Public Option Whip List - just went up by two from 20 to 22 while I was on the phone

[Mithreal]

Check to see who has or has not signed. Call your own and adopt a state too.

http://whipcongress.com/

While I made calls to my Senator's offices the list increased from 20 to 22.

My senators:
Patty Murray still making excuses. There is a new position memo, third in less than a week but didn't sound hopeful. She met with Senate Leaders today. I laughed and explained to the first staffer why it was ironic. The Senator's original position was she would not sign a letter to herself. However, she is perfectly happy meeting with herself though and I thought that was funny. I laughed gently and received an abrupt BYE and hang up. Wow. Even when I am angry was never treated like that. Called back later, talked to second staffer, explained what happened, gently, aroused anger of person who immediately hung up on me. Ouch. Called another office, very good conversation and was told that times were stressful and the Seattle office has treated others this way regularly enough and would be sent a friendly reminder, didn't ask for anything to be sent, but is ok with me.

Maria Cantwell is being thoughtful, no change. She seems to purposely hire staff that are better with the public, always good experiences. Cantwell's office said the calls were 98% in favor of signing the letter. Calls from out-of-state were also mentioned very positively. The staff had previously stated it was about the number of calls.

If you give up, then why shouldn't your reps too? Both offices were getting overwhelming number of calls in support, keep up the pressure.

[MrMickeysMom]

1. savethepublicoption.com is getting hammered at their site...

I can't even talk to staff, just answering machine when I've called this past week, but when I do, I rarely get this.

It'll be interesting to see. We have the ability to get their attention- always had. Casey is still on the fence. He's going to have to get his arse off of it soon.

[Mithreal]

2. In previous years talking to the first two staff members has always been positive.

Was really weird and the exceptions. They are feeling the pressure. Good time for it now too. Better now than in November 2010.

[Raine]

3. THANKS for the link

I see both my Senators Boxer & Feinstein are on board. :thumbsup:

[Mithreal]

4. You're welcome. Adopt my state or another. Toll free DC numbers.

LIST OF TOLL FREE CONGRESS SWITCHBOARD PHONE NUMBERS

1-800-828-0498

1-800-459-1887

1-800-614-2803

1-866-340-9281

1-866-338-1015

1-866-220-0044

1-877-851-6437

Signing this letter shows support to the overwhelming majority of Americans. By encouraging them to sign you are also helping them get reelected, giving them the support and courage.

Thanks to orleans for the list.

[Raine]

5. COOL I didn't know I could adopt another state

I'll do that! :-)

[Mithreal]

6. Other DU'ers mention it sometimes.

And some senators are more receptive than others.

I have called to thank representatives from other states. Everyone seems very appreciative of that. It wouldn't hurt to have a special connection to another state like I grew up in MI so feel pretty strongly about what happens there. When a representative serves on a committee, it seems to me they are not just representing their district or state but the entire nation. I think we need to get better at reaching out to more Dems even if we are not directly responsible for them.

The folks who get me the angriest are people like Pelosi and Reid, seems like they should be receptive to everyone given their positions but they aren't.

[Mithreal]

7. The number is up to 23

Patty Murray's Seattle office is feeling hammered and frustrated with all the calls of support and seems to be very displeased that they are being "phonebanked" by progressives.