Canvass walk

A couple of weekends ago some of the interns and campaign staff participated in a canvass walk in one of the many, many, many precincts in our district. We got out in the neighborhood to introduce ourselves to residents, letting them know they have the opportunity to send a fresh voice to represent them in Washington, DC next year. Aside from those houses where nobody was home, and the occasional dog that was ready to attack at any given second, we were met with many friendly faces. One quick and unfortunate thing we learned: clipboards are incredibly intimidating. Based on a few unscientific experiments, this campaign can conclude that by eliminating clipboards from the line of vision when canvass walking, we are at least twice as likely to have a positive response from the residents we approach. If only everything were so simple.

Janet Goeske speaking event

On the morning of Friday, July 31st I had the opportunity to accompany Theresa Weathers, our Business Events Coordinator, to the Janet Goeske Senior Center in Riverside. The place "where seniors grow younger!" is always bustling with a plethora of activities from bingo to ballroom dancing. On this particular morning, however, the wise inquiring minds came out to hear Bill, the featured guest speaker for the Friday Morning Group. The group was a lively one. Many came prepared with tough questions ranging from themes like health care to the economy. It was refreshing to learn from this kind of personal interaction and a blast to meet senior citizens who share an enduring passion for responsible representation.

-Alyssa

(illustration of the Janet Goeske Center)

Bowling with Bill

On July 17th, the campaign held a bowling event at the AMF Lanes in Riverside where Hedrick supporters were able to meet, speak and bowl with Bill. This event was also a chance for the interns to get to know Bill, the campaign staff, and each other a little better. The competition was fierce with Bill showing an impressive performance - well, maybe as compared with President Obama's - but I was able to come out on top with my trusty Simpson's bowling ball. Although the goal is a serious one, that of ousting Ken Calvert and bringing honesty and integrity back to the district, events like the bowling night give everyone a chance to let loose and have fun.

-Philip

An interesting story about Bill that we learned that night: his right arm is slightly shorter than his left. Apparently he broke his arm skateboarding in his 40's - he was trying to show his children the proper way to skateboard, because he is, of course, an expert in that field. The skateboard hit a rock on the sidewalk, he fell and broke his arm. The arm didn't heal properly, so he was left with two choices - live with the slight problem or let doctors re-brake his arm into place. He wisely chose the first.

-Annette