Yesterday's series of primaries has most definitely reminded the public that the general election is rapidly approaching. As November rapidly approaches, it is extremely important for Democrats to let the voters know why they should be elected. As many of you may know, the election season in Virginia should be extremely interesting. Throughout the Commonwealth, Democratic challengers have made recent gains in the polls. Jim Webb, for instance, is considered by many analysts to be one of the candidates who could unseat an incumbent Republican. Therefore, Virginia's elections have a significant amount of national appeal. If support for Virginia's Democratic challengers is to continue, however, the candidates must be able to continue reaching out to the voters. That is why the Bloggers for Field site was set up. (Crucial information below the flap)
There are several reasons why we have selected Andy Hurst to support with the Bloggers for Field Project. Primarily, it is because the Hurst campaign has made an obvious effort to meet his futureconstituentss and hear what they are concerned about. The Hurst Campaign is also making an obvious effort to draw attention to Jim Webb's candidacy. Every weekend there are canvasses held so that volunteers (and often times Andy himself) can talk to the voters about why Andy Hurst should be the next Congressman for Virginia's 11th District. The materials that are handed out to constituents, however, obviously cost money. And like the saying goes, money doesn't grow on trees. Unless, that is, you are cozy with lobbyists or are using the taxpayers money for your campaign.As many of you know, I have written several posts in support of Andrew Hurst. Andy is running against Tom Davis, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform. Much to our chagrin, recent media reports have revealed that instead of ensuring that lawmakers are held to the highest of standards, Tom Davis has formed cozy relationships with lobbyists and PACs. That is why it is so important to elect a candidate, such as Andy Hurst, who will honestly strive to advocate reform.
In recent elections, the blogosphere has become a powerful part of the political process. A candidate, however, cannot win an election solely based upon his or her support among net-root activists. It is therefore crucial that a candidate has as many volunteers as possible. Unfortunately, there are many people who do not have the time to personally volunteer for a candidate. There is, after all, only so many hours in a day. As a result, I would like to present a proposal of how you could potentially help the Andy Hurst for Congress campaign.
An
Act Blue site has been set up in order to raise money for the Hurst campaign. Through this site, donors would be able to assist Andy's ability to reach out to voters across District 11. The first $4,000 raised will go towards hiring a field organizer, and the rest of it would be used as the campaign sees fit, with the understanding that it must be used for voter contact, or other field activities. The organizers of this site would also like to have the support of a vast number of bloggers, not just one person in particular.
Tom Davis has a significant lead in the fundraising department, at least in part, due to the fact that he has received money from PACS. Davis and other Republicans, however, have admitted that this will be a tough year for incumbents. That is why it is so important for candidates like Andy Hurst to be able to make it an even tougher year by spreading word about their platform.
As of now, we have had over $244.44 donated to the Bloggers for Field project. Let's keep it up. The site will be running until September 31, which means we must act quickly if the goal of $4,000 is to be reached. If that goal is accomplished, it will be another step in the direction of trying to regain a Democratic majority.