One Possible 5th District Candidate - An Introduction
Submitted by lumpkincharm on Mon, 01/22/2007 - 1:11am
I know that the election for US House of Representatives isn’t for another two years, but people in the 5th District are already mobilizing and organizing for victory. Virginia Foxx is a disaster for our district, seen especially in her antagonizing votes against a minimum wage increase and the recommendations of the 9/11 committee, among others. In this district, it is never too soon to start to campaign against her, for her name recognition and fundraising abilities are formidable. Among several potential candidates (more on this shortly), I am writing to introduce the blogosphere to Ryan Eller.
It is important to begin with Ryan’s youth and vitality. It would be shortsighted, however, to think his young age brings inexperience. He was brought up in a politically active family in Ashe County. His father participated in the cabinet for the Governor of Kentucky, and Ryan himself was a page for the Kentucky House and interned in the Governor’s office. He has spent the last eight years trying working in campaigns against Foxx, even participating in Roger Sharpe’s campaign against her this last fall. Ryan’s love for and connection to Northwest North Carolina are apparent, as he has advocated and worked for the economic development of the region.
Ryan attended college in the district at Appalachia State University. During his junior year he was elected as the Student Body President of ASU – interestingly he won more votes than any elected official running for county-wide office. Among other collegiate offices, he spent three years on the Appalachian Integrity Committee fighting against rape and sexual assault. He was also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Student Governments, where he made sure Western North Carolina had a voice in higher education.
Ryan is finishing his Masters of Divinity degree at Wake Forest University Divinity School. While some Democrats shy away from their faith, Ryan believes in social reform by way of one’s faith and that social change requires God’s help. During his internship for this degree, Ryan spent time working with a local activist group (CHANGE) to help empower and give voice to local citizenry. His sense of religious duty has also led him to enlist in the reserves as a Navy Chaplain.
I think that Ryan’s youth and passion would be a valuable asset for our District. Ryan is emphatic that he isn’t going to think about running for office until this spring. While Ryan is being courted by some district politicos, other Democratic activists within the District are finding other possible suitors. Seth Chapman, the Clerk of Courts for Alexander County is one possible candidate. Also, Mayor Allen Joines of Winston-Salem, should he decide to run, would perhaps be the best chance of unseating Foxx.
I know this is a brief biographical sketch of Ryan Eller, but I was wondering what you all thought of the possibility of his candidacy? Would he make a strong candidate? Are there other possible nominees out there that could win this district?
I would love to hear your input, and welcome any questions about Ryan and this district.
Peace,
Drew
Crossposted
at DailyKos here.
Hi Drew
Great to see you back out and about. It sounds like you have a great list going and Ryan sounds like a match for the district. I know that anyone "of faith" as a candidate might immediately scare many Dems after having to deal with all the born-again Bubbas from the right. That would simply be something to work through. Keep us informed. Thanks!
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
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Vote Democratic, the ass you save may be your own.
Keep the faith
This sounds like a smart guy with strong credentials. Invite him to come by and introduce himself?
A
PS The meme that "some Democrats" have problems with people of faith is a talking point from those who seek to divide and polarize. "Some Democrats" also speak in tongues, no doubt. In my experience, Democrats have problems with people who want to jam their faith down other people's throats through government fiat, which seems entirely appropriate to me.
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.
Thank You, Anglico
"In my experience, Democrats have problems with people who want to jam their faith down other people's throats through government fiat, which seems entirely appropriate to me."
Hear! Hear!
The rightwing whackjobs may have stolen my country (and I want it back!) but they cannot steal my God!
Bring on the new candidates - we'd like to meet them.
Yup
No one should be afraid to speak their faith, and to own their religion publically. However, your right to practice your faith ends at my nose. We've spent so many years being hammered with "this is a Christian nation", blah blah blah, that I admit I have a raw nerve where this is concerned. I am immediately suspicious of those of any faith who declaim their beliefs loudly on street corners, so to speak. Actions speak louder than words, to me.
This young man sounds like a terrific potential candidate. Good luck.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Um...except that I do know Dems
quite a few, who admit to blocking out candidates who speak strongly about their faith. I'm not speaking from a meme I've heard from the right wing, A. I'm speaking from personal experience.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic, the ass you save may be your own.
Weird.
I don't know anyone who objects to people talking about their faith. That said, I personally won't sit still for a candidate who opens a campaign speech with a prayer to God for help in being "victorious."
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.
Not people talking about their faith
political candidates talking about their faith.
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Vote Democratic, the ass you save may be your own.
That's what I meant.
I think.
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.