I just wanted to make a quick post and update people on my campaign for Congress in MN-3 (seat being vacated by Ramstad - R, who's had it for 18 yrs, in district that went 50/50 Bush/Kerry in '04). Here's the bottom line up front - we raised a lot of money, have a rock-solid organization throughout the district - particularly in comparison with my opponents, and are getting great buzz and media (subscription to Star Tribune required), especially after candidate debates and forums.
We've done all of this in just over 2 months.
Here are the dynamics of my race. Congressman Ramstad had the seat for almost 20 years - he has the reputation of a moderate Republican who fits the district well, though the district's changing - 50/50 Bush/Kerry in '04. When he said he was retiring, there was a scramble amongst establishment Dems as to who would replace him, because this was the first real shot in years at having a Dem in the seat. The establishment cleared the field and decided to back a sitting state senator, who immediately declared her candidacy and helped ward off any remaining competition by raising $80,000 in the last 10 days of the 3rd quarter.
I got in this race at the end of October, without any name recognition, no office or elected experience, no rolodex of contacts, and just 2 months left in the fundraising quarter. The only thing I really did have, to be honest, was my story (son of immigrants who came here with nothing, Marine Corps and Iraq War veteran), and my message, which is that we, as Democrats, need to stand up and show some spine and fight on issues like the War and civil liberties.
I quit my job and started campaigning full time. I'd do fundraising calls all day and events in the afternoons and evenings across the district to build my campaign organization and develop support. I worked my tail off - and still am - and got some good people around me to do the same. I got some great buzz and media, mainly because of my public appearances next to my opponent. She refused to commit to letting the Bush tax cuts expire for the wealthiest 2% of people in our country, labeled Iran a "threat," and said that I was wrong for having a plan to get out of Iraq, because it's the president's job to conduct war. I disagreed with her on all these points, and have been saying that's the problem with our party - everyone is so eager to adopt these poll tested policies that we've forgotten what we stand for. I think a lot of people in our district were ready for my message and we built solid grassroots support very quickly.
I raised $161,000 in 2 months - that's a state record for an unknown candidate. My opponent raised $211K in the full 4th quarter, which means I'm raising money at a faster rate. We ended up building a lot of grassroots support through the district in preparation for our caucuses on February 5.
So, anyway, at the end of the day - we're in great shape right now but I can't let up. My team and I are being relentless in our organization and fundraising for this race. I'm going to keep going - nonstop. I've got an excellent shot at winning this endorsement, and winning this district.
I'd like you to help me - please pass the word about my candidacy to anyone you think might be interested. I'll be on here for a little while to take questions or comments.
Thanks for reading.