Come to Virginia and take 13 electoral votes away from George Bush!
The latest Zogby poll puts us only 3 percentage points behind in VA. We only lost in 2000 by 200,000 votes - less than 100 per precinct statewide. Now we're below 40. We can win this thing.
Turn-out from Northern VA swung the state for Doug Wilder and this year is even more auspicious. Bush support is weakening downstate around Hampton Roads and we have a strong Congressional candidate there in David Ashe. Doug is running a spirited race in Richmond that will stimulate Democratic turnout. New voter registration exceeds the difference between Kerry and Bush in the polls. And I've never seen the energy in NOVA that I see today.
We are moving into the last days of canvassing and GOTV work and preparing for a big effort on Election Day. Many people from the District and MD are going to FL, OH, and PA, which is great for those with flexible schedules. However, I'd bet that there are a lot more folks who could get away on evenings, weekends, or Election Day. We could really use them over here.
More (+ contact info) below...
As the Post reported, the Kerry campaign re-allocated some of some paid staff to other states with more electoral votes. Don't read too much into that decision. We still have as many paid staff in VA as the opposition and more than in 1992, 1996, or 2000. All the offices are still open, all the phone banks are running, and all the structures the paid staff set in place are working. Now we just need you to help fill them.
A win in VA may or may not be the difference in this campaign. But who can say, after 4 years ago, that we don't need insurance? It also could be the difference between a victory and a drubbing (and a drubbing would not only feel good, but would also have real legitimacy significance). VA's electoral machinery is not under Republican control. Most importantly for you, the key precincts are right across the river.
Here are the main offices:
Arlington - 3147 Wilson Boulevard (one block from the Clarendon metro) 703-248-9330 (e-mail: arlvolunteer@vavictory04.com)
Alexandria - 618 N Washington St, Alexandria 703-549-3367
Fairfax - (Northern Virginia Regional Office) 2722 Merrilee Drive Suite 310 (near Home Depot) 703-207-2004 Fax: 703-207-6927
And two key websites for up-to-date information on volunteer needs and opportunities:
http://www.virginia4kerry.com/default.html
http://www.vavictory04.com/
Find some time. Cross a bridge. We can win this thing.