On the Doors with Martha Coakley #Demdoors

Last week AG Martha Coakley told me that she wanted to go door to door with me. I’ve been canvassing for her gubernatorial campaign, talking to voters and collecting signatures for several weeks. I love to canvass. It’s a fun and effective way to talk to voters and to get votes.

My only question was, “When and where?”

We decided that we would be knocking on doors in Worcester on Saturday because there was a meet and greet in the morning and an afternoon gubernatorial candidates forum, both in Worcester.

As we were working out the logistics of the canvass I was talking with campaign staff about the arrangements. It was clear that the AG wanted to meet as many voters as possible and to hear their concerns. I learned that Martha was very interested in picking up best practices from experienced canvassers and wanted to learn as much as possible about what the voters are saying.

First things first. Where were we meeting? Feed the volunteers is Rule Number Four. Wholly Cannoli, a coffee shop on Grafton Street was the choice. I had staged canvasses a few times out of there before. The baked goods are to die for.

We decided we’d meet about 15 minutes before the AG was scheduled to arrive so that we could distribute the walk packets and the literature. When I lead a canvass I always work to be respectful of everyone’s time. The corollary of Rule Number Two of working with volunteers is “don’t waste our time.” Kat, the campaign staffer who organized the event, paired up experienced canvassers with first timers, gave out the walk packets and had everyone ready to go.

Since the AG always likes to say hi to the people working at the restaurant, the plan was that as soon as she arrived I would introduce her to the staff and then head out to the route we were doing. I would knock on a few doors so that when the AG arrived we would know where people were home. At the coffee shop the AG would be thanking volunteers and then joining me.

The first voter I talked to was very interested in meeting Martha Coakley. I did ask for a signature but he wanted to wait and talk to her first before he decided whether or not to sign the nomination papers. Candidates for governor need 10,000 certified signatures to appear on the ballot.

I thought that I would have enough time to knock on several houses, but Martha and the volunteers wanted to spend as much time as possible talking to voters. Everything was so well organized that I was still at the first house when the AG arrived. She had a very positive ongoing conversation. She talked about her vision for serving as Governor. We chatted about local politics. By the time the conversation was over, he was ready to sign.

Sheila and Kevin were knocking on doors with us. Working as a team we spread out and we quickly found people home. They were interested in talking to the AG and we had some great conversations. Martha talked with voters about anything they asked about. We discussed the challenges of paying for college, health care, our education system and the Cambodian community here in the Commonwealth. One gentleman was an educator who was connected with Worcester Technical High. He was excited about the President’s visit for their commencement.

We got signatures. We got supporters. We even got a potential volunteer. I made sure to get the e-mail address. You know that they are serious when you get that from them!

We ended the event with a final photo and then Kevin and the AG were off to the next event. Sheila and I walked back to our cars and to start our next route. I always say that canvassing is an exercise in Democracy with the emphasis on EXERCISE. быстрый займ на карту