|
|
Precinct Walking Made Fun
Absentee ballots will be distributed at the end of September, an important time for us to have accomplished a lot of precinct walking in our Contra Costa cities. The goal is not just to motivate Republicans to vote, but to encourage Democrats and Independents to become and vote Republican. We’ve had very good success with the latter on two recent occasions: “flipping” seven Democrats in one Danville precinct, and nine in another. This is very exciting and a lot of fun. It motivates us to step up our efforts. We make it into a game, where we all won.
We found it important to knock on every front door, not just Republican houses. We encouraged discussion on jobs and the economy, and asked whether his/her family is better off now than they were in earlier years. This gets us the answer we want.
We need to state what Republicans want to do: make a business-friendly environment to stop job losses and encourage job growth; stop the out-of-control spending and bailouts which will bankrupt our economy; end big-government intrusion into our lives; and restore the Constitution as the foundation of our legal system. Republicans want to restore stability to housing, banking, energy, and healthcare; and promote American patriotism and the personal freedoms that have attracted immigrants, and made America “The Shining City on the Hill” and leader of the free world.
Here are personal experiences of some friends who walked for the first time:
Buddy Burke: With just a tinge of apprehension I set out banging on the doors of strangers from our list in Danville. I had partnered with an experienced friend to "cut the edge" off this first precinct walk of the year. Soon after we met our first few residents however, all this consternation of doors slammed in our faces and double tongue-lashings faded into the sunset!
As one homeowner after another greeted us, and we introduced ourselves as "Contra Costa GOP," their smiles opened wide with relief, and their faces lit up like jack-o-lanterns! It was clear that these folks in Danville were anxious about what antics of our current administration try next and they are ready for change.
At least three teenagers were eager to volunteer after we suggested what a fun thing it is for a summer. We encountered several independents and decline-to-states; all of them extended the same excited and upbeat attitude.
There is no queston we have a great shot at victories this year, but we HAVE to get the word out! People re primed, but they need to know about our viable candidates. In Danville of course, Abram and David have strong tailwinds but we'll have to keep rowing. Like Satchel Page said, "Don't look back, they might be gaining on you."
Dee Thompson: The August morning couldn’t have been prettier for a walk, but to think I might be actually helping a candidate for Congress get elected, namely David Harmer, energized me from the very beginning!
… Bud and I started out going to each house together, but soon gathered confidence for us to split to each side of the street. The walk went rather quickly because so many people weren’t home, but the ones that answered the doors were friendly (especially the Republicans) and willing to answer our questions.
We visited each house and were sure to leave a “Vote for Harmer” door hanger.
After we returned to the Clubhouse we discovered that our small group had garnered seven more people registered to vote the party of Lincoln. All in all, I was glad I could do my small part in taking back America, and in addition enjoy the beautiful scenery of Danville!
Rob Baker: It is clear that voters in the East Bay are fed up with the corruption and out of control spending that is coming out of Sacramento and Washington. Last Saturday, a group of Republicans went out and talked with our neighbors. The consensus among many of the voters of all parties was that the fiscal mess is the most critical issue facing our country. What was interesting was the level of discontent among Democrats about what there party was doing to solve the problem.
We had several Democrats who said they believe the party has left them. They just want to see common sense candidates and there is a great level of excitement with David Harmer for Congress, Meg Whitman for Governor, and Carly Fiorina for Senate. These candidates bring solid business experience and ideas, that are needed to cut the spending and debt, and putting our country back on a path to solvency.
Phyllis Stout: Attention Republican Federated Club Members! We have the opportunity to "make a difference" in the upcoming election in November. If each of our members would volunteer to be the Captain of her/his precinct, walk their precinct or call their precinct, can you imagine the impact we could make. There are well over 500 precincts. If you are unable to do this, please contact me, Phyllis Stout at 925-938-4098 or louisstout@comcast.net and I will arrange for someone to walk for you. Don't know your precinct number? Call your club president, she has been provided access to this information, or you can call me. Let's take our country back - Go Republicans!
|