Today are two important special elections for Congress: VA-1 and OH-5. Both used to be safe republican districts, but the Iraq Quagmire and Bush's staggering unpopularity have turned them into hotly contested districts. The Republican Party is so spooked over these that they are actually going deep into debt to try and win them. They are pouring money they don't have into these distircts, yet going into election day both seats are still up in the air.

VIRGINIA's 5th Congressional District:

Philip Forgit is aIraq War Vet and a Bronze Star recipient . He served with a Naval Special Warfare Unit as an advisor to the Iraqi Army in 2005-2006. Prior to being called up Forgit was a 4th grade teacher at Rawls Byrd Elementary, winning the 2005 National Education Association (NEA) Award for Teaching Excellence. Bronze Star AND NEA award for Teaching Excellence. Seems like an excellent candidate.

Phil Forgit has been endorsed by Teamsters Local 95, Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, Captain Ted Hontz USN (Ret) Former Commanding Officer, Aegis Training Center, Chap Petersen, State Senator-Elect, 34th District (and someone I have pushed for before!), Sheriff Gerald S. Holt, and many others.

Forgit has a shot at winning, albeit a long shot. What he needs is a high voter turn out. So, if you live in that district VOTE. And if you want to help (from within or outside the district) please contact Forgit's campaign NOW.

OHIO's 5th Congressional District:

This is a major pick up opportunity. Recent polls are showing this to be a very close race. One REPUBLICAN poll even showed the DEMOCRAT leading. As with VA-1, good voter turnout is a must.

Democrat Robin Weirauch is fighting hard to win this one. She is a genuine progressive and economic populist who can connect well with voters, both Democrat and Independent. The AFL-CIO and SEIU are backing her. Wes Clark is backing her. Ted Strickland, Sherrod Brown, and Tim Ryan are all campaigning for her. She is truely the working class American's candidate. By contrast, her Republican opponant is truely the Exxon/Halliburton candidate. America doesn't need yet another Halliburton Republican.

If you live in OH-5, please VOTE. And if you can help get out the vote (from inside or outside the district), please contact Jason at phonebank4robin@gmail.com to sign up for Robin’s Virtual Phonebank. This is CRITICAL for winning. Go here to learn more about Robin Weirauch.