A Rose by any other name ...
So what is a name worth? Well, for me it was worth the 130 votes I didn't get Tuesday night. If you look in the Person County phone book you will find that a certain eight to ten last names run for several columns. Mine is not one of them. Name recognition is a key in voter decision making, and I just didn't have enough of it. The other gentlemen running for county commissioner have deep, multigenerational roots in the county, and a little more than two months just isn't enough time to introduce yourself to nearly 13,000 democratic voters.
So I lost my run for county commissioner Tuesday night, and I have done a bunch of coulda, shoulda, woulda thinking since learning the results. I did ok I guess, coming in a close 4th to three native sons, coming up 0.7% short. ( this was fourth out of five with the top three advancing to the general) Many people have asked me consider running again in 2010, but it's too soon to give it serious consideration at this point. I am going to be very busy promoting the Democratic candidates right up until the election in November.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been on the 2008 Democratic ballot with the next president of the USA, the candidates who stepped up to challenge Dole, Brad Miller and all the other quality, caring democrats on down the ballot.
Likewise, I very much appreciate being included as a candidate at the recent Bloggers' Bash. Being on the speaking agenda with the statewide candidates was a highlight of my candidacy.
Without my own campaign to worry about, I can get back to my familiar role as activist, agitator and all around political junkie. I come to BlueNC for my "fixes", because this place really has got the best "stuff".
Thank you for all the support and encouragement. Now let's get down to it and kick some elephant @$$ this year.
Thanks for reading,
Mike
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Dude.
Among all of the races I watched closely, was the Person Co. Comm. race. As the precincts reported I got more and more pissed. I remember the first day you went out with signs, and how excited you were that a car dealer , i think, let you put yours out. Stuff like that is why I love BlueNC. Granted, I have no idea where Person Co. is, but you rule. I'm hoping this wasn't your last foray into local politics, as you had a hell of a run.
You have a good memory; you've got the car dealer
encounter exactly right. Thanks for the good thoughts.
Person Co. is just north of Durham northward on US 501. Sorry, I am a teacher, couldn't help it. :)
Person County Democrats
You're great Mike.
Let's work on that Orange-Person collaboration. In the meantime, we'll fix the educational system too!
Thanks Graig. I'll definately be in touch regarding the O-P
collaboration. We'll need the people power to make sure Person county goes Blue this year. We tested out a full election day GOTV prgram last year. It would be nice to flesh it out this Nov.
Person County Democrats
Mike, you're the reason politics works.
Because people like you get involved and care passionately enough to run for office. You did pretty damn good for your first time out - wtg! I'm sorry you didn't win, but as you pointed out - for someone with little name recognition, those 130 votes would have been only a few more months away.
There are good things for you to do in Person County. Apparently you wouldn't have been able to do them as a commissioner.
Now let's get some Democrats elected.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Pointing at Naked Emperors
Unfortunately politics doesn't always work the way I want :)
Thank you, Linda.
I got a call from Brad Miller today (he's such a class act.), and he told me that he lost 3 of his first 4 elections. Likewise a great older Dem from Person County told me that he lost his first run for Co. Comm., but came back with a win two years later making him the first African Americam Comm. in Person Co. history. That was 1974.
Amen.
Person County Democrats
Mike
You need to run in 2009. Run for Town Council, City Council or something. Build on your name recognition. Oh.....
I am really, really proud to know you. You would have been one of the most kick-ass county commissioners Person County would ever have known. It's important that we know about local issues coming from our different counties. We learn to watch for the same things arising in our own communities if we hear about them in others. Thank you.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
well since all my signs say "County Commissioner" I think
if I run again it would probably for Comm. again. :)
2010 would be the next opportunity.
Thank you Betsy. If I could get you and some of the other BlueNC people to move to Person County I'd be halfway to my 130 votes.
Cheers.
Person County Democrats
Bumper stickers
Simply have bumper stickers printed up to cover the office. I know candidates who have done that when their district changed or a primary date changed, etc. Then you can have a bumper sticker party. Invite folks over to kick off you next campaign and put the stickers on your signs to update the office you are running for. Great way to recycle those signs.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
your mom did this
I am pretty sure your Mom did this. That woman CAN run a frugal campaign!
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
I think she did too, but couldn't remember what she was covering
up - I think it was the office. I know another candidate who put the wrong district on her signs and she covered that up with a bumper sticker.
Oh...and my mother is the most frugal person I know. Seriously.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
Would smell as sweet
thank you Mike for putting yourself out there and fighting for Democratic values. Everyone above has really good advice and I hope that in a few more months, after we get a Dem president elected, you decide to try again. Keep trying Mike, keep fighting the good fight.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
Momo!! Thank you for the pat on the back.
We're all part of team. Stronger together. You are a part of that as well and you sure do your part down yonder in Moore Co.
:)
Person County Democrats
A Bush by any other name ...
By the way Mike, I too was watching the Person County returns intently. I'm glad you're not the type to become discouraged.
- - - - -
That is freaking creepy Jerimee!!!
Kind of like if Predator and Alien(s) combined their DNA.
You've got that right. Thanks for the support and for caring enough to pay attention to what went on in l'il ole Person Co.
Person County Democrats