Yes, it's late; but by this weekend, I hope to be 100% moved'in. :D

Here are some highlights on Eric Massa's (NY-29) DC fundraiser event 2 days ago ... :/

But breifly, it was a great evening for Massa in DC, a fundraising event was held at the beautiful home of Barb Leash. Eric Massa was really fired up for this event. I guess it must be his Navy spirit, but "Rubberstamp Randy Kuhl" is a battered man in this contest against Massa on the ground. Massa held no punches against this incumbant. There's a clear reason why Eric will be victorious, he fights for the people.

Massa opened that this was now his 312th house party fundraising event. He noted that unlike Kuhl, Massa's campaign and his supporters have out-raised Randy Kuhl campaign for 4 quarters in a row. Whereas Massa gets his from private donations, Kuhl gets over 70% from corporate PACs. In essence, Eric has worked hard to connect towards the interests of the "People". So Massa acknowledged that he was indeed on a mission to fulfull this " element of purpose", as he described it. Whatever this is, I immediately recognised how it's powered from deep within his heart.

In my view, Massa has evolved a leadership trait which he projects through his quintessential Massa'esque speaking style, combining his NY roots for his brute honesty and his assertive manner to engage others, which are often highlighted at times through his recognition of humbleness, with humor often directed at himself. Since I first heard him speak over a year ago, this essential element about his character had always been apparent. And last night, I found Eric to be not only more confident , but principled towards his mission to serve the needs of his constituents, our vets, the working class, as well as the sick and the elderly all across the country. This is how a United States Congressman should lead. Massa is exactly the American leader we want and expect in Congress, one who also depicts the true spirit of a "Fighting Dem", both in words and actions by recognising everything we believe in as Americans -- our common democratic values and needs. Whether these be national security, veterans benefits, financial, economic, education and healh care, I have no doubt in mind that Massa will fight for all those in need and for everyones future while in Congress.

Unfortunately, Max Cleland and John Murtha were unable to attend. I had to leave early (ehm, ...Gen'ral Wonders' orders), so I'm not sure if they had arrived later. However, their were certainly many other DC notables, uncluding Secretary of State John Dalton, who introduced Massa. In fact, Eric noted that he was very honored by this, which he jokingly compared as a Secretary of the Navy introducing someone who's a midshipman. What was also nice about Sec. Daltons introduction was how he described when they first met. It was on a very cold day, when both Sec Dalton and Eric stood together outside a Naval shipyard handing out literature and bumper stickers for the Wesley Clark 2004 Presidential campaign. :) Secretary Dalton praised Massa as "a man who can overcome great challenges", not only in reference to this day, but certainly overcoming his bout with cancer.

My sense is that there were A LOT of US vets who also attended yesterdays event (based on conversations that I overheard). But some others included a few from Erics constituency from NY-29th; another was his friend, Captain Mike Abrashoff who commanded a cruiser; and yet another included our own DC Clarkie insider and extraordinaire, Howard Park, who greeted everyone at the door. I was also able to meet several others, as well, including 2 other sponsors of the event, Ian Fried and Campbell Tyler of www.BlueCatapult.com, who co-dounded the PAC which is committed to supporting Dems, like Eric Massa, in close races around the country. (I promised to plug site, so if you can, certainly donate! They offerd to help me figure out how to set up a PAC on science;)

Anyway, here are some photos. Unfortunately, I've had no time to even photoedit any of these,..it was downloaded onto the site directly. But you get the pic ;)

Eric Massa in DC (10.5.06 photos)

Again, sorry for the delay, I'm traveling and completing the final stages of my move (ie long road trips, loading and unloading). But come time for Massa's swearing in ceremony,... y'all come on over, ...ya'hear! ;)

Oh, ... and be sure to check out (and write one too ;), .. www.MassaForCongress.com