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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsYou know, I always hate to see Democrats with seniority in Congress leave office...
With very, very few exceptions, the loss of a Democratic incumbent isn't welcome for me... However, I do understand that sometimes we need to clean house and in spite of Crowley's years in his House seat, I feel that it was time for him to go.
Lawrence O'Donnell made a couple of excellent points about why Crowley lost his seat:
- Changing demographics in that congressional district from mostly white Irish Catholic to over 50% Latino.
- Crowley was never really challenged because he was in a very safe Democratic district. I expect Ocasio-Cortez to win the general easily, just as long as Democrats get out to vote.
Once the election results were established, Congressman Crowley IMMEDIATELY endorsed Ocasio-Cortez for the seat and stated that Donald Trump was the ONLY enemy that we should concern ourselves with. He's absolutely correct.
Ocasio-Cortez has been repeated referred to as a "Bernie Sanders supporter." I really couldn't give a shit about any of that because she ran as a Democrat. I'm no fan of Bernie fandom, but because I'm a partisan Democratic Party supporter, running as a Democrat automatically gets 99% of my support. As long as she sticks by her principles and does not fall into corruption, as well as stays a productive and loyal member of the Democratic caucus, that's all that I can request for her to continue receiving that support.
The mere fact that she's to the left of most of the Democrats who are currently in Congress is also not a concern for me, because I'M ALSO TO THE LEFT of most Democrats who are currently in Congress. I'm to the left of most Congressional Democrats and yet, I still support them, I'm sure that Ocasio-Cortez will learn that being part of team has its benefits.
What I do regard about Ocasio-Cortez is the fact that she sincerely and deeply resonated with the people in that congressional district. Their interests seem to be her interests, other than opposing Donald Trump, that is what really matters.
So, with everything in consideration here, I'm not going to be disappointed about Crowley's loss, because now is the right time for a changing of the guard. And if Ocasio-Cortez keeps her voice, I'm sure that she'll make a fine addition to the Democratic caucus. I hope that she'll be loud and vocal in defending her constituents from the disaster that his Donald Trump.
We should all lend our own support to her as well. Because, when we're all together, we're strong and we can't be beat.
So, a hearty congratulations to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, welcome to Democratic family and on to victory in November!
wryter2000
(46,145 posts)This isn't a seat we're likely to lose because our nominee isn't an incumbent
Tavarious Jackson
(1,595 posts)She worked hard while Crowley slept. If he feels comfortable enough to sleep at the wheel in this climate than he should go.
herding cats
(19,569 posts)I mirror many of your sentiments on this. Ultimately I feel it's not my district, so it's not my win or loss. Although I am deeply glad it's a seemingly safe Democratic district, I don't need anything else to be worrying over and following right now.
I do congratulate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on her win tonight and wish her all the very best in November!
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,128 posts)Snackshack
(2,541 posts)Hopefully this trend will continue to November and we will have the same level of engagement for voting Dem as we have seen on the immigration issue.
We have to have a very large turn out to vote in November to have a chance at getting back a majority.
LostOne4Ever
(9,302 posts)The democrats of her district decided that she was the best choice and we should respect and support that.
Now is the time that we need to stand together to defeat Trump!
Quayblue
(1,045 posts)Old Crank
(3,683 posts)Some seniority in the house or senate. But we do need to change some of the old guard. Many are up thee in age, not that their skills or intellect have diminished, but their health can fail at any time. I wish DiFi had decided to step aside this term. Yes she has seniority but.... Has she been grooming people to replace her. What happens if she dies during her term. She is 85 now. Any flu could kill her. What if CA has a conservative governor? There are no guarantees. But starting some one this coming term could mean political power sooner than later.