I worked on a congressional campaign today - why do that on this beautiful August day? I am pumped because of Lamont's win of course, feeling more positive and optimistic than I have in a long time.
Stephen Harrison is a former Community board leader, an activist, and a lawyer. He is running against Vito Fosella, a rotten republican in the NY-13 - a New York City district that shouldn't have Republican representative since in is majority Democratic registration
The district is weird, (gerry-mandering anyone?) and covers all of conservative Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn: Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonnhurst and Gravesend.
Today, I actually worked with the candidate, something I had never done before on the other campaigns I volunteered for, so that was extry-exciting. I saw Harrison meet people, use common touchstones with them, and also listen to their problems. He was great.
We went to block parties, which maybe unknown outside the northeast (?) but basically the block closes off the ends of the street so the kids can ride their bikes, etc in safety. People barbecue on the sidewalk and bring out speakers to blast music, etc. It's something I associate very much with NYC. I was there to drop literature and provide a sense of an entourage (there were three of us with the candidate).
The challenge is $$, of course. Despite endorsements from prominent NY dems (Clinton, Spitzer, et al) there is no funding of the campaign. It is entirely shoestring and shoe leather, which is a shame since Hilary sleeps on a big pile of donations every night.
But I am turning to the netroots for help! The Brooklyn part of the district usually goes Dem, so we were well-recieved, but when the candidate goes to Staten Island, he is going to need signs, to get air time on local radio and TV and show the district the alternative to Vito. Here's the donate link and please volunteer if you are in Brooklyn or Staten Island! We need all the help we can get!!
http://www.harrison06.com/...