Making a Point Vs. Making a Difference

In my first State of the State address, I made clear that my office would have an open door policy. That’s how I govern: if you’ve got a good idea, let’s sit down and talk about it.

The House of Representatives is just a stone’s throw from my office, and in the years since I made that promise, just about every lawmaker has come by to talk through a policy they wanted to get across the finish line. 

I’ve sat down with the most liberal and the most conservative lawmakers. I’ve strategized with the Black and Puerto Rican caucus and Erick Russell about how to enact the first baby bonds program in the country. I’ve partnered with Democratic women legislators to protect abortion rights. And I’ve worked with the moderate caucus on cutting energy bills. If you’ve got a proposal that you really care about, I want to work with you to help make it happen.

Josh Elliott is just about the only legislator who’s NEVER bothered to walk over and make the case for something he believed in. He’s given plenty of speeches, but delivering some talking points into a microphone doesn’t make a lick of difference for working families. Delivering real change requires rolling up your sleeves and doing real work. When it comes time to vote — on protections against ICE or police accountability reforms — Josh is often nowhere to be found.

Now he wants a promotion…. But Josh doesn’t seem all that interested in putting in the effort. He’s more focused on making a name for himself than making a difference. 

I hope I’ll have your support in the Democratic Primary on August 11th.

- Ned