The great thing about the American system of democracy is that when we screw up, we have the chance to make it right. In one of narrowest elections in American history, George W. Bush was voted back into the White House. Then, almost immediately, America discovered what a mistake it had made, and President Bush’s approval ratings fell like a stone in a deep, deep well.

In 2006, we all have the chance to make up for the 51% mistake of 2004 by voting the Republicans out of Congress. The only reason that George W. Bush is able to cause as much damage as he does is that he has a compliant Republican Congress that cooperates with his craziest schemes. Vote out the Republican Congress, and you’ll take all of Bush’s power away. Vote out the Republican Congress, and America can begin the impeachment hearings that should have begun years ago.

In Ohio’s 2nd district, there are some lucky ducks who have the chance to take back their seat in the House of Representatives this summer. President Bush has taken the elected Republican Rob Portman out of the congressional seat in order to make him a US trade representative.

So, on August 2, Ohio’s 2nd district has the chance to vote for a new member of Congress. Their choice is stark.

Democrat Paul Hackett is a responsible moderate who favors many policies that progressives can appreciate. He opposed the invasion of Iraq, but then signed up to join the military in Iraq. He opposes Bush’s Social Security schemes. He favors strong environmental protections. He supports the idea of universal health care for all Americans.

Hackett’s opponent, Republican Jean Schmidt, is a dangerous right wing activist. Consider the following quote, which is proudly placed on the Schmidt for Congress web site:

“Phil Fulton, Pastor of the Union Hill Church in Peebles, endorses Jean Schmidt for Congress. “Jean has stood strong in our 10 Commandments fight and all of the moral issues that concern the people of Adams County. As a pastor for 30 years, I support her whole heartedly.”

That’s right: Jean Schmidt is part of the Republican crew that is trying to force religion down people’s throats using the power of government. Schmidt gets her support from the same extremists who tried to interfere in Terri Schiavo’s personal medical plight. Schmidt is one of those radicals who gets her power from people who believe that it ought to be illegal to be gay.

Schmidt even goes so far as to propose raising taxes on working families while simultaneously cutting the taxes paid by wealthy Americans. Jack Willke, president of the Right to Life Federation, applauds Jean Schmidt, saying, “You have always been 100% pro-life without exception.” Schmidt has even been elected president of Greater Cincinnati Right to Life.

Tim Rudd, Chairman of the Clermont County Republican Party, happily refers to Jean Schmidt as a “party stalwart”. Do we really need any more party stalwarts in Congress?

Having a radical right-wing Republican like Jean Schmidt in Congress would not only be a source of shame for southwestern Ohio, but would be a source of danger to all America as well. That’s why I’m asking all our progressive readers to visit the Hackett for Congress web site and give Paul Hackett as much support as you can.

There are only a few short weeks between now and this special congressional election. We can start taking the Congress back from the Republican elites now by supporting Paul Hackett for Congress.

Discuss Paul Hackett’s campaign here.