Houston Democrats

Q.: It is crucial for the Democratic party as a whole to develop and publicize a short defininng message as soon as possible. What is the DCCC doing to work with Democratic Senators and the DNC to develop such a message? When can we expect a short mission statement?

JL: We need to make the case both for reform and change while also providing an agenda that Democrats, Independents, Republicans, all Americans can be proud of. In fact I was at a meeting yesterday with the DNC to talk about just that. And that's why I'm proud to announce that in the next few days, we'll be launching a new project called Campaign for Change. The political environment is changing. We are angry, disgusted, and even ashamed of what has been happening in our country. Well, most of America is starting to agree. In a recent poll, 62% of respondents said they are leaning or voting Democratic in the next election. The tide is turning and the time for change is now. Paul Hackett's campaign in Ohio showed the power of what we can do when we work together. In a Republican-leaning district, Hackett's success shows that the Republicans are losing their foothold and that they aren't meeting everyday American's needs. They are out of touch. So stay tuned for details -- but we certainly need to make the case for change and have a unified message of reform.

Q.: With the weak and irresponsible Bush leadership, there have been plenty of opportunities for the Democrats to take real leadership positions. Yet our party has been in disarray, usually retreating to old and shopworn rhetoric. What can the party do to create a new and compelling message?

JL: I agree that we must not simply microwave leftover phrases. I think Leader Pelosi has been extremely aggressive in holding Republicans accountable and beginning to reveal the Republican Congress as the Auction House it is instead of the People's House it once was and should be. I was also pleased to see Democratic candidate Brad Ellsworth take on Congressman Hostetler for his unconscionable vote against relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Q.: It seems that for the past few cycles Republicans have been going after members of the Democratic Leadership, in both the House and the Senate. My question is are the Democrats ready, willing, and able to start going after Republican Leadership, especially in the House. Members like Tom Delay, Tom Reynolds, Debbie Pryce, etc. Can you tell us of any candidates in these races and what the DCCC intends to do about targeting GOP leaders?

JL: I absolutely agree. And we are not pulling any punches this cycle. Former Congressman Nick Lampson is giving Tom DeLay the race of his life. And Jack Davis is providing a strong challenge to Congressman Reynolds. And there is even a strong challenge against Congressman Bob Ney -- affectionately known as "The Mayor of Capitol Hill" -- Joe Sulzer, the mayor of Chillicothe (OH).

Q.: I hear these two phrases a lot either on Air America or blogs: "I do not hear the Dems saying anything?" and "I do not see the Dems doing anything?" This can be related to any issue that comes up. How can the DCCC and the Democratic party obtain more media coverage in the mainstream media? Most want to hear a strong opposition to Bush Administration actions and policies. We want to see it, we want to hear it.

JL: The relief effort surrounding Hurricane Katrina must not be politicized. However, we must hold the Bush Administration and Republican Congress accountable for their failure to act in a time of crisis and ensure that this never happens again. It is crucial that we keep the pressure on the Bush administration and the Republicans in Washington to ensure they are held accountable for the government's inaction during this disaster. And we must ensure that there is no profiteering from Hurricane Katrina. Reports of reconstructive contracts without competitive bids are disturbing. That Halliburton is yet again one of those companies benefiting at the taxpayers' expense is an outrage. That is why an independent commission to monitor and prevent abuse is so important. Nancy Pelosi has been at the forefront of the debate in holding Repbulicans accountable for their failures when it came to preparedness for Hurricane Katrina and the relief effort. Please go to our blog for the full ROLL CALL article. But we should be far from silent on this. It is our moral responsibility to speak up and hold those responsible accountable. And we are beginning to be heard. But we need to speak louder and with a unified voice.

Q. : No one knows what the financial situation regarding Social Security will be 30 years from now, so how can anyone including President Bush claim that the SS fund will be broke? He can't. And the new figures out from the census says that population growth is above average. There will be no need to do anything about Social Security. How can we stop any initiative from passage?

JL: We continue to reveal the Bush plan as the harmful privatization plan that it is. We have even launched an effort in districts across the country called "GOP Caught on Tape" where we catch Republicans who say one thing during campaigns and do another on Capitol Hill. At this point, most Republicans are running for the hills. President Bush's most loyal advisors are even skeptical of its passage.

Q.: Given that the Republicans promised us a "kinder and gentler" approach after Reagan and "compassionate conservatism" with George W. Bush, we can expect them to follow a regime of incompetent militancy with some similar catchphrases and promises. How can we assure that our campaign does not focus on the personal failures of "W", and does challenge the indifference to the poor and marginalized and the pro-wealth bias of the Republican Party? (These biases have been consistent since the l920s.)

JL: We can't let them get away with this. And we won't. There are almost too many quotes to choose from that show how out of touch so many in Republican leadership are. It is anything but compassionate. I am sick of the "let the eat cake" attitude shown time and time again as the victims of Hurricane Katrina suffer, day after day. Everyone by now is familiar with the insensitive remarks of Barbara Bush and Tom DeLay, but this sort of thing goes right down the line: Rep. Baker of Baton Rouge is overheard telling lobbyists: "We finally cleaned up public housing in New Orleans. We couldn't do it, but God did." (Wall Street Journal, 9/9). Karen Hughes "held a meeting with her staff in Foggy Bottom" and "was asked about the international ramifications of the response to the New Orleans flooding." Hughes said the problem "was not a failed relief effort but a foreign press that did not appreciate the federal government's good work." (Washington Post, 9/8).

Q.: Are Democrats be able to field a full slate candidates in 2006 who will sharply point out the divisive lies and rhetoric of the Bush administration, and not soften their positions to appeal to the dumbest of the electorate?

JL: Please stay tuned for the valiant Democrats who have filed in districts all across this country -- the most recent being Jill Derby in Nevada and Shane Sklar in Texas. I think you will be proud of the campaigns they run, the aggressive agendas they put forward, and the job we will do as Democrats in 2006. But we can't do it alone. We need your help.