Progressive Democrats of Montana LTE

Editor:

Montana Democrats could be excused for thinking that the way Obama has lit up Big Sky country is the best thing to have happened here in decades, and especially hopeful after eight years of the lying, ruinous, rock-box stupid, and bumblingly criminal Bush gang.

They’re right, in terms of the Presidential race, but there’s yet a greater wonder afoot: an honest man whose concern is people running for Congress and not asking for money.

John Driscoll, the Democratic nominee, is a very special candidate in many ways but he is absolutely unique in this nation in one.  He has made a public promise not only not to ask for money from the usual big corporations and relatively affluent individuals but—get this, and think about it—not even to accept it when its offered.

The Pols and the Pros say privately that it’s a form of insanity, that nobody can win an American election for anything above School Board without asking for and taking every dime he can hustle.  They may be right.  They should know, it’s been working for them. 

But a long ago conservative—back when that term actually meant one was financially prudent rather than a gouging con artist blowing smoke to game the system—claimed he’d rather be right than President.  Maybe that’s how John sees it, and that makes him unlike anybody you and I have ever voted for.

John Driscoll has decided that he’ll make it to Congress on what’s important to him: character, values, and principles.  Or not at all…  Depends on you.

Paul Edwards
President, Progressive Democrats of Montana