Bumper Stickers

I can offer you my personal experience.  When it comes to bumper stickers, the Webb for Senate campaign is now getting its act together.

(UPDATE by Rob: Get your Webb bumper stickers here)
Regular readers of this space know that I have been an advocate of Jim Webb running for the Senate since several months before he finally declared.  I am not a paid campaign staffer, but I am a committed volunteer.  I have done a variety of tasks for the campaign, including serving as an advisor on educational policy.  I have tabled and made phone calls.  I have a yard sign on his behalf on my busy front street.  We have bumper stickers on both of our cars, put signs in the windows when we park them.  I have a t-shirt and campaign buttons.  And yesterday I did a mailing.

The campaign has taken a while to get going after winning the primary.  Jim got into that campaign late, at the end of February, and was outspent by his opponent close to 3-1 and yet still won a solid victory.  His margin would have ben larger except for an organized effort by Republican to help his opponent, someone viewed by the Allen supporters as a far weaker opponent.  Since then the campaign has been raising money, beefing up staff, putting together a plan and a budget, contacting volunteers, doing all the things that are part of building a successful campaign. 

Yesterday I spent several hours helping get out a mailing - of bumper stickers.  New ones had come in and been stuffed in envelopes, onto which address stickers had been placed.  My task, with some occasional help from other volunteers who were between tasks, was to get stamps on each envelope.  Then, at the insistence of the volunteers, we had staff print up return address labels which we also affixed.  Shortly before 5 PM we took them the a nearby post office.  In the next few days 1510 people around nation will be receiving their brand new Webb for Senate bumper stickers.  The vast majority will of course go to Virginia, but as put on the stamps I noticed several hundred going to almost every state in the union (as far away as Alaska) and to Canada.  A few perhaps will be to people who collect political paraphernalia.  Most of the out-of-state mailing was to people who are financial supporters, and willing to show their pride in supporting this good man.  It is something of a sign of the national appeal of Jim+óGé¼Gäós candidacy. 

I also saw addresses from all over the commonwealth.  And I recognized some names that went along with those addresses.  A few were people I personally knew - at least two were those I know from Quaker Meeting, others were names I have seen in the news, including one prominent former government official who had attempted to prevent the misuse of intelligence by the administration in the runup to war.

I also had dinner with a fellow volunteer, one who helps coordinate tabling and visibility.  He had just come back from delivering campaign materials - including bumper stickers, shirt stickers, fans, palm cards and the like, to several sites around the state.  There has been a pent-up demand by people who want to show their support of Jim Webb.  And there was also a demand for material to have as volunteers cover events around the state.  Here in Northern Virginia we have people at all except the tiniest of the many Farmers+óGé¼Gäó Markets.  Every County Fair, every ethnic festival sees a group of Webb volunteers with literature and other material. 

As I was working in headquarters yesterday I got a sense of the vibrancy of the campaign.  I was able to hear as people followed up with volunteers, to assess their background and their interest, to get them committed to staffing various activities.  There were walk-in volunteers, who were quickly vetted and then put to work.  I could hear phone banking to generate support, with the traditional ringing of a bell each time we got a commitment from a voter.  During one 10 minute stretch all except one of the calls made by the 6 volunteers working on that task resulted in the ringing of a bell.

There was another kind of phoning.  Jim is going to Chicago and Los Angeles for two major fundraisers next week.  The one is Chicago is being hosted by two very prominent Senators who clearly want Jim as their colleague, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and the very charismatic Barack Obama.  The one in Los Angeles is largely focused on the entertainment community - remember, Jim has worked in Hollywood, having written  material used for movies and been involved at the producing end.  The calls for these two events were followup calls to people who had been invited but not yet responded.  I made a couple of calls for the Los Angeles event.  When I heard about it I asked to see the contact list.  There were many well-known people.  There were also several people I personally knew, so I offered to call them.  One, a high school classmate, is one of the top agents in Hollywood.  He has another commitment that evening but is considering giving a major contribution to the campaign.  The other is someone in the sports industry whom I know as a college alumnus who may or may not come, and will try to decide over the weekend. 

The news media often  evaluates the health of a campaign by only two measures, polling data and how much money you have raised.  The two are often related, because money is what enables one to advertise to raise name recognition and increase the candidate+óGé¼Gäós standing in the polls.  Jim Webb has trailed his opponent in every single poll.  Given that George Felix (he hates that middle name) Allen has served as a Congressman, Governor, and Senator, his name recognition is widespread and deep, whereas Jim Webb is still unknown to over half of the residents of Virginia.  That will change.  We are not overly concerned by recent polls showing Jim trailing.  When voters are pushed as to their preference, the uncommitteds often break heavily in Jim+óGé¼Gäós favor, and when positive characteristics are offered about each man and people learn that Jim was an early opponent of the war, served as Navy Secretary and is a highly decorated (including Silver and Bronze Stars) veteran, the gap between the two men shrinks to less than the margin of error.  This race is winnable, if Jim has enough money to be competitive.

And that is the good news.  The last FEC reporting cycle was as of the end of JUne, only two weeks after a primary in which as noted Jim was heavily outspent.  At that point there was not much in the bank, and people expressed concern that we would not be able to compete financially.  Many in the Allen campaign have begun to get a bit smug on that point, especially as Jim has publicly made clear that he does not like the fundraising part of politics.  He often talks about coming from a culture where it is impolite to ask for money for himself.  He and I have talked about this, and he understands that there is a different way of looking at it:  he is in this campaign because we - grass roots people like Todd Smyth and Lowell Feld and others - asked him to get into the race.  He represents our hopes for having a Senator who is not simultaneously running for president, who will represent the people and not the corporations.  He is asking us for money so he can represent us. 

And let me assure you, this campaign will have sufficient money.  I know the fundraising figures for last month - they are impressive.  There will be no additional FEC report until October, so there will be no public statement as to the total raised.  The campaign expects that the Allen campaign will discount any statement we make about how solid our fundraising is as wishful thinking on our part, and we are happy to have them think that way.  Party organizations such as DSCC and DNC know how well we are doing, and thus know this is a campaign worthy of supporter, a real chance to pick off a seat currently held by a Republican.

And editorial boards and news coverage is also beginning to help.  When Allen+óGé¼Gäós campaign manager attacked Jim for opposing the flag desecration amendment several newspapers in Republican areas offered some criticism of the Allen camp, including one political campaign contrasting Jim+óGé¼Gäós military service on behalf of this country to Allen+óGé¼Gäós lack of service.  In the debate before the Virginia bar Association Allen sandbagged Jim with a question ab out +óGé¼+ôCraney Island+óGé¼-¥ down in Hampton Roads, trying to give the impression that Jim didn+óGé¼Gäót know about an important local Virginia issue, one with serious economic possibilities for the region.  Well, recently the Virginia Pilot, the most important newspaper in Hampton Roads, pointed out that Craney Island is useless without a major upgrade of infrastructure, starting with roads, and that Allen has opposed almost every attempt to upgrade the roads in the area, and upgrade without which, as the paper put it, Craney Island will remain nothing more than a mosquito infested dump. 

I think the Webb campaign is about to move into the next gear.  I am gratified by what I saw and heard yesterday.  The website has just been reorganized and upgraded, and more and updated content is being constantly added.

The Democrats need at least 6 seats to take over the Senate, assuming we hold all current Democratic seats.  According to hotline, the 5 best opportunities are PA,MT, MO, OH and RI.  We all know that.  The real question has been where could we find the 6th.  It is gratifying to see Jack Carter starting to close the gap in Nevada.  Some look to TN and the charisma of Harold Ford Jr.  I would argue the best bet is Virginia.  Jim Webb is the kind of candidate who grows on people as they get to know him.  He is generating a huge response of people who want to help, whether by volunteering, putting signs on their lawn, or even putting bumper stickers on the car.

We do need money.  If you have some extra and are looking for a place where it can help make a difference, consider going to Jim+óGé¼Gäós website  and making a contribution. 

After all, we need money to keep printing and distributing those bumper stickers.  I+óGé¼Gäód be happy to spend another day getting them out to supporters.  So if you do go to the website and contribute, consider asking for a bumper sticker as well.  Maybe then the next time I do such a mailing, I will recognize your name and address on the envelope.

Have a nice weekend.

Comments

Things are happening (teacherken - 8/5/2006 6:03:22 AM)

Jim has had a successful tour around the state, which his kitchen table sessions and fundraisers.  All campaign need money and support.  I hope after reading what I have posted your confidence in the campaign will increase and you will consider the possibility of making a donation.  If you do, remember to add the .01 at the end to indicate a netroots contribution.

I will be around for a couple of hours to respond to any comments or questions needing my attention, but then I need to head out to COurthouse/Clarendon, to help table at the largest of Arlington's farmers markets.

Thanks.  And have a nice weekend.

I'm off to farmers market at 7:30 (teacherken - 8/5/2006 7:05:01 AM)

I will next be online around 1 PM  -  see you all then.

i am online (teacherken - 8/5/2006 8:07:19 AM)

i have wifi - will check in from time to time

Great diary, Ken! (Lowell - 8/5/2006 7:26:45 AM)

I totally agree with you that the Webb campaign is turning a corner, moving into the next gear, starting to kick some serious butt, and every other metaphor you can think of. :)  For those of you out there who have been frustrated with various aspects of the campaign the past few months, I would urge you to get re-involved.  It's not too late to hold a house party on August 13, or at least attend one.  And we've got tons of need for volunteers around the state, including people to take the lead in their areas.  How about setting up grassroots websites, Yahoo groups, etc. like we did for Wes Clark, Howard Dean, etc. (e.g., Christians for Webb, Women for Webb, GLBT for Webb, Conservationists/Environmenalists for Webb, Teachers for Webb....)?  Feel like getting out and meeting your neighbors?  Help staff a table at a farmer's market or other event near you.  Want to help George Allen "listen" to Virginia?  Go attend one of his events the next 3 weeks and let him know how you feel! 

The point is, there's tons to do and this race is very winnable.  If you want to volunteer, please contact Josh Chernila, Dan Gray, or Larry Byrne at (703) 778-4080 and they'll get you hooked up. 

Thanks.

Lowell

There is a farmer's market (thegools - 8/5/2006 12:11:45 PM)

in Warrenton every Wed. and Sat. morning.  IT would be a great place to set up.  Anybody want to do it?

Warrenton (seveneasypeaces - 8/5/2006 2:18:06 PM)

If you will set one up on a Saturday I will come down and work it with you.  Maybe others will come too.  write me at my moniker at yahoo. 

Let's do it. (thegools - 8/6/2006 3:36:00 PM)

I sent you an email.  By the way I will check into town rules to see what permission is needed to set up.

What a wonderful Diary! (Kathy Gerber - 8/5/2006 7:55:12 AM)

So much positive energy.  At the district level the local newspapers are beginning to address the growing MZM scandals.  This may mean that I can invest my intended "newsletter" time, energy and (very few) dollars elsewhere. We'll have to see..

There are several upcoming events in the 5th District and our power neighbors, the Lynchburg Democrats, will be holding a Rally for Jim Webb this Wednesday.

Thanks to Gordon Koerner, we're doing great in the sign war on Rt. 29 in Nelson, and there are plenty of Webb signs on 29 at the entrance to the Albemarle County Fair.  Thursday night I added a few, and last night it looked like Gordon added a few more.

At the precinct level, later last night I ran into Joe Dan on the way home from Lynchburg. He truly makes working the polls a joy and an adventure!

My agenda today is nothing but a long list of crazy errands.  And I'll be wearing my Webb t-shirt.  Things are looking up!!

Thanks for the update Ken (Bubby - 8/5/2006 9:00:26 AM)

It is good to get timely updates on the campaign activity.  I'm looking for help at the Rockingham County fair, and would be happy to lend a hand for the other valley gatherings. Lets see what we can do out here in indian country!

Great Diary! (Doug Garnett-Deakin - 8/5/2006 9:08:43 AM)

I went to Stepping Out in Blacksburg last night and was thrilled to see so many folks with Webb buttons on. Thanks to Kathy and her husband for manning the booth all night! I know Blacksburg is a progressive island down here, so it is abberant, but there are Webb signs everywhere and it is great to see. Now the bumper stickers are coming out and its just great to see.

Lowell- the Webb website having the store on it is a huge improvement- I dropped all of my allowance on there the first day the store was up and I can't wait to hand out all the bumper stickers I ordered.

Excellent, glad to hear this. (Lowell - 8/5/2006 9:23:59 AM)

Things are seriously cranking up at the Webb campaign...everyone come be a part of it!

Blacksburg is a hotbed of Webb fans (Bubby - 8/5/2006 3:47:09 PM)

And we had great success getting sigs to put Jim on the ballot.  Many older folks wouldn't let me in the door until I told him I was gathering signatures to put a Democrat on the ballot.  There was a uniform disgust with business-as-usual. Later, people came up to me on the street after reading about Jim and were enthusiastic.  We have a great candidate. Students have become much more involved in this election - having lost some of their own in Iraq. 

I am concerned about student turnout - this gang is largely uninspired to get to the polls.  We would do well to create a GOTV effort in a few weeks to make sure the college kids are 1)registered locally, and 2)motivated to vote.

I set up a table at George Mason (thegools - 8/5/2006 4:44:44 PM)

for John Kerry.  I plastered the table with Kerry & Democratic posters along with a sign that said "Register to Vote here."  Hence I attracted a lot of Democrats to register-to-vote.  I refused no one.  In the end I registered about 180 people (3:1 Dem to GOP)

Take the initiative and do it yourself.  All you need is a stack of registration forms, a few posters, a small table, a stack of bumper stickers, a good high traffic location (campus ceters are good) and time.

Note: I asked for a small donation for each sticker, but I DID give them out (without donation) to people pledged whopledged to put them on their cars. When things are free the are not valued and thus are often treated little better than wastepaper. Asking for a donation slows the wasteful use of stickers.

Before I gave someone a sticker, I always asked if the person planned to vote for (Webb).  If they balked I pressed home that the stickers were not free to the campaign (~$20/sticker).  This kept GOPers from taking stickers or forces them to pay up.  You do not have to give a sticker to anyone you do not want to (I.E. known (Allen/GOP) supporters).

All great ideas, thanks! (Bubby - 8/6/2006 11:19:24 AM)

Excellent diary, Ken. (summercat - 8/5/2006 9:25:52 AM)

I attended the meet and greet at a coffee shop in Williamsburg.  There was a lot of enthusiastic support there.  I am encouraged by your upbeat report, especially after the DSCC did NOT target Jim's campaign.  I hope that decision is reversed in the near future.  Don't get me started on the DSCC targeting policies.  I also hope that many of Jim's high profile (and very wealthy) endorsers pony up with some bigtime contributions.

an update (teacherken - 8/5/2006 11:00:29 AM)

i had trouble staying connected with the free wi-fi, so I gave up trying.  I also left earlier than I planned, because traffic had slowed considerably and we didn't need as many people.

It was quite busy early.  We quickly ran out of button stickers.  We distributed dozens of bumper stickers, got a number of volunteers signed up.  We asked for a $1 contribution for bumper stickers, and we had one person give us $20 without taking a bumper sticker.  We convinced a few voters, answered a lot of questions, have some more on which we have to followup.  Republicans were not to be seen.

This was the regular tabling of Arlington Dems.  We had literature for local races, and also against the noxious amendment, but most people were interested mainly in Webb, and almost 1/2 the traffic was from outside of Arlington, some from elsewhere in VA, but also quite a few from DC.

I'd say it was effort well spent.

Great job! You are an inspiration... (Lowell - 8/5/2006 12:17:14 PM)

:)

Thanks for the diary. I'm depressed today (va.walter - 8/5/2006 11:45:45 AM)

after the Daily Press article showing the DSCC has essentially abandoned us in the short term.  This is truly going to have to be a grass/net roots effort and every little thing (signs, bumper stickers, etc) counts.  We have to convince the DSCC that we can win this raise if the'll just pump some money in.

http://www.dailypres...

ProAction (seveneasypeaces - 8/5/2006 11:35:28 PM)

On another list we were discussing Schumer being a DLC type.  He did the same thing to Paul Hackett.  He told Paul he would not support him.  Paul found out how dumb the leadership could be.

This was suggested.  Maybe Jim Webb needs to call Schumer and ask him why.  bush certainly would do that.

repost from Galen:

For instance, if Jim Webb were to call Chuck Schumer for explanation for refusing to help his Virginia campaign, that call may be enough to change Schumer's mind. If Webb really wants the DSCC's money, a continued refusal by Schumer may suggest that Webb aught to call his own friends in Virginia (M. Warner and Kaine) to twist Schumer's arms until he frees up the money. The mplications to Schmer will be obvious: does he want to be on the wrong side of a potential US senator, a current sitting governor, and the potential president of the United States?

What goes around, comes around.

On a lesser scale, how many of us will refuse a personal request for a contribution from one of our Democratic Congressional candidates?  Modesty in the candidate has no place in such matters; it is expected, and, in most cases, a personal appeal for money will be received with honor.

I will not be giving the DSCC money.. (thegools - 8/5/2006 11:48:59 PM)

....any time soon.  I am mixed on Schumer.  He gave one of the best speeches on the floor of the Senate during the "Nuclear option" debate.  Tehn he did what he did to Hackett, and now Webb is put aside.....If I have money to give I know where it will go- Directly to the candidate of my choice.

 

Chuckie (DukieDem - 8/6/2006 12:31:21 AM)

I wish he was committing to the campaign more, but Schumer is making a smart call here. We have to do our part to make this race close by Labor Day, and if we do national money will come in now. He's putting money in Penn and Ohio on the bet that early money will lock those races up so the party won't even have to committ resources there in October.

And as much as I want Webb to be Virginia's junior Senator, I want Harry Reid to be Majority Leader more. I hope we can be a part of that equation, but if the party thinks it can get to 6 without Virginia, they should go ahead.

Bottom line, the Party establishment would like nothing more than to see George Allen unemployed in January. The ads the NRSC put out in 04 in the Bowles-Burr race were disgraceful, and the party hasn't forgotten. In fact I may see if I can bring some fellow Dukies to drive up 85 on election day and knock on some doors.

Waiters and Tippers (seveneasypeaces - 8/6/2006 3:03:40 AM)

I thought there wasn't going to be another poll until October.  What is special about labor day.  Since when is Schumer the party.  What have your dukies got to do with election day.  We need help before that.  I'm disgusted and don't know why Bowles has to stop Jim Webb from getting support. 

I give directly to candidates now.  No more biased middle men.  They can dangle their own money, not mine. The DLC sucks.

Your entire last paragraph doesn't make sense to me. 

Doesn't Chucky understand that knocking allen out is a twofer.  Oh never mind.

Uh (DukieDem - 8/6/2006 8:42:46 AM)

Hoping that was a sarcastic comment, because that was a pretty loaded statement. Here we go:
1. Most people don't pay attention to the race until Labor Day. We have to do our part to spread the word and get things moving because if Webb isn't making gains by Labor Day, the DSCC won't spend money on the race.
2. It is not Schumer's job to give money to whatever candidate is running, its his job to gain 6 seats. Again, I want Webb do be part of this equation, but to me, Reid as majority leader is more important than Webb as junior senator. I don't mean this to underscore how much I want Webb to win and how hard I'm going to work for him (I'm taking OFF a semester just to volunteer for Webb), but you can't lose sight of the bigger picture here.
3. On election day I'm going to call some friends of mine from Duke and see if they can come up to Virginia to help with door to door stuff. Since they have school to go to, most aren't from VA, and its an hour drive from Durham to Mecklenburg (last county along I-85 before you hit NC), I'm not going to demand that they work night and day for Webb. Election day is the most important day, because you don't win any race without turnout.
4. Allen was chairman of the NSRC in 2004. The NRSC ran some pretty disgusting ads in North Carolina addition to some other places. Allen was in general an arrogant SOB at campaign events and press conferences, and he made himself a national target by being NRSC chairman (which Allen himself has admitted to in fundaising letters). If Webb gets close, the party establishment would like nothing more than to get rid of Allen. But they don't like wasting their money anymore than you and I do, so they'll only do it if Webb gets within striking distance (which I'm pretty sure he will).
5. I have never given a dime to the DSCC. Unless you've got money to burn, it makes more sense to give to candidates directly anyway.
6. Again, Schumer does undertand that knocking off Allen is a twofer, but its hard to kill two birds with one stone when you don't have the stone. He won't spend money unless Webb can beat Allen.
7. Again, I think this is very early in the game and Webb will get the national support he needs. This is not the final straw and the DSCC will be there for Webb. I think Lowell has made it pretty clear that Webb is getting some support from some pretty big people in the party; from what I've heard, Obama is BY FAR the most requested guest for fundraisers, campaign appearances, etc. so having him and the minority whip host a fundraiser for Webb is a BIG DEAL. This is not something to pull your hair out about. Keep the faith and work hard.

Ah Ha (seveneasypeaces - 8/6/2006 4:25:15 PM)

I thought you were blaming Jim Webb for not being ahead enough for Schumer to send money when you are actually saying it isn't Webb's fault, it is because it is summer.  That wasn't clear and Schumer shouldn't make statements about not supporting Virginia if it is because it is summer afterall.
 

The new design looks like this. (thegools - 8/5/2006 12:08:59 PM)

I know because I designed it after seeing how the first ones looked. 

When driving by at 70 miles an hour, one must be able to read and comprehend the message.  Therefore signs must be simple and clear.  The old ones needed improvement, so I did what I could.

This just goes to show that if you see something that needs improvement take the initiative.  The Webb campaign WILL listen and use good ideas.

We cannot count on them to think of everything.  They will not know about every public event that Webb should attend, they will not notice every glich in their campaign, nor will they come up with every good idea.

  Therefore, if you have a good idea, contact them !!!!  I did and I do.  Sometimes they use my ideas, sometimes not.  Either way, the help you give is money saved by the campaign.  By designing this sticker/logo, I saved them the time and $$ of finding and hiring a professional designer.

(Note: the logo above shows an early version of the design, there has been some tweeking [slight Font changes, union label added, etc] since then, but it basically identical to the new sticker.)

Exactly, take the INITIATIVE! (Lowell - 8/5/2006 12:18:50 PM)

That's been the story of this race to date, from the "draft" until now.  If people across Virginia take matters into their own hands, we can win this race. If not, we probably can't.  It's very simple: get active, get out there, and get going for Webb! :)

I think I'll do a post on that .... (thegools - 8/5/2006 1:49:38 PM)

...unless someone beats me to it.

I have been greatly motivated in my political activities by the fact that I have seen the impact of my actions.  I was never political (actively promoting candidates) until John Kerry.  When I took the initiative then, I saw results.

With Webb it has been the same.  Nearly every good idea I have had has been adopted/or had a positive effect on the Webb campaign.  I can see definitely see my finger prints on this race.  That is fun,  rewarding, and gives me a true sense that my voice and vote have power.

  If we could see the fingerprints of every soul who has affected this race in a positive way, I imagine we would give the fingerprint-data-bases a run for their money.....!!!

The DSCC decision... (Bubby - 8/6/2006 11:33:32 AM)

Is a challenge to every Webb supporter - bear down hard and get to work.  Jim's out beating the drum in the midwest and west coast, we need to do the same here in Virginia.

Shirts and things (seveneasypeaces - 8/5/2006 6:23:07 PM)

Thank you so much Ken.  I plan to forward your inspirational news.

Today I received a shirt that has been on backorder.  My brother really wanted the born fighting shirt (XL). So I ordered it for him.  But what came today is white and is absent the famous title.  I think the website should be changed because people think they are ordering that great navy blue shirt.  Does anyone have an XL blue shirt they would like to sell?  I will keep the white one for myself but it was disappointing. So I suggest the demstore be updated to show what is actually being sold.  I wish both were being offered. 

The energy is moving fast now. This is really exciting.  I would be supporring Webb from another state too. Come on America, Let's Win.

it might still be available at Democratic store (teacherken - 8/5/2006 8:16:31 PM)

here since I see on the webpage.  Scroll down a bit to see what I mean.

Circles (seveneasypeaces - 8/5/2006 8:48:03 PM)

Thanks Ken.  The white shirt came from DemStore.  The links take you back to webbforsenate so they are interchangeable.  There's no phone number to call.  Oh well, I have lots of Fighting bumper stickers. 

Hey - just saw one (Eric - 8/7/2006 9:35:23 AM)

of the new bumper stickers on a bumper this morning.  From further out all you see is "Webb" - and that's all you need to see.  Simple and gets the message out.

Great work on the design and to Ken (and the rest) for getting those stickers out to people.  Can't wait to see them start popping up everywhere.

Ken -- outstanding! (Nick Stump - 8/8/2006 12:20:05 AM)

Great diary.  I just received my Jim Webb package, 2 XL t-shirts, bumper stickers and buttons.  I'm manning the Veterans Against the War booth at the Kentucky state fair.  If any Virginians are there they'll see a friendly face. Plus, I can make my pitch for Webb donations.

This Democracy is not in the hands of Chuck Schumer.  You have the power to get out there and win this election door to door.  I think you guys are one of the strongest grassroots movements I've ever seen.  You have so many hardworking volunteers, you can do anything you want. 

Every campaign in the country will be trying to fill the vacuum left by Lamont campaign.  The netroots is a powerful engine, but we need to be careful and not lose focus on this Virginia race.  Jim Webb is more than a number to add up to 51.  Webb is  a national treasure and you're lucky to have him running for you.  Do everything you can to focus the netroots community on Jim.  You have this one poll and already people are getting nervous.  Reassure the doubters.  It's August!  Instead of worryiing about where you should put your effort and trying to handicap the November outcome, just get out there and bring your candidate home.  Face to face contact will still win races.  You have enought volunteers to talk to every voter in Virgina.  And when Virgina voters know Webb's story, they will vote for him.

The netroots movement can obviously can wield a lot of power.  Will the CT race end up costing the party a Democratic seat?  Will there be an I after the CT senators name instead of the D there now, or will Lamont push on through?  I don't have an answer, of course.  Like most Dems, I'm tired of Liebermann's kissy face with Bush, but if he decides to run as an independant and wins, who do you think he'll causcus with?  No matter how we feel, this a thorny bush we've got a hold of and it might bite us back.

I want more than anything for Democrats to quit fighting Democrats, and for us to avoid self-destructing.  We have such an wonderful opportunity here.  I'm 57 years old, and I can tell you, quality candidates like James Webb don't show up very often.  Put everything you have in this race.  Forget national strategy.  Jim Webb is your national strategy.  Get him elected.  I know you can do it. 

Once again.  Great diary, Ken.