Jim Dean:The defining issue

[cal04]

I'm here on the ground in Connecticut today, working with local Democracy for America groups in support of Ned Lamont. You should be proud of your DFA colleagues in Connecticut. Everyone is working incredibly hard to get out the vote.

This race has changed the political landscape.

It boils down to this: We have a powerful three-term incumbent Senator on the ropes because he won't question the Republican mess in Iraq. We've shown that Democrats can't be a rubber stamp for President Bush's "stay the course" approach.

The Iraq war is the defining issue of this year's elections. It's that simple.

This isn't about left or right, and it's bigger than any one political party. This is about honesty and reality in the American conversation. Right now, in Iraq, we're spending billions of dollars and destroying lives because of a failed policy.

Honest politicians have already acknowledged that Iraq is a disaster, and have been speaking out for months and even years. From Republican Chuck Hagel to Democrat Jack Murtha to Independent Bernie Sanders, serious people of all political stripes have stood up and spoken a simple truth. "Staying the course" will only lead America and Iraq into deeper disaster.

This election in Connecticut shows that President Bush's failed policies in Iraq are not only harmful for our country -- they're absolutely poison for campaigns.

As you know, the landscape didn't change overnight. Ned's insurgent campaign was powered by support from thousands of DFA members across Connecticut and around the country. Together, DFA members put Washington on notice that the war in Iraq is the defining issue for Democrats and for our country.

Our job is far from over, but we've already come a long way. Please forward this message to your friends and ask them to join the fight

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/8/13023/10256