This was a national effort. Thank you also to all the people across the country--and expats--who worked with grassroots organizations to help save democracy against the encroachment of authoritarianism!
This is a special shout out for the Virginia state legislature candidates--who WON!!!!! Woo hoo!!! On behalf of the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle inspired by Heather, thank you for heeding the call with your generous $22,000 of donations that went to the Virginia candidates' campaigns! And thank you to all the voter registration workers, post carders, door knockers, and ballot curers--our enormous efforts paid off to assert Democratic majority in Virginia and stifle Gov. Youngkin's authoritarian agenda!
From The States Project:
"Friends,
Together, we won both chambers in the Virginia General Assembly. Not only did we successfully defend the Virginia Senate majority, we flipped the House of Delegates. This victory is only possible because of you.
It’s been over 20 years since Democratic state legislative candidates in Virginia outperformed the previous cycle's Democratic candidate for governor. Tonight, we broke that streak. We made history. Again.
Thank you for paying attention during a year when others tuned out. Thank you for investing in these critical, yet too often overlooked, races. Thank you for staying in the fight.
Because of you, lawmakers in both chambers hold the power they need to defend democracy, protect abortion access, and improve the lives of all Virginians.
We’ll have more to share soon, but tonight, please know that you have our heartfelt gratitude.
Ellie, Thank you for writing. Watching MSM’s coverage of the returns, I was struck by not a single reference to the vast network of nationwide grassroots organizing that had had a substantial hand in every one of last night’s contests. I advise we not lose sight of this fact over the next year as we read / listen to these prognosticators report on our prospects for 2024.
@DMS, I very much appreciate your kind words and would add that I take heart from the presence of the voices in this forum from whom I have grown increasingly informed.
You know what, Barbara Jo? I think it best that our grassroots efforts remain under the radar. IMO, it leaves us free to gather more wins in future elections. Just my two cents!
I write because I very much am interested both in becoming part of Heather’s Herd and also in bringing a project launched by a group of Heather’s subscribers to your attention. I hope my writing to you individually instead of through the Herd’s platform is not viewed as inappropriate.
As for the project, as stated, a group of subscribers to Heather’s LFAA Substack are engaged in an ambitious plan for a nationwide march for democracy on July 4th. The action tentatively is titled “Rise Up For Democracy Before It’s Too Late.” The group envisions the main event taking place in Washington, D.C. on the morning of July 4th from 9:00 to 12:00 ET. Additionally, it foresees other marches across the country, perhaps embedded in existing parades and holiday events.
The March would be a call to action: uniting, inspiring, and energizing people, who know we are under threat, to commit to participating in saving our democracy and also, hopefully, waking up those asleep to the necessity and urgency. In addition to reaching out to find partners to assist in bringing this event to fruition, the group also is at the stage of reaching out to folks in contact with standout figures who could help bring recognition to this project.
Whether or not any one of you is interested in pursuing this work with us, I very much look forward to hearing from you or from a Herd colleague. I can be reached at….This is an address I no longer use though it still picks up messages. I won’t remove it from this Forum’s Comment Section for at least 72 hours.
Ellie, thank you for mentioning also the expats. We aren’t mentioned often but many of us do vote. And many of our votes are thrown out for any possible reason and we have no recourse to correct or defend them. And there sure are a lot of us with difficult conditions to surmount even getting our ballots back to the US. We have no possibility of I further action in any given election. We may be another silent majority.
We are expats six months of the year, living in Spain, but we have an AWESOME City Clerk back in the states. We went in to see her before we left and filled out the appropriate paperwork and then she sent us our ballot application so we were able to get our ballots through email, fill them out and mail them back to our city with our signatures on them. Afterwards, we were able to track them and saw that they arrived on time. BUT, not everyone has a city clerk like ours who wants to make sure that everyone gets a chance to vote, no matter what party they support. We were only voting for our City Council this time but, we think every election is important. Yesterday was definitely a chance to take our collective breath and now, as we head back to the states, help out in 2024.
And as a side benefit, Youngkin does not look like a save-the-party presidential candidate! As much as I wanted Dems to take both houses of delegates, I wanted Youngkin, and all Republicans, to get a smack down.
Thanks, Ellie. I should have known better than to think a Democrat would win in that state. Just like here in Georgia, also a state that is chocked full of racist Donald TUMP worshipers. Sickening is what it is..
Texas too, expect more of the “deleted 26,000 voters from the rolls.” In 2012, repubs were advised by many to change their messaging, but they doubled down. Expect even worse from them.
Yes, that was a great effort that it was reasonably close. I wish someone could unseat that corrupt governor, Brian Kemp here in Georgia. I don't like him one little bit, he is just another Fascist GQP creep as far as i am concerned.
@far-from, I was about to post the same, but decided, first, to check the thread so not to be redundant. I simply would add, setting aside the Presley name recognition factor, that a statewide competitive race in deep-south Mississippi could, plausibly, be understood as a loosening of the strangle-hold Republicans have enjoyed in the South since Lyndon Johnson signed the 1964-65 civil and voting rights legislation.
But an indirect benefit is when a republican has an opponent, s/he has to move closer to the middle and maybe for the first time understands accountability. Laying the foundation for the next election, though.
A huge obstacle in Mississippi: difficulty voting. No vote-by-mail, absentee ballots must be notarized, and exceedingly long lines at polling places that sometimes run out of ballots. Voter suppression on full display.
I am curious to learn more about the voting places that ran out of ballots. How does that even happen? It is great if they ran out because more people came out to vote than predicted, however shouldn't they have prepared for a higher turnout? I admittedly need to learn more about how all of this works!
Definitely a win for my state of Kentucky! I don’t know that I could live here (KY) under the governorship of Cameron. First of all, he doesn’t work... ever. That has been discussed in our state. But, I think that Governor Beshear was elected on his merit. He has worked hard for the people of our state and people respect him, which I’m sure is difficult for a politician to win respect of his constituents.
I am sad however that none of our down ballots won. That shows to me the strong hold of the GOP on our state. I hope that changes.
It also shows how poorly the Dem state organization is doing with down ballot candidate selection and campaign support, I am afraid. Are they underfunded? Maybe ask your state organizations what is going on.
💯💯 Agreed!! thank you to everyone that participates in knowing the truth thru the din of lies upon lies and and making the time and effort to keep our democracy strong! ❤️🙏
Thank you to the voters in Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky! Now, let's keep this ball rolling!
This was a national effort. Thank you also to all the people across the country--and expats--who worked with grassroots organizations to help save democracy against the encroachment of authoritarianism!
This is a special shout out for the Virginia state legislature candidates--who WON!!!!! Woo hoo!!! On behalf of the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle inspired by Heather, thank you for heeding the call with your generous $22,000 of donations that went to the Virginia candidates' campaigns! And thank you to all the voter registration workers, post carders, door knockers, and ballot curers--our enormous efforts paid off to assert Democratic majority in Virginia and stifle Gov. Youngkin's authoritarian agenda!
From The States Project:
"Friends,
Together, we won both chambers in the Virginia General Assembly. Not only did we successfully defend the Virginia Senate majority, we flipped the House of Delegates. This victory is only possible because of you.
It’s been over 20 years since Democratic state legislative candidates in Virginia outperformed the previous cycle's Democratic candidate for governor. Tonight, we broke that streak. We made history. Again.
Thank you for paying attention during a year when others tuned out. Thank you for investing in these critical, yet too often overlooked, races. Thank you for staying in the fight.
Because of you, lawmakers in both chambers hold the power they need to defend democracy, protect abortion access, and improve the lives of all Virginians.
We’ll have more to share soon, but tonight, please know that you have our heartfelt gratitude.
Onward.
Andrew Grunwald
The States Project"
Ellie, Thank you for writing. Watching MSM’s coverage of the returns, I was struck by not a single reference to the vast network of nationwide grassroots organizing that had had a substantial hand in every one of last night’s contests. I advise we not lose sight of this fact over the next year as we read / listen to these prognosticators report on our prospects for 2024.
Thank you Barbara for all your hard work!!!
@DMS, I very much appreciate your kind words and would add that I take heart from the presence of the voices in this forum from whom I have grown increasingly informed.
You know what, Barbara Jo? I think it best that our grassroots efforts remain under the radar. IMO, it leaves us free to gather more wins in future elections. Just my two cents!
Lynell, I’m not certain mostly because granting recognition to grassroots initiatives amplifies that individual efforts matter.
You probably are right, BJ. I, however, worry about too many "evil eyes" around.
I tend to agree with Lynell. A target is easily picked off.
Lol “Stealth Activism”. I like it!
I consider myself a resistance fighter & my activism is not stealthy
Lol, referring more to a lack of attention of the under the MSM antenna.
Red Wine and Blue and Civic Center, to name just two, were enormously influential, especially in Ohio. 😀
Good evening, Ellie.
I write because I very much am interested both in becoming part of Heather’s Herd and also in bringing a project launched by a group of Heather’s subscribers to your attention. I hope my writing to you individually instead of through the Herd’s platform is not viewed as inappropriate.
As for the project, as stated, a group of subscribers to Heather’s LFAA Substack are engaged in an ambitious plan for a nationwide march for democracy on July 4th. The action tentatively is titled “Rise Up For Democracy Before It’s Too Late.” The group envisions the main event taking place in Washington, D.C. on the morning of July 4th from 9:00 to 12:00 ET. Additionally, it foresees other marches across the country, perhaps embedded in existing parades and holiday events.
The March would be a call to action: uniting, inspiring, and energizing people, who know we are under threat, to commit to participating in saving our democracy and also, hopefully, waking up those asleep to the necessity and urgency. In addition to reaching out to find partners to assist in bringing this event to fruition, the group also is at the stage of reaching out to folks in contact with standout figures who could help bring recognition to this project.
Whether or not any one of you is interested in pursuing this work with us, I very much look forward to hearing from you or from a Herd colleague. I can be reached at….This is an address I no longer use though it still picks up messages. I won’t remove it from this Forum’s Comment Section for at least 72 hours.
My thanks for your attention,
Barbara
I loved this summary! Thank you Ellie Kona for summing up the victories for the people from yesterday, especially in Virginia!
Yes, Thanks Ellie!
Thank you !
~ from a proud blue Virginian
wooo hooo!!!
Ellie, thank you for mentioning also the expats. We aren’t mentioned often but many of us do vote. And many of our votes are thrown out for any possible reason and we have no recourse to correct or defend them. And there sure are a lot of us with difficult conditions to surmount even getting our ballots back to the US. We have no possibility of I further action in any given election. We may be another silent majority.
We are expats six months of the year, living in Spain, but we have an AWESOME City Clerk back in the states. We went in to see her before we left and filled out the appropriate paperwork and then she sent us our ballot application so we were able to get our ballots through email, fill them out and mail them back to our city with our signatures on them. Afterwards, we were able to track them and saw that they arrived on time. BUT, not everyone has a city clerk like ours who wants to make sure that everyone gets a chance to vote, no matter what party they support. We were only voting for our City Council this time but, we think every election is important. Yesterday was definitely a chance to take our collective breath and now, as we head back to the states, help out in 2024.
And as a side benefit, Youngkin does not look like a save-the-party presidential candidate! As much as I wanted Dems to take both houses of delegates, I wanted Youngkin, and all Republicans, to get a smack down.
Next up is Blue Tennessee. Got a link to post for pledges? 💙
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudO6trD0vHNxYlhWI0Ta1KdRElatwqFZy#/registration?link_id=16&can_id=014eab1cebf9ec8a3d63ecbcabd80c41
Above is registration.
Https://Linktr.ee/BlueTennessee
Above is donations
That's what you take into 2024 , organize, organize
Congratulations from Germany! Felicitaties und herzliche Glückwünsche :)
I am one, very pleased and relieved Virginia voter. Let's keep up the momentum!
Thanks for both the report and your hard work in this.
Onward, indeed.
A thank you too, voters in Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Anyone have the results from Mississippi?
That one's not good. Mississippi's corrupt incumbent governor prevailed.
Thanks, Ellie. I should have known better than to think a Democrat would win in that state. Just like here in Georgia, also a state that is chocked full of racist Donald TUMP worshipers. Sickening is what it is..
Texas too, expect more of the “deleted 26,000 voters from the rolls.” In 2012, repubs were advised by many to change their messaging, but they doubled down. Expect even worse from them.
...and yet
But much closer than expected. Great effort!
Yes, that was a great effort that it was reasonably close. I wish someone could unseat that corrupt governor, Brian Kemp here in Georgia. I don't like him one little bit, he is just another Fascist GQP creep as far as i am concerned.
@far-from, I was about to post the same, but decided, first, to check the thread so not to be redundant. I simply would add, setting aside the Presley name recognition factor, that a statewide competitive race in deep-south Mississippi could, plausibly, be understood as a loosening of the strangle-hold Republicans have enjoyed in the South since Lyndon Johnson signed the 1964-65 civil and voting rights legislation.
But an indirect benefit is when a republican has an opponent, s/he has to move closer to the middle and maybe for the first time understands accountability. Laying the foundation for the next election, though.
It’s worse than that. Republicans prevailed in Lt Gov, SOS, AG, State House AND Senate.
Their whole state seems doomed.
In the coming days will we hear about voting issues?
A huge obstacle in Mississippi: difficulty voting. No vote-by-mail, absentee ballots must be notarized, and exceedingly long lines at polling places that sometimes run out of ballots. Voter suppression on full display.
WOW!!! That is horrible.
I am curious to learn more about the voting places that ran out of ballots. How does that even happen? It is great if they ran out because more people came out to vote than predicted, however shouldn't they have prepared for a higher turnout? I admittedly need to learn more about how all of this works!
Very sorry to hear that.
Sadly, this is true.
Definitely a win for my state of Kentucky! I don’t know that I could live here (KY) under the governorship of Cameron. First of all, he doesn’t work... ever. That has been discussed in our state. But, I think that Governor Beshear was elected on his merit. He has worked hard for the people of our state and people respect him, which I’m sure is difficult for a politician to win respect of his constituents.
I am sad however that none of our down ballots won. That shows to me the strong hold of the GOP on our state. I hope that changes.
It also shows how poorly the Dem state organization is doing with down ballot candidate selection and campaign support, I am afraid. Are they underfunded? Maybe ask your state organizations what is going on.
💯💯 Agreed!! thank you to everyone that participates in knowing the truth thru the din of lies upon lies and and making the time and effort to keep our democracy strong! ❤️🙏
Here , here!!!
Nothing is impossible with determination and perseverance.