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Well, That Was Interesting
To my neighbors, family, friends, and friends-of-friends I say thank you for your generous donations and support over the last month.
It’s been an exciting and very busy time. On July 16th, I applied some of the techniques that I want to use to improve the way government works to the problem of fundraising for my campaign. I made an appeal that was both personal and that leveraged the power of social networks to quickly communicate with others. The effects were astounding.
By using the ability to collaborate online, connect with an audience, and communicate in a way that, say, mailing a brochure simply can’t, we were able to break the record for the most number of donors to a State Representative campaign in Kansas. Almost all of these donations were less than $10. Almost 50 donations were $1 each from people who know that we need real change, but they’ve been hit too hard by the economy to afford more.
We raised more money from more local donors than my three-term incumbent opponent. It means, too, that I have no strings attached to my funding because it’s not money from lobbyists or special interest groups. Hundreds of friends emailed me when they sent in a small donation. Mike said, “I have not had a job in sixteen months. Eight bucks and change will still move my old Ford Explorer about 40 miles if I drive real carefully. And I’ll be glad to avoid some driving so that your voice is heard in Topeka - LOUDLY, please!”
I’ve made a lot of friends online over the years, but I never realized how wonderful they truly were until now. Imagine knowing that as a Representative you should vote one way, but doing so would alienate the lobbyists who fund your campaign. I could never vote against the interests of my neighbors in Olathe. Fortunately, I have the luxury of voting to do what’s right instead of voting in a manner that secures more lobbyist money like some politicians.
As of today, I’m back to campaigning: walking door to door, meeting people and listening to them, and trying to figure out how to solve problems in new ways. And blogging it, of course. 
Comments
Good luck
From the NPR article on the 12th, there’s the final paragraph that gave me some pause..
“And for Tevis, nearly $100,000 means he’s gone from being the Democratic underdog in a mostly Republican district to trying to figure out how to win the race and not disappoint his online fans.”
How to win… well I’m sure you’ll come up with lots of ideas, but when it comes to not disappointing your online fans. You don’t have to win to do that.
You have to run an intelligent and honest campaign where you win or lose because you presented your views clearly and honestly and the people voted.
The donations you’ve gotten should help you present those views, but just from my point of view. I’d be happier to see you lose while running an awesome campaign that you’ve got immense pride from than to see you win because you compromised.
Hi Doug - that’s exactly my sentiment, too. I’m planning and running a campaign that elevates discussion on ways to help people rather than focusing on destroying my opponent or engaging in wedge tactics. I have to believe that the people in my district will best be served by that. Thanks for confirming what I’ve been thinking and for your support!
Your opponent’s website reads:
“Help Arlen Siegfreid Against the Liberal Out-of-State Onslaught:
Just 1.8% of Opponent’s Known Donations from Kansas
Olathe, KS - Arlen Siegfreid’s liberal, Mainstream Coalition-endorsed liberal Democratic opponent has gained national attention raising tens of thousands online from out-of-state donors. You can visit his report here and add up the out-of-state numbers yourself—plus an additional $67,000 of his donations are unidentified as they are under the $50 limit required by the state.”
First, how dare you be endorsed by a bipartisan group, and second, how dare you be liberal twice in one sentence?!
I applaud your creativity and hope it continues when you are elected. Food items are not taxed in other states. This will help average people in the state as well as my retired parents who just moved back to Kansas from New Orleans, LA.
Good luck with the campaign!
That warehouse in the last panel above is from Raiders of the Lost Ark, right?
I am sad to be leaving Johnson County when things are getting interesting - but really Sean, I need you to move with me to Oregon to help me regain the right to pump my own gas - I feel so repressed every time I pull into the local gas station. On the other hand, it’s nice to live in a state where I pay no sales tax on food - or ANYTHING else - for that matter! Good luck!
All the very best, we need people like you in politics, not just in the US, but all over the world.
I hope this is the start of a political career that goes far !
There’s always a backup career in comic strips for you!
Seriously, I’ve watched your donation campaign over the last month, fantastic work, kudos.
Don’t forget, spend it all on voter contact & staff =) In that order =)
Oh yeah, billboards are a complete waste of money. Spend every bit of billboard money on more voter contact. Paid canvassers, mail, and live phone calls.
And if you haven’t already, read the slashdot discussion on your campaign and the xkcd forum discussion on your comics. Nice job, btw.
My slant on the “out of state support” is this: you are bringing money to your state. That money pays for a lot of things in Kansas. How can that be bad? You are just good at it.
What a strange fascination for Norwegian politics.
When you have down time (this will likely be never, but...), please consider writing a book that captures all of your experiences in campaigning. Most of your fans are hopefuls in making a difference politically in their own way. The experience and wisdom you gain will be invaluable to future grassroots politicians and what could fall in line better with your strong stance on education than to educate others on how to make a difference politically.
Good luck!!
[this is good]
[this is good luck]
Win, darn it!
I once was in Wichita for 5 years.
We need you.
And you have the Obama coat-tails to ride to victory on, though the very first campaign I ever donated to was yours, followed in a moment by his.
Sean
