Virginia Races Heat Up
Dear Game Changers Members and Friends,
In Aesopian lore, the tortoise (spoiler alert….) beat the hare in a legendary foot race. But not before the hare had built up an early lead.
Republicans were first out of the gate—50 years ago—in grasping the importance and power of state legislatures. But Democrats now get it. We understand the states’ surprisingly outsized role in affecting the lives of citizens.
With Congress’ popularity in a downward spiral, state legislatures are having a moment. It is there, much more so than on Capitol Hill, that the impact on people’s everyday lives will be profound—for good or ill. That’s why we need to get as many Democratic legislators in office as possible. So much is at stake.
Unlike Congressional races, where it takes an eye-wateringly huge amount of dough to climb the greased pole of politics, the bang for your buck in state races is disproportionately large. The States Project Giving Circles, like ours for Virginia, are the biggest contributors to the state races. Which is why your donations matter so darn much.
Those dollars are focused on providing the resources and tools that will help elect candidates from the 10 critical Virginia districts TSP is supporting; money that enables those candidates to knock on doors and talk to voters, that funds focus groups and ad testing to determine the most effective messages, that gets out the candidates’ name and message in the local community. In tight races, these tactics can make the difference between victory and defeat.
We need to keep moving!
To really get fired up and learn more, register to join the by invitation-only Zoom event on September 9 to hear legal superstar (and former US Prosecutor) Joyce Vance and TSP co-founder (and former state legislator) Daniel Squadron. Register here. (Note: Increased security measures will be in place. Please indicate you were informed by the Game Changers when asked where you learned about the event.)
Join peaceful Labor Day protests and rallies near you by using this link.
Write postcards for candidates in tipping point districts through Postcards4VA, a proven way of increasing voter turnout. Early voting in VA starts September 19. (Select campaigns from Districts 21, 22, 41, 57, 65, 71, 75, 82, 89 and 97.) Request your mailing list and instructions here.
We’re close to our $40,000 goal, but not there yet. Keep going. Make a donation through our secure Game Changers website.
The tortoise won by continuing in the direction of the finish line. We Democrats can do that too. And who doesn’t love a happy ending?
Committed and undeterred,
The Game Changers Leadership Circle*
Diane, Debbie, Ginny, Cindy, Carol and Beth
*Diane Kessel Knight, Founder
*Debbie Cragin Broder
*Ginny Dean
*Cindy Deutsch
*Carol Burgess Goldman
*Beth York
Game Changers: We are deeply committed and results-oriented members of the Game Changers Giving Circle, whose mission is to help Democrats rise again. The States Project’s Giving Circles are groups of like-minded people who pool resources to support candidates who can win and affect the balance of power in state legislatures.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can make a difference.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead