Just a few points about the Webb campaign, since there's so much misinformation and negativity floating around out there:*Fundraising's going quite nicely, thank you. I'm quite pleased with what I'm seeing, that's all I have to say on this subject.
*Literature is being ordered now that we have some money to spend. For now, we DO have literature, it's just not all glossy; despite this, we're managing to have tables at many farmers' markets and other festivals, and things are only going to get better.
*The main Webb for Senate office is open every day, including weekends. Come on over and help out - phone banking, envelope stuffing, etc. It's all good, and it's all for a great cause - electing Jim Webb and deep-sixing George Allen.
*We will definitely be getting the help we need when we need it so that we can get our message out effectively. 'Nuff said.
*The logo's been redesigned and we are now getting cool new stuff in....bumper stickers, etc.
*Lit is being designed and ordered for our big push in the fall. Same thing with signs. Honestly, on the signs, I see very little reason to put them up sooner than a few weeks before the election, given that these things have a way of disappearing in the "wind." Hmmmm.
*Jim is getting out, all over the state, and doing great. His "kitchen table tour" last week was very successful on many levels.
*We've got some great people who are holding fundraisers for Jim, sending out e-mails from Jim, blogging for Jim, etc. There are lots more to come as well, including big names that you're going to love. All in all, we're just getting warmed up.
*House parties are coming up on Sunday evening, August 13, and they're going to be great. If you want to host or attend one, contact Jason Korta at jason@webbforsenate.com
*George Allen's launching his "listening to Republicans" this coming week, and we're encouraging everyone else to be there to tell George, "you're not listening to us!"
*Finally, I am NOT here as a "koolaid drinker" or cheerleader or whatever other ridiculous things people out there are sayhing. Those who know me know that this simply is NOT my personality. And the way I see it now is that things are really starting to fire on all cylinders, given the fact that we were broke after the primary and that we're trying to do nearly the impossible by running two 100-day campaigns back to back.
That's why we need everyone's help, not to mention how high the stake are here - Iraq, the economy, the budget, global warming, stem cells, you name it. And, fortunately, we've found an awesome candidate and an awesome person named Jim Webb who can get to work in January 2007 fixing all these problems. But he needs our help, not our complaining or inaction.
Thanks.
People, if you want to put a sign on your lawn, be our guest. I've had one since March, and I see increasing numbers as i drive along Arlington streets.
Put bumper stickers on your car.
Have signs that you can put in front of your sunscreen when you park your car.
Wear a button whenever you can.
GIVE MONEY
go to a house party
keep informed
tell your friends and neighbors
Allen will have a ton of money. We will be outspent. But we were in the primary as well, and we won.
Be optimistic, be positive, and do what you can to add your support.
Plaudits as well on the kitchen table tour, new hires, aggressive fundraising, and updated website. Expect more money and time from this volunteer and strong Webb supporter.
Most campaigns have the benefit 10+ months--if not a year or two--to do advanced planning. This campaign has not had that luxury, and admittedly the learning curve has been steep. From the perspective of a volunteer I was impressed with the growth during the primary season--things DID improve at HQ by leaps and bound from the beginning of May to the beginning of June. It's good to see that the campaign is now showing every indication of running a first rate operation in time for the post-Labor Day election crunch time.
The stakes are high and the cause is worth fighting for. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the post. I do want to share what I have heard even down here in GA.
I've had conversations with folks from Nova, Tidewater and Southwest. They feel there are too many 'rockstars' fighting for attention with the campaign who don't want to walk and get sore feet canvassing or do the grunt work. Can you address this?
They all want to help...please don't confuse constructive criticism with whining or bitching.
Steve
I would say this about the campaign where inevitably great egos abound ... The key to this campaign right now ... as it was in the primary .... is with having an OUTSTANDING - UP STANDING candidate which we do!!! And by having outstanding up standing grassrooters (which we do) who have the passion to ignite the local democrats into righteous action. To wit we have two great people on board campaign who are working that angle directly ... focused, friendly and fervent. Best addition to the campaign and LONG OVERDUE.
There will be no bullshiting with Larry and Josh. You either walk the walk ... or take a hike... because we just don't have the time to spare. What's great about these guys is that they are reaching out and communicating ... that was lacking ... but no more.
Everyone join the party and elect Jim Webb for Senate!!
I'm very optimistic also Lowell, keep up the great updates coming to rk....I'm spreading the word !!!
In this context, I haven't seen any discussion of the Sunday Post story, "Senate Race Fast Becomes An Escalating Duel of Insults", http://www.washingto... and I was wondering how RK members feel about it.
For me, this story confirmed my own sense that the nasty, personal nature of some of the exchanges between the two campaigns' staffs and consultants is becoming a distraction from the hugely important issues involved in this race. This concerns me because I think that an ugly, mud-slinging race is more likely to benefit Allen than Webb.
Why? A few reasons:
- Voters don't know Webb -- their introduction to him needs to leave people with the best impression possible;
- History shows that Republican candidates are much more effective at being nasty and malevolent;
- Republican voters are also more tolerant of nastiness, whereas Dems and Independents are more likely to be turned off -- not what we need!
By all means, the Webb campaign should be as tough as possible in pinning Allen down on the issues and on his record. But they should do so with class. We want voters to turn their disgust where it belongs -- on the Republicans who are destroying our country.