Local campaigning

I went out doorknocking for a candidate for state representative this morning, something I have been doing regularly on weekends. I've noticed big differences this year as opposed to previous years, differences that bode well for the Democrats' chances.

This year, campaigns are far more organized as far as work. In the past, if you went doorknocking, you were given a map and some campaign literature and told to get out there. This year, there are detailed scripts and knockers are using walk sheets to talk down detailed information. And this isn't just one or two campaigns, this is all of them. It's a big improvement, one that is long overdue given the computer technology available.

Another difference is more attributable to the voters than the campaigns. Democrats this year are far more energized than I have ever seen, even in places like Stillwater, where you wouldn't necessarily expect it. There's a real sense of urgency and importance out there, and should it carry through to election day, it could make a big difference.

The final difference won't be clear until election day, but get out the vote efforts also seem to be much stronger. Both the party and independent groups like America Coming Together have huge GOTV plans for election day. If they are fulfilled, liberal turnout should be huge.

There is no defeatism out there this year.