I wanted to write a special thanks to the Netroots for all that you have done to support our campaign over the last two weeks. My greatest appreciation goes to Howie Klein, who was the first national blogger to endorse the campaign to defeat Dennis Hastert.
275 bloggers from the Blue America Community (Down With Tyranny, Firedoglake and Crooks & Liars) have contributed $10,966.26 over the past six months.
Two days ago, Hastert for Congress flyers hit the mail and now Tony Snow is coming to the 14th District for a Hastert fundraiser. You are making Denny campaign!
Based on his press conferenc today, he should probably stay holed up on his 200 acre farm, peeking out the window and hoping that the media goes away.
Check out below the fold for some more details...
I have broken this diary into three sections. I have written part of it in the car, going event to event. Please forgive spelling and grammar.
What is going on in the district?
Let me begin with one short plug for the Northwest Daily Herald that actually endorsed Dennis Hastert! You might want to add a Blog comment and let the NW Herald know what you think about their endorsement of the cover-up king. One commenter suggests that I am polling at 42%. I have not conducted a poll and I have no intention of doing so. The last report we received out of H4C suggested that we were polling at 38%. These numbers cannot be verified. I do not know what this person is referring to.
Shortly after sending at least one and possibly two Robo-calls throughout the entire 14th District, the Speaker sent out a "fluff piece" mailer, pictured below.
This Thursday, President Bush is coming to Chicago to raise money for Roskam (IL6) and McSweeny (IL8). On the same day we are putting together a town hall meeting to talk about the Iraq War and my proposed exit strategy.
For those of you who do not know, our family is watching closely as events in an Iraqi FOB (Forward Operating Base) unfold. Today there was an explosion at an ammo storage facility. My brother is stationed in an FOB and we are not quite sure which one - prayers please.
What is going on in Denny's Camp?
Today Denny fumbled all over the local media when asked about his involvement in the Foley cover-up. I don't know why Republicans let that guy speak - let alone be "Speaker."
Hastert for Congress has been actively engaged in the "yard sign war." We receive at least 5 e-mails/calls per day from people who have had their yard sign vandalized. At the same time, we know that H4C is losing lots of supporters. I base this on the fact that he had more signs up last week than he does today! (I have asked volunteers in our campaign to resist the temptation to pull a H4C sign from the ground)
What is going on in John Laesch's campaign?
My time has been consumed with management functions (hiring and training new people) and interviews with both traditional and non-traditional media outlets. Tomorrow we are hoping to get 4 new phone lines in the office and our new commercials should be available on-line soon.
My special thanks to Jerry Springer's Show for hosting me and sharing the idea to use "Honk and Waves" to get attention at high-traffic intersections.
Someone is coming to the office tomorrow to "sweep for bugs" after conversations inside the office were heard on a cordless phone outside of the office. We swept the office about 2-weeks ago, but things have changed over the last two weeks.
Door-to-door canvassing continues. I was ecstatic to read the front page of the DNC's 50-State Neighbor-to-neighbor canvass. Thanks Marion!!! We had 13 events on Oct. 7th and our new field director has been adding more and more events.
Media has been explosive and I can honestly say that I have not read all of the newspapers, TV reports, and Blogs that have been written about this sex scandal.
We have been replacing our phones and it is taking forever! Unfortunately, the Republicans chose this crucial time in my campaign to hold their annual October Surprise Sex Scandal. It has been havoc and if you have not been able to get through, please write info@john06.com
This is a VERY brief summary - my special thanks to all who have contributed ideas, funds and volunteer time!
Sincerely,
John Laesch