I wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that my campaign website was launched yesterday: www.JamieForCongress.com
It is a work in progress, so I welcome feedback from the BMG community on ways to make it as informative and useful as possible.
Of course, the site has ways for you to join our mailing list, volunteer, or contribute to the campaign.
I have always been clear about my priorities and where I stand on the issues. There are currently two issue sections. The first is called “Ending War, Initiating Diplomacy.” The second is called “A Real Commitment to Education.” I hope you have time to look at these positions and proposals, and send me your ideas about how to make it better. Stay tuned for more policy proposals on economic development, environment and health care.
In other news, the campaign has been going great so far. We’ve been gaining widespread support from elected officials and community leaders, and we raised our first 100K as of this past weekend!
Thanks for checking out the site, and I look forward to your feedback.
Jamie
The design is great, site navigation is clear and easy. I’m looking forward to the additional policy sections as they are put up.
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Very nice work!
Thanks for the comments. We’ll be putting up more policy statements over the coming weeks, and throughout the campaign.
“I want to make sure that all families, including the working poor, have a shot at the American Dream, and the IDA program gives these families that kind of boost.”
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But what about the rest of us? Shouldn’t we get matching money as well?
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I’m in the process of buying a house and could use the help.
Rep. Eldridge replies above.
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The government currently subsidizes the savings of the middle class and the wealthy far more than the poor. Sure, we’d all love free money and lower taxes, but Rep. Eldridge is bringing in balance and helping those who need it most.
But we (just barely) don’t qualify for down payment assistance and whatnot, having no kids and a decent income. You know what? I’ll suck it up and deal. Yeah, we’re borderline on income-to-expenses (we’re in MA, almost everyone is), but we make a comfortable living, and I’ve gotten a LOT out of my previous middle class assistance like school loans (for two different programs) among others. Time for someone else less fortunate to get some help too.
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I more than support this program, I think it’s too small and needs expansion. Wealth building for someone who is poor is nearly impossible without initiatives like this. Owning a house, going to school, entrepreneurship, are all great ways to build wealth.
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And we all benefit from helping the least among us, both from increased economic potential, revenues for the funding of programs that keep our society strong, and by having happy friends and neighbors invested in themselves. Seems like a win-win to me.
What exactly is this:
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“Lead sponsor and advocate of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). These accounts allow matching funds for personal savings in low-income communities, and give hard-working citizens a chance at economic stability.”
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The link went to a budget document but I couldn’t find anything about IDAs.
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Are you saying the IDAs give tax dollars to low-income folks on a dollar-dollar match on their personal savings?
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How do the rest of us sign up for this benefit?
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I must be missing something here …
Thank you for your comment, I will make that link clearer that describes the pilot IDA account program that was funded this year (and Governor Patrick has funded it in his FY08 budget, too).
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Your description of the program is correct. Low-income families go through financial education classes, and save money that is matched through IDA programs to help them buy a house, start a business or go to college.
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I consider the program a compliment to the increase in the minimum wage that the Legislature passed this past year, to boost the income of working families.
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And remember, our state and federal tax codes provide tax benefits like the deduction of interest on mortage payments from income taxes, and low-interest loans for students to go to college. The sheer majority of families who benefit from these helpful and progressive policies are middle and upper class.
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I want to make sure that all families, including the working poor, have a shot at the American Dream, and the IDA program gives these families that kind of boost.
I especically like this one,
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p> “I’m assuming that Jamie’s staff knows what they are doing when they bill him, and he bills himself, as Jamie rather than James. If it is a conscious decision, I think it’s a savvy decision to use his more familiar name in a grassroots campaign, especially if the candidate is as accessible as his name implies. He’s “one of us,” in other words!”
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You people are NUTS!
This is like the swiss army knife of explanations. It can be used to explain anything, anywhere, at any time.
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Same shirt, same tie (every time it’s worn). I’m sure your policy stuff is good, but, c’mon guy, same shirt and tie in your banner and all of your rotating pictures? We’re used to the fashionable Deval and Kerry…gotta catch up, fella.
Great observation….we’ll be taking more pictures.
Alex,
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Thanks for your kind words. I really enjoyed speaking to the College Democrats at Brandeis tonight.
is not a very congressional sounding name to me. isn’t there an age requiremnt for congress? “jamie’ just dpesn’t cut it.
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Name wise I mean.
Jamie, Jr., you’re saying?
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Actually, I think the name could do him some good service, as those who judge one’s abilities based on the supposed masculinity of one’s name will underestimate him. Then wham! When they least expect it, end run around the knuckle draggers who never saw it coming.
The name “Jamie” is a lot more accessible than the more formal “James.” Just as the name “Marty” (as in Marty Meehan) is more informal and accessible than “Martin.” I’m assuming that Jamie’s staff knows what they are doing when they bill him, and he bills himself, as Jamie rather than James. If it is a conscious decision, I think it’s a savvy decision to use his more familiar name in a grassroots campaign, especially if the candidate is as accessible as his name implies. He’s “one of us,” in other words!
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Mus.
If he’s Jamie, he’s Jamie. His name is part of his identity — to change it now would give him the Al Gore 2000 debate look & feel, and it’s not smaht, and it’s not true to himself.
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Jamie: be yourself. If that doesn’t get you elected, it’s for the best for everyone, especially you.
I agree with you. Don’t worry, I’ve been called Jamie since the day I was born.
Hi. stomv, Rush Chairman. Damned glad to meet you.
absolutely pointless.
The site looks great! I was in Worcester tonight and mentioned your campaign to a number of people. They were excited about your candidacy. There’s a real buzz about the campaign in the progressive community. Maybe you can get some pictures from the MW Dems Brunch? You certainly had the most impressive group, at an outstanding event.
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In the interest of following the “rules of the road” I have endorsed Rep. Eldridge and am helping his campaign. I’m also in officer in the MW Dems, the group that sponsored the Brunch. Not to go overboard in disclosing relationships, but I was in the House Chamber, as Jamie’s guest, when he cast his first ever vote in the House, against Speaker Tom Finneran.
when is the mainstream media going to pick up on that story? Reaching that level certainly proves the strength of your support and viability as a candidate, especially when news about the Tsongas campaign has all but sucked the oxygen out of the room- even when her performance this early was expected due to name recognition. What gives?
The education area is thoughtful and ambitious. I think so far Rep. Eldridge has set the standard for issues-focus in this race.
I concur with the comments above. Looks great, easy to get around, and has good info on how to get involved and what your positions are (and yes, we’ll look forward to seeing more).
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I also appreciate that you took the time to post this and are soliciting feedback, and not just posting an impersonal press release referring to yourself in the third person.
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Congrats on getting the site up and running, continuing to reach out to and engage the netroots, and for racking up $100K! Keep the campaign going strong.
And on the flip side of that coin, the rest of us pay far more in taxes. Either way, I’d like some free money too. Alas, it’s not to be I guess.
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I just wanted assurance from him that it is indeed the redistribution of wealth.
ANY AND ALL TAXATION IS THE REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH.
Is your argument that you don’t want to take responsibility for earning your own living?