We’re here, we’re organizing, and we’re fighting.

On September 11, 2010, members of the Green and Socialist Parties, and Alan Benjamin of the San Fransisco Labor Council and AFL-CIO will hold a public hearing in Ohio on third party politics.

Recently, at least on the Seminal, there’s been a lot of talk about supporting third parties. There are many in this country, although here the conversation tends to return to the Green Party, the only national progressive party. If Firedoglake is willing to support Green (and other third party or independent) candidates, we could end up changing politics all over the nation.

Green Party candidate John Gray is running against the two corporate-owned candidates in the general election. I can think of worse things for progressives to do than support and promote his candidacy.

Gray, a retired engineer and small-town mayor, supports Medicare For All, ending the wars, ending corporate personhood, eliminating trade deficit and breaking up “too big to fail” corporations.

One of the biggest primary days has finally arrived; Firedoglake’s team will be following the results as polls close in California, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia and Arkansas. But what times do the polls close and open in these states, you might wonder? That’s a really good question – we may have the answers.

As part of my consulting for the Bill Halter for Senate campaign, I’m heading down to Arkansas tomorrow for the last days of this primary. I’m excited to get on the ground, talk to voters, and really feel what this race is all about. And of course, to win on June 8th.

If you’ve got $5 to spare or an hour you can give us to phonebank and help get out the vote, please chip in. Your efforts are what’s going to push the campaign over the top.

Below is the latest on the race from Campaign Manager Carol Butler.

We all know that Sen. Blanche Lincoln is facing a real challenge from her left today. Lt Governor Bill Halter has done what needed to be done. He has (with the help of the Netroots) raised the money. He has busted his butt getting out there and letting the Democrat in Arkansas know that they have a real choice between a bought and sold Insurance Cartel shill and someone who will represent the people of their state.

The key today will be getting as many votes as possible for Lt. Gov Halter so there will be a run off. If this three way race goes to a run off there is very good chance that a bad senator can be replaced by a good one.

Turn out is what we are talking about here folks, and you can help! Just like every other election it does not matter how many people support the candidate, it matter how many take the time to get out and vote. By signing up for a phone banking shift, you can help turn out the voters who will tell Blanche Lincoln that her watering down of health care reform, her siding with the insurance industry over the people is a good reason for her to spend a lot more time with her family, starting in January of next year.

So, will you take the time to do a phone bank shift for Bill Halter? Just click here and you will be connected with the system. Once you have done that the campaign will get back with you and walk you through getting started for your shift.

Today is primary day down in Arkansas. Today is the day Arkansas voters choose between Bill Halter and Blanche Lincoln.

Over the last few months, Bill Halter has been traveling the state, talking to voters and winning them over. His poll numbers have shot up as he’s campaigned – clearly, his message is working.

But it will all be for nothing if those voters don’t get to the polls today and vote.

We’re running phonebanks today to make sure Halter supporters get to the polls and make their voice heard. We’re calling friendly folks to remind them to vote, so the calls should be easy and fun. You can phonebank from home – all it takes is a computer, a phone line, and an hour to volunteer for the campaign. We have shifts today from 3 pm – 5 pm CST (4 pm – 6 pm EST) and 5 pm – 7:30 pm CST (6 pm – 8:30 pm EST).

Can you help us out?

The primary in Arkansas is one week away! If you haven’t heard yet, a shady corporate front group called Americans for Job Security is running a truly awful advertisement on local television. The Halter campaign is fighting back with a FEC complaint to force Americans for Job Security to disclose their corporate donors. I’ll be delivering the complaint to the FEC on Thursday – can you sign on and support it? (Full disclosure – I work for the Halter campaign.)

Below is a post on the issue from Halter Campaign Manager Carol Butler.