Rewriting the Election Script

The media has the script written for the 2006 mid-term election: voters disgusted with corruption in D.C. will rise up, making Harry Reid the new Senate majority leader. They still think they’ve got a good script, even if the casting now looks weak. Things could still change before Election Day. There are a number of campaigns I am watching and supporting, in the hopes of effecting a last minute re-write.

One candidate I would like to see have a strong showing is Claire Yan running for Congress (CA-5). She is a former publishing colleague, having worked at Regnery, a house which has recently become a best-seller factory. She recently she worked for a think tank, the Pacific Research Institute. As a publishing professional and a former intern at a think tank in Colorado, I have a particular interest in a candidate with her background. She is also the author of Free to Learn: Lessons from Model Charter Schools. It looks like a tough district, but we could use people in Congress with her background and intellect. (Support her campaign here.)

Michael Steele has brought a jazz aesthetic to his campaign that is quite refreshing. He has also withstood the scandalous dirty tricks of Democrat operatives and the offensive remarks of party leaders who should know better. He has run a nearly perfect campaign, but Maryland’s registration makes this a close fight. (Support his campaign here.)

The rebuilding of New Orleans will be a priority for all Americans, particularly jazz lovers, for years to come. Regardless of which party controls Congress, Republican Joe Lavigne will be more influential than Rep. William “Freezer” Jefferson. Considering Republicans are expected to make significant statewide gains in future election cycles, Lavigne would be better able to coordinate with local officials as well. (Support his campaign here.)

State Democrats expect incumbent NY Comptroller Alan Hevesi to be indicted for his improper use of state funds. However, his scrappy opponent who exposed the state driver scandal, Christopher Callaghan, is so under-funded, they hope Hevesi can just run out the clock. New York deserves a better Comptroller than Hevesi, the man who made headlines earlier this year for suggesting President Bush be shot between the eyes. Callaghan has already shown how much he can do with limited resources. His election would also spare the state the spectacle of a statewide official resigning in disgrace. (Support his campaign here.)

Update 10/24: The State Ethics Commission has concluded Hevesi has indeed broken state law and referred his case to the state legislature for action, including his possible removal from office.

These are four candidates I would like to see take a leading role in rewriting the media’s script. I have given to all four, because they will need help in tough, but not impossible campaigns.