CQ Says Dole is #5 Most Vulnerable (NC-Sen)

In their new ratings of the top 5 most vulnerable Republican Incumbents, CQ Politics has put Dole at #5.  This is a huge surprise, not because I dont think she is this vulnerable, but rather it is a suprise because the national media seems oblivious to polls done here.

The full article is here.

The article is a pretty simple run down of the situation on the ground, but it includes this praise for my candidate of choice, Brad Miller.

The area Miller now represents could make him a particularly potent statewide candidate. The 13th District — which Miller helped draw as a member of the state legislature when North Carolina gained a House seat after the 2000 census — splits fairly evenly between the parties, with perhaps a slight Democratic lean. It is anchored by urban areas in Greensboro and Raleigh, which are connected by several rural counties along the Virginia border.

My thoughts on Brad's district, and why it makes him strong state wide is available here.

Lets take a look at some real polling in North Carolina.

In an April Poll Brad was down to Dole 44 to 33.

In a May poll, North Carolina voters were asked if they were planning on voting for a Democrat or Republican in the 2008 Presidential race.    They chose the generic Democratic candidate 47 to 42!

There have been 4 polls taken of Dole vs _.  Her highest results have been 46 and 45%.  Her approval numbers have floated at around +5% positive for most of this year.

If that doesnt convince you, let me give you some other fun anecdotes:

I would support Brad if he choses to run, the sooner the better.
--Larry Kissell, candidate, NC-08

Our ActBlue Draft effort has gotten Brad 60 donors, and over $2000.

Brad recently voted against the supplemental funding bill, marking a continuous opposition to this war.

Brad has signaled he would make a decision soon.  

His response was a chuckle, then basically said he's having a hard time making a decision and the indecision is stressful on him and his supporters. He said he plans to make the decision soon. Soon is a vague word though so we'll have to wait and see.

Interesting though, during taping I asked him about his decision and his answer took about 15 seconds and then without any questions from me he continued on for three minutes stating why Elizabeth Dole is a bad Senator and needs to go.

Brad has also kept himself in the news by helping Greenpeace put pressure on Exxon, helping Rep Lampson protect our environmental research, keeping an eye on political activities at NASA, keeping an eye on google over their whitewash of Katrina, etc.

In one of my favorite quotes, Leslie H has this to say.

I'd want someone to run ... decent, engaged, curious, capable, highly intelligent, funny, sensbile enough to have broad appeal, progressive enough to trust voters with the truth ... Representative Miller is the most down to earth, approachable, non-aloof public office holder I've ever had the pleasure to shake hands with or sit at the table with. That tells me that Brad Miller gets it; he works for the people. He's not afraid to sit down without script, outline or rules and just listen to and talk to people. He is already committed to working for all the people of this state, not just the powerful DC elite or big money corporations. All NC citizens deserve that kind of representation in Washington. We sure aren't getting that from our current non-resident Senator.

That's why I'd love the chance to vote for Brad Miller for Senate in 2008.

The fact is that Brad Miller is a great Representative and would make an amazing Senator.  Elizabeth Dole is a horrific Senator (recently ranking #95 for effectiveness) and is incredibly vulnerable.  I hope that you will stop by Draft Brad Miller, and I hope that you agree Brad should run against Dole.