Chop Wood, Carry Water 10/11
Holding fast to each other.
Hi, all, and happy Wednesday.
I got my COVID booster yesterday and I’m pretty wiped out, so this newsletter, and particularly this opening, will be abbreviated.
I want to thank you for the many kind comments I received after posting yesterday’s edition. I’m not sure what it was about it that struck a chord, but it seems to have done so for many of you. I’m very glad.
You guys have no idea how much sustenance I draw from just knowing that you’re out there, and that you find this newsletter useful. Whenever my faith falters (which, I admit, is rare) I remember your courage, the size of your hearts, and the good will shared by most everyone on this list, and I feel strong all over again.
Thanks for that. It is truly the holding fast to each other that keeps us fortified. So let’s not forget to do that.
Now let’s get to work.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
We need the Senate to confirm Jack Lew, President Biden’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Israel, NOW. This is a crucially important position in ordinary times, but even more so during a crisis. Ted Cruz has been holding up his nomination for too long— it’s unacceptable. We also need to fill the military positions left vacant by Tommy Tuberville’s destructive blockade. Will the Senator push him to back down? I’m extremely frustrated with Republican obstructionism at a moment when we need all hands on deck. If these Senators won’t get out of the way they should be censured and expelled. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m calling to say that I strongly support Hakeem Jeffries for House Speaker. Democrats and Republicans should come together and elect someone who has a plan to share power and get things done. We need a functioning House. We have a major crisis in the Middle East. We have war in Ukraine. We need to pass a budget. This isn’t a time for the House to be rudderless, and if Republicans can’t agree on a Speaker they should give the leadership to someone who will work with all sides. Thanks.
Get Smart! 📚
Join the ACLU on October 12 at 8:00 ET/5:00 PT to hear from experts about the right to seek asylum — and how you can make a difference.
We’ll hear from ACLU attorneys, campaign experts, and policy advisers about what’s happening at the border in Texas and the national state of play in the courts and the legislature. Join us to hear about the latest and learn what’s next.
Spread the Word! 📣
One of my subscribers wrote:
I wondered if you would be able include information about the Demcast 2023 elections toolkit in your newsletter so that people could post on social media for Virginia candidates? It's easy to download the Demcast app from the App store. For information on Demcast, they can go to DemcastUSA.com/get-involved. The toolkit for the 2023 elections is easy to access after they download the app or by clicking here.
Give 💰!
Many political analysts are writing that the youth vote is all-important to our winning in 2024.
The folks at Airlift agree that getting more young people to vote is critical. Although Florida is no longer considered a battleground state, they don't think we should give up on it if we're going to play the long game. So they are really excited that Rep Maxwell Frost will headline their From the Frontlines program on October 17 at 5:00 PM PT. If you’ve never heard him speak I can tell you that he’s very special. You’ll be inspired by hearing from him and the Dream Defenders, a grassroots group focusing on the youth vote.
Here is the registration link. Please check it out if you can—you won’t be sorry! Technically it’s a fundraiser but no donation is necessary to attend.
Win Races! 🗳
More postcard campaigns from Postcards to Voters!
From PTV:
With our initial campaigns enjoying solid progress, it's time to kick off our first for 2023 in Virginia: Loudoun County. This region is significant, given the strong focus Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin has placed on it. By supporting incumbents Phyllis Randall and Koran Saines, we can amplify the Democratic voice and counteract the rise of Trumpism/Youngkinism.
Supporting these incumbents will not only reinforce the Democratic ticket but set the tone for next year's General Election. And, as a cherry on top, writing postcards that highlight multiple Democratic candidates offers a 'two-for-one' appeal.
Win Races, Cure Ballots! 🧑🏼⚕️
There are increasing numbers of absentee ballots from likely Democrats in VA that need curing. The VA Dems are leading multiple phonebanks a week for volunteers to contact voters whose ballots were not accepted or undeliverable. No previous experience required. Each phonebank begins with training, and moderators stay on during the entire phonebank to support our volunteers.
Here's the Mobilize link: Ballot Cure Phone Bank · Virginia Voter Protection
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
I do not often comment, but please know how appreciated your work is. Thank-you!!!!
Even on days when you're pooped, you put favorable winds in our sails. Thank you for your well-targeted hard work, Jessica!