Election Day!

Bob and I woke up at 5:30am to get ready to get to the office by 7:00am. The plan was to get out as soon as possible to leave literature and place a big ole sticker on the door telling folks to vote today. We weren't supposed to start actually knocking until after 9am.

Bob and I each took a packet and then split a third with two apartment complexes. We banged out 3 packets before lunch.

The afternoon was driving turf - we needed to drive door to door in this very wealthy neighborhood in the Catalina foothills of Tucson. We were a well-oiled machine. Most of the folks on our list were 18 to 25 year-olds - college students who voted (mostly) by mail. I heard a few stories of very sad families who's son or daughter hadn't received their ballot in time. Most were happy to report they and their family had already voted that morning/day. One of my last few homes, a 30 something woman came to the door three sheets to the wind in preparation for the news of the evening.

I'm not sure these homes needed reminding and my/our timing may have been better used in a different neighborhood - but that's what I mean - I just don't know the strategy we needed.

At 4:30pm we knocked on our last door and headed home. Good tired.

We were invited to the VIP Election Night Party at a private club with an open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvre. It was across the street from the famous Congress Hotel where the Dems were hosting their election night party. Since I was on antibiotics, I skipped the drinks (little fucker!) but ate heavily.

The campaigns were all somewhat optimistic but nervous. Engel's numbers looked really good but, as we know, numbers change depending on where the votes are left to be counted. Diana was a nervous wreck.

I spent some time hanging out with Maxine, Taylor, Jimena, Tim and Enzo - the five fabulous organizers. They were thoroughly enjoying themselves with partners and family. It was really fun.

We left around 9pm and headed home to watch the results. It was looking grimmer and grimmer as time went on but there was still a shot when we finally went to sleep. Bob and I had to get up at 5:00am (again) to make our flights home tomorrow.Lue lisää