Replacing Ken Toole in the Senate

Whoaaa.....Wait a Sec.... (0.00 / 0)

Did Hal Jacobson not put his name in?

Are you saying that Gene freaking Fenderson was selected by the Central Committee over Hal?

Seriously?

Chriminy - those people are bigger idiots than I thought...please, someone correct me if I'm mistaken about the  Hal thing.

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by: Jen. That Jen. @ Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 05:12:21 AM UTC

Clarification. It's Late. (0.00 / 0)

I just re-read my comment and realized that it could be misconstrued.  I'll clarify.

I'm not weighing in on a Chris v. Hal selection - I think both are equally qualified and either would serve their district with distinction.

I'm just wondering if Fenderson and Peck were selected above Jacobson, that's all.

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by: Jen. That Jen. @ Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 05:14:43 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Understood your point (0.00 / 0)

But it's a fair clarification anyways, just to be safe.

On the question behind the post, I have no idea.

That said, Peck and Fenderson are both worthy applicants. Hal would have been great, too.

The Dems have recently had an embarassment of riches. Compare that to the GOP -- someone of Scott Sales' worth wouldn't even make first cut for an open seat appointment in our party. That's not a bad thing.

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by: Matt Singer @ Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 07:41:52 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

All 3 are qualified...but my point (0.00 / 0)

was that if both sitting representatives put their names in, then both should be advanced, as every thinking person knows that both in that senate district would run for the open senate seat in '08.

If the Central Committee advanced Chris' name and the names of two non-seated individuals above the name of a seated Rep, that's what I take issue with.  It has nothing to do with the qualifictions of the two non-electeds, it has everything to do with politics.

I also disagree about Mr. Fenderson, but that's a comment for another day.

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by: Jen. That Jen. @ Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 16:54:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

"Idiots?" (4.00 / 1)

Sorry Jen(that Jen), as one of the L & C central committee folks, I'll have to take exception. Rep Jacobson was nominated, but I (and apparently others) thought his speech was relatively weak. He entered the process late.

There's two approaches to filling Senator Tooles's seat. One is to appoint a "place holder" elder statesperson (Dr. Peck, Mr. Fenderson), the other is to try to anticipate whom the district's voters would select. Christine Kauffman asserted that given her history of excellent campaigning (she won her first race after a 4 way primary) and the fact that she is extremely popular in her district, she WILL win this Senate seat eventually. Dr. Peck contended that given the difficult situation for Dems in the Montana house this year, Rep. Kauffman (and Rep. Jacobson) with their experience and seniority could better serve their constituents by remaining for one more term in the house. Precinct people gave thoughtful consideration to all the candidates.

This all has certainly been a great recruiting tool for the central committee! By the way Jen, if you aren't a precinct person in your community, I hope you will consider getting involved.

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by: lindabee in mt @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 02:05:12 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

yep. (0.00 / 0)

*giggle*

Thanks, Linda.  I'm already 'involved'.

I understand the theory behind what the central committee did.  I'm aware of who is on the committee, have worked with them i the past, and I think I'm ok in my label.

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by: Jen. That Jen. @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 05:03:48 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

All are good (0.00 / 0)

More than allies, they work in the same office though I would not say that this is the same thing as Ken keeping his seat by proxy. Christine is very capable. I would say the same of Peck. I do not know much of Fenderson.

Isn't Peck an educator? We could always use more of them.

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by: Shane C. Mason @ Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 08:06:18 AM UTC

All 3... (0.00 / 0)

are good choices. Kauffman would help hold the seat for another 2 terms. Fenderson would be somewhat a legacy, his wife (Sue Bartlet) having served in the Leg (she is family to me, by the way). Peck was an excellent legislator (when did he move permanently to Helena, by the way??)

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by: alexrosenleaf @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 03:25:22 AM UTC

Thanks, Linda for the info (0.00 / 0)

I've met all three candidates and they all have great creds, but Christine Kaufmann's time is now. It's time for her to move to the Senate and then fill her spot with another real progressive up and comer.  Christine is thoughtful and a fighter for justice for those with no power.  She is a strong advocate for working women and men.  I met her when she appeared on the Laura Flanders Show and was very impressed with her ability to communicate clearly and forcefully her points without shillness or name calling.  She has the talent to run atatewide and nationally, so I think we should move her up now.

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by: Feral Cat @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 15:28:59 PM UTC