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Friday, July 29, 2005
OH-02: A Field Guy Blogs
Posted by Bob Brigham
As some of you know, I'm an old field guy. I play the blogs because that's where politics is at, but my mind is filled with lists and maps. The Paul Hackett campaign has only days to position before Election Day and I'll be here following the whole thing. I didn't check any luggage on the way to Cincinnati, but I had my full bag of tricks (laptop, video camera, microphone, and enough different cables to get your toaster talking to your VCR). I also have a cellular card for my laptop, which means I can post for anywhere. But my mind is thinking lists and maps.
This is a special election in August, who knows who will show up. Conservatives are telling Republicans not to show up. It all comes down to field, to who turns out. This ain't my first rodeo and I'll be devoting a lot of space to examining the battle in the field. If you can get down here to volunteer, do so.
I'll be posting as often as necessary and will hopefully tell the story in a way that will let everyone follow their investment in OH-02.
I'm up-beat because I know we've already won. Last year in OH-02 we let Portman coast to an easy re-election. The Democratic nominee in the second district had $16K for the entire race. We gave up and let Portman spend the year raising money for other Republicans.
This year things are different. Democrats are fighting in every district in every state. The losers in D.C. said this wasn't a competitive seat – so they gave up. Fuck them. Seriously, if you aren't fighting in a Special Election then you are irrelevant. Get out of the way.
While the DLC was busy having a stich-n-bitch about those lefty bloggers, the netroots were busy adopting Paul Hackett. He's now a contender.
The netroots have made this race, not the DCCC or any other Democratic Party organ. This race is giving lie to the notion that we can't compete everywhere. This is the most Republican district in Ohio, and we're competitive. And it didn't take that much money to make it competitive.
Democrats aren't judging success by whether we win or lose on Election Day, but by whether we win or lose today. If we start winning every day, the wins will come. As for me, I have a couple of days to keep you as informed as if you were sitting here next to me.
I landed early this morning and rushed a couple of quick posts from the airport. I made it to HQ around 9 AM and the phones were already buzzing. Dozens of volunteers, making asks, coordinating, pulling people together. Across the street at the GOP HQ, the sign said "Open" but nobody was home.
There are people from all over – literally all over. Strangers are bonding quickly and new friends are working like a well oiled machine.
Hackett has had media after media after media. This place looks like a tripod convention. The national press can smell this story all the way in New York and they've come to Ohio to tell the tale.
Hackett is fired up, but surprising relaxed. He seems really comfortable, he knows what needs to be done and he's doing it.
He just left for some county fairs, his schedule is effectively crammed. Things are moving fast, really fast.
Hackett has the mo' – come on down and join this.
Posted at 01:49 PM in Ohio | Technorati
Comments
Today was incredible - energy - enthusiasm -- crowds of people ready for Paul Hackett! It was great to be in OH-2
Posted by: SusieT ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.swingstateproject.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at July 30, 2005 10:41 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment