I took time out from my Sunday call time to go to the Obama Delegate Selection Caucus for the 42nd Congressional District and support those running. I'm glad I did for more than a few reasons.
What I first took as an personal obligation to help build the Democratic brand in Orange County and win a few votes turned into a lot of fun and an energy boost that'll serve me well.
Before we take the jump I want to revisit my post from yesterday. It scrolled off the page pretty fast but I'm grateful that it was rescued. That helped. When you finish this please take a look at it and help out a long time fellow blogger who came from the community to run for Congress. I can't do this without you; my campaign is not about me. It's about all of us coming together to make the changes we know need to be made.
My ask: click this link and be a part of the movement joining the netroots with the grassroots. Check out my endorsement page. I'm proud of them all. And yes, that is the Ambassador Joe Wilson.
On Sunday I went to the Obama caucus for the 42nd Congressional District. The venue had just been changed because of the expected crowd. Who could've known or expected that to happen?
There were 8 male candidates and about 15 female candidates. There were some true super star activists here and many first-timers.
When I arrived I was blown away by the energy. As I worked the room (hey, that's what candidates do), I felt the excitement and anticipation. I talked to many I'd known and previously talked to, some who I knew of, some who knew of me and some who didn't know me - but they all know me now. There were several who I think are potential AD or CD candidates. Democrats are only getting stronger.
Before the candidates spoke I was introduced to the room and the reception was even better than I thought it would be. I know I have a big grassroots support but this was big. I asked how many people were at their first caucus and I estimate that 80% raised their hand. I told them that I wished all the delegate candidates could go to Denver.
The speeches by the candidates reflected the room. Some were long time activists who had never run before and some were new to the political process completely. There were all amazing.
It was clear that even though everyone running was a big Obama supporter that the Obama group came to win just as they have been doing throughout the country. I was in awe as two incredible people Sally Stevens and David Walsh were elected by large margins. No one of the others seemed dejected at not being elected. Everyone was keeping their minds on the big prize in November.
After the election we milled around some more. So many people came up to me and asked how they could help. I passed out a lot of cards. One person who wanted a word was the new delegate David Walsh, who lives in Whittier. David exuded charisma and energy. He said that he wanted to work with my campaign and help me get elected. He also said that there are a lot of other Obama activists who would come to help.
We agreed to talk this week to set up the beginnings of the effort but I'm already pretty excited at the prospect of so much energy working to help me get elected.
From the beginning my run for Congress was meant as the start of a movement. Little did I realize that we would be joining THE movement of a lifetime. Little did I realize when I thought I would be helping to build the Democratic brand in red Orange County, CA I would be part of what is shaping up to be transformational time in American history.
We have the confluence of events and circumstances all coming together as if it was choreographed - netroots, grassroots and their combined magical leader, Barack Obama.
I'm old enough to be somewhat jaded but I'm totally convinced by what's going on that we are only at the beginning of profound changes in America. I'm honored to be supported by so many wonderful people. I'm honored to have the chance to be part of a history that my grandkids will read about and be able to tell their kids that Papa Ron was there.
I need your help. The blogosphere is coming though so let's keep this going. If we show we can do this then money from the outside will start to come in. We've got to start here.
Today I want to raise enough money to put money in our predictive dialer account. If I get $5000 today then I have enough to call for another 3-4 weeks or to use a couple more phone banking volunteers. This is the biggest help in reaching voters but I need your help. Click here to show them that the blogosphere helps their own.