I just committed to Dean as my candidate,

[GumboYaYa]

with the qualification that I will vote for Chim-Chim the stock picking monkey over Bush if we run Chim-Chim.

I was reluctant to firmly commit to Dean at first because of his stated support of the death penalty. This is a big issue with me.

I made the plunge today because I have been very impressed that Dean is an honest and intelligent man who will weigh all factors and consider the full weight of the evidence as he addresses the death penalty in the future.

On most other issues I am on the same page as Dean. To me he is the only candidate other than Kucinich, Sharpton and Mosley-Braun (who I don't think are electable as sad as that is) who has the credibility to hold Bush's feet to the fire on Iraq.

So, I made my first of many donations to Dean today. I signed up to have a Dean for America house party as well.

All you Dean supporters who have already been down in the trenches fighting, tell me what else I can do.

[Ripley]

1. Welcome Aboard!

I plan on attending my first meet-up next month. It's a tiny group in my small town, but I look forward to it.

[GumboYaYa]

2. Wow, his campaign is organized and efficient.

I signed up fifteen minutes ago and already have my first meetup scheduled (8/6).

[Ripley]

5. I think meet-ups are always the 6th of each month.

And they have an agenda that will be sent out. But yeah, they are very organized at the grassroots level. Ain't it great? I've never been involved with a campaign, ever. Just a voter in the past, but now this guy makes me want to get involved!

[GumboYaYa]

7. Duhhhh.........

maybe I need to read a little more of his information.

[sfecap]

9. Actually the first Wednesday of each month.

And they are great!

[Ripley]

13. Doh! Maybe I better read it a little closer!

Hah! Thanks sfecap!

[JNelson6563]

11. 1st Wednesday of month I think

just like my local Dem meeting.

Julie

[dajabr]

3. Sounds like you've done quite a bit already...

If you have time for more, you can always check local events here: http://action.deanforamerica.com/

Post your house party there - if you have not already, and find out about other local events.

Welcome aboard!

[GumboYaYa]

4. Cool, thanks.

I am already impressed. I have worked on campaigns in the past and I have never seen one that seems to be so well organized. If he runs the country like he runs his campaign we will have a phenomenal President.

[northernsoul]

6. Ok, but I'll take a stuffed jackalope

over Chim Chim the Stock Picking Monkey as our nominated candidate if Doc Dean doesn't make it. I heard that Chim Chim has a pretty shady past.

[GumboYaYa]

8. LOL

You can put the jackalope on my list too.

[northernsoul]

23. *Jackalope - Chim 2004*

Jackalope / Chim 2004: A Better America Is Just a Leap Away!

[GumboYaYa]

25. You are killing me.

I need a T-shirt with that on it.

[Le Taz Hot]

10. Welcome!

You're in New Orleans if I recall correctly. One of my favorite cities in the entire world. B-)

But I digress. I disagree with Dean on a few issues myself and the death penalty is one of them. But no candidate is perfect and I think Dean has the big Mo that will carry him all the way. He's giving Democrats a REASON to come to the polls again.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how ACTIVE his supporters are. These people aren't just sitting around talking about Dean, they're flyering, setting up Dean tables everywhere -- too many activities to name. And this is key. People feel INVOLVED. They know they don't have to go to a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser to be a part of the campaign.

I've been involved in a lot of campaigns but I've truly never seen anything like this before.

[GumboYaYa]

12. I grew up in Louisiana and

was dragged kicking and screaming to St. Louis by my wife. New Orleans is the most unique city in America; I'm glad to hear you have a favorable opinion of it.

Thanks for the welcome.

I already feel energized by his campaign.

[Le Taz Hot]

17. There's one problem with New Orleans

I always have such a blast there that I have yet to get out to see the REST of the state. I'd love to go to LaFayette (Cajun country), Baton Rouge and other areas but, alas, the French Quarter always calls to me. Besides, if I miss a day eating at "Mothers" it throws off my mo-jo. B-)

[GumboYaYa]

18. Mothers ...Mmmmmmmm...good.....

I want a Debris Poboy right now. You must check out Lafayette. There are restaurants with French speaking sections. Fred's in Mamou is one of the most fun places on Earth. Every Saturday morning starting at 8:00 they have Cajun dancing and bloody marys. It goes all day.

Laissez les bon temps roule!

[mandyky]

14. Another thing being discussed

is having supporters vacation in some early primary states, and do some flyering while they are there. I think I got this info from the Dean Coordinators list at yahoo groups, but it may also be mentioned in the Dean blog or action section at the Dean site.

Also, Missouri has a statewide yahoo group (see the unofficial Dean blog) where they might be organizing stuff for the state.

[GumboYaYa]

15. I already have seen the MO blog. It's awesome.

I have to run to some meetings today, but I plan on actively recruiting other supporters I know this afternoon.

I can see how you can get swept up in the excitement of this campaign. It is infectious. I haven't been this excited since they initially called FL for Gore (you know how long that lasted).

[CMT]

16. nice to have you aboard

I too have issues with some Dean stands particularly on Guns--but overall his record and his stands impress the hell out of me. I think he is the real deal and can take on this chimp and send him back to his zoo in Crawford.

[revcarol]

19. So put this post in Politics and Campaigns!!

No new issue raised, just one person's being "converted."

[dajabr]

20. So hit alert!

Might help alieviate the bee in your bonnet.

[CWebster]

21. Don't recall anyone pulling the plug on Pitt's

rather obvious "agonizing decision"

Like anyone was surprised.

[Le Taz Hot]

22. From the "Forums" Page

"General Discussion Forum "

This very popular forum is for discussion of miscellaneous political topics.

[WilliamPitt]

24. Good choice

Get to work! :)

[GumboYaYa]

26. I thought long and hard about Kerry too Will.

Graham is an intriguing choice as well.

I don't buy the argument that we have a weak field of contenders. Every single candidate running is more qualified than Bush.