Two years ago, one way I could tell something remarkable was happening was the literally hundreds of volunteers, many from out of state like me, that converged on Keene NH every Saturday to canvass for Obama. It turned out that NH wasn’t close that year, but once again many MA Democrats interested in federal races can have a bigger influence in NH than at home.
Paul Hodes has been a Congressman that progressives can be proud of and would make a great US Senator. Annie Kuster is another progressive champion who rode a powerful grassroots campaign to a contested Democratic nomination for the NH-02 seat currently held by Hodes. If that weren’t enough, their respective opponents are pretty loathsome — the Palin-endorsed former state AG Kelly Ayotte and former six-term Congressman Charlie “Catch and Release” Bass, who backed the Bush agenda 100% while earning an undeserved reputation as a moderate. (Read bluehampshire.com for a series of examinations of Bass’ sorry record in the House.)
The Kuster/Hodes campaign is canvassing and phonebanking out of Keene, which though intimate is one of NH’s largest cities and largest concentrations of Democratic and potential Democratic voters. Canvassing can help us reduce the intensity gap which is what keeps us slightly behind in both races, according to the polling, I got a quick response when I volunteered on kusterforcongress.com, and there is more info about the combined Democratic campaign in Keene at cheshiredemocrats.org (Cheshire County contains Keene). If this is the best way for you to help the cause, the Kuster/Hodes campaign needs your help. Let’s flood the place with dozens or even hundreds of volunteers!
…and i hope this idea catches on.
… but we have a competitive race for congress in the 10th Congressional District. Before we start sending people to NH, maybe we should send them to the South Shore, Cape, and Islands.
I live a half hour from Keene and over two hours from the 10th. I’m happy with anyone deciding where they can do the most good based on their location and their interests.