(From the diaries. The excitement in so many of these races is palpable. I am already committed to volunteering for Jerry McNerney at least one day. I'm now inspired to trek out to CA-04 and spend a day there as well. Remember, everyone should commit to at least a few hours, if not a day or a weekend. Just do it. We won't win if everyone sits the election out -- kos)
Yesterday, George W. Bush came to town to stump for Pombo and Doolittle-- two Republicans who not long ago thought they held safe, safe, safe seats. (When Charlie Brown, the retired Air Force Lt. Colonel running to take the CA-04 seat, released a poll recently that shows the race is a dead heat, Doolittle did not release any polls that tell a different story. It's been noted before, Doolittle is nervous, if not scared.)
At the Bush/Doolittle event, Republicans still willing to drink the kool-aid were charged $2,000 per head for the privilege. So Charlie Brown gave the people of the district an alternative: He invited the citizens of CA-04 to a franks and beans feed at The Blue Goose and asked for donations of $20 per head. But no one would be turned away for the lack of funds.
One of the local newscasts reported that "dozens of people" were there. They must have been referring to the staff and volunteers, not the citizens who showed up. I went (and as an added treat, I met espresso and glaciermom!) -- let me tell you about it below the fold:
The campaign was planning for 150 people, but by the afternoon they thought maybe 300 might show up. The estimate now is between 450 and 550. As I said, I was there. I think that is a lowball estimate. The place was packed.
And there is this: (note to those who dislike Dean's 50 state strategy) So many people pouring into the venue were beaming. "I thought I was the only Democrat in the district!" so many said, laughing. People are emboldened and thrilled to know they are not alone.
The campaign was hoping to raise about $2000-$4000. They told me a while ago they are still counting, and so far they've counted over $10,000. I believe it. I volunteered and my job was to sign people in and collect their contributions. They were writing checks for $20, $40, but also there were lots of $100 - $500 contributions. People are on the brink of giddy over this campaign.
The speakers were all great:
Todd Stenhouse, the campaign communications director, MC'd the event. Todd came to work for Charlie because they both care so much about taking care of our veterans. You know how you can tell when a guy loves his job? Todd's got that. When he talks about how proud he is to be associated with the Brown campaign, he radiates happiness.
Larry Dubois, the Placer County Democratic Central Committee Chair let everyone know that yes, indeed, Democrats are alive and well in the CA-04!
Rob Haswell, the Democratic candidate for the California State Assembly (and in my humble opinion, a real up-and-comer) gave a rousing speech. Haswell has an infectious enthusiasm and was a real crowd-pleaser.
Don Harper is a Vietnam veteran (Marine Corps) and Chair of Veterans for Charlie Brown. The crowd went wild when he asked the veterans in the room to stand. I don't have to tell you how truly loved our vets are. It's hard to believe when you think of the way this government cuts off combat pay and tolerates bad body armor -- and so many unspeakable abuses of our military.
Joanne Neft is the founder and chair of Republicans for Charlie Brown. What a brave group! Now, you have to understand: John Doolittle is a vicious and vindictive person. As Joanne said, many Republicans in the district are afraid to express an opinion against Doolittle for fear of retaliation. No one who works for a public entity is safe.
Pete McCloskey -- yes, I said Pete McCloskey!! Former Republican Congressman, cofounder of Earth Day, who is so disgusted by this Republican Party leadership that he is working for Democratic candidates. He had a great assignment for us all: Make sure senior citizens get their absentee ballots filled out and sent in.
Then Jan Brown, who I adore, introduced her husband. Jan is a veteran herself, and a truly nice person. She's been committed to the win from the beginning. In fact, the first time I believed Charlie Brown could win was when I heard Jan say it, several months ago.
And Charlie Brown (click to donate) capped it all off with a great speech to a happy, huge crowd. He said a lot of things, but I'll highlight one: He acknowledged that it's not realistic for a candidate to make specific promises about legislation, since a member of Congress is one of so many. But he did make some promises to us last night. He will never be a paid lobbyist. (His wife Jan has also made that promise.) He will never tell the people he represents to "hire a lobbyist" before they can talk to him. He will come home to the district once a month and have town hall meetings.
A great time was had by all. We feel we are on the verge of victory. Now is the time. All our great candidates need money for this last push, and Charlie is no different. This thread from Firedoglake is a spotlight on Charlie Brown. It's from the day he came to the site for over two hours and answered questions from the community.
I promise you, if you donate money to Charlie's campaign, you will be helping to elect one of the good guys.