Coming Out of My Federal Campaign Cave

I can't say that I ever truly gave up on politics at the federal level, but I can say that for a long time I have a viewed the federal government and its trading places two party structure as ineffectual and not worth my time. Something happened this year that suddenly changed that and believe me it had nothing to do with Barack Obama. It had all to do with Steve Novick.

Steve Novick is a guy who is 4 foot 9 and speaks his mind. He entered into the Oregon Democratic Senate race late last year and most of the politicos overlooked him literally and figuratively. Backing their anointed candidate Jeff Merkley, the Democratic Party establishment (full of money and forgotten values) did not realize what it was up against. Novick proved as formidable as they come, a rogue liberal not afraid to call out the shortcomings of the NAFTAcrats who have for too long been at the helm of the party. Merkley and his plain jane and joe campaign caught a few of Novick's left hooks right after the opening bell and hung on the ropes for most of the spring. It was great to see. For the first time in a long time I was hooked by a Senate candidate. The fact that this candidate had a real hook instead of a left hand made this thing even that much more surreal.

When NAFTAcratic leaders like Charles Schumer caught wind that they might lose to a guy who even had the audacity to call Obama to the carpet, they did what they do best-- spend money. In droves, the establishment came to Merkely's aid. Many of my union brothers and sisters sat back and allowed their executive boards to "play it safe" with Merkley. Merkley racked up most of the AFL-CIO top down union endorsements. SEIU even managed to miss the boat. The money from organized labor and the DNC establishment was just enough in the end as Merkley pulled out a squeaker on election night.

In some ways, I can't help but feel like the abused dog who came back to the drunk's porch for one more round of boot kicking. On the other hand, I can't help feeling good because for a short time I started to have hope again--not trying to bowl a strike Obama hope, but good old speak the truth, walk the walk, you can rely on me hope--from a modern liberal nonetheless. It some ways it is still hard to believe. Thanks Steve.