Even if we were shagged out the door by 10:30 or so by the candidate (heh!), last night was rather upbeat at the headquarters of Steve Blythe, the Democrat who's gunning to take back the Florida 15th. He beat a challenger two-to-one who was a Republican until December 2006.
It's been inspiring and to see what about twenty volunteers (most of them retirees) accomplished on behalf of a principled, plain-talking man.
Last night it occurred to me that there's a lot of grass-roots experience among the Kossacks, when it comes to taking on a well-financed opponent - so I got the go-ahead to request your input. Even though there's no incumbent to take on in the general election, the real adventure is just beginning...
Dr. Blythe announced he was running before incumbent Dave Weldon made it known he would not be seeking reelection. This district (Indian River County, much of Brevard and Osceola Counties and a little chunk of Polk County) was represented by a Democrat, Jim Bacchus, who did not run for reelection in 1994. The 15th contains the cities of Melbourne, Palm Bay, Vero Beach and Kissimmee and a large number of senior citizens. NASA, defense contractors, Piper Aircraft and tourism (for the coastal destinations as well as the theme parks) each have a distinct impact on the local economy.
This is the second campaign I've volunteered for. Party involvement has never been particularly appealing. The policies and events of the past seven and a half years, though, have increasingly depressed and demoralized me. A Kossack who was energized by Howard Dean's campaign didn't give up the fight. I took her advice and started reading this site when the "outrage" built up to a point where I just couldn't stand by and watch what was happening. Not anymore. I had to do something, however symbolic it might appear to be. So now, along with a handful of hard workers, the next ten weeks will have no lack of "somethings" to tackle.
Even two years ago I thought the 15th district was a "lock" for the Republicans, but not now. It seems like the right time for down-ticket Democratic candidates who (also) don't resemble the usual "pol" archetype. I'm also sometimes daring to be encouraged by the substantial, um, disenchantment with the policies and actions of the current administration.
I'm waving my little banner, here, to tell the netroots world about our weary but pleased excitement. Today the press releases and planning and strategizing proceeds. It's an uphill battle. The Republicans picked a successor to Weldon long before the primary (Bill Posey, a state senator) and he has a considerable war chest...
This campaign needs to learn about every low-cost, no-cost, unconventional, emerging-tech, "guerrilla" ideas and strategy for communicating with the voters that we can. I won't break down all that we've done so far - although you're certainly invited to contact the campaign office for the full details - and our focus up until today was obviously on Democrats who vote regularly. Working together with other local candidates was certainly a huge help. The overall plan at this point is to expand "what worked" for us so far, and spur as many Democratic and independent voters as we possibly can.
Since so many of you have long experience in the trenches, I'd be grateful for your thoughts. My own wish list includes using localized web portals as much as is appropriate, and supporting precinct captains with all the resources and encouragement we can muster.
Even if the Republicans outnumbered us in the last House race here by about 14 percentage points (27,649 votes), there are more than a few of us who cling to the notion that 2008 appears to be our best opportunity in a while to send a universal health care proponent, pro-choice Sierra Club life member to represent us in Congress. Steve's ActBlue page is always open, but what I really wrote this diary to ask for is suggestions and caveats. Kindly direct 'em to the office, the e-mail in my profile, or of course in the discussion below... and thanks.