Later today (Sunday), I'll post a column about how to run for Congress effectively -- without spending a fortune. In the 2008 race, John Murtha may raise as much as $4 million, most of the money coming as "paybacks" by wealthy lobbyists Murtha has helped to enrich. So, there's no way a candidate of modest means -- say, Iraq War veteran William Russell -- can outspend Murtha. A really good candidate (e.g., William) might be able to win the race by spending $250,000 -- or perhaps less than that. Don't get me wrong: William is going to need money, and now is the time to contribute, to make an investment in our country. If the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) will invest $5,000 NOW in William, it will pay great dividends.
His address is: P.O. Box 630 Johnstown, PA 15907
About Sarah Palin, I believe she would appeal to young professionals, mothers of several children, ethics in government advocates, wives of workingmen, and military familes. Why? Because she and her family are all these things. As for Hillary Clinton, she's basically none of those things.
Rudy, John, Mitt, and Fred, are you listening?
I'm getting enquiries about the campaign of William Russell against John Murtha in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District (Johnstown, Monongahela, Washington, Greene County, and other locations).
You can help William, an Iraq War veteran and a fine human being, get his campaign off to a good start by making a small contribution (or a large one if you wish!) to him by sending it to:
William Russell for Congress
P.O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
Phone: 814-248-3435
His Web Site is: http://www.williamrussellforcongress.com/
His E-mail Address is: william.russell@williamrussellforcongress.com
If you can't make a cash contribution right now, volunteer to help in other ways, such as by contacting neighbors, working at his campaign locations, or putting up a yard sign.
In 2004, President Bush, not the most popular figure in Pennsylvania, and Senator Kerry basically split the vote in the 12th District by 50-50. In other words, this district is winnable by a strong candidate, and Russell can be that candidate. If the national candidates (for President and Vice-President) are strong ones, William Russell may amaze the political world by dethroning John Murtha, known widely as "The Prince of Pork."
William is already running hard against Murtha, who's a thoroughly disreputable individual, someone that's made a career of trading his votes and influence for campaign cash. People who provide financial support to Murtha have zero interest in anything approximating good government.
William needs your help. As a veteran, he would very much appreciate getting strong support from veterans, active-duty soldiers and Guardsmen, and military families. If you can make a small contribution, please do so. Also, please start mentioning his campaign to your family, friends, and neighbors.
There's no way William can out-spend Murtha, but he can and will out-work him. To win, he needs your support.
steve maloney
ambridge, pa
Note: If you go to http://www.opensecrets.org/, you can find out what groups contributed huge sums of money to Murtha's campaign in 2006. (If you have any trouble finding the information, let me know at TalkTop65@aol.com, and I'll walk you through the process.)
You'll notice, for example, that Murtha got approximately $150,000 from wealthy doctors and administrators at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), which is supposedly a non-profit health empire. In the last fiscal year, this "non-profit" made a "surplus" (i.e., profit) of nearly $500,000,000.00 As long as the Murthas of the world are in Congress, such outrages will continue. (You can find out why UPMC fat cats love Murtha by "googling" Windber + John Murtha + UPMC.)
If you're interested in finding out exactly who the money-bags groups contributing to Murtha are -- and why they're doing so -- please contact me and I'll let you know. Hint: They aren't exactly individuals or groups who are living paycheck to paycheck.
(Additional column this weekend about who the people are who truly exert great influence in political campaign -- Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen. See the previous column for definitions. The terms come from Malcolm Gladwell's wonderful book called The Tipping Point.)
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4 comments:
Steve;
Thinks to pointing this out to me. I'm doing a weekend linkfest and have added your post.
SJ Reidhead
The Pink Flamingo
Thanks Cindy: William is a candidate who deserves support. He's an Iraq War vet with a Viet Nam War vet as his campaign manager. He's in a name recognition phase now, and he can use publicity (and money!). The 12th District is a lot more winnable than many people think.
steve
Excellent news, I just sent along my first of many small contribs to this vital campaign to finally remove America's leading domestic pork insurgent from the comfy confines of Congress.
Hillary, thanks so much for contributing. Lt. Col. Russell has a very good chance of defeating Murtha -- something that would have national and even international implications. William needs EARLY support (as in this year, 2007) and if he gets it, he will win.
steve maloney
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