Sat Apr 26, 2008 at 02:52:44 PM EDT
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| This is the first in a series of posts to introduce readers to the various congressional campaigns in the state. We're asking the campaign managers to tell us about themselves and their candidate. First up is Jonas Courey, the campaign manager for Camille Abate, who is running in the Democratic primary for the chance to challenge Rep Scott Garrett in the 5th congressional district.
Briefly, what prior campaign or other political experience do you bring to this race?
I've built a record of winning for progressive Democrats in leaning Republican districts. Always working in red districts, I left a comfortable career in accounting determined to make real change by removing another Republican extremist from power every year. Working for Gov. Tim Kain last year, I was part of the team that took on strong Republican incumbents and successfully flipped the balance of power in the Virginia State Senate. I bring to New Jersey's 5th Congressional district a unique understanding of how to effectively energize Democrats while swaying independents and even Republicans through a practical economic message of getting the job done for middle class voters who are tired of being squeezed by the partisan policies of elitist Republican rule.
What's the least healthy meal you've ever had on the campaign trail?
Cold pizza for breakfast is a staple of campaign life. There's never enough time to cook so I usually find a volunteer who doesn't like to knock doors, phone bank or stuff envelops, but knows how to cook, and make that person the official campaign chef. Well fed campaigns win!
Make the jump for the rest... |
| Juan Melli :: Get to know the Abate campaign |
What do you think will be the most important issues or themes of this campaign?
Trends and intriguing stories alone don't give voters a compelling reason to fire incumbents. Only a candidate willing to educate voters on the shortcomings of the current representative and lay out specific action steps to rectify those deficiencies can defeat the power of incumbency. Voters must be educated on Garrett's record of putting extreme partisan ideology ahead of their well being. Garrett will keep our troops in harms way in Iraq forever just to preserve his partisan worldview. Garrett will ignore environmental degradation forever just to preserve his partisan belief in corporate protectionism. Garrett will reject real economic stimulus and let the American economy fall into depression forever just to preserve his partisan tax policies. Garrett will reject renewable energy and allow fuel costs to spiral out of control forever just to preserve his partisan allegiance to corporate oil. Voters educated on these and other issues will be ripe for change and new leadership. With a record of advocacy and leadership, Camille Abate has real courage to make real change. Every time Garrett has the chance to deliver for his constituents he says "no" and Camille Abate won't take "no" for an answer.
Tell us something about your candidate that people might not know/wouldn't expect.
Most people don't know that Camille Abate grew up in the district and faces the same middle class challenges we all face. She understands that even two income families like her own are forced to struggle with the high costs of housing, child care, education and health care. Camille's Congressional aspirations have nothing to do with ego or status and everything to do with her belief that Congress is stuck in a rut and in need of leaders with the courage and common sense to get it moving again.
How do you think the grassroots or netroots can be most helpful in the campaign?
Message projection through networking with grassroots and netroots activists is a key element of campaign success. While many rank-and-file voters are not tied into grassroots networks, the networks provide an essential energized base of support. That informed base can and should be utilized as a valuable volunteer network. Camille Abate is very grateful for her strong base of grassroots supporters across the 5th District. I encourage everyone interested in removing the Northeast's most extreme Republican from power to join the Abate for Congress team. Feel free to email, call, or stop by our office any time.
How can people contact you or the campaign?
Jonas Courey
jonas@abate08.com
(201) 857-5050
536 Broad St
Glen Rock NJ 07452 |
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