When I first ran for the Wisconsin State Senate, the `conventional wisdom' was that I didn't have a chance. Same thing was true when I first ran for U.S. Senate in 1992. And, come to think of it, as most of you already know, `conventional wisdom' hasn't really been on my side for much of my career. Well, I can report to you that things seem to be going just fine and you can guess by now what I think of so-called `conventional wisdom.'
The elections this year are extremely important, and Democrats and Progressives have a unique opportunity to make gains at both the state and federal level across the country. Through my PAC, the
Progressive Patriots Fund, we've been able to help candidates financially at all levels, and I've been able to
travel to states to help campaign for candidates as well.
But I didn't win that first State Senate race (by 31 votes) because I had more money. And for that matter, I've never won an election that way. We've been able to win because elections are won not on the airwaves alone, they're won on the ground - in towns, both big and small, around kitchen tables, outside local businesses, and at your front door.
As you may have noticed, either by our email, news articles, blogs, or blogads here and elsewhere, the Progressive Patriots Fund has developed a program to provide trained grassroots field organizers to targeted campaigns across the country. The Patriot Corps was originally designed to hire 15 energetic progressives, train them with some of the tools we've used on our successful campaigns, and send them out to work on races in Wisconsin and around the country. The initial response to the program we've received has been extremely positive, with hundreds of people contacting us about getting involved. Because of the strong interest in the program, we have decided to try to expand the Patriot Corps from 15 to 20 participants. We have a real chance to win across the board this year and the Patriot Corps is another way we hope to help work toward a Progressive victory in November.
If you, or anyone you know is interested in working as part of the Patriot Corps for the weeks leading up to this year's election, you can fill out the application form here.
Providing quality training and paying the salaries for a total of 20 grassroots organizers is no easy task, but this program is an important way for us to help build a Democratic majority this November. Click here to find out how you can help out.
I can't stress enough how much the elections this year matter. I'm going to continue to campaign for Progressive and Democratic candidates across the country between now and November. And I hope the Patriot Corps will be another way to help in reaching our goal. Every hand shook, every door knocked on, every day between now and the election matters. Thanks to everyone here for doing their part.