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
chris I am so happy to read that you madeit to the finals! Of course I just voted for you, hope you win!
corinnexxx
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Chris (and Ali),
It's fantastic to know that there are politicians that are committed to issues such as education and health care in particular. I live in Salem so I feel like I have somewhat of an idea of what you're talking about. Since I can't vote for you in November (bummer) I wish you the best of luck on your campaign.
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Chris
Okay you got my vote. Get your feet wet there in Oregon and then let's talk about Edwards for President. How cool would that be ? Ali you could hold the first White House Crop !!!
Seriously Chris I admire you for your desire to make a difference and wish you well.
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Chris,
I'll update you on the FTL soon -- maybe a blog post... But I will echo JFLO in saying FTL!!!
I voted for you on Earl's website, of course! (And again!) ... and even blogged about you... so, out of the 20 people that might visit my blog this week, and the 4 of those that didn't link to it from Ali's blog -- I hope that you get at least one of their votes!!!
Hope to see you guys soon... Come down to Texas and we'll take you out for a good steak! :)
Oh -- and I do want to see you win this so that you can go on to become a US Representative one day... if only so that I can watch you on Colbert's "Better Know a District"! :)
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Chris... your work is important and *you* are doing a marvellous thing. For the PEOPLE.
It is a big beast... that political one. And to tackle such a beast, is most commendable.
I wish you all the very best in your political career.
I hope you achieve all your dreams and desires...
The people of Oregon are fortunate to have you on their side.
And you know what they say about every good man *grin*... Ali ~you'd make a great pollies wife~
Best wishes to you all.
Bek
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Hi Chris
I can't vote because i'm a South African living in UK but just wanted to say all the best and strength in what you do. You have an opportunity to make changes in so many lives in a real and needed way.
Karen
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Good luck Chris - you seem to really care about people and the issues that matter to them.
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Did it! you sound like such a good man who truly cares about the people! good luck to you, and keep up all the good work!
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man chris...when you decide to run anational campaign, I'm your campaign manager for florida, okay! with healthcare and education as your hot buttons you'll go far! good luck...and tell ali we need a chris edwards is in da house t shirt in her cafe press shop!!!!
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Hey guys....I voted! wish i could vote for you "for real". Maybe you all would like to move to IL?!?!
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best of luck Chris...my grandma lives in Eugene and i have told her to vote for you!! sounds like you have a phenomenal campaign plan.
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I live in IL, but went and voted in this round too, So thrilled that you made it to the finals. I wish we had someone like you running for office here.
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You have my vote. Good luck!
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Voted again, fingers crossed...
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Chris,
It is nice to see your post. You had my first vote, and you have my second vote! Now just move to North Eastern Oregon to my district in Hermiston. Thanks for all that you are trying to accomplish for our great state.
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Man, I wish I lived in Oregon so I could vote for you, Chris. Keep up the good work, and best of luck!!
p.s. Having run a clinic for chronically ill cardiac problems, that issue hits close to home for me. Many times the spouse went without meds because all they could afford was the meds for the "sick" person. Devastating...
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We sure could use someone like you in Ohio! You've got my vote :)
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Just to confirm my vote for Chris in the second round. Wishing you much luck!
Ciao,
Dee
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Chris and Ali - I so admire you both. . .wish I lived in Oregon so I could vote for you Chris - I hope much of what you stand for and believe in, rubs off on someon here in PA. . .I think you're on the right track and I wish you endless success! I have linked your blog (for the Autisim Awareness info) to the director of my childcare center (a center that includes special needs kids and has OT and Speech therepists on duty as well). There's a lot of good going on here - thanks!
Hillary
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Oh why oh why can't you live in Cincinnati, OH? We desperately need people like you in our state! Alas I cannot vote for you but I did help Earl decide! Good luck!
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