On Election Day eve, I can confirm that Doug Applegate has run a nearly flawless campaign, an incredibly disciplined operation as you might expect from a retired Marine Colonel and successful litigator. Applegate hired the right people, respected their advice, and did what Hillary Clinton did when she ran for NY Senate — he conducted a listening tour. Not an easy feat in a sprawling district that straddles diverse communities from Del Mar in San Diego County to Dana Point in Orange County, with the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in between. All connected by the chronically congested Interstate 5.
But the Colonel showed up, never let up, never gave up, and never stopped evolving.
Meanwhile, Darrell Issa did what he’s always done: took his re-election for granted, even when Applegate, out of nowhere, came within 5 points of Issa in the Spring primary. At the July 4th parade in Rancho Santa Fe, I was there when Issa said to Applegate, “I hope you can get the DNC to spend eight million dollars to make this an interesting race.” Remember that?
Trumpster Darrell Issa meets Doug Applegate for the first time, July 4, 2016. Photo by WildLilac
As it happens, the DCCC noticed Applegate’s strength and did invest in the race, but it’s not looking like an eight million dollar investment was needed. It looks like we’re going to win this thing because the stars are aligned for victory: unpopular incumbent who embraces toxic Trump challenged by a hardworking whip-smart newcomer who turned out to be an outstanding candidate.
No matter the results tomorrow night, I am damn proud of the Applegate campaign, and grateful to have been part of such a competent and fun operation. Thank you, Doug!
Now let’s GOTV and kick Issa’s pretentious arse off that car once and for all!
Buh bye Darrell. The rowdy crowd without a car is the Doug Applegate campaign on July 4, 2016. Rancho Santa Fe, California. iPhone photo by WildLilac
Let’s Send in a Marine to Take Back the Hill!
You can follow Colonel Applegate’s campaign on his Facebook page. You can donate, volunteer, and learn more about his platform at ApplegateforCongress.com.
