Ford Bell: Progressive Responds to Schumer's "You don't Matter" Message

[radio4progressives]

Great Progressive Candidate from Minnesota, running for the U.S. Senate talking about progressive principles and platform, smacks down the "Insiders Club" (read the DLC).

Here is Bell's speach to the DFA. This is a bonafide Progressive going straight to the core of the issues:

http://www.fordbell.com/

(excerpts)

Ford Bell’s Speech to the DFL State Central Committee on January 21, 2006
My friends, I don’t need to tell you that this race for the U.S. Senate seat is critical to what the future of this country will look like.

This race has changed dramatically during the past few days. The junior Senator from New York, Chuck Schumer, has sent a clear message to you, the grassroots of the DFL, that you don’t matter in the process of choosing a U.S. Senator.

Chuck Schumer is telling you, the heart and soul of the DFL, to sit down, shut up, we’re from Washington and we know best.

I say here today, no. I reject this attempt to bulldoze over our party’s strength. Our strength is diversity and debate, then consensus.

The drumbeat of the inside club has been that the DFL needs to mimic the Republicans and "clear the field." But should the field be cleared before anyone has heard a positive debate on the issues? Before our caucuses?

Friends, I think there is now a clear choice in this race. This U.S. Senate race now is a clear, and rare, opportunity for you to decide what the DFL really stands for.

cont.. http://www.fordbell.com/

[katinmn]

1. K&N

:)

[acmejack]

2. Wish I could have been there!

That had to be a barn burner!

[msongs]

3. competition is good, its the american way (except for corporations)

and then its monopoly or bust.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/dean2008.htm

[flpoljunkie]

4. Wetterling has just sent out email today supporting Amy Klobuchar.

At the Capitol today, I announced that I was no longer a candidate for U.S. Senate. It was not an easy decision. I am humbly aware that I was representing far more than a singular pursuit. I was representing all of you, and your dreams of a safe and secure world for our children and families. I would not be leaving the race if I felt that fight was, in any way, being abandoned. I will always be fighting that fight. And I believe deeply that Amy Klobuchar has the passion, toughness and smarts to be the advocate you all deserve. She will take that fight forward.

Below are my remarks from today's press conference. Though my immediate plans have not been finalized, always know how much I cherish your support and friendship. We made a powerful team, and, together, we will make this world a better place.

Thank you again for all your time, energy and resources. I am forever grateful.


Patty Wetterling

(Am not sure how I received this, perhaps thru DNC email list.)

[katinmn]

5. Yeah, that's too bad. I wrote her campaign back and said it was

disappointing that she, who was running as an anti-war candidate, jumped on the moderate bandwagon that is acting like Bell's campaign doesn't exist. That is a slap in the face to progressives who backed her and Bell.

Also encouraged her to run for an open seat in the House district where she lives.