report on Chris Heinz event tonight at Lakefront Brewery - Milwaukee

[rodmant]

I'd say at least 250 people came, maybe 300. The mayor Tom Barrett,
two Dem candidates for my congressional district - Matt Flynn, and Tim
Carpenter; the mayor's economic adviser, and another Congressional Gwen
Moore was represented by her assistant. My alderman John Richards was
there. Was also happy to see that one of the main paid Kerry state
field office people (Megan) was there. I'm told Barrett gave a brief
talk - we came a bit late.

Chris Heinz speech was casual, but "he connected". He looks about 30,
is handsome/in good shape. Chris said came from a moderate republican
family, where being pro-choice and "drinking" was "OK". He talked about
his dad dying about 10? years ago just as he was off to college; that
4 years later his mother married John Kerry; that he knew being a step
father was tough, that Kerry earned his respect and love over the years
by "being himself" and not changing the family culture. Later he hit on
the usual campaign themes emphasizing Kerry would earn respect again
for the USA in the world as he did with his new family. He urged all
of us to volunteer, to *canvass* (door to door), that this was a proven
method, that rain was no excuse, have rain gear ready - hey it's only
'till November then we can get back to football.

Mostly young people, as in students. I met up again w/a
motivated/inspiring young Dean volunteer now working for Kerry (and no he does not
know where all the Deanies went); was good to see him again. Also
talked with a Vietnam vet that is working on the vets for truth counter campaign.

I'd say it was a success. Like most events it could have been better
(no printed programs, no acknowledgment for donors - I don't care about
that). The acoustics of the room were terrible, but is still it's an
interesting building and it was a nice summer night. There was plenty
of beer, and just enough food. Given that the crowd was mostly young
people (under 26) I'd say the event fell short as a Democratic "unity
fund" fund raiser but may have made up for it in that it could motivate
a new wave of volunteers.

[Cha]

1. That was an excellent report...very vivid!

I can't wait to get those young people in the White House as Kerry's and Teresa's kids!

[JohnnyCougar]

2. Megan?

I know Megan, she is one of my best friends. What part of Milwaukee are you from?

[dragonlady]

3. Chris was at the Dem party meeting too

Before this event he stopped in at the monthly meeting of the Milwaukee Democratic party and gave a two-minute version of the remarks you described. His appearance there was much appreciated. Fox sent a local cameraman, but I don't know if this made it onto any newscasts.

[rodmant]

4. event was a fund raising success - who says 20-somethings don't donate..

o no official $ numbers yet, but it was an unquestionable *success*!

o I'm told head count was 350

(money going to Wisconsin Democratic Party Unity fund)