Open Left Bush Dog and FISA capitulation supporter Brian Baird is one of the few Bush Dogs still susceptible to a primary challenge this late in the season. Washington's primary is Tuesday August 19.
This morning Brian Baird's primary challenger, progressive community activist Cheryl Crist, was interviewed on Thom Hartmann's radio show. The online poll -- Baird v. Crist -- is getting overwhelmingly favorable results for Crist -- 85% to 15%.
Cast your vote now, and follow me below the fold for more on why Progressives need to unite behind Crist now.
As of 10:30pm Wednesday July 9, 2008.
My first Crist diary introduced Cheryl Crist as a great alternative to Surge Supporter Brian Baird. (Ready to Go After Another Blue Dog?)
We also examined why WA-03's history and demographics shows that it will support a more progressive representative than Baird. (Is a Primary Challenge Too Risky?)
We looked more closely at Baird's record and saw that he's good on the environment, but not good enough on the other issues. (Is Baird Bad Enough to Warrant Replacing?)
I think there was general agreement that Baird is a weak and mediocre representative, but people had real questions about whether Crist was the one to take him on? Since nobody else stepped forward, the question is moot, but we also saw that even though Crist is a newcomer, she brings strong credentials to the race. (Cheryl Crist is a Credible Candidate)
Then Baird joined with other Bush Dogs in voting against the Constitution and in favor of the FISA Capitulation Legislation that immunizes telecoms from liability for illegal spying on Americans and purports to expand the Executive Branch's ability warrantless spying ability. (Fix FISA by Removing Baird.)
Since then, the WA-03 race has really heated up. This is Crist's second interview on Thom Hartmann, with obviously enthusiastic audience response. Her endorsement page is quickly filling, and Act Blue now shows hundreds of contributors.
Here is what you can do:
First, Cast your vote for Cheryl Crist in Thom Hartmann's poll.
Second, If you are a member of a progressive organization or if you write a blog, get your endorsement onto Cheryl Crist's website. Even in your individual capacity, send Cheryl your endorsement.
Third, if you are a member of MoveOn, ask them to finish the job they started last August. Brian Baird has called their bluff.
Fourth, send Cheryl Crist $5. Crist doesn't need a million bucks to run this campaign, so small contributions have a big impact.
Fifth, if you are in the district and haven't met Cheryl, meet her. She's speaking at all kinds of events in the next two months, or invite her to speak at your event. After you talk to Cheryl, you'll want to see her in Congress.
Sixth, call the campaign and ask what they need. Maybe they need money, but maybe they need you to hold a sign, write a letter, attend an event, call a friend, distribute literature, place a sign, or use the phone. There is sure to be something you could do that would fit your available time and be within your comfort zone.