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Well, it's over. The outcome, for me, was the same as that for most Republicans in the county, state, and nation!
The current unofficial vote count, including absentee and provisional ballots, is 7,576 (35%) for D`Asto and 13,798 (65%) for Sigaty. The Independent voters are a growing political force, but ignoring that for the moment, this election breaks-down almost along party lines here in District 4. In 2002, 66% of registered voters voted in the county elections. In 2006, only 56.5% voted in District 4. I'd say that was about a 10% protest vote. That's all the analysis I'll give...
My gratitude goes out to all those District 4 residents that took the time to vote, especially those that voted for me!
I learned a lot about politics, running a campaign, & fundraising. I met many great people along the way and formed many new friendships. So, I don't regret making the effort for one minute.
The level of effort I put into this campaign was similar to the effort I give most projects that I believe in. I was told that I had put in more effort than any other Republican candidate had in District 4, ever! Campaigns are not all about door knocking, but I did knock on 7,627 doors. Essentially, that means that I knocked on the majority of single-family houses and townhouses (containing at least 1 voter) in the district. I did at least walk every neighborhood trying to get my message out...
Along the way, I kept a journal of the interactions I had with the residents of District 4. Due to time constraints, I could not write as often as I would have liked, but I did try to note the more interesting meetings. I hope you find some of these stories as amusing as I did. Also, one of the greatest benefits to canvassing neighborhoods was that I was able to see, up close, many great and creative landscaped yards. Landscaping is never ending and I hope to add some of the same creativity to my yard next summer...
Anecdotes of Door Knocking
Town Center, March 11, 2006: My first door knocking campaign experience. Peggy, Jo and her friend Joe walked with me to keep me company. Many people weren't even home and those that were seemed confused as to why I was there! I would say, "it's a long campaign season and I have to meet 35,000 registered voters!" Thanks for the helpful start Peggy, Jo, & Joe...
Hickory Ridge, March 18, 2006: I knew the family in the house I was knocking were Jewish because of the mezuzah on the doorjamb. I didn't know we were in the middle of a Jewish holy period. As the lady opened the door, I handed her my flyer. She promptly dropped it and used her foot to kick the flyer into the house. I felt bad, but I had no idea she couldn't accept anything from a stranger...lesson learned.
Hickory Ridge, March 19, 2006: I approached a house. The owner was outside unaware of me. I startled her slightly as I said, "Hello." After my intro, she snapped back at me, "Do you support seniors?" I said, "Of course, my mother, father, and in-laws are all seniors, but what specifically do you mean?" She said, "The taxes are getting outrageous and I won't be able to live here much longer." I then replied, "Well, I am all about lowering the county's tax rates and being responsible with your tax dollars!" She smiled.
Harper's Choice, April 1, 2006: I was in a townhouse community and as I walked to the next house a man was washing his car and I said, "You're not going to squirt me are you?" He said, "That depends. You're not the tax man are you?" I said, "I'm the tax reducer man!" He shut the water off - LOL.
Wilde Lake, May 6, 2006: I stopped by Pete and Kim's house today. I hadn't been by since they completed their addition. Pete gave me the tour. Nice granite countertops and backsplashes! It is nice and big!
Wilde Lake, May 6, 2006: This homeowner grilled me for about 20 minutes on local politics! He proclaimed that he was a card-carrying Democrat. By the end of the conversation, he wanted me to put a yard sign in his yard! I learned, later that afternoon, the he was a fishing buddy of someone on the Howard County Republican Central Committee. Small world!
Dorsey Search, May 13, 2006: I had a guy snidely take my flyer, inform me of the Sigaty party he held the previous night, and shut the door. I said, "Have a nice day..." I loved the fact that I was walking the neighborhood where my opponent had a fundraiser the very previous night. Looks kind of like I planned it. Although, I did wonder why he took my flyer?
Dorsey Search, May 13, 2006: I had one nervous woman, apparently alone, hold her growling, snarling, teeth barring, mid-sized, mutt with all her might as I asked her, nicely, to not let go! I introduced myself, quickly, and handed her my flyer and then promptly left! I think I wet myself.
Dorsey Search, May 13, 2006: I approached the front door and the owner steps out to let her dog out. She proclaims, "Well, this is either good timing or bad depending on your perspective." I said, "I'm not selling anything!" She thought I was walking around a petition... I told her who I was and what I was doing there. As I walked away, she informed me that she was having a party, with Dorsey Hall people, and asked for additional flyers to set out at the party!
Dorsey Search, May 13, 2006: I met a really nice lady who seemed genuinely happy to see me. I did my intro and then commented on her beautiful lawn. I asked her if it was a special seed or professionally worked. She let me know that she hand pulls all the weeds and doesn't use chemicals - claiming that she was concerned about the stream and the small wild animals in her backyard. She then proceeded to tell me that she sets out seed trays and watches the foxes catch seed-hungry squirrels. She was really enthusiastic about it and even commented on how the mother fox only half kills her prey, brings it back to the den, and then watches the kits finish it off! Unbelievable!!!
Wilde Lake, June 10, 2006: I worked my way around a group of cars crammed into a driveway of an unkempt home. A young man wearing a wildly eclectic shirt and very black, bushy, hair answered the door to hear my intro. He politely took my brochure while asking my party affiliation. My response was not met kindly and he flicked the literature back at me as I reached for it. His accent was Jersey. When I heard it, I figured I was in for some harassment. As I walked away, he bantered me about even coming to the front door "with that black car in the driveway." As I left I worked my way through the cars to the black one and discovered a tailgate full of anti-Bush, anti-Republican, tree hugger, etc. bumper stickers! (I am a tree hugger, too, and feel I can properly make that claim).
Harper's Choice, July 1, 2006: I knocked on the door. No one answered. As I turned to leave a middle-aged man came around the corner of his house pushing the lawn mower (off). I stated who I was and began to hand him my lit card. He gazed straight ahead as he passed me. I followed and heard him say snidely, "I'm sure you're in the book and if I need to talk to you I will call you." He was listed as a Republican and I am sure he assumed I was not! I wished him a happy holiday and proceeded next-door chuckling.
Harper's Choice, July 1, 2006: An old man came to the door in a buttoned shirt, dress shorts, and black socks. I knew I was in trouble when I heard his voice. He took my lit card and proceeded to inspect it. This usually means the "Which party...?" question is on its way. It came and I proudly answered. He disgustingly claimed, "are you afraid to put it on your card?" My answer wasn't good enough, as I knew it wouldn't be. We left it at that.
Harper's Choice, July 1, 2006: I met a nice elderly man and his wife doing yard work. He asked me several questions and was genuinely concerned about Columbia and Howard County. The one question that struck me, though, was, "the Democrats have been in control of Howard County in this district forever and the big business developers have gotten their way every time. The Republicans are supposed to be for big business, why should I trust that a Republican would do the right thing?" I had to laugh and let him know that his question was biased and that he should think about what he was saying...the uphill battle continues.
Harper's Choice, July 1, 2006: My walking list showed that the next house was full of Republicans. When this happens, I smile and unfortunately let my guard down. Again, the inspection of the lit card inspired me to proudly state my party affiliation - considering the apparent similarity to this resident's affiliation. This caused the man to thrust the card back at me and state, "I'd spit on you, but my spit is too good for a Republican!" As he slammed the door, I replied, "Why do you have to be so rude?" It was near the end of the evening and I was tired - a point at which I can lose control of my mouth! If he had left his door open, then I think I would have gone a little deeper into a verbal barrage.
Harper's Choice, July 3, 2006: Bowing..."Ah, you handsome man. Yes, handsome man. Yes, Yes." I don't think he understood a lick of English...or maybe he did?
Hickory Ridge, July 6, 2006: It was a pleasant day today on the trail. I ran into a former co-worker from about 15 years ago. I was surprised I even recognized him. I think he retired during my short 3-year stay at Bendix. He may never vote for a Republican, but he said that he would vote for this one in November!
Harper's Choice, July 8, 2006: Ran into Gelfman today...a local TV reporter. Never knew he lived in Columbia.
Wilde Lake, July 16: Met an elderly man that really didn't want anything to do with me. As he fertilized his tree, he started small talk and I eventually stated that I was a Republican. That really opened the door with this guy... After a long discussion of all things wrong, he reveals that he has calculated the time of the Apocalypse - about 100 years from now. Thankfully, I'll be gone by then.
Wilde Lake, July 16: Today, I violated one of the most basic rules: never enter a stranger's home. An elderly gentleman, being concerned about cooling the outdoors and wanting to discuss politics, invited me into his townhouse. I cautiously entered and the first thing I noticed was the kitchen wall covered from ceiling to floor and front to back with what looked like antique eggbeaters.
I then noticed the man's wife across the house sitting on the couch. I introduced myself and waved. She just peered at me and nodded. As I was answering questions from the man, I noticed that long, narrow, sections of drywall were removed throughout the house from the walls. I didn't want to know and I didn't ask... I just wanted to move on down the street! He was very nice and a very supportive Republican. I never felt threatened, but I was surprised to see the man unlock the deadbolt as he let me out!
Beaverbrook, August 6: Background: Beaverbrook residents went up against a developer over a restaurant expansion near their neighborhood. None of the councilmen were receptive to the community's desires.
One of residents I door knocked was very involved in the fight. He came to the door and asked me, "How the hell are you going to beat these guys? You don't have the money..." He asked me to take care of our current councilman and made a motion across his neck with his finger. After listening to the history of the battle with the developer, I finally asked him for his support and vote in November. He replied, "I have an erection for you and, at my age, I don't know how long it will last or what to do with it!" Stunned, I took a few steps back and thanked him.
Later that evening, my father-in-law explained that this guy was probably military and they frequently used a term starting with "h" (ending in "on") when really into a subject. Sometimes, I can be a little naive...
Beaverbrook, August 6: I finished the Durham Rd. East stretch by finishing at Chuck Ecker's house. I was pleased to find him at home. I have never had the chance to meet him. We spoke for a few minutes and then he wished me well. Earlier, on the same road, I was greeted by a man wearing a "Ecker for Governor" T-shirt. That was another pleasant meeting. Good to be among friends on the trail...
After leaving Mr. Ecker's house, I went to my truck, which was parked in front of his house. As I approached, I noticed a white paper under my windshield wiper and I immediately thought I had received a ticket! Upon close inspection, I realized that my District 2 counterpart had left me a nice note on one of her lit-cards. Her family lives in the neighborhood. Thanks, Gina.
Wilde Lake, August 6: Funny sight along Green Mountain Circle. A front yard contained a "Sigaty" and a "Feldmark" sign! I assumed that a maritial disagreement was taking place... I almost had the nerve to stop and ask if I could add my sign to the mix.
I then had the fortune of stopping at Pat L's home, a friend. She invited me in and gave me a glass of water. I rested and had a nice conversation. It was pretty much the end of the day and she then gave me a ride back to my truck. Thanks, Pat!
Hickory Ridge, August 7: After returning to the community (I left after getting caught in a drenching down pour), I was greeted with the "Democratic or Republican" question at this particular home. I announced with a little attitude that I was a Republican. He replied, "that's good...but I just registered as a Democrat to vote against Ulman in the primary." I laughed and informed him that I had done the same thing last election cycle to vote against Kennedy! He smiled and said, "Wow! We think alike. You have my vote!"
River Hill, August 10: Door knocked with Mary Beth Tung today. Fun time. She is lucky to have support at home. She ran out of literature and called to ask her husband to bring her some more along with food and water... He promptly responded!
River Hill, August 10: Southwind Circle has been good to us. For the first time ever, a homeowner actually offered to make a donation to my campaign! I was stunned. I just stared at him. Luckily, Mary Beth took over and gave him one of her donation envelopes...
Hickory Ridge, September 3, 2006: Just a quick note... two different times a man answered the door with his belt completely undone - thankfully their pants were up.
Hickory Ridge, September 3, 2006: A nice elderly lady yelled at me for several minutes about the Examiner and their habit of tossing unwanted newspapers on her lawn...daily. After going round for a while on promises to fix that sort of thing, I finally suggested that the County enforce its No-Littering policies and fine all the newspapers that practice this technique. She liked that and wished me well.
Clarksville, September 22: I stopped by a neighbor on Guilford Rd. to ask about a yard sign location. I had met one of the young men living at home a couple months earlier. I briefly spoke to the woman of the house - she was very friendly. She directed me to the shop next to the house to speak with her husband. After I introduced myself, I grabbed a wrench and helped him remove two bolts from the foot pedal housing that had been taken from the fully restored, beautiful, BMW resting in the shop. We had a great conversation about the car's history and his recent show successes. Super nice family!
River Hill, September 23: Campaigning with Mary Beth Tung. We approached a man working on his truck in the driveway. He was happy that we stopped by, thankfully. Mary had a hard time keeping a straight face though. This very nice gentleman had a grease smudge on the tip of his nose!
River Hill, September 23: Knock. Knock. "Hi, I am T..." The homeowner gleefully interrupted and said, "when are you going to put up a yard sign in my front yard?" I love River Hill.
River Hill, September 23: A "4-D" homeowner was grilling Mary and me, mostly Mary. After Mary secured the vote, he turned to me and asked whom I was running against. After answering, his reply was, "say no more. You have my vote." I love River Hill. He then let us know that Rosh Hashanah was about to begin and that we should be careful if we continue canvassing...I knew about this one!
River Hill, September 23: The homeowner smiled at us after answering the door, came onto the porch, shut his front door, and then, with a giddy voice and a spark in his eye, he proudly announced that he would not vote for either of us. With a bit of sarcasm, I thanked him for being so polite about it. I was glad that we could make his day. I then recognized him as a Primary Election poll worker for Quinter and I guess he was still bitter about the loss.
I suppose from this point forward you can say that things were quite busy...
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