| BLOG |
We Did It!
by: Andrei Cherny | 1/11/2010
When we launched this campaign for State Treasurer, we knew that in order to turn our economy around we needed to build a real movement for change. And we all knew that the first campaign finance reporting period would be a critical marker to show whether we were meeting that goal.
So we gave ourselves a high benchmark: to raise more than any previous statewide candidate not running for Governor had raised in the year before the election. That record was set in 1997 by then-Attorney General candidate Janet Napolitano who reported $109,000 raised by December 31st of that year.
As yesterday’s Arizona Republic reported, our supporters took up the challenge by making Arizona political history. We raised over $350,000 – three times more than the previous record. I am proud that the great majority of our contributors gave $100 or less. Whether it was donations of $5 or $500, the faith in me and what this campaign stands for is truly humbling – and something for which I will be forever grateful.
But this is a time not to pat ourselves on the back, but to push ourselves forward. While we’ve made a great start, we have a long way to go. Because to win this election we need to not just raise the most money, but use it to raise awareness of my track record and what I’ll do as our next State Treasurer.
To spread the word, I've spoken to over 200 Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, senior centers, house parties, and other community meetings during the campaign thus far. In campaigning in 59 cities and towns across Arizona, I've driven over 25,000 miles – more than the circumference of the Earth. But in a state as big as Arizona, using every tool to get the message out is vital to our victory.
This race will be uphill every step of the way. As the Republic pointed out, it’s been 46 years since a Democrat was elected Treasurer. So while we’re already making history, we’re also fighting history. What we’ve accomplished so far means that our victory is doable, but by no means a done deal; that we have a shot, not that we’re a sure thing.
That's why, no matter who we end up running against, we’ll be the underdog in this election – the David to their Goliath. But just as David asked only for “a sling and five smooth stones,” here are five things you can do to help our campaign:
1. Sign up to volunteer, host a house party for your friends and neighbors, or become a local leader for our campaign.2. Help spread the word about our campaign and what we’re about through the Tell a Friend feature of our website.3. Tell people how the economic crisis has affected you and share your ideas on how to get us out at our MYeconoMY section.4. Ask me a question that’s been on your mind at our AskAndrei section.5. Contribute to our efforts. We’ve done well so far in our fundraising, but need to raise a lot more if we’re going to be able to spread the word effectively to the millions of voters in this election.
Yes, this election will be David vs. Goliath. But never forget who won that battle.
