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Re Texas 6th. I wrote more than 120 GOTV postcards (via a private group) that urged Democrats to vote for Democratic candidates--but did not mention a specific candidate. I also donated a small amount to Shawn Lassiter's campaign. So I heartily agree that it might have been more effective to have supported her (or another Dem. Candidate) by name on those postcards. Won't make that mistake again! Thank you for your passion!

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Hi, Karen. Thanks for your work in Texas. i think you got it exactly right: encourage turnout in a special election that is like a primary. There were three well-qualified women in the race--Jana Sanchez, Shawn Lassiter, and Lydia Bean. Endorsing one of them was hard; telling Democrats to get out to vote was the right thing to do.

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Wow!Thank you for replying! But perhaps it might have helped to list the names of the 3 Democrats?

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You hosted a fundraiser for the DNC with Jaime Harrison. I hope he also reads your newsletter because what happened in this TX race is terrifying. Every race at every level of government matters and I fear Democrats aren’t doing enough to try to win. If not now, when?

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I know it is a small population state, but have you seen the horrendous things the Idaho state legislature is doing? How do we stop the redoubt? They are taking over our public libraries snd gunning (literally) to defund public education from pre-K through college, in my home state. I miss Cecil Andrus and Frank Church.

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Hi, Melissa. i wrote about one bill in Idaho last week, but will check it the broader coverage. Thanks!

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I enjoyed a good laugh at your reader who complained that your postings were negative and upsetting. If you know Biblical history, you'll remember that prophets were not exactly given a hero's welcome when they brought bad news!

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Hi, Mina. I don't mind the comments. they help me keep the tone positive.

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Positive yes, but realistic as well. Our democracy is under very serious assault and - as you've pointed out - unless the Democrats step up and get involved, the future of our country as a democracy is uncertain.

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re Texas 6th. The DCCC is great at asking for money but apparently not good for much else. They should be bombarded with complaints about their apparent lack of an action plan. But when I tried to send an email to the DCCC and to Jamie Harrison expressing my concern, I couldn't find an address for either. Perhaps when you write about this again, you could include a contact. You have so many readers that it could make a difference.

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Hi Barbara. Here is part of the confusion: Jaime Harrison is not head of the DCCC (Harrison is with the DNC, which has a different portfolio). The head of the DCCC is Sean Patrick Maloney. Here is the DCCC website: https://dccc.org/

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founding

The disheartening news you write about the Republican attempts to install authoritarianism reflect that the Republican Party (I am tempted to call it the Racist-Republican Party) is a zombie. It may lumber around. It may make sounds that resemble human speech, but it is brain dead. That does not mean that we can just ignore it, but if Democrats are halfway intelligent and willing to work, the RRP is doomed.

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Hi, JJ. Yes, we can't ignore it, but it is difficult to believe that it will survive its current troubles

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founding

Thanks! keep on pushing us with this kind of news!!!!

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Thanks, Laine.

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Thank you for the much needed wake up call.

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Hi, Amy. Good to hear from you. I appreciate your note and hope you are well!

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I fear that I frightened people -- so says me email this morning. I will address tomorrow.

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