Laura's Newsletter

On this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to thank all veterans for their service. From those that served in World War II to those currently serving, thank you for all you have done to ensure the safety of our nation. It can never be said enough how much we owe to those willing to sacrifice everything.

This week I had the opportunity to hear Chris Kashfia, who has recently returned from Iraq, speak at the John Kerry Meet-up in Bellevue. It was amazing to hear him speak on his experiences over there. We are fortunate to have people like him willing to share their experiences and help us all work for a better tomorrow.

Around the State -The week saw me getting back into traveling mode. On Wednesday, I headed to Bremerton in the blinding rain with Julie and Ben (our Overlake students). The trip was worth it as I had a great time getting to know the women of the Kitsap County Democrats.

Thursday, I went to the Kerry meet-up in Bellevue. As fate would have it, that was the opening night of the State Republican Convention at the same hotel. As I spoke, I could see a gaggle of guys forming in the foyer just outside the room. I was told later that they were Republicans and that one had had been musing about setting up a candidate forum between me and the incumbent. As I finished my speech to rousing applause, he walked away shaking his head and saying: nope, Sam wouldn't want to do that.....

On Saturday, Richard Cole helped with the driving as we headed to the Congressional Caucuses. I had a chance to attend the caucuses in the 7th, 6th, and 9th Congressional Districts. I ended the day at the Asian Pacific Community Summit at the Tacoma Dome. A huge "Thank You" to Sheldon Arakaki for taking the time to introduce me around at this great event!

Sunday, I spent the afternoon at Folklife, registering voters. I couldn't believe the number of people I ran into that I knew, or who have seen me speak at their legislative district meeting or convention, or in some other venue. Thanks to all of you who stopped and said hello. I registered one woman who was born in 1943 and has deliberately never registered and never voted. She had finally decided that she needed to vote in this election, and her 30-something daughter brought her over and made her register! The number of people who thanked us for being there was heartwarming.

This week also saw me at a number of Kerry meet-ups and House Parties. It is so great to see the number of people involved and the energy out there! If you have an event you think I should speak at, please email laura@laurauruderman.com and let us know.

Fundraising - Thanks so much to those of you who responded to last week's call for contributions. We are now only $3,804 away from our goal of raising $30,000 this month. We can accept contributions online at http://www.lauraruderman.com/index.cfm?fa=home.donate until midnight tonight. If you can give even $10, $25, or $50 today, we can make our goal!

Upcoming events - This week, you can catch me at the 1st Legislative District meeting on Monday, at a Democracy for America forum in Everett on Wednesday, and at the State Party Convention in Tacoma on Friday night and Saturday. A full list with all the details is available at http://www.lauraruderman.com/index.cfm?fa=home.cal. Again, If you have an event you think I should speak at, or you would like to host a fundraiser or a house party, please email laura@laurauruderman.com and let us know.

Volunteering - Next weekend is the Washington State Democratic Convention and we need your help! We are looking for people who can help us next Friday and Saturday in Tacoma. Please call Olivia (who is now full-time!) at 425-821-4721 if you can help

We are in the process of putting together a list of "go-to" volunteers for every county. If you would like to be our lead volunteer in your community - or know someone who should be - please contact Olivia at 425-821-4721 or via email at laura@lauraruderman.com. We are looking for the person in each area who can ensure we have a presence at all community parades and festivals, as well as helping me when I am traveling in the area.

Interns - We are also in the process of finding interns for the campaign. We are looking for high school and college students wanting to have a deep involvement in a campaign this year. While there is no monetary compensation, this would be a great way to "get your feet wet" and discover first-hand what a statewide campaign in like. If you would like to find out more about interning, please contact Olivia at 425-821-4721 or at laura@lauraruderman.com.

Endorsements - This week I received a great endorsement from Stefan Sharkansky. Check out his "Shark Blog" at http://www.usefulwork.com/shark/archives/002056.html for his reasons why, as a self-avowed Republican, he is endorsing me for Secretary of State. Thanks, Stefan!

Thanks also to Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, the Women's Political Caucus, the Olympic Labor Council, and Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty for their endorsements as well.

 

If you would like to receive this in email, please let us know at laura@lauraruderman.com.