Just posted this on facebook, as a note...21 years old...senior in college

I thought I write my first note on what my current status means. Most people know me as being very political. Politics in my mind is one of the best ways to accomplish change. There are others of course, but for me this past week underscores how important it is that we all get involved to create change and alter the direction of our country.

It does not mean everyone run for office or read five newspapers a day to stay informed. But at least it should mean that we pay attention, we learn, and we organize to ensure the stunts being pulled by our government against our own citizens and other persons around the world stop. It can include writing letters to our representatives in D.C. and in our state capitols. It can be just talking about what is going on with family, friends or your policymaker.

Just had a quick question....

Aloha!

Today, the Sierra Club's Hawaii state chapter endorsed State Senator Gary Hooser in his campaign for Congress. Hooser has worked for Hawaii for eight years in public service and he will hit the ground running when he gets to D.C. Some candidates in this race talk about trying to build relationships as a freshman congressman and that they do not have influence or a voice. Hooser does not buy that and is dedicated to stand up for his values. This endorsement by the Sierra Club, an independent party, is an affirmation that Hooser will make a difference in Washington. Hooser is running for the Second Congressional District vacated by Rep. Ed Case in his bid to take out Senator Daniel Akaka. Press release is below....

Aloha,

I am excited to let the community know that State Senator Gary Hooser of Kauai/Niihau has received the highest environmental rating from the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club of any senator for the 2006 legislative session. His score is also the highest of any legislator running for the open seat in the Second Congressional District.

Please see below for the official release that was sent out yesterday.

I know Senator Hooser. I work for his campaign and I can tell you that on the environment and on other progressive values he is the voice we need in Washington. The environment is an issue we can not take for granted anymore and this scorecard shows that he does not take this issue lightly! See below for press release. Not part of the press release, but if you can send some dough his way. http://www.actblue.com/page/garyhooser

As a strong supporter of State Senator Gary Hooser's campaign, what is the best way to reach out to the online community? I have been a longtime reader (since June of 03) and occasional poster. Now that I am directly involved in his campaign I posted my first diary about this race and plan to post more.

With most campaigns picking up as summer rolls on, every candidate is fighting for free media and grassroots support. The open congressional seat in Hawaii's 2nd district has over ten candidates each fighting for press in the same markets.

See more below....

        Since only a handful of Democratic incumbents representing blue seats in the House are retiring or seeking a higher office, it is important to note in Hawaii's 2nd CD race we can have this seat filled by a progressive Democrat. State Senator Gary Hooser, who represents the 7th senatorial district in Hawaii (Kauai, Niihau) is a perfect choice.
        The 11 Democratic candidates in this race bring a variety of talents and experience to Hawaii and the party in Congress. I think you should lend your support to Hooser because he has first-hand knowledge of this country district.
        Congressman Ed Case's decision to take on Senator Daniel Akaka has left an opportunity for the Hawaii Democratic Party to put someone in this seat that is not a Blue Dog. I do not have a problem with Blue Dogs, but in a very liberal district like HI-02, it makes no sense to elect another moderate like Case. More below in extended...

   

I was wondering what everyone felt about Prop 75 for the CA Special Election. The arugment for it seems to be that it will take the special interests out of politics. Is that a valid point?
I think a thoughtful discussion here would be productive to see what everyone feels about this.
I just got my ballot via mail and was curious to what the thought was here at dkos. Any tips or comments welcome

The John Kerry meetup is this week, and on the plan for the meetup is to discuss the ever growing Latino vote. I wanted to discuss this is a huge step by the Kerry camp to try to take the Latino seriously. We all should here take the Latino voting bloc seriously too, as the Cuban American vote cost Gore the election in Florida(among other reasons). Huge inroads need to be met to help register and coordinate with Latinos. I encourage everyone to attend their meetup this week and please take into consideration the GOTV for Latinos. They are the emerging voting bloc that will sway this election.

I feel this election, as most do here, will be very close. Taking that into thought, I have decided to try to get as many people as I can registered to vote. Far too many people are not involved in the political process, and I think it is time for us to get people out to vote. I work part time at a retail store where there are many different backgrounds and stories of my co-workers.

However, these people are not interested in politics, nor care to update their status as a registered voter. Although I live in CA, I am trying my best to get the word out, although some feel that voting for Kerry here will do no good. I hope more people will try to get their family members, friends and co-workers to vote as we can not have another 4 years of Bush. No one can afford not to act and sit by while our country is suffering under this President.

Hi all, this is my first diary after reading DailyKos for over a year. I wanted to share with you  my first  donations and try to shine some light on these races. I just registered to vote as a Dem and tonight sent $10.00 (Can't donate with a penny added on) to Steve Brozak of NJ, $10.01 to Stan Matsunaka of CO, and Joanna Conti of CO. These races are important because Brozak is a well rounded candidate with a superb background to win this race. More importantly for me personally, donating to two opponents whose views among other topics include being anti immigrant and anti homosexual.  Fear and hate have no place in our Congress and Tancredo and Musgrave need the boot, badly. It makes me fell happy that I can help change these races by sending some cash, no matter how small the donation. I encourage people to donate to these races and also Tony Knowles and Nancy Farmer as I will donate to them on Wednesday. I know it my not be much cash, but I know any bit helps a candidate.