Yesterday morning,
Bryan Kennedy was in West Bend. He was addressing a turnout of supporters at the Washington County Democratic Party office. Joining him was
Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton.
Kennedy showed more of the refinement he's gained during this campaign cycle. His message was short and simple - "We can win this if we keep working hard."
He's right too...we can win this if we keep working hard.
And Kennedy wasn't only talking about his race against Wisconsin's most embarrassing politician, James Sensenbrenner. He was talking about races across the board and at all levels.
That's the thing about Kennedy - he really cares about helping the party. For him, it's not just talk either. In addition to knocking on doors himself, he's also been travelling around to support local candidates.
His campaign may have had some stumbles early on, but as this election cycle comes down to the wire his campaign has a lot to be proud of. There is a network forming where there was none - a network that will go far in bringing up new candidates for offices across the district. In short, Kennedy has laid the groundwork for continued change in this once bright red district.
A sign of the times - Washington County (traditionally one of the reddest areas in the state) has a local Democratic party that has grown considerably since 2004.
But even more exciting than a bright future for Democrats - Kennedy is seriously challenging a legislator that has never been seriously challenged. Sensenbrenner has run virtually unopposed since taking office far too long ago.
I wish I had some awesome poll numbers to share, but I don't. Fact is - they cost too much for a small campaign to foot the bill. The last numbers were pulled a month ago and showed Kennedy at 41% to Sensenbrenner's 49%. That was before the great tide of pro-Democratic sentiment truly rose, but those are the only available numbers for this race.
But, maybe it's not the numbers that will tell the tale anyway. There's a strange feeling in the air - a feeling of impending change - and that might be the story at the end of the day.
Last weekend, Kennedy was endorsed by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel - a paper notorious for just rolling with whoever the incumbent is. That's enormous around here.
And, around the district, I've seen one Sensenbrenner sign in the last two weeks. One sign. I've even seen staunch Republicans take down Sensenbrenner signs a month ago.
Hard numbers? Not really. A strong feeling? Absolutely.
But, in order for this race to be won down the stretch, there's a lot of hard work to be done. Kennedy's up for it and he has some strong supporters working GOTV and last-weekend canvassing. But he's going to need the help of anyone who can lend a hand - the more people out in the neighborhoods and manning the phones, the better.
And, Kennedy can still use money to help with GOTV expenses and for television ads running through the election. This election isn't over and every bit will help. You can donate through my ActBlue page or through Kennedy's website.
To help on the ground, call volunteer co-ordinator Amy Vertz at 414-807-2983. There is a lot of canvassing, phone banking and GOTV to do.
Anyway, as I listened to Kennedy speak, a feeling of guilt filled me. I knew that I had to work some long hours over the next couple of days and would be unavailable to help with the GOTV effort.
But it occurred to me that even if I couldn't help, I could still support those who were helping.
So, I sought out Kennedy's campaign manager and asked him if the volunteers at the office liked pizza. He said yes, so I gave him $40 to buy them pizza while they worked the phones.
If you have time, or can make some time, then please go down to your local office and put in a few hours. If you can't put in the time, then stop in and buy the volunteers some dinner, or bring in some doughnuts - anything that will keep people going.
That's what we all need to be doing - help each other keep going. This race and every race across the country are ours to win if we just keep working.
Cheers.
*As an aside...
Lawton showed herself to be not only very intelligent, but also very funny. She told an extremely humourous story about hijacking Republican challenger Mark Green's headlines when she and some Democratic supporters were called by the owner of a favorite restaurant and told that Green was going to be coming down to try and get some 'see I'm just a regular guy' coverage. Lawton and crew went down, filled the restaurant and ordered their lunches.
Green arrived - local press in tow - only to find the place packed with his rivals. Not only did he not stay to eat...he also lost out on the front page story which ended up being a glowing one on Lawton and Governor Doyle.
The Wisconsin governor's race may turn out to be one of the closest races this cycle, but Lawton remains confident.
"I'm very confident that we're going to win this," said Lawton. "But I'm like the Princess and the Pea...I want lots and lots of cushion."
Any fellow Wisconsinites who have time - we need to help fend of any last ditch efforts from the Green campaign.