Hey Everybody,
It's definitely been too long and I'm sorry that I've been neglecting the site to the degree that I have.
We're finally down to it. Entering the last weekend, the intensity and energy levels here on the ground have been ramped up to amazing heights. For being in a so-called "Red" county, I'm feeling great about our ground game. As a Get Out The Vote operation, we have the capability of swinging a significant portion of the population into the Kerry column. Our operation is extremely aggressive, and I'll fill you all in as to the details after the election.
I've really been blown away over the last few weeks by the staff and volunteer team that has been assembled in this office. As a leader and manager at this point, I'm overwhelmed by the utter competence of these guys at every level. The real challenge is fitting each individual into the role at which they excel. Once we do that as organizers, they take off.
Our office size has grown by leaps and bounds. From a starting point of about 6 people in this office at any given time, I'd say we now average about 30. We've got buses of Travellers coming in every weekend from out-of-state to canvass, and we've got carloads coming in for extended stays. Some volunteers have given 2+ weeks of their time to be here, working for free. The energy on the streets here is incredible. I have never felt anything like it and am encouraged on a daily basis that we, as Americans, will make the correct decision on November 2.
I view with mixed feelings, however, the army of attorneys - for both sides - that has descended upon our state, and our county. Our lawyers are incredibly accomplished and on point, and hail from both private practice and careers in government agencies. They will be our defense on the ground and I'm glad we will have them as a resource. What saddens me is the fact that we need attorneys at all. It's disappointing to see that we're at the point in our democracy where neither side trusts the other side to be impartial and fundamentally fair when it comes to our electoral process.
Just yesterday I visited the county offices to view the public test of the ballot counting machines with the lead attorney for the county. We are the largest of the 11 remaining counties in PA that still use punchcard ballots. And that is a cause for worry. I've tested the punchcards and attempted at every turn to create hanging, pregnant, dimpled, or bulging chads. With our system, I couldn't do it. That's a good thing.
My biggest worry is that this election, for the second time in a row, is not decided by the voters themselves, but rather by the courts. I'm sure Bush wouldn't be too concerned that - hypothetically speaking - activist judges on the Supreme Court put him in office again.
So I will say this: I expect a good election. I expect it to go smoothly here and for large, large numbers of voters to make it to the polls, rain or shine. But I also expect legal challenges. They will probably be in any swing state where the vote is close. The attorneys are all poised to act, and I fear that they will. But don't let this discourage you. VOTE.
Whatever you do, vote. Bring your friends. Remind your neighbors. This is the most important election of our lifetimes. And we need to make sure that we exercise our right, and our priviledge, to vote on Election Day.
If you can help out before Tuesday, get active. Join a canvass in your neighborhood or area. Travel to a swing state.
Sign up at John Kerry dot com.
4 Days everybody. 4 Days.
