Most obvious, of course, are the similarities between the incumbents in both Virginia and Connecticut. Both tow the Republican party line. Both fit the definition of +óGé¼+ôconservatives without conscience+óGé¼-¥ (see John Dean+óGé¼Gäós book by that title). And both meet the voter frustration threshold of +óGé¼+ôstay the course+óGé¼-¥ and +óGé¼+ôbusiness as usual+óGé¼-¥ politicians that Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut told me had to be swept out of office.
But what was most encouraging to me was what I learned from talking to CT voters in their neighborhoods, on the phone and on their way to vote at the polls. For example, there were numerous, approximately 11 thousand by one news report, registered independents who went to the trouble to change their affiliation to Democrat within the last few months so they could vote in the primary because they viewed this election as a watershed. By my reckoning, there seem to be a lot of independent minded voters in CT, many more than in Virginia. And in previous elections they would not have bothered to vote in the Democratic primary. But this time they were bothered, hot and bothered. I can+óGé¼Gäót say that all the independents who changed affiliation voted for Lamont, but based on the level of concern I heard from those I spoke with, I think most of the independents that voted did so because they wanted to help change the course, not stay the course.
One independent on his way in to vote told me that if Lamont did not win the primary he wouldn+óGé¼Gäót be able to bring himself to vote ever again. His determination to make a difference did indeed make a difference, and his effort was rewarded with a renewed faith in our system. His example should renew our faith and determination as well. I think the frustration level here in Virginia is as high as it is in Connecticut, and that many in Virginia will come out on election day to make what they would say is their last stand. I predict, that like our brother in Connecticut, the efforts of these Virginia voters will be rewarded with a renewed faith in our system.
Then there was the Republican poll worker who was not at the poll to support the incumbent, but was there to encourage voters to vote in an upcoming referendum. Those of us working the polling place for Lamont spent much of the time listening to this Republican list the many reasons she thinks its time to unseat the incumbent Senator from CT. Her reasons were many of the same ones that were bringing Lamont supporters out to vote.
The majority of the Lamont supporters I came in contact with are unassuming, but they seemed to have the determination of a person on a mission. This was no ordinary election for them. They told me this was something that had to be done. They knew it wouldn+óGé¼Gäót be easy, but they were determined to be heard. Frankly, even though Lamont was leading in the polls when I arrived there, I, like all of the campaign workers I met, could only bring myself to be very cautiously optimistic. But the quiet determination I witnessed outside a polling place the morning of the election convinced me that those voters would be celebrating Lamont+óGé¼Gäós victory that night.
Lastly, I take encouragement from the similarities between the Democratic challenger in CT and Jim Webb here in Virginia. Obviously, they are both newcomers to national electoral office. And what was very important to the CT voter, they are outsiders when it comes to what appears to be an incestuous, inside Washington alumni. But a couple of other things stood out to me. Lamont supporters I spoke with mentioned that they thought they could trust him. Integrity is on the line in this election, and Webb is taking the high ground on this front. And Lamont supporters also liked the fact that when they hear him speak he didn+óGé¼Gäót talk in the language of +óGé¼+ômediaspeak.+óGé¼-¥ When Lamont speaks, the listener hears uncoded, clear and plain language. That+óGé¼Gäós the way Webb speaks too, and that+óGé¼Gäós what the voters want to hear.
I, like many others, had thought that a win for Lamont in CT would be a great boost for all the Democratic challengers around the country. So I went up there to be where the action was. What I didn+óGé¼Gäót know was how much encouragement I would take from talking to those determined and courageous voters there who proved that it can be done.