Blogosphere Day Supports ActBlue

There is no better day than today to use the "Blogosphere" category for this post on the ActBlue Blog.

While you can see more of the action over at the Open Left where I'm guest hosting today, here is an updated roundup of all the posts so far talking about ActBlue on the 4th Annual Blogosphere Day.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released this statement.

I am immensely proud that 17 of my Senate colleagues have joined me in using ActBlue to build our Democratic majority, and I expect many more to do so this election cycle.

Blogosphere Day celebrates the greatest aspiration of our democracy: people coming together to change the direction of their country.  By enabling Democrats from all walks of life to work together, to pool their passion and energy, and to elect candidates who represent their values, ActBlue has created a unique strategic advantage for the Democratic Party.

Your investment in ActBlue builds resources for our best candidates, our best activists, and our best ideas -- and your contribution today makes the biggest difference as we pave the road to November 2008.

Please support ActBlue today.

Sen. John Kerry was blogging at Firedoglake.

Just a few months ago, we made the strategic decision to partner with ActBlue on all of our fundraising. One reason for that was that we wanted to take advantage of some of the innovative possibilities ActBlue make possible, such as our ŇRoadblock Republicans’ campaign. We’ve already raised nearly 100K targeting ActBlue’s Democratic nominee funds for the opponents of some key Republican Senators. The idea that someone could raise funds in a pressure campaign like that targeting specific members was pretty new, and it got a lot of attention on the Hill. And, hopefully, gave my Republican colleagues another factor to consider when they think of blocking more legislation to really change course in Iraq.

The other reason we partnered with ActBlue was to support the overall efforts of the netroots. And that’s why I’m writing today to support Blogosphere Day, and it’s drive to raise funds for ActBlue. The time to build infrastructure for next year’s election is right now, and ActBlue will bring in tens of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates and progressive causes over this cycle. They are the largest vehicle for the expression of the financial power of the netroots, and that power goes a long way towards bringing about a new progressive future for our country.

Gen. Wesley Clark posts at Huffington Post.

That's why today is so important. Today is Blogosphere Day -- a day that realizes the great promise of our democracy: people coming together from across America to change the direction of our country. In the past, the progressive blogosphere has united on July 19 to support a specific candidate, and I was proud to support Blogosphere Day candidates Paul Hackett and Ned Lamont.

Now on the 4th annual Blogosphere Day, it's time to invest in our infrastructure, and that means supporting ActBlue.  This isn't just about 2008, 2010, or any specific election. It's about building support for activists, for new ideas, and for candidates from the local to national level.  Supporting ActBlue not only strengthens the progressive movement, but it strengthens our democracy.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois writes at Daily Kos.

Today, on the 4th annual Blogosphere Day, we celebrate the many important ways that progressive blogs have changed our democracy for the better -- while also making sure we nurture and invest in the blogosphere, making it an even greater force for positive change in the months and years ahead.  That's why I hope you'll support ActBlue.

By building our online Democratic infrastructure today, especially ActBlue, we're creating a platform that will support all of our candidates, our activists, and our ideas in 2008 and beyond.  ActBlue has already done so much to help our progressive movement -- now it's time for us to help them.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy released this statement.

Today we celebrate one of best things to happen to the Democratic Party in a long time: the emergence of vibrant online communities that connect Americans through healthy discussion.

2006 was a landmark year for Democrats and ActBlue's fundraising technology was a big part of that success.  Now as we look to grow the Democratic Majority in 2008, I'm thankful that Actblue and the larger community of blogs and other online technologies are here to provide the kind of energy and resources we need to win.

Sen. Chris Dodd has released a statement about Blogosphere Day.

Today is the fourth annual Blogosphere Day and the netroots are coming together to support ActBlue. I congratulate ActBlue for their continued success as the online clearinghouse for Democratic action. They have helped Democratic candidates around the country and at all levels of government raise over $25 million since 2004.

Yesterday, blogger Matt Stoller wrote, "ActBlue is a representation of what is great about our country, that the principles of diversity, openness, transparency, and collective action can and do work." I couldn't agree more. ActBlue has set the ground for Democratic growth nationwide, by removing traditional barriers that have limited political participation.

ActBlue has enabled the Democratic grassroots to come together and effectively support Democratic success -- their work deserves wide recognition for its value.

As a candidate who has benefited from ActBlue's work, I'm proud to donate on Blogosphere Day in support of ActBlue's continued efforts to provide tools that enable all Democrats a chance to succeed and help turn America "blue."

Connecticut Democratic Senate nominee Ned Lamont e-mailed his supporters today.

As an entrepreneur, I am always interested in new technologies and fresh approaches to old ways of thinking. Since June 2004, ActBlue has provided just that, allowing small donors to amplify their voices through contributing online and encouraging others to do the same.

With amazing success, ActBlue has grown to become an indispensable resource for new candidates who do not have the advantages of incumbency and institutional fundraising from the traditional powerbrokers, lobbyists, and PACs.

I know from experience that it's not an easy decision for a challenger without institutional support to take the risk of jumping into a daunting race with both feet.

Our campaign would not have been possible without your support last year. And future underdog campaigns will not be possible without the opportunities for engagement that ActBlue provides.

Start Change PAC also sent and e-mail to their list.

For decades political power has been held by large moneyed interests who could send millions of dollars to political candidates. Thanks to people like you and our friends at ActBlue, this is all coming to an end.

Through ActBlue's innovative technology, tens of thousands of individuals like you are helping break the stranglehold wealthy donors have on our political system. In the last few years over $25 million has been raised on ActBlue to help elect truly progressive candidates like Patrick Murphy, Jerry McNerny, Carol Shea-Porter and more.

Today ActBlue needs our help to continue building its system, adding features, making it more robust to handle the ever growing traffic load and further empowering all of us to bring about progressive change.

Blogosphere Day veteran Tim Tagaris posted a video at Open Left.

It seems like yesterday I was constantly clicking refresh while watching Ginny Schrader's fundraising numbers shoot through the roof on ActBlue.

Or 2005, as I sat in my Ohio apartment, talking on the phone with Hackett campaign staff while Bob Brigham noted the different blogs and institutions raising money for the OH-2 Special Election.

Or last year, at Ned Lamont's campaign headquarters, as your outpouring of support propelled the campaign to an unlikely primary victory.

People for the American Way Voters Alliance released a statement.

"We've made a commitment to support the infrastructure of the online progressive movement, and there's no better way to do that than supporting ActBlue," said People For the American Way Voters Alliance President Ralph G. Neas. 

"And there's no better day to announce our partnership than Blogosphere Day. The power of ordinary Americans working together for change should never be underestimated. We're helping to build the infrastructure so that Americans can use that power to support progressive candidates, and elect the officials- Democrats, Republicans and Independents - a great democracy deserves."

Mike Rogers at BlogActive has posted about Howie Klien's excellent post on Down with Tyranny.

So far ActBlue has had 200,000 individuals contributing to around 1,700 candidates. Many of these contributions are for $5 and $10 and $20 and the power of 200,000 people loving our country and what it's about enough to donate what they can afford is a power the Republicans will never duplicate.

Their donations come primarily from businessmen looking for special consideration and for government handouts. Our contributions elected a Democratic House of Representative and a Democratic Senate and in 2008 we will elect a Democratic President. Together we are powerful. I want to plead with you today to help insure a blue America by helping ActBlue stay strong and vibrant. Remember, even $5 helps build an America that will be safe for our families. Here's the place to do it.

Taylor Marsh said at her blog...

Today is the 4th Blogosphere Day with Act Blue. It's a perfect time to invest   in the progressive Democratic infrastructure that makes wins like last November possible.

Firedoglake wrote as well.

Raising money to support progressive candidates who support our values is important.  So is making certain that they hear from regular folks across the country, and not just political consultants and lobbyists.

Crooks & Liars, part of the Blue America coalition, posted.

Crooks & Liars hosts ActBlue with Firedoglake and DownWithTyranny. In the past, we’ve helped raised over half a million dollars for progressive candidates and helped the Democrats take back the House and the Senate. But today, the 4th Annual Blogosphere Day, isn’t about our site or about our wonderful candidates. It’s about the incredible engine that allows the online progressive community to act in concert: ActBlue.

Texas Bloggers have written about the action as well. Off the Kuff kicked it off.

The simplest way to think about this is that ActBlue makes it possible for you to support a candidate that you like. You don't have to go to the fundraisers, you don't have to be on anyone's speed-dial list. Just click a link, or if you really want to support someone, create your own ActBlue page for that candidate and get your friends and family to click on it. All the hard stuff - FEC and state regulations, credit card processing, where to actually send the money - is taken care of, behind the scenes. One click does it all.

Burnt Orange Report joined in as well.

We won hard races because of ActBlue.  In 2006, victories in Montana and Virgina would have never been possible without peer-to-peer, online fundraising through ActBlue.  As we take back Texas we will continue to use ActBlue, because it is a building block to rebuilding the Democratic Party in Texas and beyond.

Texas Kaos had their own thoughts as did Brains & Eggs and Eye on Williamson.

Act Blue didn’t stop with the federal races.  In the last cycle, they took on the huge task of expanding into state races-including Texas.  Recently, they added party committee funds from all over the nation. 

They’re making it easier to have a robust financial underpinning to the Democratic Party.  They took a good idea, and built it into a reality. Then they kept on improving and expanding it.

Without the support of the folks at Act Blue, I promise you that 2006 would not have been as happy an outcome.

Blogosphere Day also happens to be the birthday for Calitics' owner. Virginia's Raising Kaine talks about their experiences so far.

And that's fitting for us Virginians in 2007.  ActBlue has worked closely with the Virginia netroots in setting up the Commonwealth's netroot efforts to support its progressive candidates.

Blue Indiana is encouraging their readers to get active.

For those who may not know, today is Blogosphere Day, which is a celebration of the political empowerment that the blogs and online activism have brought to the political process. This year's festivities revolve around ActBlue, which has been instrumental in the growth of political activism online, and represents a priceless tool in the progressive arsenal.

Bleeding Heartland had a great post.

Act Blue has been the focal point of that effort on the past three blogosphere days.  Today is our chance to support Act Blue and help them raise money to expand and improve their services, and as a way to say thank you for their years of support and work for Democratic candidates.

Left in the West talks about ActBlue and Montana.

ActBlue allows any Democratic candidate in Montana to raise money online without worrying about the hassles of merchant accounts, paypal integration, and secure servers.

It is, in other words, a huge help in promoting progressive candidates. So, today, we're encouraging folks to give back a little bit. ActBlue is working to expand and they need help. Please, do what you can.

Planting Liberally wrote as well.

ActBlue is also an excellent example of what liberal entrepreneurship can do for the progressive movement. Started in 2004 on a shoestring budget, the organization has helped raise $25 million for Democratic candidates in three short years, with a miniscule up-front investment.

Other blogs that have written include Digby, MyDD, David Sirota, Capitol Annex, Florida Netroots, South Texas Chisme, OH-02, Half Empty, Mike Lux, Free State Politics, My Silver State, Tondee's Tavern,  Suburban Guerrilla, MrLiberal, BlueNC, Booman Tribune, Brave New Films, Michigan Liberal, Swing State Project, and Mark Leno.

A special thank you to Blog for America and Daily Kos as well.