Congrats Frank, Matt and Mike.
In addition, political and cultural turmoil back in the U.S. is captured in several of the eligible films, including Frank Popper’s “Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?” which documents a teacher, Jeff Smith, who ran for a Missouri Senate seat in 2004;
It’ll play in Chicago over Christmas:
December 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 at Facets Cinematheque
It’s really good. And you only see my face for about 2 seconds so don’t let that scare you off.
Might have to check the movie out, but I think its pretty clear Mr. Smith can get to Washington. I think a few did. Carol Shea-Porter, especially. But, the woman in Kansas also made it. McNerney made it. Tester made it. Tester did get national support after he upended Schumer’s choice in the primary (and he was an established politician in Montana already), and McNerney didn’t get much in the way of support until the very end.
All of them had the big uphill fight against the system. Shea-Porter, however, is truely inspirational. Social Worker upends longtime incumbent on a shoestring budget ($250k only!)
I have yet to see the movie but want to. Jeff Smith may not have made Washington (and I must admit I voted for Russ Carnahan in that 2004 primary)but he has made it to Jefferson City. He was elected to the State Senate to represent the 4th district–a racially and economically mixed district in St. Louis. And he won the primary by appealing to all voters, not by the divide and conquer racial politics that others attempted to use. His victory gave me hope.