My 100 Final Days...

I have always wanted to be a politician; I used to dream of being president when I was a little boy. I never knew politics, I never knew parties, I just knew that in America anyone could do anything.

In my younger days, I paid close attention to the politics of the day. George Bush was sworn through a controversial election. Thereafter shortly, Antonio Villaraigosa was seeking to become mayor of Los Angeles in his first attempt.

Then September 11th happened. Instead of just supporting Democrats with reluctance, everything seemed so much clearer.

I enlisted in the Navy, 6 days after 9/11. I was 17. I felt like I had a calling and I was to pursue it. Through my service I realized where truth is evident, and where lies are prevalent.

In early 2003, I wrote a letter that helped intensify the early flame of online bloggers that started the "Draft Clark" Movement. General Wesley Clark was handed my letter and grew tears, knowing I went at great lengths and risk to write it.

To me, knowing how Clark responded to my letter gave me great sense that someone would actually listen to the little guy. I worked very hard to get Clark nominated; when he lost I focused every effort to ensure that John Kerry would be our next president.
On November 2, 2004, on my 21st birthday I was given the greatest heartache of my life thus far. After all the work, all the passion, all the campaigning, the emails, the money, the time, we fell short.

I sent a very similar email out the following week, indicating my belief that I couldn't make a difference.

So many people lifted my spirits, and so many good Democrats made me feel like there was a lot more to keep fighting for, so I did.

I decided to bring my fight to the East coast, working in the District...and taking residence in Virginia.

The day I got here, I slapped a Tim Kaine sticker on my car. Even though the election was only days away from my arrival, I wanted instantly to begin my fight for Virginia.

Then I heard about Jim Webb, it was about the same time that someone was mentioning Tony Zinni to be drafted to run as well. I honestly can say I wasn't that excited about Webb at first.

But, then I read on. I heard about why he resigned from as Navy Secretary. I read about what he did in Vietnam and what he has done for Veterans and for the Vietnamese since then.

The more I learned about Jim Webb, the more I found a sense of respect for him as a person. I kept track of him through the early days of the campaign site; I really was inspired by his boot speech. I decided to meet him so I drove down to Prince William County at a VFW to hear him speak.

I was deeply impressed when I met him, he had an ice cold Heineken in his hand and a smile on his face. I have never been afraid to approach any politician, not Bill Clinton, not Bush (Baby Bush), not Kerry, not McCain...no one. I was nervous though, but why?

Because I knew that Jim Webb wasn't a fake. He wasn't trying to steal my vote; he was trying to win it. I talked about starting a Myspace page days before, he mentioned his daughter had seen it. I was such at awe at how down to earth he was, and how much commitment he had to sticking to his word and being himself.

When I looked at what he was wearing, a suit, a nice tie, and COMBAT BOOTS.

Respect. I grew deep respect for him immediately, a man who wanted more than just to kiss babies and shake hands. A man who meant everything he said, and was determined to fight for what he believed in.

Since then, it has been a worthwhile opportunity pushing his candidacy. Meeting people and talking to people across the Virginia commonwealth letting them know about my new hero, Jim Webb.

A man who opposed the war.

A man who supports the middle class.

A man who is a loving father.

A man who stands up for what he believes.

A man who isn't afraid to fight when necessary.

Intelligence, Experience, Integrity.

That's what Jim Webb has.

I will do everything I can to ensure that he represents the great commonwealth of Virginia in the US Senate.

But I do so at a cost, the cost of leaving everything behind thereafter.

Virginia.

Politics.

My Service.

This election is bigger than just who wins or who loses. It's my final goodbye. It's making sure that I know in my heart I have done everything I can to give Virginia, and my country, a better chance to survive and prosper in the future.

I know Jim Webb can do that for everyone.

I didn't come to the decision lightly, but after 3+ years of giving everything I have, I must call it quits.

Knowing that we will have one good honest Senator fighting not just for Virginia, but for all of America, gives me great relief.

I will leave and go home to the West where I haven't spent a Christmas home in 5 years. I will go home where I have a 5 year old little sister who doesn't even know who I am. I will go home where I can raise a family, and build a new, prosperous life.

I will keep voting for change, but my pursuit of passion ends November 7th.

Help me make a difference in this election; help me make a difference for this country, this world, and our future.

Join my one last fight, and give your all for Jim Webb so we can take back our country for us, for our children, and our grandchildren.

Leave no one behind.

--Dave Montoya

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