As a somewhat inactive for now DFNYC member, let me put in a few cents.

First off, the bulk of the efforts of DFNYC people (as individuals perhaps more than as DFNYC officially) have been fundraisers for people like Begich and Benson in Alaska and other out of state people as part of a larger win in November nationally strategy. There was a large DFNYC participation, to name one example, in the Diane Benson fundraiser featuring Jon Soltz. They have also been bringing Jim Dean to NYC for this kind of nationally focused fundraiser as well. Their efforts aren't always just what you see in their endorsements.

As to Tasini, well...no comment.

As to Norm Siegel, it seems to me he is precisely the kind of candidate that the progressive grassroots should be pushing hard as hell for. This endorsement was a no brainer and should be in 2009 as well.

As to Powell...I have heard him speak and he is compelling. Towns often doesn't bother. Personally I am not sure Powell can do what Charles Barron couldn't nor am I convinced Powell is the man for the job. I have remained neutral in that fight, but Powell is very good with a group and Towns has disappointed (though I give him full credit for supporting impeachment and opposing the war...and I admit that perhaps those should be defining stands for the progressives).

As for Silver/Newell/Henry: I have not met Henry so I can't comment. I have met and liked Newell. Beyond that I cannot comment.

As for Connor and Squadron: I have made clear over the years that I am not a real fan of Connor's. But my impression of Squadron was pretty low when I heard him speak. He has failed to convince IND (not surprising, but Connor really did outshine Squadron there), CBID (who are, like me, not fans of Connor) and DFNYC. A comment I heard after the DFNYC forum was that it was a contest to see which of them could underwhelm more. Personally, I have leaned towards Connor this time around because I do not see Squadron as either trustworthy or progressive. I can't say I am not still open to Squadron's challenge of Connor, but he in no way has yet convinced me he is superior to Connor or, and here is the key to many who have heard him speak, even as good as Connor on key issues. We are seeing the next generation of Schumer kids, following the past generation of Weiner and Yassky. Squadron and Thies are of the Schumer lineage, directly from Schumer of via Yassky. I remain open to both yet remain unconvinced that this lineage is quite what I am willing to put my effort into.

I think it is telling that most DFNYC organizers are focused mostly on outside races. The inside races this year are striking people as either unwinnable or uninspiring (2009 will be different with Josh Skaller running for City Council and Norm Siegel for PA). CBID has gotten some crap (including from me) for some of their endorsements and non-endorsements this year. This year the races that progressives like the most semi-locally are Dahroug and Harrison. Nothing else has caught fire. I am somewhat surprised Newell hasn't caught fire more among DFNYC types, but, perhaps for the reasons Dan outlines, he hasn't.