This is why we need candidates...
Headline: EVERYONE UNOPPOSED IN ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS: The close of primary candidate filing in Arkansas on Monday saw every federal incumbent move into the "safe" category. US Senator Mark Pryor (D) and Congressmen Marion Berry (D), Vic Snyder (D), John Boozman (R) and Mike Ross (D) will all head into November without any major party opposition. They may, however, still face third party or independent opposition in the general election. The only one of the five incumbents currently facing opposition is Pryor, who is being challenged by attorney Rebekah Kennedy (Green).
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We already have Independents running for federal office in 2008. Most of the declared candidates cannot start petitioning yet. But those running for US Senate will need your help with the statewide petition drive. Please contact us to offer your assistance.
To give you an idea of the effort that is pending, last year in Virginia, Independent candidates gathered over 150,000 signatures which required talking to over 500,000 people. That is what lays the groundwork. Now we must ensure that NO election goes unchallenged! There will be state legislative races, municipal and school board elections that over 50% of the time have only one candidate on the ballot. We need you to fill these vacancies and consider running for office.
??? Why? Who cares?
We Care! Take the example of Virginia’s Independent Party – the Independent Greens (not affiliated with the national Greens) are conducting campaign activity all across Virginia designed to help turn voters into candidates and contest every election. We campaign on the simple theme that More Candidates yields Less Apathy. Our platform consists of a call for Building Rail Now. More Trains Less Traffic. Linking the urban areas in Virginia with rail is a logical solution to our traffic and land-use problems.
We can apply this formula nationwide connecting the ten largest urban areas by rail so that we can travel faster by train than by plane. Modern rail does not take land, it uses existing right-of-ways. Modern rail does not pave the planet. It saves energy, and reduces the burning of fossil fuels – which in turn means we won’t have to go to war to secure resources.
Reducing the need for the world’s largest and most aggressive military can pay for rail. If we fund defense – instead of offense – we could cut the Pentagon budget in half. If we audit Pentagon spending to stop the billions that are leached by no-bid contracts and “improper payments” (formerly called waste, fraud and abuse), then we would have plenty to invest in rail and national infrastructure which will put people to work and shore up our national security.
Government decisions made today will shape the world we leave our children. Considering that around 40% of our hard-earned dollars go toward taxes, we must pay closer attention to how government spends OUR money, and to ensure that it is on realistic, long-term solutions.
Now is our chance to restore the optimism and promise of a world for all to live in peace. Join us. Become diligent. Play a direct role in the important issues in life. Our Independent candidates come from diverse cultures and occupations. They ARE extraordinary folks from all over this great land, and we applaud them for making the sacrifice in the name of civic duty.
We realize that all politics are local, which is where we will target our resources. Those of us with the fewest resources can still have an enormous impact. As Independents we are not beholden to any group or major donor.
We are building a socially responsible and fiscally conservative network that gives everyone the opportunity to a) play a more active role in the decision-making of the government; b) increase personal commitment to the political process and; c) challenge each incumbent in every district. Success results in achievement and recognition by the community.
??? That's great, but I've never done anything like this before.
Don't worry, the only requirements are only that you MUST be:
1) 18 years old;
2) A resident of the County in which you wish to run (Congressional District rules are more flexible);
3) Willing to be on the ballot for public office, and serve the public when you get elected.
??? I thought you needed lots of money?
True, you will need money to get elected (we are seeding candidates with your donations here). But running is winning. Effective campaigning relies on doing the fundamentals: petition gathering, press releases, door knocking and public addresses. This is where the rubber meets the road. Those of us who have done it can attest to how rewarding the experience is. Hearing from the electorate is an educational experience as well as fun. You’ll never meet so many people, get to know their motivations, or formulate solutions any better than being THE candidate. It also demonstrates your level of interest and willingness to participate
The first step usually requires gathering petition signatures to get on the ballot. Then you assemble a team to begin campaigning. You will develop a network of leaders in each precinct to provide the groundwork. Your organizers will come from a variety of professions. Building your campaign team generates excitement, rekindles interest in the political process and encourages others to Join & Run themselves.
You play a vital role, and gain a sense of reward for your efforts. You expand the agenda, sway public opinion and affect the outcome of government decisions. You may even sway the outcome of who controls the power in Congress or your state. For instance, during the last thirty days of Independent Green US Senate candidate in Virginia, Gail “for Rail” Parker was entertaining proposals from the Big Two (who refused to debate her even though she was on the ballot) to ask her supporters to cast a vote for one of them. However neither of the candidates would agree to adopt Gail’s rail platform. Finally within a week, Gail did make a statement in favor of the challenger that simply stated, “If you can’t vote for me, vote for change.” It appears that many swing voters did just that. The incumbent was defeated by 9,000 votes while Gail picked up 26,000. The result: the US Senate changed hands.
Our call for independent candidates is targeted toward all voters, but we especially appeal to activists to raise your voice to the next level. On the ballot means that incumbents and the media have to pay attention. YOU can make a bigger impact on the decision-making by introducing legislative proposals that influence the agenda.
??? OK, OK. I'm sold. Where do I sign up?
Our network is growing stronger every month. We have web space reserved for you here. See a sample of candidates in Virginia at www.VoteJoinRun.us.
Our Independent mission is to empower, excite and invite the community. Develop your skills as a leader. Help people become active. Connect with other leaders and activists and recognize their achievements.
Contact me to get started with your campaign.
Joseph Oddo
(703) 338-0200 / E-mail
Call to discuss your interest and determine your eligibility for these crucial positions. Also, sign up for free membership in our Coalition at www.IndependentAmerica.org
??? Wait a minute. That's all I have to do to get this started?
You betcha. We're counting on you! The most important element of success is based on how dedicated you are to your goals. Remember this equation:
TALK minus ACTION equals ZERO.
