Representative Siegfreid is:

Pro:

o  Creationism in the classroom
o  Government domestic surveillance

Anti:

o  Choice
o  Gay
o  Free Speech

Sean was, like we all are, revolted by the views of his representative.

...so he registered to run and drew an xkcd comic...

He had the wild idea that he would use the Internet to raise funds, and he would look to get $8.34 from 3,000 people.  Unheard of!  No Kansas State Representative had ever gotten more than 644 donations!

In 37.25 hours he got 3,000.

In about 48 hours, he is up to 4,662.

Go Sean!!

For everyone who has said "Obama's Internet fundraising won't do anything for downticket Dems!"  I just want to say:

I told you so.

Either there is nothing going on that is different from Election 1956, nothing changed from the days of Big Money and Big Influence, nothing changed from the Good Old Days when you could buy yourself a politician by donating the money he needs to get into office (or to stay there)...

Either that, or things have changed.

And yeah buddy, they've changed.  You changed them.  The Internet changed them.  Or, more precisely, you and your newfound ability to actually be directly involved in the most tried and true aspects of Old School politics has opened the doors of the New School.

From now on, if someone wants to represent the people they will need to speak to them.

From now on, if someone wants to represent the people they will need to listen to them.

From now on, if someone wants to represent the people they will need to ask them for their support.  Not the support of the richest people in their district.  Not the support of the corporations whose interests may run counter to their constituents.  Not the traditional donors with their well-worn Rolodex and jaded agendas.

You.

Congratulations.  You win.





-chris

[UPDATE - 19/JUL/08 - 11:05:ET] - A politician who reads his email and responds.

Re: Hope you don't mind

Hi Chris

That's nicely done and well written. Thank you so much for taking an active interest in helping my campaign!
--
Sean Tevis

On Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 7:30 AM, Chris Blask wrote:
> But I used a couple panels for some diaries.
>
> http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/7/19/02049/2171
>
> http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/19/03045/9204/496/553763
>
> Congratulations. We Win!
>
> -cheers!
>
> -chris

This just might be a trend...