Notes from the Chair: November 2010

Written by Andrew Graham | 03 November 2010

Maria Cantwell visited our campaign headquarters last Saturday to thank our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. She spoke about Senator Murray's contributions to Wall Street and Health Care reform, her efforts to clean up Hanford, and the Northwest attitude that she brings to the other Washington. But mostly, Senator Cantwell spoke with gratitude for those volunteers who have been calling and canvassing, and their passion to re-elect Patty Murray.

I share that gratitude. Mason County Democrats have three things of value. First, we have our values and goals as expressed by our platform. Second, we have our candidates and elected officials who act in accord with that platform. And third, we have our volunteers who work with selfless dedication and tireless passion to elect our candidates. Whether it's one woman calling late at night or nine friends who've come into the office together to phone bank, I'm humbled by your perseverance. The State Party has noticed too, and written about us in the latest issue of their newsletter, "The Blue Wave Weekly," available at our website. Senator Murray has noticed too, and sent us a letter of appreciation.

Later that Saturday Adrienne Amar and I went canvassing in Shelton. We knocked on the door of a voter Greg Case and I had canvassed two weeks previously, who was at that time undecided about whom to vote for Senator. I mentioned a few of Cantwell's comments to her and it didn't take long for that woman to decide that Patty Murray would have her vote.

There are easier ways to win elections. We could attack our opponents or adopt the values of the moneyed interests that will pay for expensive advertising. But if we were to do that then we'd be ignoring the values expressed in our platform, and we will never do that as long as we remain Democrats.

The next Executive Committee meeting is November 9; call me for time and location. I'll see you all at the next Central Committee meeting, Wednesday November 10, 7pm, at the PUD 3 meeting room.