I don’t know about you, but this past week was harder than expected. Coming to the end of a campaign feels a lot like being on a treadmill that suddenly comes to a stop. Everything inside you is still moving at a brisk pace but the outside world has slowed to a crawl. Added to the feelings of loss are the very real concerns around what will come. To be clear, fascism has reared its ugly head but for too many, it remains, as they say, “Cloaked in a flag, carrying a Bible.”

Well folks, this is it. Tomorrow is the BIG DAY, and the final day for us to turnout voters for Election 2024. We have knocked doors, attended events, talked with voters, posted photos, encouraged volunteers, and created lasting friendships throughout this campaign. In the midst of complex emotions and fighting back feelings of fear and powerlessness, we have shown up. There is a determination in our fight for freedom. And what I want to make completely clear is that IT CANNOT AND MUST NOT END HERE.

Because of my compassion, the sun wanted to be near me all night, 
and the earth deeded her fields to me, and all in heaven said, 
“We have voted you our governor; tell us your divine mandate.” 
And I did, and God will never revoke it: 
‘Nothing in existence is turned away.’ 
-  St. Thomas Aquinas

Most images I choose for this blog post are meant to depict the theme. This week’s image actually inspired it. I was trying to find a picture of a domino run with a hand blocking falling dominoes. It was to represent the question, “If you could prioritize any issue that, if properly addressed, would prevent other issues from escalating, what would it be?” It has been a great conversation starter. (For the record, my “single issue” right now would be mental health.) I had planned to go further into why this has been a helpful analogy for me, when the above picture caught my eye.

[Image: Morgan County Democrats and the Indiana Rural Summit participate in the 65th Annual Morgan County Fall Foliage Parade in Martinsville, IN]

As we hit the final stretch of the campaign season, every event, every conversation, every door knocked, every postcard mailed and every phonecall or text message matter.

"The charter sector, now saturated with impersonal national chains and for-profit management corporations, has strayed far from the original mission of charter schools. A few states follow that vision; most do not. We regularly receive calls from charter school parents, teachers, and public school advocates raising concerns. The Center will educate the public with facts and provide information on how best to address concerns," said Carol Burris, the Executive Director of NPE.

“Significant and compelling evidence regarding the policy implications of S.B. 1 and its effect on medical professionals in particular was presented. However, the Court cannot substitute its own policy preferences for that of the Indiana General Assembly.” - Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Kelsey Blake Hanlon (https://www.newsweek.com/indiana-judge-rejects-abortion-providers-challenge-near-total-ban-1952441)

I tell people all the time that the town I grew up in, known for its mineral water, no longer brings healing. Not very many people outside of Martinsville, Indiana know about the rich history of the area.

As another Labor Day weekend comes to a close, I am reminded of the men and women who fought for and won labor rights in this country. I am reminded of my grandfather who was a telephone lineman and proud union member in northern California. The original telephone poles in Sonoma County were evidence of his work. That was pretty cool to witness. But the truth is that we all experience the contributions of organized labor every day. Manufacturing, construction, transportation, healthcare, education, hospitality, entertainment, retail and so much more.

Someone recently asked me what it was like campaigning as a Democrat in a “red state like Indiana”. To be honest, I have no other reference point. I’ve only ever been a candidate in Indiana. And you know what? It’s pretty amazing.