Progressive Democrat Issue 90: NYC ACTION, ALL BOROUGHS

I have written fairly often about the one major Congressional race in NYC: the NY-13 race where Steve Harrison is running against Vito Fossella in Bay Ridge and Staten Island. But for many New Yorkers Westchester is just as close as Staten Island, and there is another important Congressional race just to the north of NYC. In the NY-19 race John Hall is running to defeat Sue Kelly.

Both of these races are much closer than people realize based on internal polls, but the Republican candidates have more money. It's the ususal story: Republicans with money against Democrats with heart and lots of volunteers.

I have met Steve Harrison and can vouch for his quality as a sound candidate. He is a moderate Democrat, not as progressive as myself, but so is his district. He is a great match for his district and has an excellent knack for talking with people. Fossella is tainted with the Abramoff and Foley scandals and this, as well as his waffling on Social Security and his previous close ties with Bush, Cheney and Rove, have soured the district on him. If Harrison can reach out enough, he has a shot at winning. Recent fundraisers as well as institutional support from the DCCC should boost his chances. And an informal internal poll indicated a very close race. But when you are being out-raised by the Republicans, you need people on the ground. If you are a New Yorker living closer to Staten Island or Bay Ridge than to Westchester, please contact Steve Harrison's campaign and give them a few hours of your time. By the way, Fossella is doing his damnedest to seem like he isn't a Republican. He doesn't admit it on his website and he stands under signs that say "Independent." But he has brough Cheney and Rove to NYC for fundraisers, has taken money from Abramoff and Foley and votes with Bush almost all the time.

If you live closer to Westchester than to Staten Island/Bay Ridge, you can help in an even closer House race. John Hall is an award-winning musician and citizen activist, former county legislator and school board president, 35-year member of Local 802 AFM and AFTRA. He has played guitar for, produced, and/or written songs for Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Ricky Skaggs, Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, Bobby McFerrin, Linda Ronstadt, the Doobie Brothers and James Taylor. He is perhaps best known for his work with the band Orleans, of which he is a founding member. Hall is running against long-time Bush buddy Sue Kelly. A recent internal poll, done very carefully, indicated an almost dead heat. If you can volunteer for John Hall we can make NY-19 an unexpected pick up this year.

There is also a phone banking effort for John Hall that you can do in NYC or even in your own home. Here are the details from Hall's website:

We're asking all our supporters to chip in a little volunteer time to talk with voters about this election. You'll be amazed at how many voters you can win over in a few hours.

We know that voters in our district respond very well to a personal call from a dedicated John Hall supporter.

Can you spend a few hours on one of our phone banks? If so, fill out this form, and tell us where you live and when you're available. We're setting up phone bank locations all across the district, and we'll contact you to let you know which site is closest to you.

Can't get to one of our phone bank locations, but would like to make calls from home? Join the Home Team and you can be dialing from the convenience of your home within minutes.

Even if it is just a few hours a week, donating your time to the campaign will be a great help. Our volunteer coordinators will work with you to maximize your impact. Thank you for your support!

You would be amazed how just a few hours of your time can help win.