Let me first share what you should NOT do – give to the national organizations who are claiming credit for Eric Cantor’s defeat! Laura Ingraham has it partially correct, the national tea party organizations did not lift a finger to help. They are now trying to financially benefit from a race they refused to publicly support. They were Dave Brat’s biggest closet cheerleaders. I can testify to the fact that they prefer this role. Behind closet doors they tell you they are pulling for you and want you to win. They were always promising to jump in the race and help, but they sat on the sidelines and did nothing. Don’t reward organizations that did nothing and want to take credit and your money.
The only edit I would make to Ingraham’s comments is that an overwhelming majority of the credit goes to the LOCAL tea party grassroots. Hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly the last four months for yesterday’s upset. They did it without a dime of compensation. As Dave Brat said in his victory speech last night, “they have the worn shoe leather to prove it!”
So, are you pumped that Dave Brat won despite the lack of support from national conservative organizations? Are you thrilled that the grassroots sent a strong message to the Washington politicians and the consultant class to take a hike? Are you ready to visibly demonstrate your support even more? Well, there are two critical things you need to do immediately, because our work is not done.
Dave Brat has a Democrat challenger in November. It was announced less than 48 hours ago. You should not assume that the district is safe. We have a U.S. Senate race this year and tens of millions of dollars will be poured into that race. Liberal Democrat senator, Mark Warner, will spend millions in Virginia to win and congressional races will be significantly impacted. Under Cantor’s leadership, Henrico has trended more and more blue. Democrats continue to place a lot of financial and human resources in turning Henrico county blue, so nothing should be taken for granted.
So, you need to join the Brat Pack and do two things immediately:
1) Donate today. Seriously consider giving $201 today. Why? Well, you said you wanted to send a message, right? If you give $201 the FEC will officially list your name as a Brat/grassroots supporter. Let’s send a second big message today to the Washington DC elites, consultants, and pundits that the grassroots financially will support their own candidate.
But it isn’t just about sending a message. Brat really needs your financial support. Liberal national media and Democrats will start the character assassination within days. Brat will need the funds to get their message out through mail, TV, internet and radio.
2) Be a volunteer. Let’s continue to build the grassroots ground game. People are still shocked at what happened last night, but this organic grassroots operation has been growing for four years. We must continue the momentum. People respond when normal, everyday, hard-working neighbors knock on their door and share their concerns with a positive solution. You have the potential to have incredible influence in your neighborhood church, school and elsewhere. Start believing that you have something to say that can really make a difference.
Leave us a shout out in the comment section of this post and let us know if you are committing to this challenge today. And those of you across Virginia and the country…we need your help too. Are you all in?
