While Newt is busy destroying Romney for us, I want to focus on dem senate and house candidates where we can make a difference REGARDLESS of state. The fact is, we could lose the senate. Changing the house to dem is a huge (if possible) task. And we don't know, at this point, given we are early in the election season, how the economy or politics and world events will alter the presidential election (think economic collapse and McGrumpy 2008).
We have a lot of work to do.
I am in California, but like many here, donate to worthy issues/dem candidates in other states. The difference in who gets ignored here and who gets support is often a difference of who is writing and the consistency and quality of the posts.
So, before you read further, I want you to literally stop reading and think for a moment about WHAT motivates YOU to donate to an out-of-state candidate or out-of-state issue.
Please stop here. Just close your eyes for a moment and really think about it.
Make a mental list of a couple of things that inspired you to donate to an out-of-state candidate/issue.
I just want to share what inspires me and what inspired me to write this post.
Recall Scott Walker
I live in California. I have no family or friends in Wisconsin. In fact, I have never even stepped foot in Wisconsin. Ever. I have had only one union member in my family though I am a life-long union supporter BECAUSE IT IS RIGHT.
I was an environmental organizer for a national group for seven years. I was really good at what I did. I've learned some new tricks from Recall Scott Walker and have marveled at their amazing work.
The entire Recall Walker campaign has been brilliant and inspiring (as was the previous state recall campaign). I have donated money, and after I click publish, will be donating again. I NEVER miss their posts. I search them out, though they rarely float down on the lists which is an issue of discussion, below.
Constant posting by great writers that informs and inspires.
There are a few here at DK that post on the Recall Walker campaign, but the posts are well written, variously entertaining, fun, funny, inspiring, informative and almost ALWAYS include pertinent visuals.
Personally, I'd almost kill to be in the Wisconsin capitol singing and/or a part of the group that teaches others to make LED recall signs and stands on a freeway overpass using them or perhaps use them at night in the freaking freezing cold to collect signatures while sometimes being harassed!
This is the kind and type of movement that makes history because of the sophistication, dedication and unique contributions that people make in a hugely diverse universe of ways. AND because the writers that post here are great writers and do such a stellar job at keeping it real and always keeping us informed, I always feel a part of what they do though I am thousands of miles away. Hats off to the various posters that write on the topic. You have my greatest respect (and some of my money!).
Now to the topic of what I need from others outside (and even inside) California:
1. State the case for your candidate in a real and meaningful way.
It's not enough that they are just a dem. Can they win? Are you actively working in the state? How? Do you know their positions well? What's their political history and do you have some kind of inspiring media to show us how incredible they are? Do you and others go to their events able to take video you can edit and post on pertinent topics? Are you a good writer or are others good writers that you can learn from? Have you really thought about what it will take to inspire out-of-state monetary support for your candidate?
2. Link to Act Blue not just to their campaign sites. Some campaign sites are just getting up to speed and are pretty much shells right now. Do either of the sites have sophisticated position statements on important issues? If not, why not? Why should we donate to your candidate if we cannot make a clear determination that they are able to win and have good issue positions they are willing to put in writing? Is your candidate in the news? Are you sharing that in well written diaries on those topics?
Suffice it to say that Elizabeth Warren is a classic (success) on the points above, but she is not your everyday candidate and not in a small (or large) purple state. Warren had support before she even announced given her history and was well known here even prior to announcing and yes, I donate to her, too. But those that write about her here are often really good at making the case for supporting her from afar.
These are just a couple of examples. You, reader, have more.
I invite you to share what kinds of inspiration YOU need to work for and/or donate to a house/senate or other candidate.
November is close and far at the same time, but all of us need to commit to making a difference in 2012 and I think you all would agree that now is the time to make a commitment to working for a candidate and doing your best to solicit support for your winning candidate.
PS: The wind has come up (one helluva Santa Ana) so I could lose connection. If I don't contribute further, that's what happened! Geez, we need rain!
Update: Here's a rec diary that pretty much makes my point. Again from Wisconsin (what IS it with you folks?!) on the evil Paul Ryan being vulnerable.