Many blogs are now trying to position what the results of this special election will mean…. framing it in the best possible light. We take a different tact.

Our analysis is simple: $500,000

That’s how much the National Republican Party in the last week has been forced to spend to prop up Jean Schmidt. This is the reddest, safest, most Republican district in Ohio. This is Bush country. We are but one single little Congressional race. They are pouring massive resources in the defend a wall that could never be breached. If it falls they know that Democrats will be storming into the House in 2006. Even if it doesn’t the wall will still be significantly easier for future candidates to climb.

Paul Hackett has done all this and he’s never wavered on any of the issues that Beltway Democrats traditional shy away from in order to attract “swing voters”. He supports gay rights, he is pro choice.. if you ask him he says so, and he gives you good reasons that anyone would understand. Hackett never runs from a fight, and he never hides his beliefs. A sea change from the nuanced, measured tone of Senator John Kerry. That’s why people respect him. That’s why many Republicans will vote for him.

Paul Hackett has shown Democrats how to fight. Not by attacking Republicans like Howard Dean, but by fighting for what he believes in.

This is a great district in a great state and we have a great candidate. It’s an honor to fight for him, and it’s an honor to fight with you all. We’ve brought our best game and they’ve acknowledged it, not with their praises, but with their money.

So as you read the spin and the punditry trying trying to tell you why none of it matters, just remember: $500,000 :-)

We can win this, and they’ve shown us that they know we can. Good times, my friends… good times. Now go out there and get people to the polls!

  • OK… I’m done fiddling with this thing.