Most of you probably wouldn't have noticed, but I'm back after a bit of a hiatus from dKos. After JoAnne Kloppenburg's "loss" in April I started a caricature of Kathy Nicholas and then realized there was no joy in the process for me anymore. For awhile there I thought I might be able to change my state for the better through my writing and drawing alone, but I realized I needed to do more, but when my idea didn't work out as I planned I rethought my whole role in our democracy.
So, on the 11th of June I got off my ass and volunteered to knock on doors for the Bob Wirch Campaign.
We decided to turn it into a family outing... Just a bit of a walkabout. (Some of you may have seen a picture or two before of that tadpole peeking around the side of her stroller in the bottom right corner.) We got our clipboard with the names and addresses along with a map and some campaign literature and our ragtag band was on its way. Things went well considering we were in conservative Burlington, WI. A few people refused to open their door and one guy was adamantly opposed to Wirch, but it was generally a positive experience. My wife DID NOT enjoy the experience and swore that next time I could go it alone.
Well, last Saturday we were in Kenosha anyway and decided to stop by an event at the Wirch Headquarters. I was just hoping to meet a few like minded people and maybe get a yard sign. As soon as I stepped out of the bright morning sun into the office I was greeted at the door by the Senator himself. After shaking his hand (and before my eyes fully adjusted to the light) I took a few more steps inside and met John "Bowzer" Bauman from Sha Na Na.
I don't know who that woman is, but I wish I'd have had the nerve to ask them to pose thusly with me. "Grease for Peace!"
It was pretty crowded and I was pushing a stroller so I made my way to the back for some breathing room. Who did I find there?
None other than Mark Pocan talking to constituents! I did't think it could get any better than this! I was wrong!
Senator Wirch gave the crowd a pep talk and introduced State Assemblyman Mark Pocan who represents the 78th District. He spoke briefly and was followed up by none other than former Wisconsin State Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager.
My jaw about dropped to the floor when State Senator Lena Taylor from the 4th District entered the room and began to speak.
As you might have already guessed she was followed by a very animated State Senator G. Spencer Coggs from Wisconsin's 6th District.
So at the end of all this excitement MrsJarHead decides to give canvassing another chance and signs us up for another afternoon of knocking on doors. On our way out I caught this scene in the parking lot...
It's hard to see, but the bike says something to the effect of, "Proud to be a UNION THUG"...
My wife had a lot more fun this time around. Kenosha after all isn't at all like Burlington. We're hoping to get back out for one more go around during the final push in the last few days before the election. Wups... I just checked my calendar... I'm working six days straight up to election day. Looks like the best opportunity is going to be this Saturday!