It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, and I wanted to do something I enjoy as a break from the end-of-quarter fundraising push. Since I was last on here, this race has turned completely upside down...and then turned upside down again...and then again. Candidates have gotten in and out. We were written off several times. We've driven around the district so much we could have driven the equator of the earth...twice. And after all that, we're not only still in this race, we're stronger than ever.
Without going into too much detail, the primary is now a two-man race. Our campaign is in front right now. We won the Pre-Primary Nominating Convention with 49% of the delegates in a four-way race, so we're on top of the primary ballot. We just got poll numbers back showing that we are winning two to one (43 to 22) right now. By any measure (website traffic, volunteer sign-ups, fundraising, etc.), things are taking off.
Of course, there are some major challenges ahead. Our remaining primary opponent, Harry Teague, made millions in the oilfield services industry. He's already given his campaign $200,000, and he's hinted he's willing to give more to pay for lots of TV ads. While we won't be able to go dollar-for-dollar against him, we've raised more money than any other Democrat in this district ever has in a primary (over $300,000).
I encourage you to go to our websites and compare us. Watch our videos, read about who we are, and find out what we stand for. I got in this race a year ago against Steve Pearce, because he was a rubber-stamp for the Bush administration, because he was wrong on the issues, and because he was not getting results for the district, especially rural communities and middle class families. I would hope that my getting in against Pearce demonstrates my commitment to fight for what I believe in.
One final word before I begin taking your questions. I turn 30 on Tuesday (yes, on April Fool's Day--it's not a joke!), and I'm asking those people who think that we need a new generation of leaders standing up in Congress to contribute $30 before then to help out with our efforts. I would really appreciate your help!
With that, I'll take some questions...