[Please excuse my profanity and read the extended. There is a poll.]
John Edwards dropped out of the Democratic Primary Race.
Harry Sampson came in fourth in Maryland's Democratic Primary (Congressional, MD-1).
That's three candidates I have supported in the last six months that have lost. Needless to say I am frustrated.
Fuckin' John Edwards, who I supported in lou of sticking with DFA because I thought he was going to continue to fight for our generation through the next few weeks at the very least, resigned like 10 minutes after the polls closed in Maryland.
I voted for him and two hours later he quits. Fuckin' bullshit.
I looked at that ballot tonight - on the new DieBold machines - and I saw Dean's name and was drawn to it. I loved that campaign. He inspired me. He brought be into the process. He empowered me. I feel so strongly about his candidacy that even when I voted for Edwards for President
(Edwards for President vs. Dean for America... think about it for a minute) I still voted for Dean Delegates because I knew that his voice was the one that I wanted to speak for me at the Democratic Convention.
I no longer feel empowered. I now understand that 50% that doesn't vote...
I never personally met Governor Dean. I still believe that I will one day. I did, however, meet Harry Sampson, and he is a great guy. I feel true regret at his loss today in the Maryland Primary because I know in my heart - as one of the senior campaign staff - that we had the right message, the right candidate, and the right team to take on Wayne Gilchrest in November. Problem is, we didn't have the right name recognition or the right wallet in March.
Ann D. Tamlyn is 70 years old. She ran in 2002 against Congressman Gilchrest and lost 77-23. She raised $0 in contributions that year. She did not run a campaign, and she will not this year.
I work for DFA and learn that money doesn't win elections. I work for Edwards and learn that message doesn't win elections, 'electablity and flip-flopping' on issues does, and then I work for Harry Sampson and realize that to win an election you have to send out direct mail or be 70 years old and lose once.
I don't know what to think, but I sure as hell feel disempowered.
I am going to go into a bit of a political seclusion for a while so I can pull the pieces of my personal life back together. That had a rough day as well, and it is going to need some mending.
If anyone can help find me a campaign job this summer, let me know. I'd prefer to stay local, but I need to make some cash and I'd really like to avoid working minimum wage (not that getting a job is easy). I am not going to hunt for one myself too hard, I think I just need a break. If you find one though, let me know.
Otherwise... senioritis is now setting in 100%. Thanks to everyone for everything, it was a good primary season.