A First

I had the strangest experience yesterday. I was talking to a registered voter in the Oak Grove district about Cliff Keirce (Independent!) and then briefly talked about Jennifer Wexton and Mike Kondratick (Democrats!) and the voter said,

"What about the Republicans?"

And I said,

"Well, I haven't got any of his literature, but I'm voting for Mike Chapman for Sheriff. He's a Republican."

And he said,

"So you're supporting Republicans as well as Democrats and Independents?"

And I said,

"Yup! I'm not with any organization, I'm voting for all these folks and I hope you will, too."

So, by my own rules, I hearby announce that I am endorsing Republican candidate for Sheriff, Mike Chapman.

This is the first time I've ever supported a Republican. Feels really weird, people.

Now THAT's what I'm talking about

Cliff knocked 151 doors yesterday.

Jennifer Wexton's been out every day (though she needs to post about it more!)

Shanyn Ronis is wearing her shoes out.

I'm so proud of my canvassing proteges! Keep it up!

Origin story

Back in 2009, I got into a competition with Stevens's campaign staff. Whoever knocked more doors than me would be eligible to win a Nintendo DS donated by my mom.

I started blogging the number of doors I did each day. And I started tweeting while canvassing. At the time, I blogged and tweeted as Mystery Mommy (a mommy who reads a lot of mysteries). Shaun Daniels, The World's Best Campaign Manager, suggested I take a different name: one that was more campaign oriented.

Thus, the brag of one particular day became a title I try to earn everytime I go out canvassing. "Mrs. Smug Campaigner, Queen of the Doorbells"

I dare you to out-canvass me.

Stats

Went walking with Cliff Keirce today knocking on the doors of single family homes here in the Oak Grove precinct. Did 81 doors, got 30 signatures, and a promise of a house party. All in less than 3.5 hours. That's about 23 doors an hour.

We need to pick up the speed a bit, but they were all good contacts. I can't wait to do townhomes with him!!

I did double duty today, handing out Wexton for Commonwealth's Attorney lit at the same time.

It was a lovely day for canvassing, but then, what day isn't?

Did doors with Shanyn Ronis, Valdis Ronis's daughter!

She is an awesome walker. Energetic. Enthusiastic. We were out for over 2 hours, did a TON of doors. It feels like July out there. All you other canvassers, stay hydrated!

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I'm endorsing Valdis Ronis for Supervisor from the new Ashburn District. Tomorrow's a fund-raiser for him, come on out and meet him!

It's true (updated after the jump)

 I resigned from the LCDC last night. If you were there, or if you're my husband, you know exactly why. If you weren't there, well, then, if you know me outside of the internet, I'll tell you about it. I am not going to air LCDC stuff here.

I will be continuing to walk for Mark Herring, Mike Kondratick, Dave Butler, Jennifer Wexton, and the Dem candidate to run against Delgaudio (I have my favorite, but I'll support whoever wins the nomination).

In the meantime, thank you to the people who have shown their support for me in this.

Went out walking with Jennifer Wexton again!

She is so much fun to walk with! We did doors for about 3 hours on Saturday, and then she ran out of lit, so we stopped for the day. I emailed her more walk sheets for Sunday.

Speaking of Sunday, did anyone get an odd message from two of the LCDems lists that day? If you did, please let me know. liz (at) millerhousehold (dot) com.

My first endorsement

I put some shoe leather in for Jennifer Wexton yesterday. She and I walked my neighborhood gathering signatures for her petition to get on the ballot. We had a great time visiting with my neighbors and talking with a star-struck youngster who thought it was really cool that Stevens and I live around the corner from her.

Jennifer has what it takes to win, and she's committed to it. She did over 40 doors with me, and then went and did over 40 with Evan in the afternoon.

Way to go, Jennifer!!!

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And speaking of candidates who are doing well, have any of you seen Mike Kondratick's VPAP filing this period? He's the 25th in the state for money raised. WAY TO GO, MIKE!!

While we're discussing the door-knocking season

There's one possible candidate who won't be needing me to canvass for him this year.

Stevens, I couldn't be prouder of all the work you've done for Loudoun and Virginia the last few years. Thank you for letting me be part of it.

My personal pledge

Starting with this cycle, and continuing until I say otherwise, I will not endorse any candidate for any office unless I personally put some shoe leather into the game for that candidate.

No walking? No talking.

If you see me endorsing a candidate here, it will mean I put some sweat equity into their campaign.

I may expand this to candidates I donate trackable money to.

Relay for Life 2011

See that button there?
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Please click on it and donate to the American Cancer Society!! Last year I did 20 miles, I'd like to do 26.1 this year!

Farmers Market Round Up

It was a fun time, but short. The Ashburn Farmers market is open from 8 to noon Saturdays. Produce, eggs, meat, DELICIOUS cupcakes (also available at a kiosk in Dulles Town Center), beautiful breads and pies.

I saw a woman who was toting a Chico bag, and complimented her on it.

Had several great conversations - with vendors, with shoppers, and with Catherine.

There wasn't much of a crowd there, so from a leafleting POV, Leesburg's market is a better bet, but the people were great.

On my way to hand out lit with Catherine Barnett

At the Ashburn Farmers Market!! It's on the corner of Farmwell and Ashburn Village, behind the Fuddrucker's.

Come by and say hi!

Goings on About Town

LCPS has bought the first hybrid school bus in Virginia, one of 12 in use nationwide. On the one hand, yay! Environmental responsibility! On the other, yow! Expensive! On the third hand (if you have one), we could expect to see a savings over 12 years due to efficiency. I'm leaning towards yay! but need to wait and see if we really do see a fuel cost savings.

The Virginia Senate passed a bill (37 to 3!) that prohibits HOAs from banning the use of clotheslines, though HOAs still have the ability to limit size and placement. I'm really happy about this, and hope that the House follows suit.

Cliff Keirce got sworn in as Dulles Planning Commissioner. Let me hear a WOO-HOO!!!

The LCDC will meet in the Board Room at the Loudoun Government Center on Thursday, February 4th at 7:00 (6:30 gathering for chatter and whatnot).

Town elections are coming up soon. I'm excited about the folks I know about who are running for Herndon and Leesburg. I need to buy a new pair of sneakers though. My old ones are walked through.

From the Vault

A post from October 5, 2009. Title: "What I Did This Weekend"

Brought the coffee and donuts to the balloon filling station for our float (awww) in the (awww) (awww) Herndon Homecoming Parade*. Woot!

The Parrot:



What's that spell?



Then I did a hundred or so doors on Sunday.


Bonus video: Stevens' speech at the event with the Governor




*The picture in my header is from this event.

CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR-ELECT MARSDEN!!!

Thank you for coming out to vote, Democrats!!!

Special Election Today

Go vote for Marsden if you live in the 37th!

Reminders:

Tomorrow, Saturday January 9th is the LCDC Reorganization Meeting. It starts promptly at 2:00 at Heritage High School. Nominations for officers will be accepted from the floor and officers will be elected. I'll see you there!

On Sunday, we'll be canvassing for Marsden. I hope you'll join in as well. You can also do phone-banking (even virtual phone-banking from home!). The election's on Tuesday, people. Let's make it work.

Things I learned while knocking doors for Marsden yesterday

1. People respond very positively to someone wearing a bright pink-and-white-polkadotted scarf. It's practically impossible for them not to smile.
2. Practically, but not completely. There were two grumpusses. Oh well.
3. Not everyone feels it's necessary to clean up their dog's poop - even when it's right in the middle of the sidewalk.
4. Snow is very good for cleaning off one's shoes.
5. Yesterday's weather was just about perfect for canvassing. Crystal clear blue sky, not too cold, not too hot. Just right.

49 doors, 14 contacts, 1 yard sign spotted