Dems Coalescing Around Sanders in 2006

Dems are quickly coalescing around Bernie Sanders for U.S. Senate. Under the headline "Sanders Favored for Jeffords Seat," Roll Call newspaper reports that a Democratic source said: "I think people will coalesce around Bernie, he is the strongest candidate statewide."

The Boston Globe reports that influential Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) said if/when Sanders declares his candidacy, "senior members of the [Democratic] party would discourage other Democrats from challenging Sanders, avoiding a three-way race that could tip the election to a Republican in the liberal-leaning state." Meanwhile, AP reports that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), head of the Democrats Senatorial campaign committee, said it is "very possible" that Democrats would back Sanders.

Why the rush to embrace Sanders? As the Washington Post reports, "Sanders has proved an effective vote-getter in Vermont since winning his House seat in 1990, often appealing to working-class conservatives by stressing trade protection, jobs and higher wages." The paper continues, "he has been treated as a Democrat in the House and likely would face only GOP opposition."

This is a big opportunity for progressives to put a real fighter for working class issues in the U.S. Senate. It's also a great opportunity to keep this seat in Democratic hands. Because Bernie doesn't accept corporate PAC contributions, he's going to need all the help he can get. Contribute to his campaign, and help put one of America's strongest progressive leaders in the U.S. Senate.