A specter is haunting western Pennsylvania?

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pennsylvania-dsa-major-primary-wins-state-house_us_5afbba0fe4b06a3fb50bb5d7

POLITICS 05/16/2018 04:08 am ET
Socialist-Backed Candidates Sweep Pennsylvania State House Primaries
Nationwide, the Democratic Socialists of America has grown exponentially since Donald Trump’s election.

By Daniel Marans

Four Pennsylvania state House candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) won their Democratic primaries, marking another milestone in the radical left’s march into electoral politics.

The wins by the four candidates ― all women unseating men ― were the product of a variety of political forces and groups. But in a country where “socialist” remains an epithet in certain quarters, the growing electoral success of a once-marginal socialist organization is an especially notable political development.

According to Arielle Cohen, co-chair of Pittsburgh DSA, it reflects a revival of the socialist-leaning economic left in the wake of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) 2016 presidential bid.

“It feels like a monumental shift,” Cohen said. “We won on popular demands that were deemed impossible. We won on health care for all; we won on free education.”

“We’re turning the state the right shade of red tonight,” she added.

Pittsburgh DSA campaigned heavily for two Democrats: Summer Lee, an African-American attorney and labor organizer running in Pennsylvania House District 34, and Sara Innamorato, a founder of the women’s advocacy group She Runs Southwestern PA running in Pennsylvania House District 21.

Lee and Innamorato, who are dues-paying members of DSA, defeated veteran Pittsburgh-area state representatives ― and cousins ― Paul Costa and Dom Costa, respectively. Both women lack a Republican opponent in the general election (though Lee’s opponent, Dom Costa, solicited Republican write-in votes as a last-ditch attempt at survival in the primary).

On the other side of the state, Philly DSA worked hard to elect Democrats Elizabeth Fiedler, running in the 184th House District, and Kristin Seale, running in the 168th District. Fiedler, a former public radio reporter, defeated Jonathan Rowan and lacks a Republican opponent in the general election. Seale, an executive at an energy conservation nonprofit, is due to challenge incumbent Rep. Christopher Quinn.

Pittsburgh DSA, which swelled from about 50 members before the 2016 election to some 500 now, already has a record of success at the ballot box. In November, the group helped elect Mik Pappas as a Pittsburgh district judge and Anita Prizio to the Allegheny County Council. Pappas defeated Ron Costa, a two-decade veteran and member of the same vaunted Pittsburgh political family as defeated state representatives Paul and Dom.

Nationwide, DSA has grown since the 2016 election and now has upwards of 35,000 dues-paying members in chapters all across the country.

Although Sanders identifies as a Democratic Socialist and shares DSA’s staunch support for Medicare-for-all and other benefits, the typical DSA member favors a more dramatic restructuring of the economy. For example, Virginia Delegate Lee Carter, a Democrat and member of Metro D.C. DSA, envisions transforming corporations into worker-owned cooperatives.

The group is nonetheless committed to enacting a progressive agenda, one local office at a time, and its success has already had serious policy implications. For example, Pappas has virtually abolished the use of cash bail, which earned him criticism in some circles and praise from criminal justice reform advocates. And Innamorato, a staunch reproductive rights proponent, replaced a state legislator in Dom Costa, who once voted for a 20-week abortion ban.

“As someone who’s had an abortion, it really means a lot to me that Sara is standing up and making clear that she will fight for full comprehensive reproductive justice,” Cohen said.

______________________________

"Walleye, a lot of things are going to go wrong in your life that technically aren't your fault. Always remember that this doesn't make you any less of an idiot"

--Walleye's Dad

because the Democratic Party is neoliberal af, doesn't make the DSA "radical left"

they're not anarcho-communists.

they are democratic socialists. i.e. FDR Democrats adjusted for the times

>they are democratic socialists. i.e. FDR Democrats adjusted
>for the times

Yep. I'd be pleased that you pointed this out, but it's pretty uncomfortable admitting that political gains in prior generations aren't just locked-in moments in human progress.

edit: and it's clear what gets clicks. "radical left" earlier in the piece, "socialist leaning economic left" just one line below.

______________________________

"Walleye, a lot of things are going to go wrong in your life that technically aren't your fault. Always remember that this doesn't make you any less of an idiot"

--Walleye's Dad

For example, Virginia Delegate Lee Carter, a Democrat and member of Metro D.C. DSA, envisions transforming corporations into worker-owned cooperatives.

_______________________________________

only in America, the slave colony

They are, of course, voluntary decisions to operate that way.

The radical part is the "transforming" part. As if the government should get involved to convert businesses from the corporate to co-op structure.

_______________________________________

Rest In Peace, Bad News Brown

Or at least shouldn't be thought of as radical.

But we also live in a country where many Serious People took it on faith that considering BILL Clinton a filthy communist socialist was just Discourse.

------

12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx

XBL: trkc21
Twitter: @tyrcasey

Have already seen enough bad takes on this (simple, not terribly complex) story to fill my day and it's only 10. Between people arguing that every single one of these candidates is destined to fail in the general election (which could of course happen, but we have zero reason to think that as of now) to the people ostensibly on the left trying to tie this as a victory for red state White Working Class Socialists who Dems ignore (because apparently THAT'S who lives in South Philly and Pittsburgh) I'm exhausted.

Aggressively left candidates won some primaries in solidly blue areas where "socialist" is no longer the slur it once was. This is good and hopefully happens more in the future.

------

12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx

XBL: trkc21
Twitter: @tyrcasey

>Aggressively left candidates won some primaries in solidly
>blue areas where "socialist" is no longer the slur it once
>was. This is good and hopefully happens more in the future.

>the people ostensibly on the left trying to tie
>this as a victory for red state White Working Class Socialists
>who Dems ignore (because apparently THAT'S who lives in South
>Philly and Pittsburgh)

link: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/5/16/17359188/kara-eastman-nebraska-2nd-congressional-election-medicare-for-all

"A progressive candidate running on Medicare-for-all beat a former US Congress member in the Democratic primary for a crucial 2018 House election in Nebraska.

Kara Eastman, president of a local nonprofit, narrowly prevailed over former Rep. Brad Ashford in the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. Ashford had been elected to the seat in 2014, though he lost it to Republican Don Bacon in 2016. He had received public support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

Nebraska requires a recount if the margin of victory is narrower than 1 percent of the leading candidate’s vote total. Eastman has about 20,000 votes and leads by more than 1,000 votes, which would appear to be outside that recount margin, at last count."

the key thing is that Eastman was not backed by the DCCC, but the voters said "this is who we want".

If these folks get blown out then people will say it’s wasted opportunities...

but if folks are tired of these GOP bammas... whew, it could be lovely

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

We could have won that seat. Now we will definitely lose it.

This is Nebraska, and we're expecting a progressive to win the general election?

Hard line right wingers are likely to perform well in primaries where the dedicated, energetic voters show up. But they have a tougher time in the general election than the middle of the road candidate since they can not generate wide ranging support.

That's why you got Mitch McConnell and the rest of the leadership campaigning harder against republicans than against democrats.

What's particularly bad about this one is the guy who lost actually has a history of winning that particular seat.
But I guess we'll see if this strategy works. She's got to somehow appeal to those voters who tend to sit on the fence



>
>We could have won that seat. Now we will definitely lose it.
>
>This is Nebraska, and we're expecting a progressive to win the
>general election?
>

_______________________________________

because the nom was too extreme for the general. basically most of the red state senate seats up for re-election like mo, in, etc. it even happened in a state like delaware with coons/odonnell.

progressives have yet to bring home a big upset in red territory like moderates (jones, lamb, etc) but one of the things that could help eastman is the general anti-establishment/swamp air around the republican base right now (and red state independents). just enough could be willing to cross over and unseat rep incumbents for a political newcomer. progressive candidates have recorded some major swings in red areas but they just havent quite sealed the deal yet. in a more favorable environment (like 2018 is shaping up to be) and the fact that this is district level (and not statewide)...they could get over the hump.

if ashford goes hard supporting her he could bring a lot of his previous winning coalition with him too.

one big difference between progressives and extreme tea partiers is that progressives generally arent repulsive to a segment of their own base.

I think you should give them a little credit. Or at least wait. She won A tough primary against DCCC support. That says something. Maybe she can shake some votes loose than you didn't anticipate.

______________________________

"Walleye, a lot of things are going to go wrong in your life that technically aren't your fault. Always remember that this doesn't make you any less of an idiot"

--Walleye's Dad

She'll have to shake a hell of a lot more votes loose to win a general election.

The things she wants will help people. And a lot can happen before November. Complaining about it on the internet doesn't seem as effective as helping.

______________________________

"Walleye, a lot of things are going to go wrong in your life that technically aren't your fault. Always remember that this doesn't make you any less of an idiot"

--Walleye's Dad

Elections aren't about making statements. And they DEFINITELY shouldn't be about making personal statements.

Duly noted.

______________________________

"Walleye, a lot of things are going to go wrong in your life that technically aren't your fault. Always remember that this doesn't make you any less of an idiot"

--Walleye's Dad

It's better than being in politics just to make a statement about yourself, with no thought about how to bring your plans to fruition, setting back any hopes of actual progressive change.

If you can't make the playoffs, you can't talk about how you would win the Super Bowl and be taken seriously

>If you can't make the playoffs, you can't talk about how you
>would win the Super Bowl and be taken seriously

There will be A LOT more conservatives and moderates voting in the general election.

This is a basic weakness of the whole idea of primary elections, for both parties. They give advantages to candidates who are actually less likely to win in the end (Sharron Angle, Todd Akin, Roy Moore...).

The logic of this is very straightforward, and certain progressives who claim to be interested in politics have ignored it for years. It's really sad (and a bad sign for progressivism) that it hasn't sunk in yet.

there's a possibility that a pretty good chance that a non-traditional candidate could move the needle some.

It's happened before.

You're making excuses for your electoral shortsightedness.

Look man, I'm an independent. Fuck both parties. Y'all can play electoral fantasy football...i actually give a shit about policy.
The majority of the populace don't vote. Turnout is always key for beating republicans.

But, OK.
Keep on doing what you doing

The Cavs are losing this year. Maybe they should try shooting into the other hoop. At least that would mix things up.

>Look man, I'm an independent. Fuck both parties. Y'all can
>play electoral fantasy football...i actually give a shit about
>policy.

If you ACTUALLY cared about policy, then you'd vote in lockstep with the Democratic party, and in primaries you'd only support candidates who can win their general election. We live in a two-party system with first-past-the-post direct elections without any explicit system of proportional representation. The parties are the candidates.

You might not like that reality. It might not conform to some feeling of Independence that you like to maintain. But it's how our system was (poorly) constructed over 200 years ago. If you actually care about policy then you have to live with it and act within it in an optimal way.

>The majority of the populace don't vote. Turnout is always key
>for beating republicans.

That's just a mantra now, isn't it? It's basically true, but it doesn't mean what you think it means. It's overall turnout that matters, not just 'progressive' turnout. If you think the people who aren't voting are primarily angry socialists, then you have a very thin connection to reality.

Before running congressional candidates.

What good could a few radicals in congress do?

However, radicals taking over a state can do some interesting experiments.

The problem is the states which could benefit the most from radical experiments (ie., poor states) are the states most resistant to progressive change...which seems ass backwards.



**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

>Before running congressional candidates.
>
>What good could a few radicals in congress do?
>
>However, radicals taking over a state can do some interesting
>experiments.

Because this is 100% correct.

------

12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx

XBL: trkc21
Twitter: @tyrcasey

just not the good kind lol (kansas, oklahoma, etc).

i.e we're going to see alot more female representation

see Ann Richards.

---------------------------------------------------------------

If you can't understand it without an explanation

you can't understand it with an explanation

Don't try to gloss over that shit.

------

12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx

XBL: trkc21
Twitter: @tyrcasey

that will outpace whatever gains are made by socialists inside the democratic party

i.e. regardless of party, affiliation, political stances, etc...the overall change in representation will be toward females.

---------------------------------------------------------------

If you can't understand it without an explanation

you can't understand it with an explanation

And I was mostly confused about where Ann Richards fit into this

------

12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx

XBL: trkc21
Twitter: @tyrcasey

daughter that I caught a couple of weeks back

she's stepping down as head of planned parenthood

and she's getting a lot of pressure to run for office

...but it was more about the impact that she had on this current generation of of age women to run for office...

i.e. it's not about party, it's about a women's movment

yes, some will be democrats, socialists, republicans, libertarians, greens, etc...

women will lead.

put it like this

Trump was the whitelash post Obama

Females will be the backlash post Trump

---------------------------------------------------------------

If you can't understand it without an explanation

you can't understand it with an explanation

not to discount the issues they ran on. but the left is energized right now with a lot of newly engaged voters. the majority demographics that make up the dem base (women, minorities) are gonna come out for people they identify with on a personal/cultural level. we saw a short glimpse of it during nov 2017 elections too. identity politics (non-pejorative usage).

without the insane number of women getting active (if not radical) since Trump took office. Even in my current congressional district, which is kinda conservative historically, you can see women going from marching the day after the inauguration to organizing that summer to running for office in 2018.

------

12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx

XBL: trkc21
Twitter: @tyrcasey

not sure it will come anytime soon, but i long for a day in america when neoliberals are widely thought of as center/center-right and democratic socialists as left

instead of this distortion where democratic socialists are "radicals", and the least despicable republicans are considered to be "moderates"