Dick and Judy's Excellent Campaign Adventure, Part IV

We are lucky to have correspondents (Dick and Judy) in place reporting on one of the hottest House races in the country--the battle between Iraq War vet Tammy Duckworth and Tea Party clown Joe Walsh.  Here is the latest report from Illinois:

Picking up where we left off . . . 

On July 9^th, we attended one of Tammy Duckworth’s “American Dream Tour” events.  It was held at a local sports bar.   Because of all the activity in both the local and national news regarding this election, there was a fear that Tea Party hecklers might show up.   I am happy to say that, if they did, they opted to keep quiet.  The place was loaded with Tammy supporters.

Tammy has been on virtually every show on MSNBC, as well as one or two on CNN.  As I understand it, Joe Walsh makes regular appearances on Fox (Faux) News – a station we never watch, so I cannot confirm that.   

Dick and I both volunteered with the campaign through the summer.  Dick walked with the Democratic group in the Labor Day parade in Schaumburg, and he has been canvassing the District every Saturday.  My involvement continues to be in the campaign office making calls, assisting with mailings, and doing data entry.

There have now been four debates, the 3^rd one taking place on October 9^th in a large ballroom in nearby Rolling Meadows.   This was the first and only debate where they allowed District residents to attend, and, of course, we did!   It was a large crowd (1,000+) and things got pretty rowdy.   The moderator gave instructions not to applaud, boo, etc. – a request that was soundly ignored (but, hey, the Walsh supporters started it).   The debate was carried on two Chicago radio stations, but all the local TV stations had crews there as well.  Consequently, the story of the debate was all over the local and national media.   It was a great experience – we feel Tammy was the clear winner, but the Walsh people would probably tell you otherwise.  

One notable moment (which has been shown on numerous television stations) was when Joe Walsh held up a picture of Tammy picking out a dress to wear at the Democratic Convention (where she was a speaker).   His comment was that this was the biggest decision she had to make.   Talk about sexist!  He was soundly booed.

The final debate took place on PBS this past week.  Tammy did a good job of holding her own against Joe’s outrageous statements.   The one that has been getting a great deal of publicity ever since the debate has been that Joe said, in a question about abortion, that an abortion is never medically necessary to save the life of the mother.  He is now trying to back track that remark.  Too late, Joe!

As of this writing, Tammy is still ahead in most polls, but Joe is leading in one by 1.5%.   I can’t believe this may end up being a close race – it should be no contest.  I admit this type of news disheartens me and causes me to struggle as to whether I should continue on.  Dick is much more positive about the outcome at the moment, however, so he is my cheerleader. 

My next installment will be regarding the election night party – which I sincerely hope will be a celebration of a Democratic victory across the country.