Acknowledgements

Before I can even begin to mention these individuals, I have to mention Lowell of Raising Kaine.  Lowell began our efforts shortly after the unfortunate re-election (or the first somewhat legitimate election) of GW Bush.  Lowell had just as much passion when Raising Kaine had 10 readers as he did when we had quadruple-digits.  Of course, enough buttering up one of our fearless leaders; we know he has the passion.  Who else? 

Well, first, I want to acknowledge Paul Ferguson and Peter Rousselot who have been quick to bring attention to key issues and have been quick to reach out to new constituents.  In fact, before the May meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee (ACDC) they targeted a precinct that had traditionally low turnout (in South Arlington), and sent organized volunteers to comb the neighborhoods inviting new people to the meeting the following week.  The result was a multitude of new faces participating at the next meeting, and letting their presence be felt.

I want to acknowledge Lee Diamond.  Lee came to us early on in support of James Webb.  Lee put out tremendous time and effort before Webb had officially stepped into the race.  He mobilized people in multiple organizations, and scoffed at the notion that Webb wouldn+óGé¼Gäót be 100% the quality of candidate his supporters had claimed.  As we all know now, Webb has more than met our expectations, and his army of volunteers is currently scaring George Allen almost as much as George Allen scares the rest of us.

I want to acknowledge Congressional campaign managers who are Young Dems, such as Lester Feder (Judy Feder), Lela Graham (Shawn O+óGé¼GäóDonnell), and James Walkinshaw (Andrew Hurst).  Young Dems speak for a new generation, and rather than hiring some crusty Scott Howell-like jerk to run their campaigns, these brave (and some would say foolish) candidates have chosen to engage the younger generation by employing those who are best equipped to respond to those being most affected by recent changes in Washington DC. 

Last, but not least, I want to acknowledge Christi Fanelli.  For those of you who don+óGé¼Gäót know, Christi volunteers tremendous time as the Political Director of the Arlington Young Democrats.  But that+óGé¼Gäós not all.  When Kaine was heading into the final weeks of battle, Christi was there (seemingly 24-7) to guide volunteers through one of the most rigorous get out the vote efforts Northern Virginia has ever seen.  She has hosted events, pioneered new strategies, and most of all, been there hustling and getting things done.  While many of us get volunteers to show up, Christi has done what many people cannot do, keep volunteers around, and keep them to working.

For all these individuals at various levels of the grassroots efforts, and the many others who continue to make a difference, I say thank you.  You bring an illuminating spirit and inspiring passion that moves our Democracy through the perilous terrain along the rockiest of political landscapes.  Please thank these individuals for their hard work when you see them, and in case you were wondering, no, I don+óGé¼Gäót owe any of them money. 

Anybody else you anyone reading this would like to acknowledge?

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