Raleigh, NC - Last night my family attended the reopening of Fayetteville Street to traffic after 30 years of "use" as a pedestrian mall...very fun, very good for urbanism. Of course, all the expected dignitaries were present including my congressman and fellow Kossack, Brad Miller. Also out in force, unfortunately, was his opponent, Vernon Robinson. There was also what seemed to be an active team of canvassers. Robinson is bigot of epic proportions, as clearly demoed in his now infamous radio spot:
http://vernonrobinson.com/...
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I was standing with some friends when Vernon Robinson walked past. Initially I kept quiet, but the urge just hit me as he got about 10 steps from us, so I shouted, "Go, Brad Miller!!!!!" Robinson turned, smiled, and when it became apparent I wasn't kidding, replied, "I don't know...Brad's looking a little tired." He meandered on down the street personally speaking with folks and handing out brochures. I have to give him props for being out in the crowd shaking hands and meeting people.
About 15 minutes later I turn and see another canvasser making the Robinson case to two young African American women. This really got me going and as they walked by, I said to the two ladies, "don't vote for that guy, he doesn't care about you." They looked surprised.
The Robinson canvasser stepped directly to me and said, "Why would you say that?" I replied, "What are your thoughts on the mariachi radio ad? Why would you support something like that? Why would you want to give your energies and talents to someone who believes that garbage?" She did an about face and restarted her pitch to the young ladies by saying "he's a really great guy." My wife, who is not inclined to talk politics (see father, blowhard) said, "he's a right wing republican," (way to go, baby, proud of you.) To which the young ladies said in astonishment, "a republican...this guy?" The canvasser quickly moved them away from us and as her voice trailed away could be heard saying, "it's not about that, it's about the issues, blah, blah, blah."
It appears to me that Robinson is really going after the African American votes.
I have no knowledge of what the polls indicate and I know it's pre-Labor day and that Robinson is first class kook, but he is taking the fight to Brad right here in his stronghold of Raleigh. The Robinson folks have already canvassed our staunchly liberal neighborhood at least once. I will say he is doing the types of things we want our challengers to do...go out talk to people, make your case and be proactive.
I really hope we will begin to see Brad go on the offensive...I know I am going to. Here is my challenge to you:
If you live in NC-13, or just care about this race, join the fight.
Think how depressing it would it be to take back the house, but end up losing a great progressive rep in Brad Miller AND being represented by Vernon Robinson. Bleck!!!!!!