Cillizza: Ellsworth announcement today

Are you kidding me??? (2.50 / 4)

What a crock...Not only do we have to fight the pubs & tea baggers, but we have to bow down to the Evan Byah control machine!!!  Baron Hill should have had the chance to run, and would have made a much stonger statewide candidate with thick enough skin to endure it!!!  Now we are stuck with Evan & Dan Parkers hand-picked puppet!!!

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by: wildgourd @ Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 10:54:47 AM CST

Hill (4.00 / 1)

Can still say he wants the position. He does have the chance to "run". In the end, the state Dem leaders will choose who they would like to run in the general election. All Ellsworth is doing right now is saying he'd like to be chosen.  

Vote for the person, not the party.  

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by: kcflood @ Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 13:33:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

My guess... (4.00 / 2)

...is that it's pretty much a done deal and that Baron Hill will graciously decline to run.  

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 14:55:44 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Hill has too much baggage this cycle (4.00 / 1)

Lord love him for sticking his neck out for Pelosi's agenda in the House this year, but at this time it's not entirely clear he can hold onto his district, let alone win state-wide.  Hill is not our guy for the Senate this cycle.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 12:49:22 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The people of the state of Indiana should have decided that. (4.00 / 1)

The Rasmussen poll, as skewed as it likely is towards the Republicans, showed that Hill did as well as Ellsworth against the Republicans.  I don't accept that Hill is somehow less electable.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 12:54:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Hill is probably more well-known (4.00 / 1)

He's been in office a lot longer than Ellsworth, and he's also already run state-wide.  That could easily account for Hill's #s being at the same place as Ellsworth's.  I believe once more people outside of his district become acquainted with Ellsworth, his poll #s will rise.  Really not sure on Hill's.

Additionally, if Hostettler is the nominee, the political environment notwithstanding, I'm pretty sure the people of the 8th disctrict will resoundingly choose Ellsworth over that nutcase.

I think Hill is a good guy, but this really isn't his year.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:02:06 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Bingo Cuomo!!! (2.00 / 2)

Baron is the one who should have had the chance to say whether or not he would have liked to run.  It's called pecking order inside the party.  Baron definitely does not fit into byah-parker scenario somehow.  Unfortunately, we get the choice of another pretty boy with absolutely no backbone!!!

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by: wildgourd @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:18:16 PM CST

[ Parent ]

in agreement (0.00 / 0)

I really like Hill and most of his votes this session.  The Youtube video of his referring to "my townhall meeting" is enough to defeat him.  I understand his frustration with the teabaggers swamping meetings and creating chaos but he did not respond well and it was captured on camera.  Game over.  I think he will be reelected to Congress.

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by: Howard C. @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 12:55:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The Youtube video (4.00 / 1)

Another reason Hill isn't our guy.  I agree; I don't blame him for reacting that way, but to most people it's going to look at as good as North Carolina Dan talking about where he and his wife really want to be.  A very unnecessary distraction from the issues.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:09:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Disagree (4.00 / 2)

Sounds like you have been drinking the teabaggers beverage of choice.  Baron Hill is a "Blue Dog" leader, but also backed health care reform, and thus earned the respect of the progressives.  He is personable and "down home", and well-liked.  Even if he stays in his district, who could beat him?  Sodrel, who has turned into a major joke, and has-been?  Young?  Baron Hill has won by increasingly-large margins the last 3 election cycles.  

Ellsworth on the other hand is more conservative than Evan Bayh, and I have a TON of problems with that, including his "pro-life" positions.  As a Democrat on the local level, that is fine, esp. for a Sheriff, but not in the U.S. Congress.  

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by: FishersDemo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 12:58:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Ellsworth also voted for HCR (0.00 / 0)

But in my opinion, a vote for HCR, however, is not a net-positive in the general election.  Not even close.  The elecorate is not in favor of the current HCR legislation.  Even if it passes, any positive effects will most likely begin to become apparent after the the midterms.  And if it doesn't pass, what's the argument? "Yeah, I voted for that unpopular mess that sapped so much time and energy and ended up stalled in Congress?"  The same can be said of all of Hill's other progressive votes:  stalled in Congress and so far, for nought.  I'm very happy Ellsworth won't have that record to defend.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:07:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Stupak (4.00 / 2)

Ellsworth pushed for adoption of the noxious "Stupak" <?> Amendment that would prevent even private insurance for paying for abortions.  So much for a woman's right to choose, which Ellsworth has not been shy about saying that he disagrees with.  And Ellsworth also said that he would not vote for HCR without it.  

I would rather have a straight-up fight been a Democrat and a Republican than between Republican and "Republican Lite".  Let's offer the voters an honest choice, good candidates who exhibit real leadership will gain much respect for that.  

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by: FishersDemo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:14:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Ellsworth is guilty as charged (4.00 / 1)

I have no idea what Ellsworth's personal feelings on abortion are, nor do I need to.  But I'm certain that his district will not punish him for his actions.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  I'm also certain that our state as a whole would certainly not require a Stupak-type admendment for healthcare (although I suspect, unfortunately, the state wouldn't punish elected officials for one either).  I certainly hope and expect that Ellsworth will take this into account if and when he represents the entire state of Indiana.

Keep in mind also that it was Pelosi who allowed this amendment to come to the floor for a vote.  Because she's suddenly anti-abortion rights?  No.  It's more complicated than that.  But it is an odious amendment and very hateful toward women, indeed.  Most distressing, however, is not that it exists, but rather so many voters nationwide are undoubtedly in favor of it.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:24:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Pelosi was "forced" to bring the amendment to the floor... (4.00 / 1)

...because the Stupak coalition were refusing to vote for HCR unless she did.  To be fair, Hill also voted for this amendment but Ellsworth was reportedly a leader of the movement.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:27:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Like it or not (4.00 / 1)

We have a big tent party.  I personally think that ultimately it is for the best.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:30:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I think a big tent is good... (4.00 / 2)

...but it sure seems like the right side of our tent gets more attention than the left side.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:37:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

pssssst (2.00 / 2)

There are more of us on the right side of the Dem party than there are on the left.  I know this isn't clear when your world consists of blogs, but in the real world in real Indiana more Democrats are moderate than liberal.

Some of us are even pro-life.

Hoosier Progressive

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by: Vox Populi @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 08:51:49 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Maybe in Indiana... (4.00 / 1)

...but I don't believe that is the case nationwide.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 08:58:39 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I doubt the majority of Indiana Democrats... (4.00 / 2)

...are pro-life.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 09:00:04 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Even if you're right about "real" Indiana... (4.00 / 2)

...that doesn't mean I have to stop talking about what I want.  I don't have to speak for other people.  I only have to speak for myself.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 09:01:46 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm not asking you to be quiet, (0.00 / 0)

I'm just asking you to be realistic.  Outside of Indianapolis, Gary, and Bloomington, Democrats are moderates and conservatives.  Pro-choice and pro-gay candidates can win, but not if they are trumpeting those two controversial social issues.

I'm a pro-life Democrat who votes pro-choice.  I don't condone abortion and think it should be a measure of last resort (self-restraint being first resort).  Abortion shouldn't be a form of birth control.  Because the issue is so contentious, I don't think federal tax dollars should go to fund abortions.

Maybe I'm in the minority of my party, which I'm okay with, but your kind of Democrat doesn't win statewide and mine does.

Hoosier Progressive

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by: Vox Populi @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 11:12:29 AM CST

[ Parent ]

there's a term for that... (4.00 / 1)

if you believe that women should have the right to choose abortion, you are pro-choice, by definition.

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by: stallio @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 11:41:58 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Okay... (0.00 / 0)

but if I ran for office with my opposition to federally-funded abortion and to partial-birth abortion, I'd be labeled otherwise by the fully pro-choice folks.

Hoosier Progressive

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by: Vox Populi @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 12:08:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I have repeatedly said that I... (4.00 / 1)

...understand that I am more liberal than the average Hoosier.  I have pragmatically said I would vote for Baron Hill, who is a moderate Democrat.  Yet I still get talked down to as if I'm expecting you to move the moon.

What I am asking is the progressive/liberals not be discounted out of hand.  That progressive/liberals be listened to and not shouted down.  That we stop giving up ground to Republicans by electing Democrats who look more and more like them.  That we stop using Republican memes like who's a "real" American or Hoosier (sounds more akin to something that would come out of Sarah Palin's mouth).

I am not a single issue voter.  Ellsworth, imo, is wrong for Indiana and the country on several issues, not just one.  I'm unwilling to cede that ground.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 11:58:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I agree (4.00 / 2)

I don't believe abortion is to be used as a birth control method and it should be a measure of last resort.   I disagree with the funding of the procedure.  What that does is trap poor uninsured women and denying them a choice  while women with money or private insurance can make that choice.

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by: Howard C. @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 12:55:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The one way HCR could help Dems... (4.00 / 2)

...is that its passage may we-awaken the base of the Democratic party, which virtually all polls indicate is suffering greatly from an enthusiasm gap.  There is as much dissatisfaction with HCR from the left for not going far enough as there is from the right who are more worried about corporate profits than the health of the people.  

Because Hill has been seen openly fighting for HCR, that could benefit him more than Ellsworth (who, as you point out, also voted for it but did so much more quietly except for his help in pushing the Stupak Amendment).

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:16:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

If there's no public option... (4.00 / 1)

then I'm against it.  I've written Rep. Carson that it is my demand he vote against any HCR bill that does not include a substantive alternative to the status quo.  If the bill passes, but not thru reconciliation and with a public option, I'm not sure the base will be appeased.  I for one will be very  upset.

Massachusettes, a state that already has universal healthcare, should not be allowed to dictate HCR policy to the entire nation.  If that bill passes without a public option, I personally may be angry enough to sit out November.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:29:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Reconciliation and the public option are back on the table. (4.00 / 2)

With Reid's support even.  

http://www.dailykos.com/story/...

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."  --Benjamin Franklin

Yes, even Democratic authority.

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by: Daily Activist @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:34:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I saw (4.00 / 3)

I am cautiously optimistic.

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Sun Feb 21, 2010 at 13:36:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I am way over Evan fake Byah & his Crap!!!!! (1.60 / 5)

yes it's a done deal...Once again it's Evans way or the highway & Ellsworth is taking his clue's directly from Parker & Byah.  Good Luck to you in bloomington Ellsworth!!! They are gonna chew you up & spit you out there...at least Baron gave us environmental issues to be proud of.  It's hard enough being a democrat in a small town in Indiana.  Evan Byah is the only D never to recieve my vote & now Ellsworth will make two!!!    

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by: wildgourd @ Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 16:25:39 PM CST

I don't understand (1.00 / 4)

I don't understand why Evan Bayh and the other members of the republican wing of the Democratic party don't just become republicans.  I am through forever with Evan Bayh...I don't want Evan Bayh for governor or anything else.  I am willing to look at Ellsworth but he has some explaining to do with some of his votes.....choice, gay rights, healthcare etc.....

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by: Howard C. @ Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 17:02:33 PM CST

Great, now lose the bloody 8th and the Senate seat (2.00 / 2)

Ellsworth is not winning statewide in an environment where the Democratic base in comatose over inaction in Washington and Republicans are fired up in opposition.  He should have stayed in his House seat and let an outsider or popular mayor run for Senate.  

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by: CharlesOwen @ Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 19:30:48 PM CST

State Convention (4.00 / 1)

Since they cannot officially name the candidate until after the May primary anyway, why not have the Democratic State Convention in June pick the nominee?  That way, the appearance of a closed-door, good-ole-boy fix is avoided, and at least the delegates of the Democratic Party, who are pretty much the grass-roots activists, get to make the decision.  

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by: FishersDemo @ Sat Feb 20, 2010 at 06:15:08 AM CST

State Law (0.00 / 0)

is pretty clear on this; vacancies are filled by caucus of the appropriate central committee.

But the bigger issue is this: no viable candidate is going to challenge Ellsworth under that scenario.  You could hold an "advisory vote" and other then a darkhorse candidate with nothing to lose, it's going to just be Ellsworth.  Setting aside the left flank that isn't as big as it's sure it is, Ellsworth is very popular in the party; and none of Ellsworth's colleagues in the Democratic Congressional delegation is going to challenge him in a floor battle.  There's simply too much to lose for the party and the person who loses that challenge.

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by: Hank Scorpio @ Sat Feb 20, 2010 at 07:26:44 AM CST

[ Parent ]

bad idea (4.00 / 1)

The state convention is not until late June.  If we were to wait until then we would lose almost 2 months of fundraising and campaigning after the primary.  I hope there is a consensus candidate that emerges pre primary and can utilize all of the time preparing for November.

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by: Howard C. @ Sat Feb 20, 2010 at 08:34:30 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Voting Record (4.00 / 2)

I always knew Ellsworth was conservative, but after viewing his voting records I never knew he was THAT conservative. He's even worse than Lugar when it comes to gay/civil rights! This is the TRUE definition of lesser than two evils.  

Vote for the person, not the party.  

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by: kcflood @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 15:49:22 PM CST

Lugar (0.00 / 0)

Lugar is much more progressive on gay/civil rights.

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by: Howard C. @ Mon Feb 22, 2010 at 19:04:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]