Have You Met and Talked to Your Democratic Congressional Representative?
Last edited Tue Dec 8, 2015, 03:09 PM - Edit history (1)
That's the question for this poll. If your answer is no, you can fix that before the next election, if your current representative is running. If that House member isn't running, the same information will get you talking to the candidates.
First step is to plan to meet your representative during campaign season. In most cases, that's the time when you're most likely to be able to chat for a few minutes. Here are some of the places to go to get up close and personal with House members, in order of likelihood of having a chat:
1. District Level Democratic Organization Meetings or Conventions - I have great luck at these out in the hallway or corridor, rather than in the hall where the meeting or convention are being held. Just walk up and listen to whatever conversation he or she is having with someone else. At a convenient moment, introduce yourself politely and ask whatever questions you wish. Be wearing a tie or business attire. That helps a lot. Add a candidate's campaign button as flair to help, too. You'll be able to talk with your rep pretty easily using this strategy. After all, they're there to get your approval.
2. Campaign Meet & Greet Gatherings - You'll find announcements of these on party organization sites and candidates' web sites. RSVP and show up. While you may be asked for a donation, you can demur on that in almost all cases. You can use the same strategy outlined above to make contact and start the conversation. The earlier these events occur during the campaign, the fewer people there will be in attendance. Again, suitable attire, politeness and patience count. Bonus: Even Senate candidates can be accessed at these events.
3. Campaign Events - These are by far the most difficult. Generally, there are few opportunities to buttonhole a candidate or office holder. You may get lucky, though, if your timing is good and you're in the right place at the right time. Watch for opportunities especially before the candidate takes the podium or whatever. Often, they get there early, while other stuff is going on and you may get to have a chat as they wait on the fringes. Same dress, attitude and etc. apply here, but you should definitely be wearing some campaign flair to improve your chances.
| 4 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited | |
| I have met and talked to my Rep. one time. | |
0 (0%) |
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| I have met and talked to my Rep. more than once. | |
3 (75%) |
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| I've never had an opportunity to do that. | |
0 (0%) |
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| I've shaken hands with mine, but there was no time to talk. | |
0 (0%) |
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| I don't ever go anywhere that might lead to an opportunity. | |
0 (0%) |
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| I don't want to talk to them. | |
0 (0%) |
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| I'm too bashful. | |
0 (0%) |
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| I don't even know what mine looks like. | |
0 (0%) |
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| Mine couldn't care less about what I thing is important. | |
0 (0%) |
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| Mine is a Republican. What's would be the point? | |
1 (25%) |
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| 0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided. | |
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll |
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= new reply since forum marked as read
Zoe Lofgren's district office is right down the street from my office in San Jose. My own rep, Anna Eshoo, has her office in Palo Alto, rather a fur piece. 
