We are at a historic moment in Arizona, and it is not time for politics as usual. If we are going to take on the toxic and polluted politics of McCain, and Brewer, and Arpaio, we need to elevate the discussion, and appeal to core values that Arizonans hold dear. We need to be clear, unafraid, and confront their divisive politics directly.
Most importantly, we need to organize. We need to organize. And we need to organize! We need to bring together school teachers and construction workers and educators and parents and white and black and brown.
My campaign has been about that kind of coming together. Today, in Arizona, I know at least 50 volunteers were at the polls at 6 AM; many of them had never been involved in politics before, and most of them would never have met each other if it were not for this campaign. I am honored to the candidate chosen by so many extraordinary people.
The blogosphere has played a critical role in the amazing surge over the last few weeks. Today, CNN called our primary a "Moment of Truth" and said that our campaign was "The one chance Democrats have of beating John McCain in November."
Bloggers here on Daily Kos have been critical in bringing national attention to this exciting race, along with netroots leaders including Blue America, Blog America, True Mexican, People Against Sheriff Joe Arpaio, 1 million Strong against SB1070. Thank you all. Mike Trujillo, Parraz Campaign Manager, said about you that “Blogger support has made this race competitive. They’ve spread the word, giving Arizona voters information they were not getting through traditional media sources.”
Arizona netroots leader Dan O’Neal personally endorsed our campaign a few days ago. He said something that drives this campaign: “it is not a small thing to understand – the political realization – that he can win! – Randy can beat McCain because he brings into the political process voters, Latinos, labor, progressives, and independents.”
I hope you can help spread the word in these final critical hours before the polls close in Arizona.