AWD's campaign...an update!

[AWD]

So, here's the latest on my campaign for US House Of Representatives, for those of you wondering.

My petition to appear on the ballot is complete, and I've now filed officially. They haven't yet verified all the signatures, but I only need 50 valid ones, so I'm in. I went to all my friends and fellow peace activists, so I'm certain that all the signatures are good.

As far as the Board Of Elections are concerned, I have nothing left to do but wait for the primaries.

My campaign is a different story. I have an appointment later today to open up an account at my credit union. Once that is complete, I will assign a PayPal account to it so online contributions can be made. Also, I will have a P.O. Box by the end of the day for anybody who wishes to donate through regular mail (I had a few people ask about that).

Today, I begin building my web page (unless anybody out there wants to contribute by helping me build a kick-butt website???).

I'm looking for the perfect URL too. I wanted to use jeff4congress.com (borrowing a page from Vince4Congress.com, a fellow DUers significant other who is running), but that is registered from the 2002 elections and doesn't expire until June next year. Maybe I'll write the guy and ask him to give it up???

I'll post a generic version of the website in the next day or two so people can donate early if they like (I got a LOT of people from here asking for a place to donate....again, thank you).

Tonight, my campaign manager and a few close friends will meet at my house to discuss strategy and a few key items. If anybody wishes to offer up ideas, feel free to do so. A LOT of you were extremely helpful right off the bat (goobergunch's research is going to go a LONG way), so keep it up.

My e-mail icon does work, so you can send directly to me there, or PM me if you like. I'll now be able to answer everybody who writes to me, so go right ahead!

DUers are the best. I'll do my best to see that we are represented!

[jiacinto]

1. Do you have an attorney?

I would get one ASAP to make sure you are doing everything legally.

[AWD]

6. Yep

He's an old friend.....I've been running everything past him.

[trumad]

2. And the voters won't mind that you're a Buckeyes fan?

:shrug:

[AWD]

4. I'm thinking...

...the voters will INSIST.

[revcarol]

3. Good luck to you.

Already offered what suggestions I have, except to: connect with young people,register new voters,and get out the vote!!

[AWD]

5. Last night...

...there was a meeting of the newly-reformed "Young Democrats" of my county. Two of my peaceniks from the rallies attended and spread the word. I wanted to let them do the word first, rather than just barge in on their meeting. Now that word is out, I'll call up the woman who's running it and ask to speak.

As a Dean supporter, we've been doing voter registration already in my area. Now I'll just keep that ball rolling.

Keep the advice coming....and thank you.

[lastliberalintexas]

7. That's very exciting!

About the website- I'd see about the domain name for your full name for congress.com. It's better to keep your full name out there as much as possible since some voters go by recognition alone. I can understand why you'd want just Jeff (accessible, simple, etc.), so I think both ideas have merit.

One of the best things you can do is find a good local printing company- one that will work with you on both prices and time constraints. It's invaluable to be able to call up the printer on Thursday to ask them to rush a job for a scheduled-at-the-last-minute rally/fundraiser on Saturday afternoon! And of course, one that's a union shop since you need that union bug on your signs, posters, etc.

And for the most part IGNORE CONSULTANTS. Go with your instincts. It's your race to win or lose, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes, listen to them on the mundane things like when your ads should run on TV or in the papers- but not what those ads should say. Remember that they are the people who brought us 3 different Al Gores in 2000. So listen to them, but just take their advice with a grain of salt.

I have never run for office myself, but I have helped run campaigns for others, put in 80 hours of campaigning a week, cried over losses, and floated on cloud 9 after victories, so take this for what you will. The next year and a half is going to be hell for you and your family and friends. It's a ton of work, mucho stress, financially devastating, and takes a harsh physical toll on the candidate (keep eating well). And did I also mention that it's WORTH EVERY SECOND? :-)

[AWD]

9. Thanks

I'll take your advice...I've also done lots of campaigning for others. i know that feeling.

As for the webpage, I may register multiple addresses and direct them all to one home site.

[msanger]

8. will you tie yourself to Dean?

I have no idea where you live or what the politics are like, but if you were to make clear your Dean connection -- it might have some impact. What impact is a different matter.

Good luck

[AWD]

10. I believe so

Dr. Dean is coming to Cleveland in 3 weeks, so I will try to be there (100 bucks a person) to personally connect with him. If I can get a picture of the 2 of us, that could be very valuable.

[jiacinto]

11. Be careful with what you say at DU

Your posts here could be used against you.

[goobergunch]

12. It's probably a good idea to portray Regula as a GOP stooge

From what I've been reading in the Congressional Record, he's personally popular on both sides of the aisle :-( but should be vulnerable if shown as a GOP dittohead...anyone know his party-unity scores from Congressional Quarterly?