From Vote Yes For Oregon Campaign Director Kevin Looper
Really, you don’t want to be that person.
In twenty years of politics, I’ve talked to that person hundreds of times.
After a close election, that person always comes up and says the same thing: “Oh my, I had NO IDEA it was going to be such a tight election, or I’d have done more to help.”
That person usually speaks without meeting my eyes. I do the same. It’s an awkward conversation to have, what with both of us looking at each other’s shoes. So let me please just tell you now:
The vote on Measures 66 & 67 is gonna be close.
When we took up this fight, the Oregonian headline said “Proponents bet against history on tax votes.” No one thought we had a chance. Now the polls say we are ahead, but this is no time to relax. Polls measure opinions, but our job is to chase votes.
A lot of motivated, early voters are against us. No one really loves taxes. But some people really, really hate them, and those people are guaranteed to vote. Tobacco lobbyists and bank executives don’t have to go door to door to get out right-wing voters.
It’s a different story with our base. I hope my mom will forgive me for saying this, but the good people of Portland and Eugene could use a little kick in the pants. Especially the young ones — and in this election, a young voter is under 60 (congratulations to all of you who qualify!).
It’s amazing to see hundreds of people on the phone every night, and the power of more than 900 people canvassing last weekend alone. But we need more. We need you. Go to: http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/
No matter where you are in the state, you can do something to help.
So please, before it is too late, volunteer (http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/). Don’t worry about the rain. This is a once-in-a-lifetime political moment. We have the chance to make history, change the balance of power in Salem between school funding and social service advocates and the big corporate lobbyists, while preserving about a billion dollars worth of funding for schools, seniors, health care and public safety. This will only happen with your help (http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/).
If, for some reason, you really can’t make it in, go to our website and donate $100 so we can run another radio spot or $500 for a cable ad: http://voteyesfororegon.org/donate/
Don’t read this and think, “I’ll do it later.” Sign up right now – http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/ – before you forget, or someone asks you to do something else.
Oregon is a great place because great people like you care about it. Don’t miss your chance to shape its future. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we need every free moment you have dedicated to helping secure this vote. ‘Cause, as I hope you heard me say, it’s gonna be close.
And come January 26th, I want to be able to look all of you in the eyes, smile, and say, “We did it.”
Sincerely,
Kevin Looper
Campaign Director, Vote Yes for Oregon