Today, June 30, is the end of the 2nd quarter and the last day to give for donations to appear in the 2Q fundraising reports (federal candidates). I know it’s not an election year, but fundraising reports, especially in the early race are used as a gauge of strength of a candidate. There are two worthy local candidates you could consider if you’re feeling generous.
John Carney, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives. Carney will either be taking on Delaware powerhouse Mike Castle (which I think is unlikely) or he’ll be taking on someone from the shallow bench (to be named later).
Links: John Carney for Congress
You can also give through Act Blue (a worthy organization dedicated to electing Democrats): John Carney at Act Blue
There is also a Senate race in Pennsylvania that is shaping up to be of national interest. Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Democrat-again Arlen Specter will probably be taking on Representative (and retired Admiral) Joe Sestak in the Democratic primary for the Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race. Sestak is not a progressive, but he is a loyal Democrat and Specter is a loyal Specterite. This will really be something to watch! The winner of the Democratic primary will probably take on Republican Pat Toomey, who barely lost to Specter in the Republican primary of 2004 and whose candidacy helped push Specter out of the Republican Party. Early money in this race will be key.
Links: Joe Sestak’s official web page
There isn’t yet an official Sestak for Senate page, but here is the Act Blue page.
There are lots of other interesting 2010 federal races if these two don’t catch your fancy.
Fivethirtyeight.com’s Top Ten Senate Races (June edition)
TheHill.com’s Top Ten 2010 House Races