OMG! I get to speak with "The Howards"!!!!!

[AWD]

I feel like Cartman, running around saying "Oh my God! You guys! Seriously!".....

OK, here's the deal. I had a double-booked schedule planned for Saturday, going to Columbus for the DUers get-together, then head to Cleveland for a Howard Dean fundraiser. Busy day, lot of driving, but a fun political day all around.

I called last week to put my name on the RSVP list for the Dean fundraiser, and spoke to three different people about different topics. I mentioned to one of them that I was running for Congress against Ralph Regula in Ohio, and the person seemd interested and asked me a few questions about it.

And today, I got....cue the music....the phone call.

I've been invited to come to Cleveland a little early so I can have a conversation with a few people about my candidacy. I assumed I'd be talking with big-money Democrats in Cleveland, so they could find out what I was supporting and why I was running......but I was wrong.

Instead, I get to have a brief discussion with Howard Dean and Howard Metzenbaum!!!! No idea how long, but I've been told I get to meet with them.

So....what would YOU ask them or say to them if you were in my shoes?????

[bif]

1. Kudos.

I don't know what I'd aks him.

[tedoll78]

2. I got one!

Do they think that Bush has been milking the deaths of ~3000 people for raw political benefit? And if they do, how do they feel about that?

[neuvocat]

3. I dunno, maybe tell them about this site I suppose.

That seems as good a topic as anything.

[liberalnurse]

4. Get some pointers from Metzenbaum!!!!!

You want Ohio, he has connections.....I think his son-in-law is Joel Hyatt? Whats your biggest hang-up at this stage?

Tell them about issues of your district...briefly and tell Metzenbaum how he has been your role model. Use examples of his success. (something like that)....

Get Metzenbaum to attend a fundraiser for ya.....

I don't know about Dean....Maybe tell him how you are helping him win Ohio.....

[AWD]

6. I agree...

....I think Metzenbaum is the big one for my own purposes. He's a legend in Ohio.

I remember how my dad would bitch about him every chance he got, and it made me wonder why as a child...so I investigated and Metzenbaum ended up being my first exposure into politics.

How did a state that once boasted Metzenbaum and Glenn turn so horrible??

[liberalnurse]

13. Thats a good point.

You want to bring back integrity......

[DianeK]

5. what a wonderful opportunity!

i think i would use this opportunity to ask very specifically what i could do in my unique position to help the dean campaign win over my constituents....this meeting could only help your own campaign..congratulations

[ClintonTyree]

7. Tell him............

to keep up the good work and NOT to let up on Bush. How many mothers and fathers will loose their kids so Bush can have his "regime change". My God AWD, if you've got his ear you know what to say, you're more politicaly savy than most, just don't waste this opportunity by being star-struck. More power to you Bro.

[Robbien]

8. I would go with the voting machines

Ohio is a key state in this election. It would be a shame to win with the votes but lose the election due to voting machine fraud.

[liberalnurse]

15. Yes!!!!!!

Don't get too technical.....share how you plan to bring this to the fore front for Ohio voters......League of Women Voters etc.....

[Robbien]

16. Just the fact that Diebold's own site was broken into twice

in the last six months raises many questions on how much time Diebold devotes to security issues.

[AWD]

19. I know Bev would have the answers....

.....but do you know exact dates when Diebold's FTP was broken into????

[Robbien]

20. According to the Wired article

The first time was January of this year (this was the voting program) and the second time was March 2 (this was staff files like email and such).

http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,59925,00.html

[Donna Zen]

9. Black Box Voting

n/t

[liberalnurse]

10. If you win.....

I'm picking you as my legislative representative who I work with throught the Ohio Nurses Association....(I'm a new ONA legislative liaison).


Dean 2004

[AWD]

14. Check your pm, liberalnurse

I sent you a message

[HFishbine]

11. Ask them

how to win.

[CWebster]

12. How exciting!

You'll be fine, AWD. What a wonderful surprise! ;-)

[cmd]

17. OMG! Both of them!!!!!!!!!!

Metzenbaum has always been one of my heros. I'm drooling all over the keyboard.

What would I ask? For their endorsement, of course. And any tips on running against Regula. And definitely a picture. And if they read DU. And how we can best help the party. And tell Metzenbaum I love him.

By the way, I still have a check for your campaign. I need an addy. cmd

[AWD]

18. Check your PM

Just sent it to you....and there will be a fundraiser here for the campaign on Sept 1/2.

And of course, thank you Anna!

[Eloriel]

21. IMPT -- Be prepared to discuss

your campaign and your plan for winning. What sort of support you've got, campaign finance, anything and everything about your campaign. You want to be taken seriously, and you have to come off as a "real" and serious candidate IF they ask you about it. Of course, I know you ARE a real and serious candidate, but you might be called on (subtly or overtly) to convince them.

That said, WOW!!!! I am seriously shocked and awed! Way to go! Three cheers! Hip, hip, hooray! Go AWD!

And congratulations. You've earned it. We want a FULL report, ya hear?

:toast:

Eloriel

[legin]

24. great points Eloriel

ditto what was said.

(and cause I'm from the basement; I/P issue)

[legin]

25. and of course

Wow !!!

[Ohio Dem]

22. Wow, man. That's really cool.

Metzenbaum's the best. I have good feelings about your campaign.

[AWD]

27. I hope so....

I have good feelings about your campaign

I hope so, considering what I just found in my PayPal account from you!

Thanks!!!

[goobergunch]

23. Wow!

I'd ask them about campaign tips and strategy...and I also agree with mentioning BBV. Anyone have 1988 OH county-level election returns? I'd be curious to see how Metzenbaum did in Stark, Wayne, Ashland, and Medina counties.

ON EDIT: This is also a really good sign for your campaign IMHO. :bounce: :bounce:

[gristy]

26. I would only ask them one thing

But first tell them about your concerns re. electronic voting machines, and what you think are viable solutions or ways to reduce the risk of a stolen election next year.

Then ask them how can you help them and the Democratic Party.

Your generosity of input and offer of effort will be doubly returned without asking.