I have been in Iowa about two weeks now. I hit the ground running and have had much success. Here is some background:
Due to the campaigns
wise decision to discourage our grassroots army from descending on Iowa (I have heard multiple voters here in Iowa tell me that our disorganized presence in 07 hurt us...), I have not been very public about being here.
To make a long story short, I was originally asked to help manage the "Grassroots House" that was proposed, and then cancelled due to legitimate campaign concerns. but I was still requested (by the roots) to come help with the County Fair project, (with Steve B's approval). I was also booked to help stage manage for the campaign at the straw poll itself, but that fell through after I was named as part of RevPAC. By that time, I had already raised money to get here and booked my ticket. So we have soldiered on.
Here is what I have done so far:
- Attended "Tea Party" events to pass out lit and network
- Tabled in busy "MarketPlace" areas
- Canvassed VFW's and Retirement Communities, (where I have booked two "Movie Nights to show, "For Liberty")
- Manned a GOP booth at a County Fair, signing up straw poll attendees
- Manned a Ron Paul Grassroots Booth (with goRPaul), signing up straw poll attendees and very effective general outreach.
Next, I move onto Pella to do my best to make sure the Opera House is filled to capacity for the showing of "For Liberty". I will be delivering The Grassroots Press with movie inserts, door to door, as well as doing business out reach and more... (See Esoteric's
recent thread)
Thursday will be a particularly busy day. I will be in Pella in the am, will drive back here to Council Bluffs for the first Retirment Home Movie "Night" (is scheduled for 3p) and then racing back to attend the debate (our efforts here have been recognized and both goRPaul and myself have been offered tickets), then heading back to Pella to do a last push for and attend the showing (Yes, I brought a suit...)
Finally, I will be attending the Straw Poll as a simple grassroot, dressed in slacks and a polo, talking to anyone who is interested...
How you can help.
Of course, money is always needed. If you want to help you can visit this page:
http://www.maresco.us/support
As always, anything over necessary funds will be used on other grassroots projects.
Further, if anyone in the Des Moines/Ames area can put two activists up on the night of the debate it will be much appreciated. goRPaul has a conversion van and I can stay in the car IDefendThePlatform has loaned me, but having a place to shower, crash would be MUCH better,
And finally, If anyone knows anyone in the Pella area that can put me up or let me crash in their driveway for the next week, that would be great, as well...
So that's about it. I am getting ready to head over to confirm details of the Thursday night showing of For Liberty, then coming back here to pick up the copies of The Grassroots Press that goRPaul is still stuffing with inserts, then it is off to Pella, and success!
Onward!
http://www.maresco.us/support
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