Impeachment supporter Adam Sullivan challenged Jerrold Nadler in the Democratic primary in NY08, but was thrown off the ballot on a technicality. Today he endorsed Steve Harrison for Congress in NY13 over Mike McMahon, Rahm Emanuel's chosen candidate.

Entrenched, well-financed (DLC-type) Democrats say they believe that moderate or right-leaning Democrats are the best option for winning an expanded Democratic majority in congress. They are wrong, wrong, wrong. National polling shows that the People are far to the left of Congress on nearly every issue, in every state, almost without exception. Run a centrist, you get tepid turn-out at the polls. Combine that with GOP attack ads, and you get Harold Ford losing in Tennessee. Why is the Democratic party afraid to back progressive candidates?

In other words: Why is Jerrold Nadler backing McMahon, instead of Steve Harrison, for the Democratic party nomination in the 13th CD of New York?

I found myself talking about Harrison's primary challenge, and getting angrier and angrier. The problem with Congress is not that they won't impeach. The problem with Congress is damned near everything! McMahon is on the record as being pro-Iraq war and anti-choice. This is the guy the NY Dems want to run to capture a long-held GOP congressional seat? I know it's a fairly conservative district, but try polling them on what they think of McMahon's stance on the war. I doubt they'll be sympathetic. But because the Dems want someone in the seat who'll help them consolidate their power for some invisible long-term goal that helps the Party and not the people, they'll run a candidate who has little name recognition and dubious Democratic credentials. Even if he wins, what have progressives gained?

Why would Nadler endorse McMahon? Because he'll play ball, and because he seems to be able to raise money. Old-style, ugly politics-as-usual. Thanks, Jerry. Thanks a lot. What a progressive you are.

When I went to a Harrison fundraiser in June, I heard him speak about his commitment to working for people instead of for institutions. (Institutions like the Democratic Party, for instance!) It struck me that that was what we were doing, with our campaign. The people want this president held accountable, but the institutions which hold and consolidate power--corporations, political parties, etc.--feel that the cost was too high. The cost to THEM, mind you. The cost to the people and to the principles on which our nation was founded are not considered.

We need Harrison in Congress, and more like him. If the House and Senate are to do the People's business, then the seats must be occupied by true representatives and statesmen. If you feel that you have time and energy to work on a primary campaign this year, I would suggest this one. I have met Steve: he is intelligent, well-spoken, quick-witted and generous, in the broadest sense. Plus he is committed enough to be running for the second time: in 2006 he received 43% in the general. Against a then-very-popular incumbent, Vito Fosella, this is no small potatoes.

Some of you will prefer to pick other battles, I'm sure. Harrison's is not an impeachment fight like ours was. But as we take small steps toward a real and lasting progressive democracy, we will be aided by having true progressives in Washington, and representing New York. Also, this is one more way to show Jerry that he cannot take his constituents for granted. If McMahon loses in the primary, it will be largely because of New Yorkers in districts like Nadler's and Moloney's.

Food for thought, anyway. Feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree, and also what else you plan to do in these next crucial months. Frankly, I miss working more closely with all of you, and look forward to hearing about what you're doing.

Power to the People,
Adam