Last night I flat out had fun while working toward a “better” Democrat. The event was “Rock the Peaks” for congressional candidate Howard Shanker (http://www.howardshankerforcongress.com/
http://www.howardshankerforcongress.com/) with music by Blackfire (http://www.blackfire.net/index2.shtml
http://www.blackfire.net/index2.shtml), and it was a blast.
There are two reasons that this was such a great campaign event. First, the candidate: Howard Shanker is a really warm, sharp guy who enjoys interacting with people. He enjoys talking more than making speeches, and spent the evening talking and listening with folks. Second, the music: Blackfire flat out rocks (if you haven’t heard them, go to the link above; you’ll be glad you did), and the dance floor was packed.
This was grassroots community politics at it’s finest. Just a couple hundred people talking about issues, having a beer, and dancing. Judging by the people I talked to Howard did quite well. I literally talked to dozens who came with “no opinion” (most folks were there to see the band), and ended up saying “he’s got my vote-that’s the kind of representative I want in Washington”.
I have no idea how successful the event was as a fund raiser, as I’m more of a technical organizer and support guy, but the place was packed and t-shirt sales were brisk. I also got to play MC, doing introductions and announcements, so I may be biased. But I do think that this is the kind of thing we need more of in our politics. Make it a fun event, generate community interaction, and give people a reason to care about voting. Put the “party” back into politics.
(More at my place: http://www.pygalgia.blogspot.com/
Pygalgia)