Carlos had personally knocked on 3,000 doors- that figure is exclusive of volunteer and staff efforts. The 88th is definitely not a NoVA district, large sections of it are quite rural and many of the developments are spread apart. It was created in the last redistricting to be overwhelmingly Republican and difficult to challenge. Speaker Howell wanted as safe a district as possible next door.

Carlos is changing all that.

The Del Toro for Delegate campaign has been very aggressive in its field operations, as well as community outreach and fundraising, and its working. This traditionally safe Republican district is very much in play, and the Speaker and Republican leadership know it. Howell and the Leadership PAC have all ready dumped thousands of dollars into Cole's coffers to try and save him. But Mark Cole has been an isolated extremist since the day he took office, and the people of the 88th recognize him as self serving and ineffective.

As he knocked on these 3000 doors, Carlos rarely found constituents who could name their Delegate, let alone someone who had actually spoken with him. The response to Carlos and his message has been overwhelmingly positive. These families appreciate someone who asks their opinion and actually listens. Carlos said, "We're going to win this election one vote, one house at a time, and every day that I walk door to door, I see it working more and more."

Obviously, this figure will go up dramatically in the coming months, as Field Directors and volunteers add to the canvas. But these first 3000 doors have had a huge impact on the 88th District. Carlos has all the momentum now, and will carry that through to victory in November.

Amy LaMarca
Senior Adviser, DelToro for Delegate