Yesterday was a great, though frigid, day to knock on doors with Troy Farlow, the Democratic challenger in the 96th House District. Troy's campaign is up and running, and I was very pleased to make the trip from Virginia Beach yesterday morning to join him and a warmly dressed, very dedicated crew of supporters who were out speaking to voters in York County.
More on the flip.
Canvassing for Troy was a great experience and a lot of fun. Our job was more than voter ID and boosting Troy's name recognition, though we certainly did that. Our job was to help Troy find out what citizens of the 96th are discussing at their dinner tables, what is upsetting them, what they're worried about. Troy wants to hear from the citizens so that he can understand what the unmet needs of the community are. When you have a candidate who really wants to listen and learn, you have to feel good knocking on doors for that person.
Response to Troy was positive, from self-identified Democrats, Independents, even Republicans, one of whom stunned me when he announced with his head hung low, "My party sucks." Yep, that's a direct quote from a self-identified Republican in the 96th.
Another thing I found highly encouraging was how well organized the effort was today. Kudos to Troy, his Field Director Jason, and the volunteers who participated. The overall level of organization I've seen in every aspect of Troy's campaign is extremely impressive. With Troy's attention to detail and tremendous energy, he's mounting a serious challenge in the 96th.
Take a trip over to Troy's website, www.troyfarlow.com and check out some of what he's got to offer. If you're anywhere near the 96th district, I hope you'll lend Troy a hand. There will be many opportunities to volunteer for Troy between now and November.
Another interesting conversation was with a Republican who considered the lack of affordable housing to be the most pressing issue facing us here at home. He felt that government needed to address this in a major way. It was very interesting to hear that coming from a middle class Republican homeowner.
I'll ask my brother for the name of the W&M young man and if he knows how I can reach him in Williamsburg. As I mentioned in my recent note congratulating you on your hiring, I am hoping to visit you in Va. Beach soon. I hope to have made contact with the W&M student by the time I see you.
Has a decision been made yet as to where the DNC Hampton Roads regional office will be ? If yes, do you have an office tel. number yet ?
Ciao for now.
T.C.
Honored to be a Jim Webb Democrat
Ha... DNC Hampton Roads regional office is in my car :-) !! We're a traveling outfit, and you're welcome to ride shotgun when you're in the area. No time to stay put with so much area to cover. When I get an official cell # and email address, I'll post them as did Joe and Brian, the other DNC Regional Field Organizers.
The Webb sign your brother gave me is still on my dorm wall actually. The YD group down here did a great deal of work for Jim Webb, Phil Kellam, and Shawn O'Donnell this past fall and we're already gearing up for the 2007 General Assembly races. It looks to be a promising season, especially with candidates like Troy. Anyway, If you'd like to contact me, my email address is ijsarv@wm.edu. Hope to hear from you soon.
Isaac Sarver
Allies are needed in desperate times such as these ; )