From the Campaign Trail...
Tags:Chris here with a guest post. It’s great to have Ali back home from her travels. I like having her here to share my daily campaign trail stories with. And boy do I have stories!
But first, thank you to everyone who voted for me in Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s challenge for a $1,000 campaign donation. Your votes put me in the finals! The final round of voting is happening right now and ends on August 29- so whether or not you voted in round one, please log on and vote for me in round two! You can vote here: Help Earl Decide!
These days, I spend a lot of time walking door-to-door talking with regular people about the real issues facing Oregon's families. And I’ve heard it all. I've met people with chronic illnesses, who have to take their medicine every other day- because they can't afford the prescribed daily dose and are forced to gamble with their health. I've met the parents of children in kindergarten classes with 25 other kids- and I know that is simply too many. The reality is, regardless of party affiliation, 90% of Oregonians want 90% of the same stuff- and we just need legislators to get to work for the people.
More and more, people want Representatives who are going to work hard for them in the legislature. People are checking out of the political process here in Oregon because they see how unresponsive their Representatives are to the real issues affecting their lives. Yet when special interests say "Jump", our politicians ask “How high?”
The way I see it, I am interviewing with every voter on their doorstep for a job representing them in our state capitol.
To most voters it’s more about hard work than party affiliation. And it’s undeniable that we are working hard! Long days, high energy, and an unrelenting focus on success. Not for me, but for the PEOPLE.
Even with voters who may not vote for me, they respect the fact that I am out there working hard to meet them and hear what is important to their lives.
So, that’s my update. And thanks again for your votes in Help Earl Decide! I’d appreciate your vote once more in the finals. I know scrapbookers have tremendous power with their votes, but I’m pretty sure you all don’t qualify as a “Special Interest.” ☺
That’s enough politics for now. I’ll turn it back over to Ali for Life Art and the like…
P.S. This is Ali Edwards, and I approve this message.
So go vote at Help Earl Decide! to help Chris win $1,000 contribution. Anyone can do it, and it only takes two minutes.
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65 comments
Man, I wish you were running for office here in Illinois! We could use someone like you! Best of luck with your campaign -- Oregonians will be lucky to have you represent them! (A little positive thinking there on the outcome of your campaign!)
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Ok it took more than 2 minutes but WELL WORTH IT!!! :)
Chris,
I am going to wish you some FTL (ask Brad about FTL) and extend some prayers that all goes well for your campaign.
Was a pleasure to talk with you at Brad & Carrie's wedding. Too bad we do not have someone like you here in Houston that cares about representing the people responsibly
Keep us posted!!!
FTL
JFLO
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Chris, I having only been a lurker on Ali's blog. Just wanted to let you know that your hard work going door to door really is a big deal. I am in California -- Los Angeles to be exact and we just don't get that kind of campaigning around here. One recent candidate actually went door to door and I can say he earned my loyalty and support and also actually got me a little more involved in local politics. It was great personally meeting someone and knowing that he truly cared! Good luck to you!
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Chris - I admire you. Being so willing to put yourself out there to work for what you believe in and be willing to make other sacrifices. I've done my voting with Earl, and hope that the Oregonians do their voting for you. Wish there were people like you trying to make a change here in NC!
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Have to echo what others have said---I wish we had a few folks like you running for office in my state of SC!
Wishing you much luck, Chris.
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I admire what you're doing, Chris! Wish we had more of that kind of spirit here in Michigan.
Say, do I have to be an Oregonian to help Earl decide?
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I agree with you on special interests. CA needs someone like you.
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I just voted again. Good luck!
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Chris - Thanks so much for the update. I will ditto what everyone else as said so far. I admire you and Ali and wish we had folks like you running here in Michigan. Best of luck with everything. I'm off to vote with Earl! (p.s. love the p.s. comment!!!)
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Chris and Ali,
Of course we will "help Earl decide" I only wish that we lived in Eugene so we could vote for you. But as a fellow Oregonian and one that shares your same views I will keep you in my thought and hope that you win your seat.
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Rock on Chris! Regardless of any party affiliation, what I think we need in this country are real people who are willing to listen to the real people in America. That's what it's supposed to be all about. Best of luck and you've got my vote for Pres some day. Hurry up, okay?
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Great post Chris! Ali, thanks for sharing your space with Chris! {holly's hubby Robert}
You two rock! =)
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so, I am not a politically minded person, not because I do not care but because it does not seem to make a difference, and I have to say that as an Oregonian, party affiliation or not, you have totally got my vote because: you are sincere, you care, and you want to make a difference. Thank you for sharing...you just made politics alot more "real" for me. GOOD LUCK! T
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I'll vote ... any preference for who the other 3 votes should be?
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Go Chris!! I cast my vote!
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its interesting what chris said: 90% of the voters want the same thing, no matter what their party affiliation. I think this is true. Most of us want to be able to take care of ourselves, our families, and our future. We want prosperity and peace for everyone, and we want our children to have a shot at a good future. So why do most politicians ignore this? I'm glad to see Chris is on the right track, good luck!
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Thanks for the update! I voted! GOOD LUCK!
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In addition to the concept that 90% of voters wanting the same basic things is the idea that people in charge need to make INFORMED decisions about what is right and what is the honest and true thing to do. If people thought about things like this when making a decision, no matter what party they belong to, follow, etc. we would be in much better shape. And I stress the word INFORMED because I see so many things decided by people who don't have the slightest clue about something. I.e. Non-educators expecting for kids in special education classes to reach the same level of proficiency by the year 2012. What expertise do they have to make these kinds of demands?
I wish there were more people like you, Chris! (And why don't they let non Oregon residents vote in the contest?:)
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amazing!! i think that it is great that you are doing the work that you are!! keep it up!! sounds like you are trying to make oregon awesome!
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Hi Chris
I so hope you are successful both in the money and the election.
tell Ali I did try to vote but it wouldn't accept it. sorry I truly think you are the man for the job
good luck
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