Ok, we progressives lost. Now what?

Cross posted at the Daily Kos.

Ok, your favorite grassroots progressive worked his/her butt off only tobe outspent by a DCCC Democrat. Or, maybe, the only Democrat in the raceis a DLC type; often referred to as a DINO.

So what do you do? (I have IL-6 and IL-8 in mind; those are the districts where Duckworth and Bean will be running)

Check this out (from a blog about Illinois politics

http://capitalfax.blogspot.com/...

- posted by Cal Skinner

"As readers of McHenry County Blog know, peace advocate Bill Scheurer wants torun as a third-party candidate in the 8th congressional district against incumbent Congresswoman Melissa Bean and newly nominated Republican candidate David McSweeney.

I have observed before that I believe his presence on the ballot would pretty much guarantee the election of the Republican candidate.

Scheurer has issued a press release, one paragraph of which I find particularly revealing:

What do the D.C. Dems fear more than a grassroots progressive primary challenge?A grassroots progressive challenge in the general election. The only thingthat can put at risk what they value most -- winning, no matter what.

Heargues that "progressives" can only get a seat at the Democratic Party tableby showing that can deny Democrats something they value most--the power ofa congresswoman like Bean."

I should point outthat the above attitude is being displayed by some Illinois conservativeswho are upset that Topinka won the Republican nomination.

I also point out that in his letter to supporters, Eisendrath does not mention Blagojevich at all:

Dear Ollie Nanyes,

I am so proud of you.

It is not always convenient to stand up for the values of our party. But you did it.

Togetherwe reminded everyone that when we Democrats listen to our better angels,we do wonderful things. We create the conditions for a growing and inclusiveeconomy. We invest in our future by funding schools and colleges. We protecteach other. We manage our budgets. And we govern ethically.

Youstepped forward for a brave roll call. Together we reminded everyone thatour values are not conveniences we choose to take up or set aside. Likethe strong keel of sailing ship, our values keep us moving forward despitethe changing winds.

Because of your courage we beat every expectationand more than a quarter of a million Democrats in Illinois voted to affirmour deep commitment to these values. This will have lasting impact. Andit allows me to continue to lead on the things we care about.

Duringthis campaign we did more than stand for governing values. We did somethingelse remarkable. We won votes by practicing a respectful politics.

Iwas so lucky to be able to talk with Illinoisans across our state in roomssmall, large, and virtual. Conversations like those help heal an alienatedpublic. They restore confidence in our politics and connect people to theirgovernment.

And when we went up with TV Ads, we didn't shout orpander or talk down. We asked that voters think like trustees of a greatdemocracy rather than consumers of political promises.

To cap it off, we had fun.

A great cause and a good campaign: these are the rare and real accomplishments of politics.

Thank you for your integrity and your courage.

Thank you for your continuing support

Edwin Eisendrath

So what is it?

Back the lesser Democrat that doesn't hold all of one's principles but is clearly better than the alternative?

Hold out, make sure that all of the DCCC/DLC types get beat so that they listen to us next time?

Ormaybe accept the fact (if it is a fact) that what I want is really too liberalfor the rest of the folks in my district/state/country, and go ahead andwork for what seems to me to be the compromise candidate?

I know what I am going to do, but I accept that not everyone sees the world in the same way that I do.