Posted on 10/18/2006 1:14:58 PM PDT by freedomdefender
Perhaps the biggest danger to Republicans in the wake of all these bad polls is that their volunteer base, so critical to victory in 2004, won't put their heart in their work. If volunteers become convinced that Republicans will lose control of Congress, what incentive do they have to work hard?
If you're ever read a profile of Ken Mehlman, you know he is obsessed with metrics. For him, one of the most important sources of data is a weekly e-mail his political team prepares called the "Weekly Grassroots Report." It meticulously records the work of tens of thousands of volunteers in targeted states, counties and congressional districts across the country. The data summary allows the RNC to determine which states are meeting goals and which states are falling behind.
The RNC declined to share the most recent report, which was issued Monday. But two independent sources who saw last week's report professed to be surprised: not only was their no drop off last week, 12 states broke new voter contact records.
In a month, the party completed more than a million phone calls and door contacts conbined. Bigger states are putting up big numbers -- even Ohio, which lagged behind its targets all summer, has caught up. The RNC is particularly pleased with their progress in New Jersey, where they've rapidly set up a more aggressive version of their 72 Hour Program in light of the state's more competitive Senate race.
These are the numbers that motivate Karl Rove's optimism. The spreadsheets show that Republican volunteers are working hard. There are plenty of volunteers and they seem plenty willing to knock on doors and make telephone calls. That's why it makes sense for Rove, for White House pol. dir Sara Taylor, and for Mehlman to exude uncanny optimism even while their brains pore over pessimistic polls. Right now, a strong volunteer corps on election day working to turn out voters is the only hope they've got. If the volunteers detect a shred of defeatist cross-talk or come across a newspaper article suggesting that Rove is panicked, then they'll start to panic, too.
The point is that top-level Republican optimism is pragmatic, not ignorant.
If they're going to win, why do they need to borrow money?
I'm land locked in Colorado so they do the limo.
in reality, I already have my ballot and will drop it off in a week or two. Its so nice to have early voting.
bingo
Take that, Fred Barnes! Stick it, Larry Kudlow!
Not sure what you mean by this. Do you mean, where do you volunteer? If that's the question, look up your county or state party and call headquarters. If you don't get a call back, call, call them again and complain. Or, call one of the local candidates (for state house or senate eg). They salivate for volunteers.
As a volunteer, I've delivered about 150 yard signs to local families, and have put up at least that many along roadsides at critical intersections.
I also spent a few afternoons stuffing envelopes and addressing letters to voter constituants, and I spent two days doorknocking at a Democrudic stronghold (I think I even swayed a few fence sitting voters).
The whole experience is exhilerating (sp?), especially because Rep. Fitz is a towering example of a great family man (six kids, wonderful wife who still takes her kids to soccer, school and church functions, etc)
He is a lover of the environment, strongly pro-life and he absolutely exudes compassion to all constituants, especially in times of natural disasters or hardship.
In short, the only people who could oppose him are those who, asides from hating themselves, hate Pres. George W. Bush more than they love America.
Because it is abundantly clear that Rep. Fitzpatrick is an example of what a selfless public servant in America should be. (I dont think he has ever made more than $65,000 a year. His parents and siblings still help in the daily grind of the campaign)
Maybe all this sounds too smarmy and gushy, but it's the truth.
Just because I don't like the way Dad's been driving the car recently doesn't mean I'm ready to let the four-year-old who's been throwing a tantrum in the back seat take the wheel.
According to the article to make sure they do.
Even more fun if we were to make gains...
Do you own an RV? If you do, they'll bring the diebold right to you. If you have a GPS in your rig, just hook it up to the machine through the NEMA 0183 port and punch in your latitude and logitude after every 'R'.
Gauranteed...
Absolutely the best outcome: GOP officeholders returned to office...but with the crap scared out of them.
Polls are easy to report. GOTV efforts are hard to report. The MSM only cares to report the easy things.
"Also, Dick Morris says the GOP is sunk! Excellent news from the "King of Incorrectness"!"
That's when I knew things were looking up.
NO RV,
Haven't got my checks as part of the VRWC yet.
This is sure to be on the Front Page of the Old York Times Nov. 8!
Pray for W and Our Troops
NordP
Good for you. Wish there were a lot more that would volunteer.
Let's win this election first and keep the Dims from taking over. Then we can all work on getting our Representatives and Senators on track to doing what is right for this country.
You should sign up for the 'proselytizing' royalties. You get paid by the word...Ka Ching! Believe me, here in the heart of liberal paradise, the dollars roll in like manna.
Do you think the perky one will cry on her show if the Repubs win seats?
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