From the Campaign Trail...

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.