If you have ever wondered where the Emily in Emily’s list came from, it is an acronym for Early Money Is Like Yeast. The money that comes in early gives a candidate credibility and makes it easier to raise additional funds and attract additional support. Successful fundraising gives a campaign credibility in the eyes of editors and helps generate positive coverage. Ten dollars in March is worth a hundred dollars in October. Therefore small donors are well advised to give early in the season.
This is doubly true in race for Virginia’s 34th Senate District. Giving money to Chap Petersen now will be included in his quarterly filing. The current incumbent will have a pile of money, so it is critical that Chap raise as much money as possible for the first filing.
Chap has a history of winning. He was the only Democratic challenger in 2001 to have won his race, and he did so in what was supposed to have been a safe Republican district. His victory in November will help us retake the state Senate. Virginia is one of the few states with an election this year, so retaking the General Assembly will have a huge impact on the national debate. Helping Chap win this race now will continue the Democrats Are Taking Over narrative.
The current incumbent is Mrs. Tom Davis. Defeating her this year will be a huge blow to Davis' political power. It will weaken his image as a politician and make it more difficult for him to raise money. Defeating his wife this year sets us up to defeat him next year, whether he runs for reelection or the US Senate. Davis is one of the biggest fundraisers in the Republican party, so defeating his wife this year hurts not just him; but the entire GOP money machine. For the price of a Pizza you can deliver a crucial blow to the entire Republican party.
Now is the time to donate to Chap Petersen.
Note - Kossacks will be interested to know that Chap Petersen was one of the first Democrats to endorse Jim Webb.