From a liberal blog, interesting pass-on…lets not get to comfortable in Virginia:

From our fearless reporter (and Virginia Beach YD’s chair) Kyle Blankenship comes news (from several sources on the coordinated campaign, Organizing for America, and the Deeds campaign) that the Virginia branch of OFA is “joining forces with the Deeds campaign” and is “going to contact every new voter in 2008″ (quotes from Pat Okerlund of OFA on Kyle’s Facebook page).

In other news; according to what Kyle’s hearing, almost all the negative stuff – TV/radio ads, call/walk scripts, and literature – is being pulled by the Deeds campaign (I’ll believe it when I see it). Supposedly, it’s being replaced by ads similar to what we saw at the end of the Democratic primary last spring, including ones that tell us who Creigh Deeds is (the slogan “letting Creigh be Creigh” reportedly is being bandied about). Let’s hope.

This messaging change – if it actually takes place – should have occurred some time ago, but that there’s no way to go back in time (unless you’re Bob McDonnell, who will try to take us back to the “Father Knows Best” 1950s). I also agree with Kyle that the Deeds campaign should have laid out who Creigh is – in other words, crafted a “personal narrative” of their candidate – a long time ago as well. Frankly, this is Campaigning 101, and it just baffles me that it wasn’t done months ago, especially considering the fact that Creigh is such a likable, down-to-earth guy. Along with the failure to craft a clear political narrative and to tie it into the (non-existent, for the most part) personal narrative, this has been a huge mistake by the Deeds campaign.

Fortunately, Kyle’s sources are telling him that from now on, it’s mostly going to be positive. While that’s unlikely to be enough in and of itself for Creigh to win, if it happens it might give the Deeds campaign some earned media and get people talking (and maybe motivated, which they haven’t been). Potentially, this could boost Deeds a couple of percentage points. I’m highly skeptical at this point, but we’ll see…

The overall thinking in all this apparently is that if the Deeds campaign lays off the attack ads, and if McDonnell keeps the negatives coming, that may backfire on McDonnell and boost Creigh. At this point, with Creigh down about 8 points in the polls, I personally see no reason not to try this strategy. Frankly, it can’t be worse than the strategy that’s been employed so far, namely “mention Bob’s thesis 24/7, run away from Obama and important Democratic priorities/policies, focus on rural Virginia and pay relatively little attention to ‘urban crescent’ voters.”

Also, while a strategy change probably won’t be enough at this late stage in the game, you never know in politics (or sports). One of the things we did on the Webb campaign in 2006 was to pressure George Allen relentlessly and hope he made a mistake (aka, “forced error”). It worked, and he did. So far this election cycle, Bob McDonnell hasn’t been pressured much at all, except on the thesis (which he’s handled pretty well overall). Given that situation, a change in strategy by the Deeds campaign now might mess up McDonnell’s “best-laid plans” a bit. If – and this is a big “if” – Deeds can start closing the gap in the polls, McDonnell might start feeling some pressure and make a mistake. Right now, McDonnell has every reason in the world to be cocky and overconfident, and that can lead to mistakes in and of itself.

Anyway, I agree that it’s time to shake things up and see what might happen. I really hope the campaign does what Kyle reports they’re planning to do. Then, if all the stars align and Creigh gets to within the margin of error (2%-3%?) a few days before the election, you never know what might happen. Of course, Creigh will need a fantastic final 21 days, plus a super-strong Washington Post endorsement, plus Barack Obama coming to Virginia (see the “p.s.”), plus everything else to go right, plus McDonnell to screw up somehow. For all that to happen is unlikely, probably wishful thinking, but what the heck, at least it might provide some excitement and help boost a few Democratic House of Delegates candidates (plus Steve Shannon?) over the finish line. As Kyle says, “I’m not convinced by any means that [Creigh] can do it, but I want to believe.” Me too!

P.S. Let’s also hope that President Obama is coming to Virginia, because it’s sorely needed to boost turnout by Obama’s supporters (African Americans, young people, suburban whites). Needless to say, as witnessed by last year’s Obama victory in Virginia, there are lots of those voters…

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Judge Eva Guzman to be the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Texas Supreme Court. She replaces Justice Scott Brister who left the Court early last month and returned to private practice.

Guzman is currently an Associate Justice with the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston; Perry appointed her to the court in 2001 where she was the first Hispanic woman appointed to that body. Guzman has served in the Texas judiciary for more than a decade, first as a trial court judge in Harris County Family Court.

Internal polling and Wilson Research Polling show Republican David Harmer, only 6 points down Democratic Lt. Governor Garamendi in big blue CA-10.  That is amazing this thing is even close, much less single digits.  Garamendi may have to actually spend some $$$.  We are so busy trying to screw-up NY-23, are we missing a good one in California?

http://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/2009/10/01/harmer-says-poll-shows-him-ahead-of-garamendi/

http://www.harmerforcongress.com/

I bet at this moment he is wishing he would not have brought up that 20-year old thesis.  The two ads from Bob McDonnell’s campaign are POWERFUL.

“Reality TV” even captures Deeds calling the female reporter “young lady” as he tries to explain his “no tax”, but “some tax” policy.

“Trust” has to be the best one, other than the one with his Iraq vetern daughter (she is hot BTW, I dont know if I can say that).  “Trust” has a litany of female officials Bob McDonnell has hired/appointed, the Deputy Attorney General, a black female, is awsome in this ad.  The guys at the McDonnel campaign are great, I love the thesis defense, but how could this be a defense…they are on OFFENSE.

http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_releases/details/mcdonnell_campaign_unveils_two_new_ads/

When George W. Bush finished his term in office, he handed Obama, an Afghanistan that had problems, but some what stable over portions of the countryside.  Obama came in, and changed SOP’s, no firing unless fired upon, no missile strikes when civilians around and movement of troops to stationary duties, civil projects, and stoppage of small-footprint offense.  Guess what has happened folks, his liberal war-fighting policies have increased death toll for civilians and soldiers, and this is his fault, clearly.  This would be front page news, if George W. Bush was in-charge, but nothing from the MSM on this.  We need agressive force to quell the violence, not timid response, with a large-footprint.  I am sorry for the guys and gals fighting this one.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/12/MNA219MAH3.DTL

Republican Ruth Briggs King defeated Democrat in a State House special election in Delaware.  The successful election denies the Democrats a supermajority in the state, Ms. King replaced a candidate who won a Democratic held State Senate seat.  Good news from Delaware, tonight.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090912/NEWS/90912025/Republican+Briggs+King+wins+37th+House+seat

Chet Edwards opponent scheduled several townhalls, so he has reluctently given in.  His scheduled is

Wednesday August 26, 2009

WHAT: Edwards Health Care Town Hall Meeting in Brazos County
WHERE: Bryan- Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Dr.
WHEN: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Doors will open at 5:00PM for the Public. Capacity is 1,200.

Saturday August 29, 2009

WHAT: Health Care Town Hall Meeting in McLennan County
WHERE: Waco – Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave., McLennan Hall
WHEN: 10:00am – Noon

Doors will open at 9:00AM for the Public. Capacity is 1,200.

Friday September 4, 2009

WHAT: Edwards Health Care Town Hall Meeting in Johnson County
WHERE: Cleburne High School Auditorium, 1501 Harlin Dr.
WHEN: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Doors will open at 5:00PM for the Public. Capacity is 1,800.

Attend if you are can, he will have the room stacked in his favor.

I have been calling Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX-17), represents a piece of central Texas from Waco to Bryan-College Station (Baylor University to Texas A&M).  He is a LIBERAL Democrat in a VERY conservative area, cant seem to dislodge him.

Spoke to his office today, and told the assistant was opposed to health care reform, and I asked if they had many calls.  She said “oh yes, and so you know a MAJORITY is in favor of President Obama’s health care reform”.

I in no way believe the assistant’s statement, I live in the district, and have not heard anyone speak in favor of the plan, he has had several protests, and the news accounts are devastating against his idea of NO town hall forum.

Help give this guy some pressure call him 254-752-9600 or fax 254-752-7769 (fax for free using FAXZERO http://faxzero.com/ )

Thanks…he must know he is in trouble, trying to spin it like he is representing a majority in the district!  He is a terrible rep. that seems to be stuck in the middle of a sea of red Texas).

RagingElephants is trying to raise funds for an ad campaign on Christian and black radio stations, we have already had a billboard, reminding the black community that the Republican Party was responsible for Civil Rights legislation.

We are going to the urban areas, very active in promoting the GOP’s principles that connect with urban minorities, please take a listen and help-out if you can!  Thank You!

http://www.ragingelephants.org/

Any idea on Rightroots, Slatecard or Big Red Tent, going back online for fundraising?

Rightroots says retooling, Slatecard old, and Big Red Tent doesnt look updated?

Would be nice to give to my favorite candidates in one online transaction.  Thanks.