The Hill article is true: I'm considering a run at Jane Harman's seat
By John Amato Wednesday Apr 29, 2009 2:09pm
There was an article in The Hill the other day about Rep. Jane Harman's plight:
Tangled in wiretap, opposed by left, Harman could face tough primary
Anti-war forces and liberal bloggers have despised Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) for years, and now they smell blood in the water.
Harman has taken plenty of heat from her left flank over the years for supporting the Iraq war and President Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program. And now that she’s in some political trouble for allegedly offering favors on a federal wiretap, her detractors might just have the ammo they need.
Already, 2006 primary opponent Marcy Winograd has opened an exploratory committee and others are also making their interest known. Plus, bloggers are talking about recruiting one of the their own to challenge Harman.
Experts say the congresswoman looks OK right now, but the situation remains fluid.
That is all pretty much correct, but then Aaron Blake had a bit of other news in the story.
Howie Klein, the Southern California-based author of the DownWithTyranny blog, said the new revelations could help change that.
“When Marcy ran the first time, it was a really tough road for her, because people didn’t understand,” Klein said. “Even on a really great website like Daily Kos, there were a lot of people that didn’t understand.”
Klein said a group of bloggers met earlier this year to discuss challenging Harman in a primary, weeks before the recent revelations. He said many in the blogging community would like a fellow blogger, John Amato, to challenge Harman and that Amato is considering it.
I wanted to confirm to my readers that I am considering running for Jane Harman's seat. I've had meetings with bloggers and activists way before this story broke and they have urged me on. I've also been contacted by established campaign managers who have won elections which included huge upsets in the past that have expressed a serious interest in managing my campaign. This is a very important step in the process. At this point I am considering it, but haven't made a decision yet. I'm going to take my time before I decide, but I thought I owed it to you to confirm this report.
Now back to our regularly scheduled content.
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"Ned Lamont"
It is possible, John. Go make it happen.
I hope you reconsider this move. I would vote for you and support
you with cash, but they will eat you alive.
I would never want to discourage you, SHE needs a very progressive opponent. I think you have already thought thru this idea, and only wish I was one of the Oligarchy to give you the $$$$$$ it takes to buy a place in 'congress' (snark) Do you really want to be a part of the body of complicits?? More power to you!
... lost in the general. Not a good analogy.
But DO IT! And WIN!
I'm in Lynne Woolsey's district so I'm well represented already but not all in California are so fortunate.
You would beat her. Think of all the Limbaughesque parody commercials you could do. Priceless.
In related news we are all going to die:
http://yellingatthemoon.com/2009/04/29/breaki...
Run John, run!
Representative Amato that you give earnest consideration as to who will fill your shoes here at C&L. Best wishes for your success.
Change to a twitter page & let us see the miasma that is Congress.
I'd contribute from N.Cal
But in a good way.
Not that my impression matters, I don't vote in CA.
Do it....I think you would be a nice replacement for her. Or Feinstein...either one.
My husband and I both still have good jobs that appear to be secure.
We'd be happy to support you financially.
John, I've been following your blog for years now... I'm here in the 36th, and would LOVE to have you save us!
and I hope you do, don't be a sellout like all your-then House colleagues.
Good luck.
.
LOL I mean is that someone we know?
Who is that handsome devil?
;)
Slogans too. Your choice on how large they are and where I put 'em...
Would like to see that for sure!
I currently work as a PAO/Marketing Dir. and would gladly volunteer my services on my off-time to help the cause. Also plan on a donation floating your way, if you decide to run.
They attach jumper cables to liberal guests privates just in case they go off script?
LOL
I would still donate.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message.
my contribution?
spoke without reading all the comments. If They all Suck is with you
I will have to be moved to the column marked "Seriously Inclined to Support But Undecided Pending Under the Bus Tossing Demonstrations."
Politics is getting so complicated nowadays.
We'll see...:-)
Johnny boy was all over Harman last night in a segment call "your government not at work"
It pretty much laid out how she got all her self covered in dirt when she tried to help get some Israeli spies off the hook, and..
well its pretty complicated and a bunch of things went down
Just watch the clip
What a dolt
Beat her brains out Amato
arrrrr
LOL run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
next time. LoL
You got to watch those MSM tricksters and have a rider. Fresh fruit plate backstage. No trickery permitted.
You may have something there:
http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/...
Uh oh! Cleanin' house (not safe for work comic book page):
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2572/preache...
John,
I will support you from afar with dollars should you run. Good luck!
until you get too fat and corrupt that is.
And put me to work for you.
We can do, and have done, a lot worse!
John....
If you run, I will gladly contribute my time and resources to your campaign. I live in Redondo Beach and work in Marina Del Rey...and I hate Harman!!! I pretty much voted democrat across the board in November, but voted for Harman's no-name Republican challenger just because I couldn't stand her after she introduced HR 1955.
Good god are you crazy man step back before it's to late dude! Once you step through that gate man forget it!
What would happen to this blog? Most Radio talk show hosts have to give up their radio show because of unfair access during the duration of the campaign. Would that work the same here as well? Would you have to step away from the site in order to run?
That being said, ( concern troll moment over) I congratulate you for your consideration of such an undertaking!! Awesome.
That being said, I know you will. Congratulations! Good Timing. Just Do It!
and keep us informed on dove trasmettere le donazioni di campagna
Buona fortuna!
John,
Even though I am here in Phoenix, I will support you in whatever legal way I can.
I'm here in Glendale, AZ but I think I could contribute a few bucks outta my firemen's disability.
It's important.
John, the country needs people like you to run for public office. You'd be great.
Be sure this is really what you want to do before you do it, and be prepared to have your entire past (the good, the bad, the ugly, some of it true and some of it entirely made up by your opponents) dragged before the entire American public.
If you decide to go that way, I'll send you a couple of bucks, or maybe up to the limit depending upon your platform.
Rico (in Maryland)
Goes with the territory unless you have "sources".
Whats your platform? What are you going to do for everyone? How much experience do you have and what kind?
Do you have a flag lapel pin in your pajamas?
And are you now or have you, in this life, or another, been a muslim? Can you provide us with your original (no copies or reprints and we KNOW there were no laser printers when you were born, Amato, so don't jerk us around)?
Have you ever associated with terrorists (as a liberal, living simultaneously in the same quadrant of the globe counts)?
How many potentially dangerous countries can you view from your house with the naked eye?
And lastly, what is your take on abortion and would you change your position if mankind were to develop the ability to determine that a fetus has a strong likelihood of being gay and desiring to marry or serve in the military?
You know, stuff like that.
Inquiring minds want to know. :)
Your main concern should be your own sanity. Could you take the noxious air of the beltway? Secondly, as you probably already thinking of, is in which position can you be most effective?
Do it brotha man. And when you get the seat, don't offer favors to spies lol
and have a security detail also. Politics is ugly stuff.
be careful with some of the inside california campaign mgrs; these grps that play to same old politics and back all/any side and let victory slip (as they grab the $$)
good luck -- whatever you decide. and thanks for the great work you and your cohorts do.
better start putting a platform together.
baby jesus will support you
John, I am so fired up at even the possibility that you would do this. Very exciting.
You're providing a far greater service to the country now than you could ever as a politician.
considering we have a non functioning democracy, this comment is the best so far.
I will move across the street (quite literally) into CA-36 for the opportunity to oust her!
What Happens to My Favorite Site?!
Think about this, John. You're going to have to become either a Crook or a Liar. I've checked the site policy and these are the only two options.
Now, either way, your opinion will be suspect. While I would still hold the utmost respect for your opinion as a "crook" regarding a "liar" (or visa versa), how could we know you were actually speaking as a "crook" when you might be lying?
You see the conflict of interest.
On second thought, conflict of interest seems to be Harmon's main area of expertise.
Regardless, you know you can count on us to remain appropriately neutral in our analyses.
BTW, isn't Jane Harmon a traitor?
Good luck John!!! I could not think of a better dark haired blogger with Italian heritage who lives in Los Angeles and answers my emails (Well he did once about 3 years ago anyway) and... well all that crap aside I think you would do the 36th well. My god I think you would be a hell of a good congressperson. I don't know if the congress deserves you but we sure do.
Just make sure that you have removed all those little dustballs -- you know what I mean -- from your closet as the "rat-fuckers" -- thanks, Tricky Dick -- will descend on your private life like Rushie on the boy's lockers at a junior high. Best wishes if you have the cajones.
There is that.
What are you going to do to put money in peoples pockets. Everything else is irrelevant.
John, do you believe that everyone has a right to disagree?
If so, then you will be in a position where you may be responsible for killing people who disagree with you.
Where you going to find a better place to test market your viability then right here?
I say go for it!
I wish I was old enough to run for office. I'd like to take John Shimkus' spot. Illinois 19 ftw! ;)
I and my mammoth posse are with you all the way!
on your own political blog my advise is forget it.
I live in CA-36 and would support you with time and money (not a lot, unfortunately).
As a young Wisconsinite, I have only donated my limited time and money to local reps, Senator Feingold, and of course President Obama. But John, for you I will do whatever I can to support you!!! Go for it!
professional musician. Your from New York. You like Sports. What else?
I am friends with someone who challenged a prominent Republican in the 2008 election, running as a Green Party member who worked hard (I helped) just to insure he was on the ballot (he was) and while he may have received a tiny percentage of the votes, he stepped up to the plate and did his duty. He's a better man for it, and you will be too. In fact, you might even be a Congressman from California if you decide to commit. Good luck on your decision
Need better dems.
In shape for it?
Etc?
"other"
Any substance abuse issues?
Check all the photos of you... ever taken. And consider how they will be photo-shopped too.
when John does his interview with Colbert!
Hey wait one damn minute. Who will run this blog if you run? And win? I would be happy to do it for you but I think you would do a better job with YOUR vision than I would. You also may be getting more accomplished here. I'm having second thoughts here.
at some point but politics?
Arrrrgh
1. Love the blog -- ground-breaking, relevant, reflective of my political views, and all that.
2. I take it you are an accomplished musician; that's good.
3. But today's politics is a profession, and I'd like to know your qualifications. I hope they are beyond running a popular blog.
i would like to know your position on a complete withdrawel from iraq includeing garrison troops ? what allso is your take on afganistan ? do you support this bush war? even though its now obamas war?
Thanks tyree. Made me laugh. :-)
We could give you "question" training, right here. A taste of what's coming.
Did you support that scandalous chocolate Jesus sculpture in that godless NYC hotel lobby? Donahue wants to know.
Is the reason you're not wearing a flag lapel pin that you're an enemy of America?
How many of your terrorist friends support Al Qaeda?
disrespected the office's of the United States Government?
sorry if i made you laught edwin! but its a hate to use that word, valid question ! im sure the botts dont care to know answers , i do!
I know you are serious tyree. but you caught me totally off guard. That is what they will ask, and much much more.
well edwin as i said its a valid question! im interested because it seems few care anymore here, the silence is defening about these wars of choice!
I have noticed America has moved on from torture ALREADY. It might resurface, but it'll be old news, like Susan Boyle. (Sorry Susan, just a fact.) Each day has a new, bright, shiny object.
I'm not sure many Americans are aware there are any wars going on. They are never reported in the news.
yes thier is no war news from afganistan no video footage shown its allmost like the wars over, we just never found out who lost !
And have you ever been a member of the Democratic Party?
.
I gotta ask, what would you say to Michelle Bachmann?
I'll throw some bucks your way but be aware that they will find out and make public every time you didn't cover your mouth when you coughed.
Best of luck. It gets pretty ugly, so be ready.
OMG I guess all of our (nasty) comments will get shown on FOX news.
Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessments and things of this nature?
Disqualification. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, any federal or state officer who takes the requisite oath to support the Constitution, but later engages in rebellion or aids the enemies of the United States, is disqualified from becoming a representative.
Harman isn't my Congresswoman (I'm lucky enough to have George Miller), but I think you'd do great.
But be careful what you wish for.
The GOpers slime machine will go after you with a vengeance.
Look at the way their treating Franken.
I'm all for you John. And I'll support you all the way.
But, you should look into how they'll attack you.
Forewarned is forearmed.
But the timing is right.
When you get there, just give a shout out to all of us homeys.:)
We would all like to see you run because we know where you stand on the issues. Those campaign managers who expressed their support also know when they see the potential to win yet another election. Go for it, John. We need people like you in government. Now more than ever.
Where do you live?
Have you ever been arrested?
Have you ever been convicted of, pled no contest to, or placed in a diversion program for a crime, other than parking or minor traffic offenses?
Have you ever been the subject of a restraining order?
Have you ever lost a lawsuit?
Have you ever bought or sold illegal drugs?
Have you ever failed to pay taxes when you were supposed to?
Have you ever been penalized, fined or cited by the IRS?
If you have been or are engaged, married or divorced - to whom, and when?
Do you have children?
If so, what are their names and ages?
To what religious and civic organizations do you belong?
To what charities, causes or civic organizations have you contributed more than $200 over the past year?
Who is your current employer?
What companies or businesses do you own, or hold a greater than five-percent stake in? On what corporate boards do you or have you served?
Have you ever been fired or laid off from a job?
What are your professional qualifications for the office you seek?
1. Do you favor or oppose reductions in spending for defense?
2. Do you favor or oppose deployment of a ballistic missile defense for the US?
3. Do you favor or oppose the sale of military weapons to countries that violate the human rights of their citizens?
4. Do you favor or oppose US leadership to achieve a treaty for the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons?
5. Do you favor or oppose US initiation of reciprocal unilateral steps to reduce the size of its nuclear arsenal?
6. Do you favor or oppose giving increased financial support to Russia to help control its nuclear arsenal?
7. Do you favor or oppose the US signing and ratifying the international treaty to ban landmines?
8. Do you favor or oppose US ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?
9. Do you favor or oppose US participation in an International Criminal Court to hold individuals accountable for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity?
10. Do you favor or oppose full and timely payment of US dues to the United Nations?
Our country currently has no shared vision for healthcare policy. Do you believe
that such a policy/vision is an important predicate to addressing health system
deficiencies, and, if so, how would you go about developing one?
Do you believe health care is a right or a privilege? Should we have a social
contract for healthcare the way we do for education?
What policy changes would you support to motivate individuals to assume a
greater sense of individual responsibility for health-related decisions? How do we
get people to understand there are limited resources and trade-offs have to be
made?
The healthcare system often lacks clear accountability that would encourage
adoption of standards of care and quality improvement. How would you go about
aligning financial and personal incentives to optimize outcomes?
What steps would you take to address the current fragmentation in healthcare to
promote continuity and coordination of care and access to the continuum of
quality care, including prevention, mental and oral health services, and long-term
and end-of-life care?
What role can political leaders play in facilitating a change in emphasis in
healthcare from high-end acute care to health promotion and prevention of
chronic disease and injury?
Currently our country has many citizens who lack access to healthcare services
either because they cannot afford insurance, are underinsured or face social or
cultural barriers. What steps would you take to correct this imbalance?
What steps would you take to address the medical liability problem and create a
legal environment that fosters openness, disclosure and high quality patient care?
What Model is your Sax and what type reed do you use?
With vetting like this, the only candidates to get through are bought and paid for, in advance.
1. Do you favor or oppose reductions in spending for defense?
***Depends. The Army and Marines need significant infusions, the Navy and Air Force need new equipment, the soldiers and sailors need pay raises and veteran care. I could see cutting some programs, delaying acquisitions over longer terms, and other reprioritizations.
2. Do you favor or oppose deployment of a ballistic missile defense for the US?
**I've been against it for the last 20 years because it is a pork-barrel waste program. It didn't work for 15 years. It has no provisions for cruise missiles. It cannot accomodate sub-launched cruise missile attacks or aircraft launched attacks. It is a ballistic missile interceptor program. It works on the USN destroyers. It can target satellites with precision. As long as rogue states continue to desire, conspire, acquire, develop, test, and deploy missile and nuclear technologies then we remain vulnerable. I would not stop the development or deployment at this time.
3. Do you favor or oppose the sale of military weapons to countries that violate the human rights of their citizens?
**Weapon control programs need stronger oversight and control. Sometimes you have to supply weapons to friendly countries (who have rights complaints) in order to prevent something worse from occuring. Be mature or specific.
4. Do you favor or oppose US leadership to achieve a treaty for the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons?
**No.
5. Do you favor or oppose US initiation of reciprocal unilateral steps to reduce the size of its nuclear arsenal?
**With all else being fair and equal, I would favor.
6. Do you favor or oppose giving increased financial support to Russia to help control its nuclear arsenal?
**Yes, if within prescibed reasons.
7. Do you favor or oppose the US signing and ratifying the international treaty to ban landmines?
No. Landmines should be serialized and officers of nation should be responsible for their mapping location and after-conflict removal. Geneva Conventions should set guidelines.
8. Do you favor or oppose US ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?
**Favor.
9. Do you favor or oppose US participation in an International Criminal Court to hold individuals accountable for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity?
**Unsure if ICC is the proper forum. The Geneva Conventions, if found to have been violated, should define the proper forum for prosecution. However, the US Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation should be supportive of evidence and handling of any indictments.
10. Do you favor or oppose full and timely payment of US dues to the United Nations?
**Debt obligations are an embarassment and petty disputes should have no place in denying due payment.
Hmmm.. I don't like the responses to some of those questions. #1-3 to be specific. I think we need to put an end to empire and refocus our resources toward American infrastructure, including public transport, energy generation, education and healthcare.
The missile 'shield' is actually an aggressive overreach of empire. Just think of our reaction if China setup a 'defense' system in Cuba, to protect them from our hegemonic dreams. We are putting ourselves in a worse position by this 'defense' system.
Arms shipments to Israel should be halted, referring to question #3. They are in constant violation of so many UN security council resolutions every single day that it is a horrid joke to pretend to be an honest broker of peace in the Middle East. Hundreds of thousands of bombs and civilian deaths from US hands notwithstanding.
however, you must promise to never fall prey to lobbyists or accept money in return for time or favor. You must represent the people and no one else.
Move forward and slay the evil dragon that guards the cave and the golden treasure.
I've been lurking at C&L since Katrina, with the rare comment. I think you're addicted to the truth, as I am, and if anyone can navigate that nest of vipers, unbitten, it would be you. Godspeed!
As you well know, there is a lot of unhappiness here in the 36th with Queen Blue Dog Harman, and many, many voters are ready to get behind an alternate (real) Democrat. Jane Harman is bought and paid for by Grumman, AIPAC, and seems to think this district is still the one she ran in years ago. It's not. With redistricting it's more Democratic than Republican, and the sooner voting Dems realize this, the better off our representation in D.C. will be. Obama won this district, and somehow Harman is living and voting for her old district. It's time for change right here in CA's 36th.
Good luck with your decision, and no matter who runs in a primary against Harman you can be sure there is deep well of discontent with her record, and a ready and willing army of residents to take up the cause to throw her out.
your a Natural Politician!
Now are you sure you want to have to drag yourself out of bed 7 days a week at 5:00 AM and stuff yourself into a suit? And attend mandatory prayer breakfasts?
I hope you do it. I don't have a lot--or any--money, but I, like thousands who come to this site, would contribute what I could.
We need better Democrats!
Get that down before the opponents do the branding for you.
You need a slogan. "Change we can digg's in" or something.
Reddit for change would be a better one.
Chief of Staff
If I resided in CA you would have my vote, and I am a Libertarian.
You going to be able to rustle up enough votes to beat a more experienced and better financed main streamer?
that's all I wanna say.
One Vote wrapped up. How bout John Amato, The Cute Candidate.
But on the substantive issues John would be difficult to beat. He has a better grasp of the issues than most Beltway schlubs. Being cute is just the gravy on that biscuit.
I don't know what to say, if you run and win "we" loose.
Is it worth the sacrifice?
tell us when you start your campaign war chest and where to send those checks. You have one of the best blogs on the net because you are smart, you do the work and go deeper into stories than others. Frankly, you are awesome and Californians are gonna be LUCKY DOGS if they get you representing them. Sure you wouldn't rather come down here to Mississippi and give it a try?
“When Marcy ran the first time, it was a really tough road for her, because people didn’t understand,” Klein said. “Even on a really great website like Daily Kos, there were a lot of people that didn’t understand.”
What didn't people understand?
I'm just a cuddly little bear, but there are lots of weirdos (republicans mostly) who pay top dollar to "cuddle."
So I'se gots lots of cash to contribute.
http://www.campaignmoney.com/
It will be an interesting experience, if you have some serious pro people behind you it should be OK.
And remember the moral high ground, argue and fight for truth and honesty.
Also once you make the opening statement to run, you should get support from many other progressive blogs and forums too. C&L is a respected and trusted website, it has friends across the blogosphere, people should rally round the standard.
Unfurl the banner and lets unleash the hounds of blogging.
First I just want to thank you for the excellent job you do here. Next, I am asking politely, please Jane Harmon committed Treason for AIPAC, not just 'tangled up in wire tapping scandel' Treason, just like the Valarie Plame treason. TREASON!!!
somehow my post cut off the sincere thank you I wanted you to have and the respect and credit I give you for the excellent job here at C/L.
before a pac gets legs supporters will realize his in-electability lies in the adamant stand taken on the most important of events affecting the national consciousness. his site, his rules, as it should be - but as a candidate, he can't just dictate. the percentages of those holding or entertaining the opposite view have increased steadily over the years. a viable candidate would have to appeal to this ever growing segment of voters in his party. difficult - unless he is just like lieberman or specter or harman.
If you believe you can beat the Establishment give it a shot.
Please run. You will have my full support. I live in Studio City and I will volunteer as much time as I can to phonebank, canvass, etc.
is you'll have $444 dollars cash on hand and $195,000 in debt and have to go back to blogging.
I'd be out flat footing the neighborhood for your campaign. Imagine, politicians with morals and spines. Oooohhhh, i'm fainting! Thanks, John, you are truly wonderful
... would you associate with such sleeze balls?
Will your Mafia family connection help or hurt?
And when you get in, can I have a bailout too? ;)
..but nothing like you'll face from the Calif. Democratic party.
Watch him untangle the web of corruption and lies that entangle Jane Harman:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml...
You've certainly got my vote.
I always wondered why 9/11 was such a quasi taboo topic round here. Now I get it...political ambitions...say no more.
If I weren't Canadian, etc., you'd have my vote; but you have my support and best wishes, nonetheless!
Go for it, John! It would be great to see you there. Best of luck if you move on this.
the "machine"? Why volunteer to end up political ground sausage?
Go for a TV show or something while your ahead.
Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!Gomato!
Wish I lived in the area; I'd lend a hand with that campaign.
Figured this would excite the net roots and gone viral by now.
Been stuck with Jane Harman in my district for years. Will gladly work for this progressive candidate!
John - I also live in the 36th and would love to see you give Harmon the boot! Just tell me where to go and I will gladly tear up some shoe leather for your campaign! Marina del Rey for AMATO !!
Way to go Amato!
I'll will help in anyway I can!
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