Posted by
NOTLEGALROADKILLYET on Saturday, August 19, 2006 5:59:34 PM
I recently had the privilege to listen to what must be Karl Rove's stump speech-the one where he tells the story of Ohio and the 80,000 volunteers in 2004. Those volunteers were the difference between victory and defeat, between President Kerry and two more left wing activist Supreme Court Justices and President Bush and his two potentially great Justices.
Now when I am out and about, and someone expresses an interest in a local or statewide candidate, I make a point of asking that person to volunteer. It is a simple thing, and you would be surprised how often people say yes-more than 30 for me alone, including my dentist's secretary.
Republican volunteers are critical in Colorado. The campaign finance rules are so tight for the Republicans-designed of course by a Democrat to handicap Republicans-that a dedicated volunteer can quickly (in a matter of days) give personal services worth far more than the $1,000 cash contribution limit, especially if he/she is willing to make phone calls or walk precincts.
Of course, precinct walkers are ineffective without funds to buy flyers and TV time. A good campaign requires both.
If you are as concerned as I am that Colorado have a Republican governor this year, call Shirley at 303-996-8388 and tell her that you can give money or time or both. (She doesn't know I am giving out her name and phone number, so the next time I see her, she will either slap my back or my hand and I have no idea which-humor intended. She will direct your call to the proper staffer.)
If you live near the Denver Tech Center, and care who wins, I'd suggest you plan to spend some time making phone calls from the Beauprez campaign headquarters. Face time and your name on a sign in sheet in a governor's campaign may prove very valuable to you one day, even if you don't meet the candidate immediately.
Oh, btw, the reason Bob doesn't know me, and wouldn't recognize me has much more to do with the fact that we are in the campaign headquarters at different times and days than a lack of loyalty to his volunteers. Of the 75 or so hours that I have volunteered there, I have seen him in the place exactly twice. He waved at me once, and I was on the phone the second time. He has important stuff to do right now, and I am more than content with that level of contact.