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:41:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

Kudos to her for that. I don't see these two getting together, but if they did, those would be some deadly coattails.


by EMTP democrat on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:50:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

I didn't know Clinton did anything special for Gilliband. Glad to know she did. Did she help out elsewhere?


by elrod on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:59:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary didn't cut ads for the NY reps (none / 0)

What I heard was that Wolfson was the one who got the 911 report of Sweeney's wife's complaint released, which effectively sunk him a week before the election.

She was more help than hindrance in the 20th.


by swarty on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:06:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (2.00 / 1)

I am an Obama supporter.
I do think it is relevant that Foster IS a superdelegate and nodoubt will other SDs take note of the coattails thing.

BUT this is not the main subject of this thread and we should all rejoice together and not make it a tit-for-tat.
This is a victory for ALL Democrats. So congrats to us all ! And to Rep. Foster of course :)


by Benjaminomeara on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:10:29 PM EST

Woot!!! (2.00 / 1)

Another win for a Democrat and Obama gets another superdelegate too!!!!


by puma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:12:07 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

bruh21: Layoff.

True Democrats are happy about the victory of another Democrat, especially an upset such as this, and thinking about how to replicate that victory in the fall. To achieve the kinds of reforms we want (see Health Care, Universal), we will need a supermajority in the House and Senate. Asking what kind of Democratic Party leader could help us achieve that is totally within bounds. Howard Dean has worked for 4 years towards a 50 state strategy. Such a strategy does require some coattails, or at least not a massive anti-coattail, which is what HRC is in many Red districts.

So yes, Democrats should be thinking about what this election means for the fall, and for which Presidential candidate would be best for down-ticket races.


by andrewbellinger on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:24:16 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (1.50 / 2)

Am I the one who turned this diary into an ad for Obama's coattails?


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:34:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

No, you're the one whining.


by Timetheos on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 03:06:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (1.50 / 2)

This is the best you could come up with? Seriously? Y'all need new material.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 03:18:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

Whining and always trying to have the last word, I might add.

Although your point is well taken, it is still unnecessary to to spam the thread by accusing other people of spamming.


by marcotom on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 08:05:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Best news in this win (none / 0)

I cannot find a single right wing blog or discussion forum where this is being discussed right now.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:24:40 PM EST

Re: Best news in this win (2.00 / 1)

Here it is on redstate

http://www.redstate.com/blogs/dld1717/20 08/mar/08/il14_special_election_coverage


by mainelib on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:29:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Best news in this win (none / 0)

Got a nice chuckle out of that, thanks. Those redstate comments are priceless!  


That One is the Right One for 2008.
by GFORD on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:47:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Best news in this win (2.00 / 1)

Those guys are hilarious...but I will say this- I think they discuss their parties problems with a lot more civility than we do here sometimes.


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:48:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Best news in this win (none / 0)

Thanks for the link.  Makes the victory that much better.


by ShawninFL on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:59:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Best news in this win (none / 0)

hahaha the "gay agenda" these guys are a riot!


by rejectandenounce on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:20:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Best news in this win (none / 0)

Heartwarming to see the GOP fretting like that.  I can't get over how cordial they are to each other though.

"I belong to no organized party, I'm a Democrat"....Will Rogers


by mady on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:36:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Moderation (none / 0)

Redstate has very effective and ruthless moderators and a certain level of civility is heavily enforced. Most discussions here and on Kos would lead to mass bannings on Redstate. Which I think is just an institutional decision on how the different blogs are run and not necessarily a good or bad thing. Redstate mods are very quick with the whistle, Kos and MyDD tend to let the players play.


"Mom, baseball, apple pie, and a unified Democratic juggernaut."
by Purplepeople on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 09:46:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Moderation (none / 0)

Thanks, I was wondering about it since the GOP tends to be ugly and blatant in its attacks on Democrats but on this site seemed so kind and gentle towards each other. I didn't think of that.  Thank you.


by mady on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 10:26:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

Just like they'll be watching Mississippi next Tuesday.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:31:09 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace (2.00 / 0)

A great win for the party, especially since the RNC had to blow a huge chunk of its COH and it still lost.  


by rfahey22 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:36:48 PM EST

re (none / 0)

WOW OBAMA IS POPULAR IN ILLINOIS! BREAKING NEWS!


by rossinatl on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:38:53 PM EST

Re: re (none / 0)

It's one of the reddest districts in the state, so this argument doesn't hold up.


by JewishJake on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:50:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: re (2.00 / 1)

A place in which according to one of you fellow supporters he already had a 14 pt approval rating . So in other words, how is this applicable to OH or FL or MO or CA or any other state because that would be where we would want to see the evidence to give us a better sense of causation. As it is, you are saying a popular senator in his home state was able to help a candidate, but how does that translate to Obama the presidential candidate? This is the core problem with the argument.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:55:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Know anything about Illinois? (2.00 / 1)

You answered your own question. A Democrat with a high approval rating in a red Republican district is the kind of Democrat who can win big in November. Perhaps you don't know much about Illinois, but people in the collar and rural northern counties don't exactly look too keenly on Chicago politicians. But Obama is clearly different enough from the Daley-style Democratic machine pol that they'd support him.


by elrod on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:01:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Know anything about Illinois? (2.00 / 2)

Clinton has a high approval rating in several GOP districts in NY state (many of them highly conservative) ,and I wouldn't accept that argument from her either. Indeed,when some Clinton supporter tried to use her homestate a few months back, I was called names for pointing out that it was b/s to think one can extrapolate from that.  Like I said, I am pretty much neutral with whom I want to be the nominee because I don't see much difference between the two. I don't care as long as they beat McCain. I just don't want yet one more false argument for the candidates to start circulating. Not that I matter in this. People will think what they think even if the causation is flimsy. THe causation here is pretty thin. That's why I called it irrelevant- I could see the bigger point people were going to try to make, and indeed, like clockwork several of you are making it here and stoller over at open left is also making it.


by bruh21 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:08:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Dennis Hastert (none / 0)

This one is different than any other garden variety red district that's gone blue lately (nice to say that...) This was Speaker Hastert's district. The RNCC dumped $1.2 million into this district. John McCain endorsed Oberweis, as did every other bigwig Republican. Put simply, Oberweis called out all the heavy hitters and Foster turned to Obama.

Now Obama may or may not have made the difference alone. But he was a very public part of Foster's campaign, such that had Foster lost, one could have credibly challenged Obama's true coattail effect. And remember, he did this for Claire McCaskill in 2006 as well as Jim Webb. He has appeal outside Illinois.

The only example I see that for Hillary is Kristen Gillinbrand in NY-20. But John Sweeney was under serious corruption pressure at the time and the RNCC didn't dump a lot of money into his district.  If Hillary helps turn the NY State Senate blue, and helps dump Reynolds and Kuhl (while picking up Walsh's old district) then I'll be convinced that she has real coattail effects too.


by elrod on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:35:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dennis Hastert (2.00 / 1)

I wouldn't. I think such a view is a mistake.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 03:19:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dennis Hastert (none / 0)

In New York and perhaps New York only, she'll have coattails...perhaps Arkansas, but they're not needed there.

On place I'd say she has coattails and Obama can drag down is NY-13...Staten Island. Hillary has a good shot at winning this district, Obama doesn't have a prayer. If you want to know why, two words;

David Dinkins


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:04:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: re (none / 0)

What was unique about this district is McCain actively participated in backing Oberweis as did incumbent Denny Hastert.  So if you want to look at this with only an Illinois perspective Obama took on Hastert in his own district, and if you look with a National perspective Obama took on McCain.  Either way, it bodes well for the power of Obama's change message.  


by Piuma on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:03:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: re (none / 0)

McCain isn't front the state.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:39:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: re (none / 0)

But he's THE party leader this year. And that's the issue. The IL-14 would normally not go to any Democrat - even an Illinoisan - in a Presidential race. But Obama is different.


by elrod on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:36:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

i read this entire thread (none / 0)

and the impression I got was that you'd rather see dem candidates lose if they were publicly supported by obama. you almost sound angry that foster won. it's mind boggling.


by highgrade on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:15:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i read this entire thread (2.00 / 1)

You read this entire thread and that's wh at you got? Interesting? Not that I want us to win by actually making sure we pay attention and not draw the wrong conclusions based on faulty reasoning, but that I want us to lose?  I am curious- did you also read my post in which I called on both Obama supporters and CLinton supporters to realize the real threat is McCain? Did you see that as me wanting us to lose too? Maybe the problem isn't my being skeptical. maybe the problem is that you aren't, and aren't asking more to ensure our shot at winning.


by bruh21 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 03:22:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i read this entire thread (none / 0)

No, you might disagree with the point bruh's trying to make (as might I), but the motive is pure.


by rfahey22 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 04:11:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Next new Dem congressman (none / 0)

Now on to IN-07,  this special congressional election is this Tuesday,  03/11/08.  I think we will send another new Democrat to Congress, Andre Carson!!!!


by DemoDan on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 10:49:38 PM EST

Re: Next new Dem congressman (none / 0)

I hope Carson holds on. Elrod (no relation to me!) has run a good campaign, but he did get into some embarrassment recently (I can't remember how).


by elrod on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:02:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Haven't seen this one publicized (none / 0)

Any links to netroots efforts?


"Mom, baseball, apple pie, and a unified Democratic juggernaut."
by Purplepeople on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 09:49:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (2.00 / 0)

Another win for Dean and the 50 State Strategy, yet another defeat for the DLC and the 50 + 1 strategy.

Truly a great day.


by Statsman on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:06:30 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)


by Statsman on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:06:44 PM EST

SurveyUSA: The Official Polling Company of 2008 (none / 0)

No doubt about it, nobody else gets it as accurate as SurveyUSA!


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:09:56 PM EST

Another reason why Obama should be the Nominee (2.00 / 0)

He is the voice of change and will help us in November!


Maryland Democrat
by jproctor on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 11:21:31 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

Wonderful news!  I'm so proud of my state!


by mlr701 on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:20:58 AM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (2.00 / 1)

I just have to say that I created an account here to say this:

All of y'all are funny as hell!!

But since I'm here...

I do agree this sentiment: Hillary IS a fucking MONSTER.... in a sort of zombie or The T-1000 from T2 kind of way. The closer you get to defeating it the more uglier and caustic it gets. :0)

Foster's win in a Republican-heavy district helps the meme that Obama has the potential for real coattails. Coupled with Wyoming and Mississippi, this should give the campaign a li'l breathing room for the first half of next week, hopefully pushing and expanding on the obvious if still-subtle meme that is "WHAT THE FUCK HAS HRC DONE BESIDES BE THE FUCKING FIRST LADY TO MAKE HER SO QUALIFIED OVER OBAMA?" I, like many people, listened to the excruciating silence both Mark Penn and Howard Wolfson had when asked that question after 3AM dropped. Later on came the blah, blah, blah... but the essence of truth was really revealed, I think, during that conference call with reporters. The truth, as I see it, is that NO ONE is really, truly ready for the singular, enormity that is POTUS.

NO ONE. That's a deep end ANYONE has to jump into and learn to swim. That's the way it has always been and that's the way it always will be. The key is how quickly you can grow INTO the job. That is what separates the true first and second tier presidents from the rest. I think we could have had a respect discussion/debate on the qualifications and degree we should give these qualifications but HRC expressing great admiration for McCain over Obama as commander in chief?!?!?!? WOW... even within the family, huh? That was irresponsible. It won't kill BHO but that's not the fucking point! SHE definitely crossed some thresholds...

Bottom line: Barack has to deal with DA T-1000 but without compromising who is is (SO NO NEGATIVE ATTACKS FROM OBAMA!!!!).  I think a great surragoate for this is someone like Bill Bradley. Quick on his feet, with gravitas and the ability to hit the obvious weak points that HRC has. Obama just can't do much if any of the heavy/dirty work himself because HE DOES represent something different.  

I used to like and really respect HRC; meeting her in NY when I worked there was a real thrill. Intoxicating, in a good way... and all the other obvious complements but I will NEVER see HRC and WJC the same way after this primary campaign... ever.... and its sad too... but... Obama's in the position of leverage. He just needs to make sure doesn't lose it (OUTSIDE ADVISERS TO THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN: SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!).

I, as a progressive, like to think that my party represents the interests of the many instead of the few. But maybe more important, I think, its that our party can be led by many too, not just a few like DEM OTHA GUYS.... Obama illustrates that, and many other, opportunities.

I think some of HRC supporters on this and other political sites lose sight of that. But, on some level, who can blame them: Clinton is a brand name, in both democratic and republican circles.

Going up against a brand is always tough... but not impossible.

Peace... and "clink" to any of y'all up...


 


Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes
by losdela on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 03:12:53 AM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

This is bad news for the HRC supporters here who will vote for McCain if Obama wins the nomination. I mean, wouldn't it be easier for McCain if he had a Republican majority?  You do want him to succeed, don't you?


by Drummond on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 05:00:00 AM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

If the issue is immigration the answer to your question is clearly and unequivocally no! On many other issues yes.

Meanwhile, here is the dirge to Oberweis (Unterweis) from the point of you of the district...

Unterweis, Unterweis,
Every morning you greet me,
Small and White,
Not too bright
You look happy to meet me..

Blossoms of snow may you wither and Perish,
Wither and perish forever

Unterweis Unterweis
God Bless Illinois forever!


by Boilermaker on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 10:58:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

Well, then those issues are going to suffer for one less congressional representative to back him up.


by Drummond on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:21:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Once again, Obama helps a Democrat win. (2.00 / 0)

This si something that Hillary just cannot do.


by Bob Johnson on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 05:38:34 AM EST

Once again, Obama helps a Democrat win. (none / 0)

This is something that Hillary just cannot do.


by Bob Johnson on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 05:39:14 AM EST

Obama has Coatails (none / 0)

good work.


by parahammer on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 07:12:24 AM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace (none / 0)

I am happy about this for several reasons.
  1. Dem Pickup in red district
  2. It was Hastert's District
  3. The republican's through an important part of their non embezzled resources into this campaign.
  4. Most importantly, it is difficult to underestimate just what a d--k Mr Oberweis is, it's great to see him continue his 0 for the 00's streak (0-4 so far!).

"That's just, like, your opinion man"
by AltoonaDemocrat on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 08:27:40 AM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace (none / 0)

This is the latest defeat for the anti-immigration forces...

http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/11/20/153 427/42

I expect racists such as Mark Kirkorian, Steve Camarotta, Dan Steyn, Heather MacDonald and their racist organizations to downplay this..but that is what you expect racists to do.


by Boilermaker on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 10:53:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace (none / 0)

Here's another one to add to your list:

5. Dixon, IL is in the IL-14 Congressinoal District. This was the birthplace of Ronald Reagan.

Oh how sweet it is.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 12:08:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

When are we able to add Foster as an Obama super delegate? Now or when he takes the oath of office?


by Cheebs on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 01:27:20 PM EST

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

I heard elsewhere that he won't be a superdelegate because they were all credentialed on March 1. Not sure if this is correct or not.


by johnny longtorso on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:08:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

Obama's campaigned claimed him as a super delegate today according to Tim Russert so they must think he'll count I guess.


by Cheebs on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:11:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat Bill Foster Will Replace Fmr. GOP Spe (none / 0)

er I mean campaign


by Cheebs on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 02:12:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]


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