We arrived at the Democratic headquarters in downtown Lynchburg at noon. There were four of us, and the campaign had us out the door in minutes with freshly-cut street sheets and literature for our candidate Shannon Valentine, a long-time civic leader running for Delegate.
Lynchburg is called "the Hill City" for a reason. There are some serious hills, especially in the residential neighborhoods which spread out above the low-lying downtown. Nothing like walking up a quarter-mile driveway to have a door slammed in your face! But that was not the typical experience ... Instead, the locals were friendly and well aware of the special election. Both sides were out in force: Republican signs and literature was door-to-door next to Shannon's.
Up and down the streets we went, canvassing the houses for potential voters in Tuesday's election. It was warm until the sun began to drop down behind the Blue Ridge, highlighting a briliant sunset on the south side of the City where we finished up. By the time we finished (and after adding two more volunteers), we had hit about 500 homes.
This will be a close race. The Democrats have an opportunity here to elect a fresh face in the heart of Piedmont Virginia, and the Republicans are fighting it will all their resources. A Democratic victory here will send a message that the Republican House caucus has lost its knack to win races in swing districts. And that is a frightening thought to a lot of the power brokers in Richmond.
Good luck and enjoy your cardio-vascular exercise. And thank you for doing this election work for Virginia
Too bad we can't all be over there in the 23rd helping to elect Valentine in what is bound to be a close election.