In support of our own: GARY PRITCHARD CA-33

We gather here at DailyKos for many reasons, but one of the most important ones is to help better Democrats get into office.  

I'd like to bring to your attention one of those better Democrats, a candidate who I believe is well deserving of your support:

GARY PRITCHARD for CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE, 33rd District (Orange County)

Gary and his beautiful daughter, Charlotte

Please follow me to learn more about Gary:

I first learned about Gary from his wonderful wife Ellinorianne's diaries here at DailyKos.  (By the way, her name is Heather!)  

You can learn a lot about someone from the way their spouse talks about them (and here, and here!)  You can learn a lot about someone from who is endorsing them. Who they are is also revealed in their own words and actions:

I am running for State Senate for many different reasons but the most important reason is to be sure that our State Government represents the interests of all our residents, conservative and liberal, Republican and Democratic alike.

I’m not for bigger government, I’m for better government. Education, the environment and health care are very important to all residents.

As a Native Californian and a long time Orange County resident, I thought it was time to get involved with my community by running for State Senate. My first intention was to get a "D" on the ballot but the more I learn about the issues facing the State the more I realize that it’s important that I try my best to win this election.

Orange County is a traditionally Republican County but I hope that I can encourage you to learn more about me and what I want to do for our district. Fiscal Responsibility and accountability are not owned by either party and it will be the cornerstone of my campaign.

Please click me to read more about Gary's Priorities!

But what really nailed it home for me was learning that Gary and Heather are concerned about animal welfare issues, and that they are currently fostering this little charmer, Kona:

It takes someone with a Very Big Heart to open their home to foster a less fortunate being (human or furry) and doing so clearly demonstrates Gary's compassion and concern.  

I am convinced that Gary Pritchard will be an outstanding representative for those in need of a voice!

A new generation demonstrates compassion for animals! YAY Charlotte!

I feel really good about Gary and I'm posting this diary to ask for your help.  Orange County is a long-time Republican area and Gary is facing an uphill climb.  Did you know that Orange County requires a total of $7,371 to file one's Ballot Statement? (And that in neighboring San Diego County, its a whopping...$200?)  Who among us could just write a check to pay for that?  

Gary Pritchard needs $900 by tomorrow to get his Ballot Statement filed.  Can you please help him reach that goal? (clicking this link will take you to Gary's ActBlue page!)

Orange County's 33rd District

Orange County needs someone like Gary who is truly in touch with the needs of its citizens.  

Please support Gary Pritchard's efforts to move Orange County forward - and paint it BLUE!  As a special bonus, Kossack dadanation has donated these exquisite 10" by 7.5" prints to be given as a Gift-With-Donation for everyone who donates $40 to Gary's campaign.  Donate $75 dollars and you'll get two of his beautiful photos (your choice)!  A One Hundred Dollar donation will make you the happy owner of all three gorgeous prints!  Dadanation took these photos himself and he has graciously donated them as gifts for Gary's fundraising efforts.  Also: Dadanation and I are sharing the expense for printing and postage, so every penny of your donation will go do help Gary!

These prints are not shown-to-size: the print you will receive is 10" by 7.5"

Serenity by dadanation

Iris Blooms by dadanation

Dolores Park Light Pole by dadanation

Once again, here's the ActBlue donation link for Gary Pritchard!  Thank you!  Any amount will be so gratefully received, and if you are able to send $40, $75, or $100, you'll get your choice of a lovely dadanation print(s) to enjoy.

Gary rocks out at his Campaign Kick-Off! (Gary is on the keyboards)

Even the pirates support Gary!

All photos in this diary, and quotes from Pritchard08.com, were used with the kind permission of Heather Pritchard.  Thank you, Heather!  

Serenity, Iris Blooms, and Dolores Park Light Pole are copyright dadanation.

•  Tips for Better Democratic Candidates!

  ...and a huge huzzah for Heather and Gary Pritchard!

  by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:36:14 PM PDT

  •  Oh

    Charlotte loves animals.  She makes "homes" for the snails in our garden!  She loves bugs and she's so sweet with Kona.  I know teaching her compassion towards others, big or small, will only help her on her life's journey!

    And Charlotte is one of those people who doesn't feel anything just a little bit, she's passionate about everything thing she does!

    Charlotte is proud of her Father and she's already a good Democrat, she asked me why there was a President on the cover of a book I have, the book being, "The Audacity of Hope"!

    

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:08:56 PM PDT

  •  Beautifully done, joyful.

    I promised to find $25 last night and I think I've got it.  I'm going right now to put it in the pot.

    by Got a Grip on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:16:48 PM PDT

    •  Thank you!

      for your kind comments (From the open thread) and your donation!

      by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:29:40 PM PDT

      •  My pleasure. I couldn't

        do a diary today, but don't hesitate to ask again.  Today is bad, most days aren't.  Good candidates need all the help they can get!

        by Got a Grip on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:55:43 PM PDT

        •  Bless you, dear Gotta. Thank you, thank you!

          Your encouragement and support of this fine candidate means so much!  THANK YOU for your loving, generous heart!

          by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:58:16 PM PDT

          •  right back at ya', joyful.... ;-)

            by Got a Grip on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:22:33 PM PDT

        •  Oh

          I'm so going to take you up on that!  Thank you :)

          by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 10:53:42 PM PDT

•  Go, Gary!

  Pitching in a little more today toward the $900. Come on, Kosites--let's finish this off tonight!

  by roses on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:42:29 PM PDT

  •  YAY! Oh, thank you, dear roses! I know that

    Gary and ellinorianne are so appreciative of any-and-all contributions!  {hugs}

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:46:10 PM PDT

    •  Hugs to you too. And

      thanks so much for writing this diary. :)

      by roses on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:47:50 PM PDT

•  I think Gary

  should pose in a Superman outfit. The man seriously looks like Dean Cain from "Superman: The Adventures of Lois and Clark."

  Who wouldn't want to get their picture taken with Superman?

  by iampunha on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:44:00 PM PDT

  •  I've never seen the Superman you're referring to,

    iampunha, so I only vaguely know of Dean Cain's work.  Curiously, I am more familiar with Roger Cain (his brother) who plays in a great band called Sandbox!

    Huzzah for gorgeous men with big, compassionate hearts!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:17:35 PM PDT

    •  Superman

      http://www.imdb.com/...

      by iampunha on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:52:46 PM PDT

•  Thanks

  Thanks for the info. I'm an Orange County resident so I'll certainly look into this. BTW - the numerous pictures in this post make for slow page loading. Please be more economical with pics in the future.

  by Murry on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:44:19 PM PDT

  •  Thank you for letting me know, Murry. I am sorry

    if I slowed things down for you with the graphics.  There must be another way to do this that would be more efficient and I'll work on that for the future.

    Thank you for considering Gary Pritchard as your candidate!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:48:51 PM PDT

•  Oh, this brought me to tears

  Seriously, what a lovely post, thank you so much.  We are blessed that so many people have come out to support us in their own way.  There is no such thing as a loss in such endeavors, we've won so much already!

  And Kona is a delight and so easy to Foster, I know there are more difficult cases out there that people open their homes and hearts to after others have abused an animal's trust.  For all of those people, I'm grateful they have the patience and kindness to care for such beings.

  Thanks for all you do Joyful and thank you so much for this amazing diary!

  by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:51:01 PM PDT

  •  It was my honor and pleasure to do this, dear

    friend.  Orange County residents need someone like Gary to represent them!  GO BLUE!! GO GARY!!  We are cheering for you all the way!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:57:00 PM PDT

•  the pritchards are great!

  Gary is the real deal and I think he's one of the best candidates Dems in OC have this cycle.

  Go Gary!

  by joeesha on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 02:59:59 PM PDT

  •  Thanks joeesha! I know your support means the

    world to the Pritchard family!  Go Gary!  YEAH!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:10:43 PM PDT

    •  Joe is an amazing

      Demcorat in Orange County and his praise means a lot to both Gary and I!  Just another one of those people who has made it easier for us to fight the good fight!

      by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:17:22 PM PDT

•  It's time to put up

  Please, show Gary some love. I've given him some money -- as much as I can afford -- and he is worthy of your financial affection, too. He truly is one of the good guys. Thanks.

  by The Wuz on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:10:14 PM PDT

  •  Bless you, Wuz, and THANK YOU!!

    This is music to my ears - and I know it will thrill the Pritchard family!  Thank you, thank you!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:13:13 PM PDT

•  Down to the deadline! Please donate!

  Gary needs to beat Mimi Walters and having a candidate statement is one of the best ways to help him do it. I've contributed to him, as have others, but he needs just a bit more.

  Please donate!

  by garykephart on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:22:34 PM PDT

  •  Gary

    Has been extremely supportive, not only in his donations but by walking precincts with my Gary almost every single weekend!  They are the "Garys" to vote for in Orange County.  He's another amazing Democrat that we are proud to call a friend.

    Thank you Gary!

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:29:20 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, garykephart! Two Garys to rock OC...

    I like the way that sounds!  :)  Thanks for being here with us today!!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:00:07 PM PDT

•  In for $50.00...

  Pretty incredible considering Elise will tell you I rarely donate to anything on DKos without being given a cool pootie pic.

  Best of luck.

  by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:54:12 PM PDT

  •  By the way...

    Thank you for the 'heads up' email.

    Being in the U.K. right now my timing is waaaay off. Would have been disappointed at missing this opportunity.

    by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 03:58:12 PM PDT

  •  Pretty incredible

    And here is one of my favorite Pootie photos ever!  (By the way, you missed yesterdays diary then of pooties galore.  It sounds dirty, but it was very cute).

    

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:01:14 PM PDT

    •  Best part of that photo....

      Is the cat to the left.

      Either is the 'Pootie from Pluto' or the strangest end table I've ever seen.

      by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:04:58 PM PDT

      •  How sad is this

        It never fails to make me giggle.  Seriously, I'm just fascinated with pootie photo and the caption!  It was on my desktop for like a month!

        Another favorite!

        

        by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:10:10 PM PDT

  •  Bless you, Morgan Sandlin, and thank you!

    I bet I can rustle up a pootie pic for you, with much gratitude:

    

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:05:27 PM PDT

    •  Oh for heaven's sake...

      Reminds me of that 'big hair' I had going on in my 20's. Of for those 'Bambi years'.

      Definitely worth another $20.00. Will be right back.

      by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:08:06 PM PDT

      •  ..and its done.

        And its supposed to be 'Oh for those Bambi years'..but its 12:12 a.m. here and I'm sipping my second glass of wine.

        by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:13:41 PM PDT

      •  Oh no

        You've revealed your weakness!

        Pooties for Democracy, help them raise $$ for my Husband's Ballot Statement!

        This was the pootie fest from yesterday.

        

        by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:17:18 PM PDT

        •  lol..that one is cute....

          You understand that kath25 was personally responsible for getting Donna Edwards elected?

          She milked donations out of me for an entire evening of a fundraiser diary they had going..and topped it off with one of the best cat photos I'd ever seen. I keep telling her that it was her effort in that diary that pushed Edwards over the top and positioned her for the win.

          So...in for another $20.00, in honor of kath :)

          by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:02:32 PM PDT

          •  Now THAT comment

            deserves a picture of me with a guy who puts his cat on his head for money:

            

            Just think, I gave him a buck for that photo, and in turn it has raised hundreds of dollars for Democratic candidates from you! Good deal for $1.

            Thank you thank you Morgan, your comment is most appreciated. :-)

            by kath25 on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 09:32:36 PM PDT

          •  This is fresh LOLCAT

            I got from the site today, I was laughing so hard in my office it looked a bit conspicuous!  Oi.  Thanks again :)

            by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 10:52:00 PM PDT

•  I kicked in 25 bucks. C'mon folks!

  by fleisch on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:01:29 PM PDT

  •  fleisch, you RAWK! Thank you, thank you!! nt

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:06:16 PM PDT

  •  Thank you! n.t

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:06:47 PM PDT

•  i really hope gary gets the funds he needs

  because heaven knows we californians deserve a far more blue and a far more responsible state legislature.

  i am way honored to be able to help out in a very small way here.

  thanks joyful for the very cool diary.

  now let's see about sending gary to sacramento!

  _______________

  it's their screen name because they couldn't figure out how to spell "moran."

  -9.75 (e), -7.18 (s)

  by dadanation on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:13:06 PM PDT

  •  Thank you

    so much for sharing your gorgeous artwork!  I love your photos and it means so much to me!  My best friend is an amazing artist, I just wish I could afford to buy her pieces!  (I actually have some of her older work that were gifts but I love her new stuff)

    Jennifer Celio

    And one I bought years ago and have in my living room, I love this piece!

    

    Another reason to want to be rich, to give my money away and support the arts!

    Thanks again for supporting good Democrats!

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:28:35 PM PDT

    •  Oops

      Wow, um, that's not the painting I bought, that's a pootie repeat.  Sorry! :)

      by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:37:43 PM PDT

      •  But wonderful anyway! :)

        by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:55:13 PM PDT

        •  p.s. You're a jewel beyond price, dear dadanation

          Thank YOU for donating your gorgeous creativity to support Gary's efforts!

          by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:02:17 PM PDT

•  Oh yes!

  So close :)

  And my Mom gave us another $50, that's a lot for her, I love my Mom! And so does Charlotte.  I'm going to have leave in a bit, it's Grandma's night at our house!

  I would post a photo but I can't get to my photbucket account!

  ((HUGS)) Mom!

  by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:34:17 PM PDT

•  Congrats! I donated $5 because I'm unemployed

  but it's better than nothing. :-)

  Good luck on your campaign and tomorrow!!

  by priceman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:40:29 PM PDT

  •  Oh gee

    You!  Thank you so much, I know how hard that must be and if there is anything we can do let me know, we will be much more solvent and maybe I can send you something!

    Maybe I will send you some Chart for your $5 :)  (That's not what you think, it's Charlotte Art!)

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:42:12 PM PDT

    •  Chart is awesome! :P

      That would be cool. :D np, I'm happy to help.

      by priceman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:45:45 PM PDT

  •  Thank you so much, priceman! I know that money

    could have gone for something else, and I join the Pritchards in deep gratitude for your generosity!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 04:56:34 PM PDT

    •  np thank you, joyful

      Your comment was, literally, joyful as well.

      by priceman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:11:52 PM PDT

  •  priceman..people like you so inspire me...

    When it comes to $5.00 making a difference in my life and how I was going to be for the next few years I've been there done that.

    Individuals that will give when the giving really matters have my deepest respect.

    Thank you.

    by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:05:46 PM PDT

    •  Wow...thank you, Morgan Sandlin

      I appreciate our kind words and I know you can relate.

      :-)

      by priceman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:09:12 PM PDT

      •  your kind words. :-) nt

        by priceman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:27:30 PM PDT

      •  You're welcome priceman...

        though my comment should have referred to a 'few days'...like I said above..its the wine :)

        by Morgan Sandlin on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:43:29 PM PDT

        •  :-)

          Rum and coke for me, please! :D

          I understand.

          by priceman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:52:10 PM PDT

    •  Amen to that

      And I tend to give even when I'm not sure I have it because I know it will come back to me tenfold.  That's why ever donation matters to me, big and small.

      by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 10:49:29 PM PDT

•  I pimped this diary in Scott Kleeb's diary

  and I suggest other folks pimp it anywhere else it will be tolerated and get some eyes on it.

  by fleisch on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:16:45 PM PDT

  •  This is wonderful news, dear fleisch! Thank you

    SO much for helping us get the word out on Gary's candidacy!!  Your support is so greatly appreciated!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 09:34:50 PM PDT

•  You Will make it over the top!

  My laptop is responding very slowly this PM, but better late than never...for sure! I just helped out through Act Blue. I'm confident that you will be in. Then, we will all really need to roll up sleeves and get to work! Dave Sonneborn

  by dopeydiddledocks on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 05:21:18 PM PDT

  •  Oh Dave, thank you SO much!! Your encouragement

    (both financial and emotional) is deeply appreciated by the Pritchard family!  Thank you, thank you for helping out!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 09:37:03 PM PDT

  •  Dave

    Thank you so much for giving!  We did it!  And roll up our sleeves we will.  I am going to post his ballot statement tomorrow to show people what they are helping pay for!

    Thanks again!

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 10:48:14 PM PDT

•  Thanks for the heads up email, joyful ,

  I've been traveling all day and just got home. Gary is just the kind of man CA needs in the State Senate and he's a keyboard player :>) I threw down at ActBlue and all I can say is: GO GARY! ( and Heather )

  by jnhobbs on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 07:44:32 PM PDT

  •  You are simply a peach! Thank you so much, dear

    jnhobbs, for your support of this fine candidate! You (and your fundraising assistance!) are so greatly appreciated!

    by joyful on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 09:39:48 PM PDT

  •  You've thrown down many times before

    and you are saving us, thanks so much!  I hope you had happy travels too!

    by Ellinorianne on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 10:47:10 PM PDT

    •  You and Gary are more than welcome, Heather.

       Best of luck on the campaign.

      by jnhobbs on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:37:46 AM PDT

  •  I thought of you when I saw he was keyboard

    player. So nice of you to help out his campaign!

    by roses on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:49:25 AM PDT

•  Donation made!

  and good luck Gary!

  by skertso on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 11:19:25 PM PDT

  •  This was wonderful news to wake up to! :)

    Thank you, thank you, dear skertso!

    by joyful on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:43:05 AM PDT

•  Just checked your Act Blue page

  this Friday afternoon. You made it--and then some! Congratulations!!!

  by roses on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:55:12 AM PDT