Coming Down the Homestretch

Written by: Alan Goldston on Oct 21, 2006 10:45 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

Member
Two weeks and two days from now, we will elect a new Congress. How new is up to those who choose to get involved. Today, I have three points I'd like you to consider.

First, the landscape -- or rather, seascape, since some of the more sober independent analysts like Charlie Cook have been talking in terms of a potential tsunami. Polls, generic and head-to-head, across the country are suggesting that -- magic words of fantasy -- if the election were held today, the Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate. For some good reading on this, take a look at Charlie Cook's October 17 piece in the National Journal "The Blue Wave of the Future". www.cookpolitical.com/column/200...
For a good synopsis of where the various predictions are, take a look at the post "State of Play" by DemfromCT on Daily Kos, October 20.

Second, the reality -- all of these polls, forecasts and predictions make assumptions based on turnout models. In other words, it's not just who likes whom, but who's likely to actually show up on election day. Money will undoubtedly be important in massaging public opinion and voter motivation. Chris Bowers of Daily Kos is pushing the excellent idea that incumbent Democrats with big warchests and no battle -- i.e. no serious challenger -- should pony up some big money to the national effort, to be redirected to some of the Democratic "reach" districts. Take a look at the chart that Bowers prepared of overfunded safe Democrats, www.mydd.com/images/user/217/Use... and consider making a call or sending an email to encourage a Congressperson in your state to seize the moment, and make a difference to increase the depth of a potential Democratic victory.

Third, regardless of how good the polling looks, money alone doesn't get people to vote. Maximizing the favorable vote takes people power -- and in the case of usually underfunded Democrats, that means volunteer labor. Ironically, that labor becomes more, not less, important, as the Democratic candidates' ratings improve. So, as I've said repeatedly, there is no excuse whatsoever for sitting on your butt when we have so many good candidates out there who can use your help on the phones, door-to-door, and on election day.

Let me be blunt: if you cared enough to log into this website, or get onto this mailing list, you know you care how this election comes out, and you aren't going to be comfortable as a passive spectator. Passivity is an option for baseball and football fans, but not for an informed electorate. This is for real, and its for my kids and yours. So, right now, go to www.johnhallforcongress.com, and follow the links to volunteer.

Rather be involved locally? OK: Andrea Stewart-Cousins can take an important State Senate seat with your help. Go to andrea2006.com, and volunteer. Now.

Finally, Democracy for Westchester will be hosting a campaign stories event, after the election, and the one requirement for admission will be that you have your own campaign story to tell. Go out, join the people's army and become a campaign veteran.

Alan Goldston, Chair
Democracy for Westchester

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Location: Westchester County, NY 10583