In terms of the Primary numbers, you can see that if Dems had been willing to stick together for this open primary (i.e., the vanity candidates had realized they shouldn't run, and other prominent Dems had understood that (1) Marilyn Brewer couldn't win even with their help, and (2) even though she is pro-choice, she would still support Bush's policies, so what was the point), Steve most likely would have come in second in the primary. That would have put a whole different spin on this race. Over and over, I heard people say, "oh, but I'm going to vote for him in the General Election -- the primary doesn't really matter" but it did matter, because all the papers AND the DNC, DCCC, etc., wrote him off.

Open primaries in California are going to have to mean that we approach politics in a whole different way. This should be our lesson.

But that was then, this is now, and Thursday night the headquarters was hopping! Let's hope for a big crowd out this weekend, and lots of phone bankers (and donations) from all over the country. Go to http://www.steveyoungforcongress and call the number. They'll hook you up to virtual phonebanking, or, if you're in driving distance, precinct walking. And of course, donations through Act Blue are VERY welcome! Thanks again.

Sharon Toji
http://www.ocgrassroots.com