Imagine a candidate for a state senate seat who has already been elected county-wide in Fairfax, gaining more than 88,000 votes, the most ever by a Democrat running for the school board. Imagine this candidate is herself a long-time activist on behalf of public schools. Imagine that she was the prime mover in Fairfax providing universal access to all-day kindergarten. Imagine that the district is represented by one of the more loathsome Republicans around. Imagine further that the district was carried by Tim Kaine, Creigh Deeds, Leslie Byrne, and Jim Webb.
You don't have to imagine, because it is reality. Of course I'm talking about Janet Oleszek. And there seems to be something quite exciting going on in her campaign.
I first saw Janet last March, on a platform in Arlington when Jim Webb announced his campaign for the US Senate - she was an early endorser. But until last week I had never really talked with her. The picture above the fold was taken at Tim Kaine's fundraiser in Richmond last week, where we had several conversations during the course of the evening. It was for me a natural conversation, as we share a passion for public school: before her service on the school board Janet had been an active participant in the PTAs of all the schools attended by her children, including participating at the state level. She has taught and has a masters in Special Education. It is not surprising that education is one issue on which she focuses, nor would it be surprising that she has strong support from educators and from parents. Education is the first of the four key issues she lists on her website, followed by Environment, Health Care, and Transportation.
There is real enthusiasm for Janet's campaign. The first photo shows about half the attendees at a fundraiser featuring Senator Jim Webb. Among those clearly visible in the picture are people like State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple; publisher of the Falls Church News-Press Nick Benton, Arlington School Board member Libby Garvey; Democratic activist and fundraiser Mary Anne Hovis; and prominent former office holder and candidate Leslie Byrne.
Another way in which the enthusiasm can be seen is the turnout to help. The second picture is of those who volunteered to canvass the district on June 23. That is a truly impressive number of people for one canvass event for a State Senate district. 
The final picture shows the sign-in desk, and it is interesting when someone who herself is a candidate volunteers for someone else running for office: the person on the right is noted Webb volunteer Liz Griffith, now running for the Fairfax Board of Education.
I have been impressed by my contact with Janet. I know how committed she is to making a difference. She has already demonstrated an ability to work with others to move forward a progressive agenda as she did on the School Board. This is a Senate seat we must win if we wish to control the State Senate. It is a Democratic district, as has been shown in recent races such as 2005 and 2006. Janet has the enthusiastic support of the party: at her kickoff event there were party luminaries such as Senate Minority Leader Dick Saslaw (who needs Janet to get elected in order to become majority leader), Fairfax County Chairman Gerry Connolly, and Congresswoman Leslie Byrne, Senator Creigh Deeds, and Delegate Kris Amundson. Another indicator of support has been her fundraising: in the 1st quarter Janet raised over $137,000 from over 500 donors.
I'd like to quote a bit from an email Greg Zimmer recently sent to the Brigades, the organization of former Webb volunteers now active in as many General Assembly races as possible:
Many of the volunteers were from the Brigades and the Arlington Young Democrats. But there were also canvassers from DC and Maryland and a few from as far away as Michigan and Wisconsin . Makes you wonder if Janet's campaign is becoming a national phenomenon??!! And I thought I was making a sacrifice driving 17 miles from my house to canvass!
This is an important - and clearly winnable - race for the state senate. Janet is proven both as a candidate and as a public official. The enthusiasm in the campaign is palpable.
I am hoping that you might consider offering some volunteer help and/or contributing (link is on homepage). Browse the webpage. If you get a chance, by all means talk with Janet - I can assure you that you will be impressed. She is personable, knowledgeable, and interested in what you have to say, even if you do not live in her district.
Remember, we need 4 seats to take nominal control of the state senate. More would of course be better. Whether or not you live in the district Janet is seeking to represent, you need her victory for Democratic control. Please help in any way you can.
Peace.