My dad's (R) update of a Jim Pederson (D-AZ) rally today

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

Dad's e-mail to me (he hasn't been this excited since he campaigned for Goldwater! )

I just got back from a Pederson rally at a local restaurant. I got there 15 min early so got to talk to some of the attendees. There were 40-50 people there. There were other registered Reps (like myself) who had early voted for Pederson. Several of my neighbors and church members were there.

Pederson gave a great talk covering the war, immigration and the eroding of the constitution. He's a big likeable guy with an infectious smile. This is his first time into politics after a career as a successful builder/developer. He spoke without platitudes and "talking points." He talked for an hr and then took Q,s. I was very impressed and volunteered to man phones if needed. It seems they have a ton of volunteers already. I also got a lawn placard, which will be the 1st in the neighborhood.

One of the questioners was a nice looking guy about 40. He had a couple of Qs and spoke well except he was a little verbose. He prefaced his last Q, which was re the war by saying he spent 2 tours in Nam. Before he could make his point he broke down and bawled like a baby when talking about casualties. When he composed himself he gave a scathing opinion re Rumsfeld and the whole war situation. Needless to say he got a standing ovation.

I talked to two independants who were still on the fence. I didn't talk to them after the presentation, but feel confidant that they would choose Pederson.

We're still 4 or 5 points behind. That was obviously a mostly partison crowd, but it left me feeling like we have a good chance.

Pederson said that the Reps have considered AZ a lock so are sending most of their support money to the toss up states. That bodes well for the time left before the election. Pederson wasn't given a prayer 6 wks ago. He's closing the gap fast.

I'm convinced he'll win and make a good senator.

Dad

[ps1074]

1. This race is going to be much much closer

than republicans expect.

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

15. It would be nice to take a surprise win in AZ while all the repub $ is spent in VA

thanks to the retired generals speaking out against the Bushies in an effort to get the military VA (both kinds) vote.

[bluestateguy]

2. My parents, both Arizona Democrats, have not been impressed with him

Kyl has yet to close the deal. It would be nice to have this race as one egg in the basket, but I'm not yet convinced that it's a dead heat yet.

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

3. Why haven't they been impressed with him?

Considering how close the dems are to taking the Senate, what will it take to impress your parents?

[bluestateguy]

6. They think he sounds milquetoast and uninspiring

They will vote for him, and for Napolitano, and a straight (D) ticket, but they are just not confident that he can win.

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

9. a personality issue, which got us George Bush

*yawn*

[lies and propaganda]

11. im not confident he can win either...

but uninspiring? hes awesome! He has done tons for the community and was awesome as our Dem Party Chair last go round.And the only thing I can fault him with is that he isnt all politician smarmy. Which Kyl oozes so people think hes more competent.

[casus belli]

4. Your Dad sounds like a cool guy...

My grandfather was also a Republican all his life. But his conservatism had a tendency to center more around issues like smaller government, more state control, fiscal discipline, etc. I never heard him talk ill about any social issues, I think he probably thought it wasn't government's place to moderate what people do in their private lives, as long as those activities didn't harm someone else. My grandfather has been dead for quite a few years now, and while I miss him a great deal, I'm rather glad he wasn't alive to see what became of his party.

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

8. While we were camping as kids,

my dad found out from a guy in the neighboring camp that he could collect social security from my dead mother, who had been the family's main source of income before her death. We were scrimping, my dad had three jobs at the time.

Unfortunately, he learned of this "handout" a few years after Mom had died. The govt. reimbursed Dad retroactive to Jan 1. We really needed the money. He didn't begrudge the govt. giving it to him.

[Hubert Flottz]

5. That's great!

I think a lot of people are smarter then the folks in congress, who flatly refuse, to put country before party.

[Rebel_with_a_cause]

7. Agreed. I also think McCain is losing his influence with seniors

his bread and butter.

[Hubert Flottz]

10. People are seeing the light.

And I hope it's not too late!

[SouthernBelle82]

12. Very nice

I'm glad your dad is excited about the race too. Sounds great! I hope Pederson gets Arizona.

[AZBlue]

13. What an awesome e-mail! Thanks for sharing

Good for Dad!! I really like and support Pederson and pray he wins!

[jillan]

14. Clinton in Tucson Thursday supporting Pederson and Mitchell.

Heard Gore was coming too, but can't find details now.