A few months ago, (after the Phil Roe Fiasco) Rob Russell was silently contemplating on why Democrats eat their young. Since Russell is the Democratic nominee for the First District US House seat, I worried a bit about his baby Lulu.
Then, I worried he might be getting ready to throw in the towel.
After all, he didn’t get a lot of press coverage. He didn’t raise a ton of money. He didn’t have vast amounts of support from the Tennessee Democratic party – at least I didn’t see the Donkey around here running it’s Mouth. Perhaps all the Dems felt the red, red, mostly rural 1st was a lost cause because we haven’t sent a Democrat to the House since 1881… (and it will always be a lost cause because this sort of party mindset is contagious.)
Nevertheless, Russell hasn’t given up. He’s remained on the campaign trail – despite the fact that the party path is rugged in these parts. He’s attending the events, shaking the hands, kissing the babies – and later tonight Rob, Phil Roe and several independents will participate in the candidates’ forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Northeast Tennessee. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville. Wayne Winkler, operations director for WETS-FM radio, will serve as moderator.
I have soccer practice until 7pm – but if I could, I’d haul my Republican butt over to Greeneville and support him. Yes, I know he’s a Democrat. But here’s the thing – as a crazy-ass Southern Centrist Swing-Votin’ Gal, who has problems believing that Satan affiliates exclusively with either party and therefore could care less which way folks vote – as long as they vote because I think that’s important: I’ve watched Rob succeed where the leadership of both parties have failed miserably and consistently here.
He’s engaged a whole new generation
of voters, turned apathy into interest, generated excitement and inspired participation. Win or lose, left or right – in my opinion, that’s worth something.
So, regardless of what Primary I voted in (sorry Rob, I don’t do primary crossovers) not only do I support his efforts – I bought the t-shirt.
(This also means Democrats do not technically eat their young in Northeast Tennessee. They starve them to death – as opposed to Northeast TN GOPers, who force feed their young. And no, it doesn’t matter if that thing they’re shoving down your throat leaves a bad taste in your mouth – so long as it’s the right brand.)
