No Joke: Lieberman Backer Mark Pryor is Vice-Chair of The DSCC

[Bob Geiger]

Even though I cover the Senate, I'm the first to admit that I don’t know it all about the body's customs and every procedural nuance of the legislative process. But what I'm about to tell you seems pretty easy to figure out.

In the short list of three Democratic Senators who have chosen to ignore Ned Lamont as the legitimate Democratic candidate for Senate in Connecticut, in favor of supporting non-Democrat Joe Lieberman, is Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas.

Not a good thing on its own but when I was on the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) web site yesterday to refresh my memory on who is leading the Democratic effort to take back the Senate, I found that one of the DSCC Vice-Chairmen is none other than… Senator Mark Pryor.

Doesn't that strike you as just a little odd and inappropriate?

Here's the very first sentence of the DSCC's formal mission statement: "Our mission is to elect more Democrats to the United States Senate."

And yet here we have Pryor, one of the alleged leaders in that effort, working to see that Joe Lieberman's gut-punch to the Democratic party is sustained and that he goes on to defeat Ned Lamont, Connecticut's Democratic nominee for Senate.

"Your support helps fund efforts to mobilize voters and ensure that the playing field is level between our candidates and well-funded Republican candidates," the DSCC mission statement continues.

Here's an idea: How about removing anyone from the DSCC leadership that does not oh, I don’t know, support all Democrats running for the Senate?

The only other Democrat on the DSCC leadership team who, while not pledging to support Joe Lieberman, has not committed to Lamont either, is Pryor's Arkansas colleague, Blanche Lincoln.

Pryor needs to either support Lamont and get off the Lieberman bandwagon or get off the committee whose sole mission is to support Democratic candidates -- and Lincoln needs to commit to Ned Lamont or remove herself as the Women's Senate Network Chair. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) or Hillary Clinton (D-NY) may be better suited to Lincoln's role if this is such a difficult decision for her.

Supporting Lamont would hardly be a huge act of courage on the part of Pryor and Lincoln as Arkansas is a state that has voted for Democrats in 20 of the 27 presidential elections since 1900 and currently has Democrats as five of six members of its Congressional delegation -- hardly the reddest of the red states.

But it's not about the political expediency of it anyway. If you are a leader in an organization whose sole purpose is to elect Democrats, you should not be backing those running against Democrats. Period.

Feel free to contact DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and ask him where he stands on this. His phone number is 202-224-2447 or you can send him an e-mail here.

You can reach Bob Geiger at [e-mail].

Update: If you would like to question Senator Pryor about this directly, his office phone number is 202-224-2353. His web form for e-mail is here. Senator Lincoln is at 202-224-4843 or you can send an e-mail here.

[AndyA]

1. I think we all need to E-mail Pryor and tell him to support Dems only,

or step down and allow someone who doesn't have a conflict of interest to take his position in the DSCC. The Democratic Party needs to send a clear message that Lieberman is NOT a Democratic candidate, to do anything less is a disservice to Ned Lamont.

[Turn CO Blue]

2. As the OP said, it strikes me as odd and inappropriate. n/t

[skooooo]

3. Keep this kicked!

[madfloridian]

4. Well, well, Third Way looking Lieberman's way...

http://www.third-way.com/leadership/honorary_chairs

Our Honorary Senate Chairs
Blanche Lambert Lincoln
U.S. Senator, Arkansas
Evan Bayh
U.S. Senator, Indiana
Tom Carper
U.S. Senator, Delaware

Our Honorary Vice Chairs
Mary Landrieu
U.S. Senator, Louisiana
Mark Pryor
U.S. Senator, Arkansas
Ken Salazar
U.S. Senator, Colorado

But Bayh is supporting Lamont, isn't he?

[The Deacon]

10. Bayh Is The Only One On That List

Who has announced support for Lamont. How many of the traitors are running this time (none I'll bet)? They should be informed that failing to support the Party's candidates means they plan to forego Party money in future campaigns.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

24. Pryor is running

his opponant is a Talibornagain type, so I'll hold my nose and vote for Pryor.

[AndyA]

5. I just spoke to Senator Schumer's office - UPDATE!

The number given above for Senator Schumer is not for comments relating to the DSCC. The correct number is 202 224-2447.

[Bob Geiger]

11. Noted and changed...

Thank you!

[caligirl]

12. I just got that message to. Wish I had seen your post before calling Schum

I called the new number and the nice gentleman took down my comment.
My message to Pryor was he needs to fish or cut bait. Support Lamont or give up his v-chairmanship.

[skooooo]

6. Wait, if this is about Pryor.....

...why put contact info. for Schumer? Can't we just contact Pryor?

[OregonBlue]

19. Schumer need to hear that if he wants our dem money, he better get

those people who are supporting the independent candidate off of the committee. Contact Pryor and Lincoln by all means but let Schumer know that this is gonna hurt them in their pocket books. I did just that when Pelosi was waffling on the Patriot Act. They called for money and I told them they would not get one more dime from me until Dems started protecting our civil rights again. Unfortunately, money talks and they have to get the "not one more dime" message!

[skipos]

7. kick

[AndyA]

8. I just spoke to the DSCC - they are taking comments about this

at the number I posted above. 202 224-2447, this goes directly to the DSCC, not Schumer's office.

[progressoid]

33. Thanks for the number. Will call shortly.

[jobycom]

9. K&R. Good call. nt

[Tin Man]

13. K&R

good stuff, Bob.

[Bretttido]

14. K & R

:dem:

[UDenver20]

15. Just spoke with them...

I just gave the poor guy an earful.

Pretty much went like this...

Me: As I understand it, Senator Pryor is Vice-Chairman of the DSCC, correct?

The guy on the other side: Yes, he is one of five Vice-Chairmen.

Me: And, the DSCC supports the election of Democrats, correct?

The guy on the other side: Uhm, (awkward silence) yes.

Me: Then why on earth is Senator Pryor supporting the election of an independant over a Democrat to the Senate from Connecticut?

The guy on the other side: Well, the DSCC supports Ned Lamont. But, uhh, obviously, we cannot tell... we have no control over who Senator Pryor supports.

Me: Right, but if he's actually supporting someone who's not a Democrat, shouldn't the DSCC ask someone else to serve as a Vice Chairman?

The guy on the other side: Well, uh, he's actualy Vice-Chairman for another region entirely. He's only involved for fundraising purposes.

Me: Okay, well, I'd like to give you just a bit more feedback, and then I'll get off the phone because I hear it ringing in the background. I'm going to go make another contribution to Ned Lamont's campaign. And then I'm going to make a donation to Democracy for America, because they support Democrats. And those two donations are going to total $500. And the next time the DSCC wants to ask me for money - don't. I guess you guys can go out and support Independents or something, and continue to be the minority party. Because this completely follows the old adage that 'Republicans fall in line while Democrats follow their hearts'. If we're going to retake the Senate, we've got to get our act together.

Me: Thanks.

Me:

[halobeam]

17. excellent...... giving to Lamont today, too...

This is so screwed up. Not surprised...just consistently disgusted...

[skooooo]

18. did you call Schumer's office?

[The Count]

46. "Only for fundraising purposes? So, I would give money to a Joementum

supporter? I think not. They aren't very smart, are they?

[redqueen]

16. Just called...

unbelievable

[OregonBlue]

20. Just emailed Schumer and Pryor with the following:

Democratic Senate Campaign Committee mission statement: "Our mission is to elect more DEMOCRATS to the United States Senate."

I was stunned to learn that one of the Vice Chairmen of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee has chosen to support an independent candidate. In case Senator Pryor has not noticed, Joe Lieberman is no longer a Democrat.

I will not contribute one more dime to the Democrats until this support is withdrawn or Senator Pryor is removed from this committee. I have emailed everyone I know to tell them not to contribute until this travesty is corrected.

Lamont won fair and square, you don’t get to decide whether he deserves your support. It’s our Democratic money, not yours. We decide, not you. The people of Connecticut have spoken, now do your job.

[welshTerrier2]

21. Pryor was picked to deliver the Dem address last Saturday

kind of a curious choice given the circumstances ... perhaps he was selected before the primary in CT or before he announced he was selling out his own party by backing Lieberman

[LonelyLRLiberal]

22. Just emailed Pryor's office, too

Told him to resign DSSC. Since I am an Arkansas voter, I'll be praying for someone else to run for this Senate seat, but the Pryor name is very, very strong (David Pryor, that is). Mark would not be anywhere if he had some other name.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

25. You are so right

I'll vote for Pryor, though, to keep Holt from gaining a Senate seat for the fundamentalists.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

28. Me, too

Pryor is bad, but the current alternative stinks.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

23. I'm from Arkansas

and I can tell you that Pryor is terrible about answering mail. I hope that he at least reads my letter. He's up for re-election himself this year-wonder if he'd like it if Democrats endorsed the religious nutcase who is running against him.

[fooj]

26. Thanks for the info

I'll act on it immediately.

[melissinha]

27. I thought Schumer supported Lamont

In another thread, I was glad to see his picture/name for this very reason.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

29. I have called each office and sent this email -

Just a few minutes ago I received an email from the DCCC requesting a donation to help elect Murphy and Donnelly. You guys are asking for more money. Really.

Well, I'm asking for something in return. I request that you guys become true, blue Democratic representatives and not Republican-lite.

Dig a trench, suit up for battle, arm yourself to the teeth and work your asses off to get DEMOCRATIC candidates elected. No more playing by Roberts Rule of Order or the Marquis of Queensberry rules of patty cake with this administration. I want a battle to win this country back from a bunch of people who care nothing about democracy, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights or the rule of law.

I will not support the DCCC until everyone in the DCCC supports the true and rightful candidacy of Ned Lamont. We can't have you, (fill in the blank), deciding that friendship is more important than the voice of the Democratic people.

The people of Connecticut have spoken, they have elected their Democratic candidate and you had better damn well get on board. It is TIME for Lieberman to go when he can no longer set aside personal ambition in favor of this country. He is running Lieberman for Lieberman, nothing more, nothing less. He doesn't care he hurts the Democratic Party in the process. His ego is talking but we don't have to listen - especially you or the DCCC.

There are thousands, maybe millions, of people across America that will not kowtow to the DCCC and their election-lite strategy. Either suit up for battle or go home.

You want my money? Then I want assurances from everyone in the Democratic leadership, the DNC, DLC, and the DCCC they will ONLY support Democratic candidates. I'm not playing nice any more.

And you shouldn't either.

Sincerely,

[ieoeja]

35. You are confusing the House and Senate.

DSCC = Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
DCCC = Democratic COngressional Campaing Committee

The latter does not insinuate itself into Senate campaigns.

[librechik]

31. he is, and he needs to have a talk with Pryor.

[chaumont58]

30. I sent nasty email last week to the three Dem Senators backing Holy Joe

They are Carper, Pryor and Salazar.

The stupidity of their actions was further highlighted by Pryor being given the Democratic response to Bush's last Saturday radio address. I sent an email to the DNC asking who assigned this son of a bitch this somewhat honorable task, when he puts the DLC in front of the DNC? Life inside the beltway is bizarre.

[Arugula Latte]

32. I called the DSCC and Pryor's office ... K&R

:kick:

[AbbyR]

34. Got an answering machine when I called...

I'm from Arkansas. I LOVED Pryor's father, but his son is just awful. The boy is not a Democrat, I don't care what he says. I am SO disgusted with him.

[MrBenchley]

36. Since the DSCC IS SUPPORTING Neddy-poo

hard to see what this will do except annoy the fuck out of Pryor. Hope nobody in his office leaks those e-mails to Ken Mehlman.

Wonder if anybody in Connecticut gave a rats' ass about Pryor's last election campaign. I know that his supporters in Arkansas weren't harassing people in other states for endorsements--or else!

What's next? Is the Ned Guard going to start inspecting the endorsements he gets for signs of insincerity? Oh, wait, too late for that one....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2767698#2770373

[jsamuel]

37. I live here, I called my senator and told him what I think.

[ieoeja]

47. No one is harassing the Senator from Arkansas.

"Wonder if anybody in Connecticut gave a rats' ass about Pryor's last election campaign. I know that his supporters in Arkansas weren't harassing people in other states for endorsements--or else!"

From what I can tell nobody outside of Arkansas here is suggesting we should harass a Senator from Arkansas. They appear to suggest we complain about the Vice-Chair of the national DSCC. And the distinction seems fairly obvious. In fact, it is stated over and over again throughout this thread.


That being said, I see plenty reason for complaing about a Senator from Arkansas for endorsing Democratic opponents. If I do a search of the archives, can you assure me that I will not find any negative comments around the time of the 2004 Republican National Convention by MrBenchley concerning Zell Miller, a Senator from Georgia?

[MannyGoldstein]

38. It Took Schumer Months To Decide That The DSCC Should Back Only Democrats

Until the primary was over and he tested the wind, Schumer wouldn't even pledge that the DSCC would only support the winner of the Democratic primary - for months he said they might back Lieberman even as an independent.

Now a vice chair won't support a Democrat.

This whole thing is amazing to me.

What has the Democratic party come to? Sheer individual opportunism?

[femrap]

39. I wrote Schumer about Pryor....

now I'll write Pryor directly. Money is involved...it always is.

[autorank]

40. Got me going, argh!!!

No wonder they don't care about stolen elections ane election fraud, they don't even believe in them.

---------------------

Here's my letter to the DSCC

Dear Sen. Schumer:

Contratulations, Sen. Pryor has endorsed Lieberman.

Are you anti democracy? Are the others in DSCC anti democracy?

LAMONT WON THE ELECTION!!! In the Primary...that's how we choose candidates.

A Democratic Senate Campaign Committee is betraying the legitimately elected candidate of the party for a back stabbing Democrat who betrayed Clinton, abandoned Gore in Florida during the recount, and loves the War in Iraq.

I'm a lifelong Deomcrat but your behavior and that of Pryor make me see Green... (ed. comment, not really;)

You should be ashamed of tilting toward Lieberman and ashamed of your anti primary attitude. You really don't care about democracy.

I'm completely disgusted by the DSCC.

[Usrename]

41. Heads on pikes ! ! ! !

F*ing traitors.

[rg302200]

42. I just emailed Pryor

I told him that I can no longer support the DSSC if he finds it necessary to support Independents of true Democrats.

I wonder if he will respond?

[noamnety]

43. I emailed this:

Why do you have members on your leadership that are supporting an independent running AGAINST a democrat in CT? That makes no sense to me, given your mission, and doesn't do much for your credibility.

This is right up there with pharmacists and doctors who refuse to dispense prescriptions - in other words, to perform their job mission. Ironic, come to think of it, since Lieberman supported doctors' rights to withhold medical treatment for women. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that his supporters don't feel any obligation to perform their mission either.

I suspect many of us will look back at this as the moment the DSCC jumped the shark.

[usregimechange]

44. I just e-mail Pryor about this.

[patricia92243]

45. His e-mil page says he will respond to e-mails from Arkansas. No mention

to the rest of the nation.

[ellenfl]

48. i just sent this to schumer . . .

Any Democrat who professes support for Joe Leiberman in the upcoming Senate election, does not belong in an organization that is supposed to be promoting Democratic candidates. The Dems of Connecticut spoke loud and clear. By continuing to support Leiberman and not showing support for Ned Lamont, some Democratic senators are willfully ignoring the wishes of the voters of that state.

If Senator Pryor, and any other congressperson, will not show unconditional support for the duly elected Democratic candidate from Connecticut, I will not financially support them or any organization to which they are connected. I am sure that I am not alone in this.

ellen fl