I'm honored to be part of the inaugural "Dean's Dozen," and wanted to thank people visiting our website for their activism and support. I also wanted to describe some of the work it took for us to get here; it wasn't rocket science, it was old fashioned grassroots campaigning, hard work, and some inspiration added by Governor Dean.
In January 2003, when I announced I was running for State Assembly to represent my hometown of San Diego, political insiders told me to scale back my goals and run for school board. (I had never run for office before.) Instead, my friends and I laced up our walking shoes and hit the sidewalks. Our motto was: "We Walk, We Win."
In March 2003, Governor Dean attended the California Democratic Party's State Convention, and gave the speech of the weekend in Sacramento. He had California Democrats on their feet, cheering and excited. We were inspired! I went to my first Dean Meet-Up a few weeks later. In June 2003, Governor Dean visited San Diego (see photos). The enthusiasm continued- hundreds of people turned out. We were amazed at the response to his appearances that day. He made front page news in the local papers.
From June 2003 to March 2004, my friends and I kept working: we walked to over 20,000 homes, talking directly to the voters and sharing a simple message: I'm running for Assembly because I'm a community college teacher who can't do my job until the state budget improves. Vote for me so I can help more teachers and students by serving in Sacramento than I can by teaching one class at a time here in San Diego, as I've done for nearly 20 years. In the evenings, I continued attending Dean Meet-Ups and phone parties. I often spoke at these meetings, to promote Dean's ideas for education reform and point out the fallacy of "No Child Left behind."
In February I was elected a Dean delegate for the national convention. Eventually, our grassroots tactics and message orked beyond anyone's expectations. Despite being outspent by over $1 million (we raised about $65,000), despite running against two political insiders with strong Sacramento ties, and despite being ignored by the political pundits the state, our campaign prevailed. On March 2, 2004, we shocked people statewide by garnering 41% of the m now the Democratic Nominee for the 76th Assembly district in California, and we're working hard to make me the first Latina to represent my district.
When people ask how we did it, I tell them: We won with handshakes and shoe leather. And Governor Dean's early campaign was a big part of the inspiration that kept us going. He got us excited about grassroots politics again. The voters knew me as an educator, an environmental advocate and an activist with a strong commitment to improving our quality of life. This summer, we are continuing to campaign at chili cook-offs, music festivals and weekend street fairs, to meet votershere they live, work and play.
We make sure people are registered to vote, and will keep talking to them about the issues that need to matter to all Americans: taking our country back, and improving our educational programs, our environment, and our economy.I'm grateful for the help and inspiration that Dean and his volunteers gave me early on, and I look forward to your continued support between now and November 2.
Lori Saldaña,
Democratic nominee, 76th State Assembly District
Endorsed by Democracy for America as one of the "Dean Dozen"
WE WALKED/WE WON: our March 2 victory was made possible
by shoe leather
and hand shakes
Help us win in November! Call (858) 875-4806 to volunteer or click here
*** Election day is Tuesday, November 2, 2004 ***