What's up with the K/E yard signs?

[MissouriTeacher]

Yesterday, I did some canvassing for the Kerry campaign here in the KC area (wasn't a great experience, but that's another post). We met at the campaign headquarters of a local state senate candidate. One of the questions on everybody's minds was 'Where can we get some signs?'

There are B/C signs all over the place here. They have a local office in town and are giving away their signs for free. Meanwhile, people have to pay for the K/E signs, and that's only if they can find them! Our local HQ didn't have any, and they weren't sure whether or not they were going to be getting some.

The lady I canvassed with had purchased some signs on her own, and within days after putting her yard signs up almost everyone of her neighbors had come to her house asking her where she got them. (I saw her house and she got signs for all her neighbors, it's pretty cool.)

I've heard other people on this board say that their local HQ didn't have signs either, so what's the deal!? Dems have broken fundraising records this year, and we can't keep yard signs in stock and even make people pay for them? This doesn't make any sense.

[liveoaktx]

1. I would bet that the B/C HQ paid for them out of their own funds

Perhaps because they held fundraisers or perhaps because of donations. But there's no way that those aren't paid for by someone. My Dem chairman has ordered signs, which he paid for out of our Dem money, which he will be giving away. Would I gladly buy one of those signs in order to provide money for our local Dem party? Sure. The signs have not arrived yet... so meantime I went to http://www.johnkerry.com and bought a couple.

[MissouriTeacher]

2. I bought mine..

from Kerry's website as well, but it was $5 plus $6.50 shipping AND it didn't even come with the frames. Ouch.

I know a lot of people who wouldn't spend that much, especially when they can easily be stolen from one's yard.

[liveoaktx]

5. Question-did you make your own frames? I noticed that too

and I was wondering if I was gonna have to run out to the hardware store to get some wire.

[MissouriTeacher]

9. Fortunately...

a friend of mine had some frames leftover, so I just got them from him. Not sure where you can buy frames otherwise. :(

[DoYouEverWonder]

14. All you need is a wood stake for tomato plants

They cost about .50 cents each at the local mega hardware store.

[liveoaktx]

19. The signs that are coming are plastic pullover signs

I agree if they were solid it would work but these require a wire stand

[DoYouEverWonder]

20. Ah, that is a different matter

Sometimes the plastic bag signs come with a folded up frame.

If it doesn't, your local screen printer or sign shop should have the premade wire frames. They are very cheap.

[MockSwede]

32. Alternative

Think outside of the box, folks. Be creative!

Just cut apart the plastic at the folded edges and STAPLE the sign 'halves' one on each side of a piece of plywood!!!

But first nail on your stake(s) to the plywood, so it/they will be under your stapled-on signs.

Please let other folks know.

If there are other problems with signs and how to get them up and visible, give me a holler; I'm getting to be an expert at political sign installation/repair!

[Mad_Dem_X]

78. That's what I'm using for mine

I wasn't able to find any suitable wire anywhere, so I just bought some wooden stakes and attached the sign to them.

[Annette]

3. Howdy Missouri teacher

I've been wondering the same thing. I live in the Metro North area and I am surrounded by B/C signs. I am the only Kerry in our neighborhood. I got my sign from a neighbor of my sister, his union is supporting Kerry and said he could get me as many as I want. I might go knock on his door again, I don't even know his name. That is how desperate I am to get some signs around here!!

[MissouriTeacher]

6. I heard...

that the Dem HQ on Armour road in NKC actually has some signs, so you might want to check there.

It's a lot closer to you than it is to me.

[Annette]

10. Thanks for the info

I will go there tomorrow, is there a charge at the headquarters? Not that it matters, just need to know about how much money to bring.

[MissouriTeacher]

13. Like JPJones said...

I think they're $3.

[onecent]

47. $5.00 at ARmor & Burlington

[Annette]

48. Hey onecent

Are the unions giving them away for free, the union guy who gave me mine didn't charge me anything? Maybe I need to ask if he paid so I can reimburse him.

[onecent]

50. I don't know about the unions...sorry

[onecent]

46. I volunteer at the Dem headquarters at Armor & Burlington

They got 600 signs last week. They do go fast..but before the 600 we were without them from Friday until Wednesday.

Some people were mighty P O'd about having to pay. It doesn't bother me to pay but one lady walked passed me (my first day as a volunteer) and said 'Well what the shits with that?" Meaning she didn't want to pay.

[LittleClarkie]

59. Some think that if they give money to the DNC

Everything else should be free. I've seen that.

[JPJones]

4. Our meet-up group ordered them in bulk

Look, yard signs are great, but each one is about $3. Is it too much to ask Democrats to donate three lousy bucks to get the little dictator out of office?

[MissouriTeacher]

12. $3 is pretty manageable...

my main complaint is that there aren't any available for those willing to buy them!

[MockSwede]

36. This is why we should pay....

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the big money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[sybylla]

81. You're missing the connection between yard signs and

motivating people. I agree, signs don't vote. But if someone can put a sign in their front yard, they now have a personal stake in that campaign, they have made a statement that they may be quite willing to fight for. You build grassroots by encouraging voters to take ownership in the campaign.

And a campaign that can't/won't provide materials to field offices and dem hqtrs is as much as saying that they don't really care about rallying the grassroots in that area. They'll reap what they've sown. It's a fact of politics, if they've contributed nothing to building support, they'll get none.

edit: spelling

[blue neen]

7. We just got ours in at local K/E headquarters on Friday.

EVERYONE has been asking for them.

I do think it had something to do with funding; don't know that for sure, but that's what I heard at HQ.

[Quixote1818]

8. I have noticed the exact same thing in New Mexico

Kerry/Edwards Bumperstickers out number the Bush/Cheney Stickers about 3 to 1 but Bush/Cheney yard signs out number Kerry/Edwards yard signs about 10 to 1. Something needs to be done. It looks bad!

[MockSwede]

37. Get the vote - not the yard signs!

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the big money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[Quixote1818]

44. Thanks for the explination

Actually I think Bumper stickers are more effective than yard signs. Most people dont go out of their own neighborhood. I just noticed all the Bush signs because I have been looking for a house and have been all over town in many different neighborhoods. I was getting a little freaked out.

[duhneece]

75. In Otero County (Alamogordo) NM

The local party first 'saved' $ from donations & ordered 125 bumper stickers (1.35 @)from a local printer, then saved $$ and ordered 50 yard signs (3$@)from an El Paso firm, then saved $ for 125 more bumper stickers & 75 yard signs from a gentleman in So Carolina who purchased in bulk to sell to Dem parties in swing states...I don't have his link here at home.
Some locals who donate to the National & State Dem were pissed that their donations didn't cover signs, but we were able to take donations and go whine to those with a little more $$ in order to order a couple of weeks earlier than what we would have had to if we'd relied on donations to our little donation jar.

[Ready4Change]

11. Any reason to not make your own?

I mean I know you can make your own for your own yard.

I'm wondering, is there any reason to not print up tons of them, and either make them available or sell them at cost?

[IdaBriggs]

15. In Michigan, its about 'allocation of financial resources.'

I got into an argument with the local and state people because they decided to buy only 100,000 bumper stickers for the entire state. (Michigan is A LITTLE BIT BIGGER THAN THAT!!!) Anyway, I ended up buying 10,000 bumper stickers for my county, and am now trying to do personal fund raising to help cover the costs. I am also about to try to help pay for Yard Signs since I don't think the local Dems are going to do that, either.

The argument used against spending money on signs and stuff was that "people don't change their minds about candidates based on signs and bumperstickers" so they want to use the money for phone banks and staffers. Stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life -- REPETITION IS WHAT HELPS SELL A CANDIDATE!!! We've heard the name of the Evil One every single day for four years, while Kerry has only been the candidate for FOUR MONTHS. Its a good thing CAR COMPANIES don't think putting the name of their vehicle on the back of the car helps sales or anything, or otherwise they might do it! (sarcasm)

www.demstore.com -- This is the best website I know of to buy Kerry stuff -- its got wholesale prices, and they get it to you QUICKLY!!! Do NOT waste your time with the Kerry Gear people; they take WEEKS!!! Good luck!

[MissouriTeacher]

17. I think it's also

a matter of perception. Especially right now with a lot of bogus polls out showing Bush having a huge lead, seeing a bunch of B/C yard signs adds to the perception that he's winning.

It's a shame because I know there are a lot of people around here who want signs.

[Greyskye]

26. Thanks for the www.demstore.com link!

Just ordered 10 yard signs and 10 bumper stickers. I'm sure I'll run into some people who would like some, as I'm in a non battleground state; and I've yet to receive my 'official' bumperstickers that I should have received from my donation to the Kerry campaign a month or two ago.

[DoYouEverWonder]

16. This sort of thing happens in every election, but this year its much worse

The ridiculous part, is that it only make people who print political yard signs richer.

Thanks, for all the extra business freepers? At least some of it is going to a good raving liberal.

BTW: With all the extra money I've made, I gave my folks half a day off to go register to vote. And I am giving them the whole day off for the election.

Thanks again freepers.

[MockSwede]

38. THAT's the Way

Thanks! Giving people the time to register and the time to vote is most generous. It shows that voting is important to you and that you care enough to get them out to do it. That's better effort and more generous 'donation' than any lawn sign! GOTV!

PS

This addenda explains the lack of signs, as I was told, which I posted elsewhere:

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the big money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[madmom]

18. we don't even have a dem headquarters...

I live right in the middle of repug country and they won't rent any space for dem headquarters had to go about 50 miles to get mine.

[Keirsey]

22. MissouriTeacher

Mission, KS (5305 Johnson Drive) jewelry store is selling Kerry/Edwards at just a bit over cost.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=153x358

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12930657&BRD=1459&PAG=461&dept_id=506062&rfi=6

KC Kerry/Edwards office on Wornall Road, next to Tasso's. Sorry, but I don't have a phone number.

[seabeyond]

24. ours got run out of town in 2000 i think

we do have a democrat bbq going on next thurs. i am so excited to go and see who the dems are in town. see if i know anyone. lol lol

it is 25 dollars a plate, but the funny, it also says if you can donate more that is good, but if you cant afford the 25 dollars, remember we are democrats, you are welcome and we will work something out

[Indiana_Dem]

51. Our local HQ is run from the chairman's home!

The Repubs have one centrally located in the downtown with signs all over it.

[Chichiri]

21. My guess . . .

the DNC has a shitload of them in stock, but is holding them back. Starting after the first debate, you'll see them pop up everywhere -- and after the last debate, they'll probably outnumber the America-haters' signs.

[txindy]

23. No yard signs here, either

I just leave my car in the driveway during the day with the bumper stickers facing towards the street. When it gets dark, though, the car goes in the garage. No one's going to see a bumper sticker in the dark, so I'm not about to leave my car out for some creative destruction by *'s supporters. If I had a yard sign I'd bring it in at night, too, and put it back out when I went outside to get the paper in the morning.

One thing, though: Since I don't have a yard sign and bumper stickers aren't all that large, I'm printing replica K/E signs on 8"x11" magnets and putting them on my car, too. Something larger to catch the eye. I can drive around with them on each door, also, and take them off whenever I park. Having studied advertising, I know that the signs that both stand out the most and are the most memorable are ones done in yellow with black lettering. That's why caution signs (and most school buses) are in those colors. Just a thought. I need to convert some colors to put on those magnets!

[nagbacalan]

25. No yard signs yet in Thousand Oaks, CA.

[MockSwede]

34. Here are the SIGNS

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[MockSwede]

35. Sign Explanation

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[Radical Activist]

27. If you want signs so bad you need to buy them

Signs don't do much in a national election. Everyone knows who Kerry is and they don't need a sign to increase name recognition. The campaign has limited resources and signs shouldn't be the top priority.

[MockSwede]

39. Yes Yes!

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[Radical Activist]

42. Yes, volunteering is more important than posting a sign in your yard

That's great that you're helping out too. I spend a lot of time in my local Kerry HQ.

[Zhade]

28. "people have to pay for the K/E signs" - are you KIDDING me?

That's ridiculous. With all the money people have given them, they can't afford to print signs for supporters?

That just isn't cool.

[MockSwede]

33. Sign Cost Explanation

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM and Pay for them so MORE PEOPLE can go get 'em!

[Zhade]

57. Thanks for the reasoned reply, rather than a personal attack.

It is appreciated. :)

[HFishbine]

85. That doesn't wash

Focusing money on VOLUNTEERS? Huh?

Sounds like a dumb strategy. We don't need people "under the radar." We need undecided people who are driving up and down their streets to see that others in their community -- others like them, support Kerry/Edwards. "Oh look. The Smiths are supporting Kerry," is going to do a lot more than some stranger at the door -- no matter what they may tell you to your face.

We have a yard sign shortage here too and the result is that it looks like the people of our city are supporting Bush. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zhade]

56. Not that your personal attack deserves a reply...

...but I'm not well-off financially, thanks. I'm supporting two others who have lost their jobs in the b*sh economy.

[sybylla]

82. Agreed, and a difficult absence to explain to long time Dems

It's the first major campaign where my county Dem party has ever had to buy campaign materials, and not just yard signs - bumper stickers, rally signs and buttons to boot.

It's sad, really. It's hard to get the grassroots motivated to fight for a campaign when they have had to buy the basic campaign tools for themselves. And you know, the price isn't a big deal. It's more what it says about the campaign's perception of its supporters. It's like going to a friends party (a friend who has no problem with money) and finding out there's a cover charge. No big deal, but it leaves a sour taste. In a campaign the "cover charge" sensation makes it more difficult to get grassroots volunteers interested in, let alone excited about, canvassing or GOTV if there might be more hidden charges to being part of the "club." It leaves the impression upon the grassroots that you're being cheap or that perhaps the campaign isn't quite as well-heeled as it should be.

[MockSwede]

29. Signs in Maine

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM.

[MaineDem]

52. In Maine we have to buy them

The counties are getting together and buying stickers and signs. The K/E campaign is giving us almost nothing.

We've raised the money and we intend to spend it. Having money in our treasury on November 3 will do us no good if Bush is elected.

[Strelnikov_]

30. K/E Sign Report From Story County (Ames), Iowa

I was able to snag a K/E sign from the Story County Democrats office on Friday. While I was walking home some neighbors saw the sign and were asking where to get one.

Saturday (yesterday) I called to check on the possibly of getting some signs to distribute to neighbors. They said that all 600 signs had been distributed and that they would not be getting any more.

I ordered four more from Kerry.com (web site notes "poly coated board folds to a 14 x 22 double-sided") and will probably order some more once I see what is being provided. I figure I will need at least a few more to replace stolen signs prior to the election.

Regarding Dem strategists that say yard signs, bumper stickers, etc. don’t matter, I do not agree. We are fighting against an entrenched political structure, and the more signs of resistance that are displayed, the more of those who are wavering will be willing to join the resistance.

Just another sign that Dem leadership really has no clue, particularly regarding the well documented ‘herd’ mentality of the undecided or weakly committed voter.

[MockSwede]

40. Tell the HERD we're spending the big money on PEOPLE

We're working as volunteers at our local K/E office in Maine. I've asked this question of our campaign director and she said most of the money is focused on getting deep volunteers ranks organized for canvassing and get-out-the-vote work just before election.

They are only making more buttons and signs with the money people contribute for them when they pick some of them up. So you will not see many of stickers or signs or buttons - BUT there are A LOT of us behind the scenes and under the 'front yard' radar at this point.

Please let other folks know that this is the strategy. I think it's appropriate. Yard signs don't vote - people do. Gotta mobilize the people to VOTE. That's where each one of us is responsible not only to VOTE, but to get a fence-sitter to vote for Kerry/Edwards. Dominoes. It's working well, for me; I've got 6 other Kerry votes lined up now, not JUST mine!

GO GET 'EM. Pay for them (the signs) and more will be made for others to get, in turn.

Even better, GO GET THE VOTES!

[MaineDem]

54. Why did you post the same thing 3 times? (nt)

[PassingFair]

65. Tell the HERD?

OK, now that's about it from you "organizers". Here is a copy of my earlier post concerning the "useless" lawn signs and other staples of successful campaigns:

Signs and stickers are always important. In THIS campaign, they are EVERYTHING. With the media almost 100% against us, dems and thinking independents are being tricked into thinking that we are in the minority. Visibility is what we most need. LOOK at pictures of Kerry rallies around the country. We are turning out in droves, but none of it makes it to the mainstream media. Bumperstickers and yard signs are a sure sign that WE ARE NOT ALONE. They force people to use their senses, to begin to see beyond the veil of conservatism spun by these usurpers and their media toadies.

I recently heard a statistic (I can't claim to back it up...) that a prominently displayed bumpersticker was worth as much as a $500.00 donation, towards effectively "getting out the message".

I know from my own observations as a salesdog, that I consciously tally the "bumpersticker war" numbers. It makes me feel GREAT to SEE others are on my side.

Three weeks ago, during the course of my daily travels, I stumbled into a local Bush/Cheney field office. Women were directing traffic, using radio phones, checking clipboards, and getting people provisioned with signs and stickers. The cars were pulling in, packing up, and pulling out.

By contrast, when I went to my local Kerry/Edwards office, getting stickers was like pulling teeth, and I'm a precinct delegate! They wanted me to phone bank. Now, phone banking is important, but they actually said that I shouldn't walk my precinct! That they had a "New Direction".

Placards for yard signs were there, but no one was stapling them together. While I waited to talk to someone in charge, two people were TURNED AWAY because the signs weren't ready to sink. This is a big mistake, and it appears to be campaign driven.

Thank you for this opportunity to vent.

I had the misfortune to meet up with an "organizer" like you last weekend. You MUST move the masses in this election. You will not achieve this by paying more "organizers" to stick post-it notes on bulletin boards. You will not do it by referring to well-meaning, thoughtful,loyal and willing democrats as "THE HERD".

Take your "New Direction" and, in the words of our future first lady, "SHOVE IT".

[MaineDem]

73. I agree with you

We're not getting anything fromt he campaign so our county joined with others to make a bulk purchase of stickers and signs. In our little corner of the world perception is reality and the more people see the presence of the candidate, whether stickers on cars or signs on lawns the more the message gets out. It's vitally important and even if the campaign honchos don't understand it we in the trenches do. So we're getting this ourselves to distribute at our campaign offices.

People have been great when they stop in. If they're able to make a donation that's great. We don't force it. People have been very generous but we give the "chum" (as the campaigns call it) away as well.

I'm finding people very generous with their time, as well. Phone banking (which I HATE to do) is going fairly well - although I think the campaign strategy is a bit overblown - and we'll be organizing our own lit drops since the campaign doesn't feel we're an important enough area to organize it for us. That's cool.

Whatever the situation we have to make sure our precincts, our towns, our counties, our states turn out the vote for Kerry/Edwards, our Dem Congresscritters, and local and state Democrats however we can.

THanks to all DUers for doing their part!

[Strelnikov_]

70. I Think GOTV And Canvassing Is Also Important

But I still think some resources need to be directed to traditional 'showing the flag' activities, such as getting out yard signs, stickers, etc.

Guess I will order up 50 or so to drop off at the local office since it seems that money is tight.


Regarding the 'herd' mentality:

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20031006/voting.html

[ScreamingMeemie]

92. "Yard signs don't vote-people do. Gotta moblize..." How do we mobilize

? With yard signs. Many people vote based upon yard signs and bumper sticker...silly as it may seem to you. Kerry/Edwards have GOT TO make those signs and stickers more readily available.


"Herd"?????

[senseandsensibility]

31. I agree

My husband and I walk our precinct in California, and I feel funny asking people to pay for the signs. They also have to pay for pins and bumper stickers. The explanation we were given was that the money goes to the swing states. Are you in a swing state? It seems like you should be getting the signs for free then.

[genius]

43. My local party and state party are trying hard to lose

They are stacked with pseudo-Republicans and like being the minority party.

[catmandu57]

45. I don't mind having to pay

for a sign, it's the gd shipping and handling. Someone down the block has a K/E sign I'll have to gimp down there to talk to them about it, maybe they have another

[MagickMuffin]

49. Be Creative Use the Resources of the Dark Side to our Advantage

If the B/C signs are free, why not pick up several and be creative.
Add to them!

this could be included using red ink/paint or any color you have available

B/C Lies

B/C Mis*Leaders

B/C Dividers

B/C War Profiteers

B/C Non Christians


Some people have been eliminating letters such as the H in bush

Then what's left is Bus Cheney


Well you get the idea. Be Creative


Then you could put these in highly visible locations!

This is War and if have to use ALL our resources to influence people's perceptions the best way possible in the most effective ways.

Let's take advantage of the free offers of the B/C campaign!

Also I agree that if you want yard signs but can't get them, can't find them, don't want to pay for them, Then make your own. i have heard numerous stories of people having them stolen! So, if you make your own you will only be out the time it took to make them.
And if you make them yourselves you can put whatever message you want to convey.

[Indiana_Dem]

53. HAHA! That's classic! I want to do that!

It would get lots of laughs in my neighborhood except for about 5 houses out of 29!

[Habibi]

55. Folks!

Go to demstore.com for cheaper (than JohnKerry.com) signs, and they will include the wire frame.

Yeah, maybe it sucks to have to buy a sign, and maybe signs aren't all that important next to registering Democratic voters, but they lift our spirits, so verily I say, go forth and buy thyself a sign or two, cheap, quick, and easy, at demstore.com.

(The Kerry site takes forever to get the stuff out, anyway.)

[usregimechange]

58. We got donors and the co committee paid for ours, MO

We have signs in Joplin MO! GOP country.

[LittleClarkie]

60. I take the large rectangle window signs

to the local Office Depot, get them laminated for 2 bucks. From there you can either use the wire frame or get use the tomato stake idea and nail the sign to it.

[CouriousDem]

61. Why the fuck should I have to PAY for a Kerry sign?

I'm broke and the local K/E "sign distributors" tell me i have to PAY for them? What the fuck is their damage?

This campaign is the most inept I have ever seen in my long political life.

[MaineDem]

62. Wow

A pretty angry first post. Welcome to DU, in any case!

[Annette]

63. Yes money has been tight for a lot of people since * took office

We all are feeling the Bush middle class squeeze.

Welcome to the DU!

[sybylla]

83. I feel your pain, Curious Dem

And welcome to DU! :toast:

I've heard the same rant from various neighbors, friends and decades' long activists. It totally smacks of incompetence, which the local dem units are trying hard to counter. Every dime they must spend on getting Kerry flair takes money away from supporting state and local candidates. That's why some of them are charging for the materials. Hopefully it's a small charge. Don't blame your local Dems. They need your support and probably your $3.50 for a yardsign too so they can do what they need to do this election year.

Let them know you're having money troubles but you'd like to support Kerry/Edwards. Perhaps, being good liberals, they'll make an exception for you. I would.

[LittleClarkie]

86. Communal approach

Them what has money, buy more than one sign and distribute to them what ain't got no money, honey.

I have two signs in my car that I can't put in my yard as I live in an apartment building. So when I find someone who needs one, I give it to them.

Also, as I said before, if there are window signs (here they have a supply that they are not charging for) get them laminated for a couple bucks (or just packing tape the heck out of them) nail them to a stake and voila.

[Catherine Vincent]

64. My boyfriend picked up a few yard signs for me and my family

on Friday. Couldn't wait to put mine up that night. He also bought a tee-shirt and a few bumper stickers. He bought an apron for me. The guy also handed him a bunch of registration forms. On my car I have my Kerry/Edwards sticker on the top back window, on the bottom half window I have my no W sticker and on the back of my car I have my magnetic "Support the Troops" ribbon. I am ready to go! And no B/C cretin better not mess with me!:-)

[Cookie wookie]

66. Bought mine from Demstore.com

The yard signs are $3.00 including the wire frame. The bumper stickers are $1.00 ea and buttons are .90. I got a few extras to give away. The postage was the biggest expense, for 2 signs with frames, 2 buttons, and 2 bumper stickers it was $8.69.

I'm lucky enough to have a job (knock on wood) at this time, but do wish the Dem campaign would give away this stuff to those who can't afford it!! Went to our country Dem meeting on Tuesday night and they had said they would have lots of signs, etc. but they were selling them.

They said they were using our "donations" to fund candidates. One of ours, Denise Majette who is running for Zell Miller's seat, is moving up in the polls, but if some of the little sign and button dollars go to her campaign then great. However, I did wonder if that is legal!

We also have Cynthia McKinney running for the House (Yeah)

My Cynthia sign was torn down last week, and the stake was stolen, but (Ha Ha) I still had a wire frame from Dean's campaign, so I put it back out. Also put two American flags on it, so if they tear it down again, they'll have to rip down the flags to get it.

[PassingFair]

67. Kick

Because I think this is an important issue.

[biblebeltyikes]

68. I've now seen tons of Kerry signs in K.C.

Hi MO teach, My very conservative parents were visiting this last week & got very scared by all the Kerry signs all over as I drove them around! Someone is doing a great job. I loved it...my parents think this is a very liberal town!:) I was happily surprised to see the Kerry signs far outnumbered the Bush ones!

[pstokely]

71. what part

lots South of the river

[biblebeltyikes]

80. Brookeside & Mission Hills

[Merlin]

69. No money is no damn excuse. The campaign MUST get the lead out!

It is absurd for anybody in either the Kerry Campaign or the DNC to complain about lack of funds for yard signs. They can get all the money they need by simply asking for it. We all know that. People will give the shirts off their backs this year to beat Bush.

What we have here, my friends, is a classic case of Democratic Party disorganization, lack of imagination and a flawed sense of frugality.

Hey, I have an idea. Let's ask Bob Schrum to contribute $25,000 of the millions he has agrandized from this campaign. That's probably enough for yard signs in all the swing states.

[kurtyboy]

72. Signs Don't Vote!!! Nonetheless, I've done my part.

I have run up a huge credit card bill ($ 10,787.64, so far) acquiring bumper stickers, buttons, and signs for my county. I just spent my day putting up 4'x8' Kerry-Edwards signs, and will spend the next few weekends doing the same.

I will have been reimbursed for much of my effort (I hope...) by the local Dems and supporters.

But,

SIGNS DON'T VOTE!!!! People do,

and that's the most important thing to remember. Voter registration and Get Ot the Vote drives are what this election is all about. We've only a couple of weeks left in most states to register newbies, so do it now! (Washington state, where I live, allows mail-in registrations until Oct 2, and in-person courthouse registrations until Oct 18...)

The key is this--They have a ton of money, and few volunteers. We have the opposite.....(not a bad place for us to be, BTW)

Register those voters, and don't worry about the signs---all signs point to victory.

on edit--I haven't had a job since Sept 2002--I'm depending on my wife and spending most of a tiny inheritance from my mother's estate--if any of that matters.

[ScreamingMeemie]

94. But...People do vote based on signs. And many are forgetting that

here. If people voted on the issues and the candidate's speeches all of the time...well then, we wouldn't be so worried about Bush, would we? :hi:

[bklyncowgirl]

74. This is my pet peeve with the campeign

Signs don't vote but the average less than enthusiastic voter who doesn't like Bush but ain't exactly wild for Kerry either, is going to go with the campeign who looks the strongest--or more likely sit out the election.

We're in the last couple of weeks for registration here. We should be doing what we can to get people excited about voting. Signs are a small part, I'll admit, but Kerry signs everywhere you look could do alot to make people feel that they're not alone.

[phish420]

76. I hate yard signs

They are just trash all over the side of the road that doesnt get picked up for months after the election (if ever)...has anyone ever changed their vote because of a polluting yard sign? Come on. I think it is the single most inneffective method of advertising.

[carpe_vinum]

77. I don't know how effective they are for a high profile race...(m)

like the POTUS, but they are invaluable in local races. My
local paper is so pitiful sometimes yard signs are the only
way to find out who is running. At least for people who don't
have the internet to look up the information on the county and
municipal websites.

I have to agree with you about the aftermath though. We have
an ordinance that they have to be removed within 7 days of an
election or the campaign is fined $25 a sign. That has seemed
to work since it was put into effect.

Still, it is a little demoralizing to see B/C04 signs
plastered all over town and nary a K/E sign in sight. A little
parity would help democrat morale around here. We already know
we're outnumbered. We don't need it thrown in our faces. LOL!

[AP]

79. The signs are free and are plentiful in the battleground states.

Resources have to be prioritized.

The reason you see so many Bush signs is a big reason you have to make a donation for the Kerry signs.

In states that aren't priorities, they have to buy them like anyone else, so they make a donation to get them (or buy them online).

[sybylla]

84. Free and plentiful? Au Contraire

Wisconsin is a battleground state, last I heard, and has been considered so since Kerry won enough delegates. We've gotten nothing from the campaign except a few Vets for Kerry buttons when they brought a group of vets supporting Kerry through the county.

We, as a local Dem org, purchased buttons, bumper stickers, rally signs, and are picking up our measly 100 yard signs today that we purchased with all the cash our local party felt they could spare. We hear that the k/e campaign may bequeath us with 50 more to divide evenly between 5000 homes.

Having had the opportunity to speak with members of several other county parties across the state over the past month or two, the situation is the same everywhere.

Free and plentiful is certainly not how I would describe the situation in this battleground state.

[democratreformed]

91. Not here, either.

See my post below.

[ScreamingMeemie]

93. Nope. Not here in Michigan. Signs not free and plentiful at all. Had to

beg, borrow, steal....and wait to get mine. :hi:

[Kazak]

87. I just got one today...

from the Dem HQ in my town. They were giving them away for free, but I donated to get mine.

[goddess40]

88. October 9

The plan for K/E signs is to put them out on one day and thereby make a big splash with them. The day they have chosen is October 9. So go to your Dem headquarters on that day and get as many yard signs as you need.

[bigtree]

89. Looking at a Kerry sign in my neighbor's yard across the street.

[democratreformed]

90. Our local Dem club took donations and bought 150 to give away.

We didn't have any either. I was really getting sick of seeing B/C signs and no Kerry/Edwards. Now, we have some.

An older couple here in town had some of the paper ones they had nailed to posts. Needless to say, the weather got to it. When we got the ones in we purchased, my daughter and I took them a new one. They were sooooooo happy! We put it up for them.