I need some advice, fellow Kossacks.
I am pretty new to this politics game...I am 20 and I've never been able to vote for President before (I was 17 in 2004...yeah, I'm pretty bitter about that still) and I haven't had any real experience in working on a campaign aside from the neighborhood canvassing I did this February in Milwaukee, WI for the Obama campaign.
Anyway, I have received some news tonight that has left me disappointed and looking for some advice.
The person who was going to run the Obama group in my hometown has decided he is no longer willing to do so after Sen. Obama's FISA vote. While I respect his decision and understand it is his choice, I can't help but feel disappointed.
You see, I live in Milwaukee during the school year but reside in a small county further up the Wisconsin peninsula during the summer months. This county is home to about 34,000 people and is typically conservative. However, I feel it has great potential. TIME Magazine listed this county as one of just a handful Wisconsin counties that went overwhelmingly for Barack in the February primary. I really see this as an untapped resource.
I'm not going to give out the name of the county simply because I don't want to point fingers or sound like I am blaming this person who has opted out of volunteering for Obama. The name isn't what's important, anyway. The next step is.
This is where I'm looking for some advice, or kossack wisdom as you will. Some have suggested I run the operation on my own, but that concerns me. I am working 40 hours a week to pay for college, and I am also going to be returning to Milwaukee in the school year. This would leave the group in somewhat of a bind. I also am new to campaigns, like I mentioned. My lack of experience makes me hesitant to try and organize something without having a full grasp of the amount of resources I will need.
Does anyone have any experience or advice they could give me in this situation? Do you think it would be best if I just let it go, considering how Barack is running away with WI in the polls, or should I try to start something without any experience? I would need some pointers and tips on what resources I'd need, who to contact in the campaign, what to expect...any advice really. Some kossacks may think this is a no brainer, and the next step is obvious, but I really am new to this and am unsure as to how to proceed.
Consider this diary my thoughts and open mind on how to go forward. If anybody wants to throw in their 2 cents, you're more than welcome.
Update: Wow, my first time on the Rec list! Thanks everyone! And thanks so much for your kind words and your advice, I really appreciate it!