Thank you for articulating this. I've been told my race isn't worth contributing to because it's unwinnable. I've also had folks slip me 20 bucks because they know I'm struggling to buy walk cards. I've learned to stretch every dollar I get to do the things I know I have to do. But it's hard when you can't afford to pay for someone to cut turf so I'm on the right doors. I have to give up a day to finish up ethics reports. There has to be a better way.
You're so right. There should be a better way. You may already know about this website but just in case you don't: https://traindemocrats.org/. It has great information and it's free. They have a section on fundraising which may be helpful. Good luck and thank you for standing up for what's right!
Thank you so much for supporting your local candidate! I'm sure it's much appreciated. I think having Blue State Buddies is an awesome way to show support for those fighting the good fight. In small campaigns, you can see your money at work. I'm Crystal LaGrone from Oklahoma. You can reach me at crystalforok.com. Keep helping local races! Rural Candidates matter!
Oh my goodness! Thank you! I really appreciate it. It means a lot when people hear my story and want to help. I will keep fighting for progressive causes here in Oklahoma. We can't give up, even if the DNC gives up on us. We can't just cede the entire middle of the country because they are red states.
My pleasure. In operation, anti-abortion laws mean LET WOMEN SUFFER AND DIE. Nobody wants THAT (or I’d like to think nobody wants that).
Trump Project 2025 means the end to our freedoms and democracy as we know it. Democrats are fighting to save our freedoms, but elected Republicans are actively working to destroy them.
The more people understand that Republicans have failed to stop a man (Trump, convicted of 34 felonies and what the judge called “rape”) bent on destroying democracy, the better. Trump has said it himself - he wants to be dictator on day one. No dictator ever has given up power. Ever.
Thanks for sharing your perspective with us, Jess. Your posts are informative, interesting, and infuriating, all at the same time. I have often thought it was a mistake for Progressives to simply write off half of the country as unwinnable. Seems obvious that elections will be unwinnable if they are not even contested. The DNC's best first step would be offering you some kind of consulting gig.
Thank you for being a standard bearer! Here in NC our new Dem party chair, Anderson Clayton, understands this and has been cheering on Dems and filling the ballot in all our rural counties. Hope other states can follow her lead.
A.C. at 26 is doing a great job, but it helps when Republicans are running some of the most flawed candidates in recent memory. Mark Robinson and homeschooler Michele Morrow, (who called for public execution of Joe Biden) running in state-wide election will tell a lot about rural NC.
Yes he's a bad candidate. What Anderson's 100-county strategy has done, though, is make sure Republican state legislative candidates have to spend their money statewide, rather than in just a few tossup districts. Trump can still win, even if Robinson and Morrow lose. More worried that Morrow will win than Robinson.
My grandson-in-law is Mark Johnson, previously director of Public Education in NC; we don't discuss politics, except this race, this cycle. Too extreme for him. I agree, she has the better chance, but my NC Dems are more optimistic than anytime since 2008.
Jess, you are so important to reforming backwards Missouri that I worry about you. You’ve used up your retirement savings, you are traveling across the country to spread hope to rural Democrats, and you live in a state where “liberals” are often mentioned in the same breath with “communists.” I truly hope you will run again one day, but what can I do to help you TODAY???
Exactly what the rest of us are thinking right now. Jess, if you run again, you will have support, financial support, from across the country because you have done all this work to put yourself out there.
What a delightful surprise, Michele. I know you’re out there fighting the good fight. Do there seem to be any more Missourians willing to help fund Democrats? We’ve absolutely got to turn the state purple, if not entirely blue!
Jess, you are my idol…I admire your courage to follow your convictions! I hope you can start a blue movement. I recently moved to a very red area in Georgia, and it is so depressing to have no D choices on the ballot.
If it's safe for you to do so (sad that I even have to say that in this country), start building a Dem community by inviting like-minded people over for a potluck or start a FB group for local Dems. There is strength in numbers. And who knows? Other Dems may be keeping their heads down because they don't think there are others close by. You could be a trendsetter!
Those suggestions are exactly what Dems have been doing in Red Rabun Co. (Even the HS colors are Red&White!) We get together for potluck and fundraisers and generally supporting each other and our candidates. We have grown A LOT since we started gathering! Eventually, we will make an impact.
You’re a red state rural heroine and very brave to stand on the platform that you do. I wish all “politicians” had your sense of honesty and integrity and reality; our country would be a place of which to be proud again!
Yes. I live in a very red rural area. Few, if any, choices to vote for Democrats. Our Republican state rep is featured in our local newspaper about once a month. He’s a party puppet. I’m ready for change.
This is exactly what I have thinking, for decades now. The present DNC only focuses on and funds areas they know they can win now rather than focusing on building coalitions and making inroads. In many rural areas, as it turns out, there are more blue-leaning people than one would think who only need information and encouragement to vote their conscience. And as Mayor Pete says, if you only talk to people who you know already agree with you, how are you going to actually make a difference?
It's very much like this here in Indiana too. In the rural areas it's very red and the Republican state reps and senators don't have any real competition from a Democrat challenger. The state Democratic Party is finally recognizing it this election cycle, so maybe there is hope now.
I’ve been canvassing in NC. Your determination helped me get started. The response from people I speak with keeps me going. I particularly like the idea of spending time talking to people, sometimes at length, though I haven’t hit the one hour mark yet. Thanks for your insights and conviction, it’s contagious.
Especially since so much or rural America has been just overrun by first the horrific Fox News & only a few other channels during the boomer era for the last 2 generations and now these even more horrific lie to your face news and meds platforms. And with discernment and best interest not taught, it’s been a recipe for disaster! Just look what republikkkans are (NOT) doing to the current FARM BILL, and look at PROJECT 2025 for how they plans to destroy millions of farmers and hijack their lands,…back to a feudal system
I was living in rural Callaway County during the 2016 cycle and was astonished that my mail got exactly no mailers from the Dems or Dem candidates. The “let’s only work on races we know we can win” mindset explains so much.
Thanks so so much for doing this work and for sharing how difficult it is in rural areas. Changing the mindset of people in general is so hard-even when it’s in their best interest to do so. Thank you for being such a great inspiration for all of us.
Thank you for articulating this. I've been told my race isn't worth contributing to because it's unwinnable. I've also had folks slip me 20 bucks because they know I'm struggling to buy walk cards. I've learned to stretch every dollar I get to do the things I know I have to do. But it's hard when you can't afford to pay for someone to cut turf so I'm on the right doors. I have to give up a day to finish up ethics reports. There has to be a better way.
Thank you for running. Thank you for standing up for what is right!
You're so right. There should be a better way. You may already know about this website but just in case you don't: https://traindemocrats.org/. It has great information and it's free. They have a section on fundraising which may be helpful. Good luck and thank you for standing up for what's right!
I’m in a blue state but my rep has been republican for 30 year so I’ve been donating to his challenger. Where are you running so I can donate?
Thank you so much for supporting your local candidate! I'm sure it's much appreciated. I think having Blue State Buddies is an awesome way to show support for those fighting the good fight. In small campaigns, you can see your money at work. I'm Crystal LaGrone from Oklahoma. You can reach me at crystalforok.com. Keep helping local races! Rural Candidates matter!
I live in So Cal. I read what you support and then made a donation to your campaign. Good luck and thank you for running.
Oh my goodness! Thank you! I really appreciate it. It means a lot when people hear my story and want to help. I will keep fighting for progressive causes here in Oklahoma. We can't give up, even if the DNC gives up on us. We can't just cede the entire middle of the country because they are red states.
My pleasure. In operation, anti-abortion laws mean LET WOMEN SUFFER AND DIE. Nobody wants THAT (or I’d like to think nobody wants that).
Trump Project 2025 means the end to our freedoms and democracy as we know it. Democrats are fighting to save our freedoms, but elected Republicans are actively working to destroy them.
The more people understand that Republicans have failed to stop a man (Trump, convicted of 34 felonies and what the judge called “rape”) bent on destroying democracy, the better. Trump has said it himself - he wants to be dictator on day one. No dictator ever has given up power. Ever.
I stand with you in solidarity, Jess. You have the soul and grit of a champion. I admire you so much. Keep the faith. You have expanded my world.
Thanks for sharing your perspective with us, Jess. Your posts are informative, interesting, and infuriating, all at the same time. I have often thought it was a mistake for Progressives to simply write off half of the country as unwinnable. Seems obvious that elections will be unwinnable if they are not even contested. The DNC's best first step would be offering you some kind of consulting gig.
Great thought!
Thank you for being a standard bearer! Here in NC our new Dem party chair, Anderson Clayton, understands this and has been cheering on Dems and filling the ballot in all our rural counties. Hope other states can follow her lead.
A.C. at 26 is doing a great job, but it helps when Republicans are running some of the most flawed candidates in recent memory. Mark Robinson and homeschooler Michele Morrow, (who called for public execution of Joe Biden) running in state-wide election will tell a lot about rural NC.
Yes he's a bad candidate. What Anderson's 100-county strategy has done, though, is make sure Republican state legislative candidates have to spend their money statewide, rather than in just a few tossup districts. Trump can still win, even if Robinson and Morrow lose. More worried that Morrow will win than Robinson.
My grandson-in-law is Mark Johnson, previously director of Public Education in NC; we don't discuss politics, except this race, this cycle. Too extreme for him. I agree, she has the better chance, but my NC Dems are more optimistic than anytime since 2008.
I just saw Anderson speak on CNN a few days ago. She gives me so much hope and faith in Gen Z!
Jess, you are so important to reforming backwards Missouri that I worry about you. You’ve used up your retirement savings, you are traveling across the country to spread hope to rural Democrats, and you live in a state where “liberals” are often mentioned in the same breath with “communists.” I truly hope you will run again one day, but what can I do to help you TODAY???
Luckily, I have a several jobs that pay the bills. This substack and Blue Missouri. I'm doing okay and thank you for thinking of me!
Exactly what the rest of us are thinking right now. Jess, if you run again, you will have support, financial support, from across the country because you have done all this work to put yourself out there.
This is TRUE, Jess!
Lucinda!! My friend! I still remember our coffees in the sharp days of early 2017. Boy how things have evolved. Just lovely to see your name. 💙
What a delightful surprise, Michele. I know you’re out there fighting the good fight. Do there seem to be any more Missourians willing to help fund Democrats? We’ve absolutely got to turn the state purple, if not entirely blue!
Jess, you are my idol…I admire your courage to follow your convictions! I hope you can start a blue movement. I recently moved to a very red area in Georgia, and it is so depressing to have no D choices on the ballot.
If it's safe for you to do so (sad that I even have to say that in this country), start building a Dem community by inviting like-minded people over for a potluck or start a FB group for local Dems. There is strength in numbers. And who knows? Other Dems may be keeping their heads down because they don't think there are others close by. You could be a trendsetter!
Those suggestions are exactly what Dems have been doing in Red Rabun Co. (Even the HS colors are Red&White!) We get together for potluck and fundraisers and generally supporting each other and our candidates. We have grown A LOT since we started gathering! Eventually, we will make an impact.
You’re a red state rural heroine and very brave to stand on the platform that you do. I wish all “politicians” had your sense of honesty and integrity and reality; our country would be a place of which to be proud again!
People are paying attention and stepping up thanks to your example...thank you!
Yes, sir. And aren't we so glad to see it! Solidarity, friend!
Yes. I live in a very red rural area. Few, if any, choices to vote for Democrats. Our Republican state rep is featured in our local newspaper about once a month. He’s a party puppet. I’m ready for change.
Thank you for your service to our country
So. Much. THIS.
This is exactly what I have thinking, for decades now. The present DNC only focuses on and funds areas they know they can win now rather than focusing on building coalitions and making inroads. In many rural areas, as it turns out, there are more blue-leaning people than one would think who only need information and encouragement to vote their conscience. And as Mayor Pete says, if you only talk to people who you know already agree with you, how are you going to actually make a difference?
It's very much like this here in Indiana too. In the rural areas it's very red and the Republican state reps and senators don't have any real competition from a Democrat challenger. The state Democratic Party is finally recognizing it this election cycle, so maybe there is hope now.
I’ve been canvassing in NC. Your determination helped me get started. The response from people I speak with keeps me going. I particularly like the idea of spending time talking to people, sometimes at length, though I haven’t hit the one hour mark yet. Thanks for your insights and conviction, it’s contagious.
Thank you for doing the work, friend.
Especially since so much or rural America has been just overrun by first the horrific Fox News & only a few other channels during the boomer era for the last 2 generations and now these even more horrific lie to your face news and meds platforms. And with discernment and best interest not taught, it’s been a recipe for disaster! Just look what republikkkans are (NOT) doing to the current FARM BILL, and look at PROJECT 2025 for how they plans to destroy millions of farmers and hijack their lands,…back to a feudal system
I was living in rural Callaway County during the 2016 cycle and was astonished that my mail got exactly no mailers from the Dems or Dem candidates. The “let’s only work on races we know we can win” mindset explains so much.
Thanks so so much for doing this work and for sharing how difficult it is in rural areas. Changing the mindset of people in general is so hard-even when it’s in their best interest to do so. Thank you for being such a great inspiration for all of us.