Hi Everybody!
I've just returned from the "mass meeting" where local delegates were chosen to go to the next electoral level to vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama (some will eventually go on to the national convention). Sort of unexpectedly, I was chosen to chair tonight's process for the Obama people (I've been a supporter of his since almost the beginning -- since long before most reasonable people thought he had a chance to win). I say "sort of unexpectedly" because the possibility did not come up until last night, when I was contacted and asked if I would accept if nominated.
At that point, I thought it would be uncontested, so I agreed. Then, we got there tonight and a pretty heavy hitter/former elected official decided to run against me. Had I known he wanted the job, I would have bowed out because, well, one contested election is enough for me right now. But by the time he was nominated, it was too late to stop my folks from nominating me. To be honest, I assumed I was about to lose the election for this ceremonial position -- but I won. And presiding over the election of delegates and alternates was pretty cool. It was nice to be a small part of the process.
Why am I supporting Barack Obama? I made the decision after reading one of his books, "Audacity of Hope." If you haven't read it, you should get up right now and go get it. The long and short of it is that Barack Obama represents the very best of what this country should be. Do I have a problem with Hillary? No. I like Hillary. I've been a fan since she first hit my radar screen in 1991 or so. I'll work my backside off for her if she is the Democratic nominee. But I'm an Obama guy. He is my generation's JFK, and I could not be more proud to support him.
By the way, I need to point out that I'm no longer posting my walking results. I'll still talk about it, but I won't continue putting up how much I've walked. I've completely gotten into a daily groove and am even increasing my daily amount, but it occurred to me that the average voter doesn't care about that nearly so much as my opponents do. What you really need to know is that I'm working as hard as I possibly can to represent you. I am doing more to create contact and real relationships with voters than most folks are used to, and that's the attitude I'm going to bring to this office, if I win it. You can count on me to create as many opportunities as possible to get to know you and to be accessible when you need help.
That's it for tonight. Tomorrow is busy, but includes the next round of movies in the True/False Film Festival. Leigh and I went to one of the films tonight, and even met the director, which was awesome. I can hardly wait to see the next one (we are seeing eight movies, in all, over a period of four days; yay!).
See ya.
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
www.SpenceCampaign.com
seanspence@earthlink.net
573-823-1308 (Sean's cell)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Icey rain, then snow, then...
Hi!
Walking today started out as tough duty -- with a hard, icey rain. Then that became snow, which was much better. Then it all went away and it was just almost pleasant to walk. It really is the best part of the campaign.
More and more, people are wanting to talk about healthcare. Within the next few weeks -- sometime in mid-March -- I'm going to release my first round of concrete proposals, and they will be related to healthcare.
Governor Blunt tried to camouflage his should-be-criminal Medicaid decisions (when he removed around 100,000 people from Medicaid, costing the state $1 billion in federal money) by proposing Insure Missouri. It was a bad, bad program about which he was never serious. He scrapped that the other day. Why can't he just restore the Medicaid cuts he made? Missouri has the money. It would trigger the federal money. It would help over 100,000 people, many of whom are in desperate need (god forbid!). Don't see that happening, though. This is one governor who seems to have some sort of inbred inability to do the right thing.
Anyway, I'll have my initial proposals hammered out -- and ready to be debated -- by the 15th. Stay tuned.
Have an awesome evening!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308 (Sean's personal cell phone)
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Walking today started out as tough duty -- with a hard, icey rain. Then that became snow, which was much better. Then it all went away and it was just almost pleasant to walk. It really is the best part of the campaign.
More and more, people are wanting to talk about healthcare. Within the next few weeks -- sometime in mid-March -- I'm going to release my first round of concrete proposals, and they will be related to healthcare.
Governor Blunt tried to camouflage his should-be-criminal Medicaid decisions (when he removed around 100,000 people from Medicaid, costing the state $1 billion in federal money) by proposing Insure Missouri. It was a bad, bad program about which he was never serious. He scrapped that the other day. Why can't he just restore the Medicaid cuts he made? Missouri has the money. It would trigger the federal money. It would help over 100,000 people, many of whom are in desperate need (god forbid!). Don't see that happening, though. This is one governor who seems to have some sort of inbred inability to do the right thing.
Anyway, I'll have my initial proposals hammered out -- and ready to be debated -- by the 15th. Stay tuned.
Have an awesome evening!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308 (Sean's personal cell phone)
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A lot going on...
Hi Everybody!
The big news is that I've officially announced my entry into this race. Media coverage has been good so far -- I'm pretty pleased about the way reporters are covering my candidacy. I'll post the articles on the Web site within the next day or two.
One funny part was that The Maneater referred to me as the State Auditor, rather than a State Auditor Spokesman (as they intended). As soon as I saw it, I called Susan Montee to let her know that I was not planning a coup.
This morning I actually filed for the office. It was the first time I'd been through the process and it was fascinating. Every state candidate, whether running for state representative or governor, has to stand in a line and go through the bureaucratic process. For 40 minutes or so, I stood between Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and two candidates for the same state representative seat in Kansas City. The Lt. Governor seemed to know an awful lot about my race, which was weird. Doesn't he have anything better to do than keep up with the race of someone he's never met before? I'm torn between being flattered and feeling like we should be getting more bang for our buck when it comes to the the salary we are paying our Lt. Governor.
At the end of the line, every candidate filing on the first day draws a number. In each race, the number determines the order of ballot placement. Conventional wisdom says that being first on the ballot is worth a point or two, so I'm pleased to have drawn the lowest number in my race. No, it is not really a big deal, but it is still comforting.
Oh, I would like to mention that this weekend I went to an awesome gospel music event at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, a predominantly black church, just outside the 25th district (literally, maybe 50 feet). It was a great opportunity to spend quality time with future consituents. I continue to be reminded that the best thing about politics (in terms of personal rewards) is the opportunity to interact with all kinds of people who I might not otherwise meet.
Have a great evening.
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
The big news is that I've officially announced my entry into this race. Media coverage has been good so far -- I'm pretty pleased about the way reporters are covering my candidacy. I'll post the articles on the Web site within the next day or two.
One funny part was that The Maneater referred to me as the State Auditor, rather than a State Auditor Spokesman (as they intended). As soon as I saw it, I called Susan Montee to let her know that I was not planning a coup.
This morning I actually filed for the office. It was the first time I'd been through the process and it was fascinating. Every state candidate, whether running for state representative or governor, has to stand in a line and go through the bureaucratic process. For 40 minutes or so, I stood between Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and two candidates for the same state representative seat in Kansas City. The Lt. Governor seemed to know an awful lot about my race, which was weird. Doesn't he have anything better to do than keep up with the race of someone he's never met before? I'm torn between being flattered and feeling like we should be getting more bang for our buck when it comes to the the salary we are paying our Lt. Governor.
At the end of the line, every candidate filing on the first day draws a number. In each race, the number determines the order of ballot placement. Conventional wisdom says that being first on the ballot is worth a point or two, so I'm pleased to have drawn the lowest number in my race. No, it is not really a big deal, but it is still comforting.
Oh, I would like to mention that this weekend I went to an awesome gospel music event at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, a predominantly black church, just outside the 25th district (literally, maybe 50 feet). It was a great opportunity to spend quality time with future consituents. I continue to be reminded that the best thing about politics (in terms of personal rewards) is the opportunity to interact with all kinds of people who I might not otherwise meet.
Have a great evening.
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Friday, February 22, 2008
our campaign launch party -- HUGE SUCCESS!
Good Morning!
Here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 2/21/08: 1.5
HoursWalked, total: 14.0
Houses Visited 2/21/08: 34
Houses Visited, total: 337
Volunteer needs:
Last night was a big night -- the first major fundraiser of the event and the official launch for the whole campaign. The weather was horrible -- like, dangerously horrible -- and I just knew the night would be a flop. At one point, the restaurant even called me, wanting to close for the night, but we talked and they were gracious enough to stay open. Even if I had cancelled, there was just no way to let everyone know, so how could we do that?
As it turned out, the weather was bad, but not quite as bad as it seemed earlier in the day. I haven't counted the names on the sign-in sheet yet, but THE NIGHT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Yes, I'm very excited. Instead of just having a few people, we filled the back room at the Pasta Factory (not a small room); and, as with our first Pizza & Politics, we had a huge diversity of people (and I LOVED having so many college students!).
The Maneater, Tribune and Missourian were all there and did interviews. Hopefully we'll see articles today. Jason Rosenbaum at the Trib has already posted a couple of videos on his blog (http://blogs.columbiatribune.com/politics/) under the title "Spence Hits the Ground Running" that looked pretty good.
By the way, I should mention that I was going door-to-door up until time for the event. Yes, the snow was yucky, but it was super fun. As I think I've said before, people seem particularly appreciative when you show up to their door in the snow.
For me, the best part of the walk was being invited in to a voter's house. He said, "You are in luck, we just finished making a batch of hot chocolate!" Is that something out of a movie or what? We sat and talked for about 15 minutes and then I headed back out on the trail. That, my friends, is what running for office should be about. Hot chocolate.
I've just checked the weather and the high today is supposed to be 26F. For walking, it'll be like summer compared to some days this week! I'll get at least two hours in and let you know later today or tomorrow how it goes.
Have an awesome Friday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308 (Sean's cell)
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 2/21/08: 1.5
HoursWalked, total: 14.0
Houses Visited 2/21/08: 34
Houses Visited, total: 337
Volunteer needs:
- We always need people to help with data entry and phone calling.
- We are doing a HUGE mailing this Saturday, 9-4, at 611 North Garth Street. Come on by!
Last night was a big night -- the first major fundraiser of the event and the official launch for the whole campaign. The weather was horrible -- like, dangerously horrible -- and I just knew the night would be a flop. At one point, the restaurant even called me, wanting to close for the night, but we talked and they were gracious enough to stay open. Even if I had cancelled, there was just no way to let everyone know, so how could we do that?
As it turned out, the weather was bad, but not quite as bad as it seemed earlier in the day. I haven't counted the names on the sign-in sheet yet, but THE NIGHT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Yes, I'm very excited. Instead of just having a few people, we filled the back room at the Pasta Factory (not a small room); and, as with our first Pizza & Politics, we had a huge diversity of people (and I LOVED having so many college students!).
The Maneater, Tribune and Missourian were all there and did interviews. Hopefully we'll see articles today. Jason Rosenbaum at the Trib has already posted a couple of videos on his blog (http://blogs.columbiatribune.com/politics/) under the title "Spence Hits the Ground Running" that looked pretty good.
By the way, I should mention that I was going door-to-door up until time for the event. Yes, the snow was yucky, but it was super fun. As I think I've said before, people seem particularly appreciative when you show up to their door in the snow.
For me, the best part of the walk was being invited in to a voter's house. He said, "You are in luck, we just finished making a batch of hot chocolate!" Is that something out of a movie or what? We sat and talked for about 15 minutes and then I headed back out on the trail. That, my friends, is what running for office should be about. Hot chocolate.
I've just checked the weather and the high today is supposed to be 26F. For walking, it'll be like summer compared to some days this week! I'll get at least two hours in and let you know later today or tomorrow how it goes.
Have an awesome Friday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308 (Sean's cell)
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Monday, February 18, 2008
Back on the trail
Hi Everybody!
Here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 2/18/08: 2
HoursWalked, total: 12.5
Houses Visited 2/18/08: 42
Houses Visited, total: 303
Today was pretty great. No snow. No rain. Cold as as a welldigger's hat (as my father would have said), but still pretty great. I really do love the door-to-door.
I had lunch with Nick Peckham, an architect in town who was educating me on sustainability. He's really kind of a modern-day philosopher with a lot to teach me. More and more, I'm coming to understand that state policy should be viewed through a lense of sustainability. Is this something that will help us preserve the Missouri that we have built and love? Are we doing everything we can to leave something better for our children?
Nick asked me a question that he apparently poses to groups on a fairly regular basis, "What is one thing you would do today to encourage sustainability in your community?"
Nick's answer was to establish a "Sustainability Museum" that would teach children about their environment in a fun, engaging way (like the discovery/science centers found in many larger communities, like the rockin' one in St. Louis). I like that -- finding ways to get kids excited about making a day-to-day change from the earliest age. Weaving it into our culture.
For my part, I said I would find ways (perhaps tax incentives) to encourage the creation and use of bio-diesel engines in automobiles. Check out this article from Fast Company (one of my two or three favorite magazines) -- http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/120/motorhead-messiah.html
Here's the lead: Johnathan Goodwin can get 100 mpg out of a Lincoln Continental, cut emissions by 80%, and double the horsepower. Does the car business have the guts to follow him?
Seriously, you really need to check this article out. It is a fun read, and awfully important.
While you're at it, please let me know your thoughts on the question of the day (originally posed by architect Nick):
What is one thing you would do today to encourage sustainability in your community?
As always, thanks for reading. See ya!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308 (Sean's personal cell phone)
seanspence@earthlink.net
http://www.spencecampaign.com/
Here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 2/18/08: 2
HoursWalked, total: 12.5
Houses Visited 2/18/08: 42
Houses Visited, total: 303
Today was pretty great. No snow. No rain. Cold as as a welldigger's hat (as my father would have said), but still pretty great. I really do love the door-to-door.
I had lunch with Nick Peckham, an architect in town who was educating me on sustainability. He's really kind of a modern-day philosopher with a lot to teach me. More and more, I'm coming to understand that state policy should be viewed through a lense of sustainability. Is this something that will help us preserve the Missouri that we have built and love? Are we doing everything we can to leave something better for our children?
Nick asked me a question that he apparently poses to groups on a fairly regular basis, "What is one thing you would do today to encourage sustainability in your community?"
Nick's answer was to establish a "Sustainability Museum" that would teach children about their environment in a fun, engaging way (like the discovery/science centers found in many larger communities, like the rockin' one in St. Louis). I like that -- finding ways to get kids excited about making a day-to-day change from the earliest age. Weaving it into our culture.
For my part, I said I would find ways (perhaps tax incentives) to encourage the creation and use of bio-diesel engines in automobiles. Check out this article from Fast Company (one of my two or three favorite magazines) -- http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/120/motorhead-messiah.html
Here's the lead: Johnathan Goodwin can get 100 mpg out of a Lincoln Continental, cut emissions by 80%, and double the horsepower. Does the car business have the guts to follow him?
Seriously, you really need to check this article out. It is a fun read, and awfully important.
While you're at it, please let me know your thoughts on the question of the day (originally posed by architect Nick):
What is one thing you would do today to encourage sustainability in your community?
As always, thanks for reading. See ya!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308 (Sean's personal cell phone)
seanspence@earthlink.net
http://www.spencecampaign.com/
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Moving forward slowly and with lingering flu...
Hi Everybody!
I'm going to be mostly stuck at home again today, fighting whatever it is that I have (and that seems to be sweeping the city). It was pointed out that if I were to try going door-to-door today, I could achieve a level of notoriety as a modern-day "Typhoid Mary," spreading sickness all across the 25th district. No thanks.
I do have a Question of the Day, though...
Question of the Day: Should the University of Missouri Student Curator have a full vote on the board?
I fall on the side of "yes" and will be happy to go into greater detail about this later. I'd love to hear from you on the subject, though.
Have a great Wednesday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
I'm going to be mostly stuck at home again today, fighting whatever it is that I have (and that seems to be sweeping the city). It was pointed out that if I were to try going door-to-door today, I could achieve a level of notoriety as a modern-day "Typhoid Mary," spreading sickness all across the 25th district. No thanks.
I do have a Question of the Day, though...
Question of the Day: Should the University of Missouri Student Curator have a full vote on the board?
I fall on the side of "yes" and will be happy to go into greater detail about this later. I'd love to hear from you on the subject, though.
Have a great Wednesday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Even candidates get the flu
Hi Everybody!
I've been AWOL for a couple of days because I'm down with the flu or something equally uncomfortable. As a result, there is very little to report. Hopefully, I'll be back in action and on the campaign trail tomorrow.
Thanks for bearing with me. Have an awesome Tuesday evening.
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
I've been AWOL for a couple of days because I'm down with the flu or something equally uncomfortable. As a result, there is very little to report. Hopefully, I'll be back in action and on the campaign trail tomorrow.
Thanks for bearing with me. Have an awesome Tuesday evening.
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Sunday, February 10, 2008
This Week's Maneater Article
Hi Everyone!
Here is an article from the Maneater (MU's student newspaper) about last week's "Pizza & Politics with Sean Spence." Doesn't it sound like we had a good time?
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
seanspence@earthlink.net
573-823-1308
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Spence meets with students
By Robby LewisFeb. 8, 2008
Photo/Nick Jewell
State Auditor spokesman Sean Spence knows how to persuade college students to talk about politics with him: free pizza.
Spence led a meeting Thursday and ordered Shakespeare’s Pizza for his supporters to eat while they discussed his campaign for state representative of the 25th district, the seat held by Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia.
Spence, a graduate of MU, said the 25th district affects the entire state because of MU’s position within the district.
“The seat is extremely important because it includes the University of Missouri, which is the most important economic driver of the state,” Spence said. “The university produces the technology on which the future of Missouri should be built. The university is the number one producer of professional research. If we don’t take care of the university our state’s future is pretty bleak.”
Spence said he would not run for this position had Baker not announced that she is considering a run for the Ninth Congressional District seat occupied by Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo.
“Judy Baker has provided incredible representation for this district,” Spence said. “If she were running for re-election I would do everything I could to make sure she was re-elected.”
Spence said people should vote for him because he has vast experience.
“I have a combination of government and business experience that you don’t often see,” Spence said. “I have started businesses and I’ve worked for a Fortune 500 company, I’ve worked for the Missouri state Senate, the Missouri House and I’ve worked for the state auditor. I know how to get things done.”
Spence said it is important to meet the people who are going to vote.
“I go door to door pretty much every day,” Spence said. “The other day it was pouring down rain and I was out there. When it was 10 degrees with wind chill I was out there.”
Spence said MU needs attention in three areas. He said the first area has to do with finances.
“Number one is funding,” Spence said. “This governor and legislature are shifting the burden of education costs onto students and their parents when it should be a shared responsibility of all Missouri citizens.”
He said the second area he will focus on is scientific research.
“MU’s freedom to engage in scientific research is under constant attack,” Spence said. “It’s not just not having enough money. It’s about stem cells and other areas of research where people are using the type of scientific endeavor in determining whether or not the university should get funding.”
Spence said the third area deals with legislators who don’t understand what MU does for Missouri with its esteemed research level.
“MU does a level of research that cannot be matched by any public institution in the state,” Spence said.
Spence said it is important to hear from Columbia’s young people. His campaign manager Noah Kutchin represents just that.
Kutchin, a 19-year-old student at Columbia College, said the job is a great opportunity and a huge learning experience for him.
Kutchin said though Spence doesn’t hold a governmental position, he knows things the other candidates likely do not.
“Even though he doesn’t hold an elective seat, he sees the behind-the-scene things that go on there,” Kutchin said. “He knows the way it works.”
MU graduate Josh Norberg, who is helping with the campaign, said Spence is the best fit for Columbia.
“I think he represents everything this area needs,” Norberg said. “He’s been an MU student and he knows what’s best for the university.”
Norberg said Spence’s desire to know the people he represents shows he would be a good representative.
“You can’t represent people if you don’t know them,” Norberg said. “A passion of Sean’s is to meet people. He wants to meet everyone.”
Spence said running for this position has been a dream of his.
“I have wanted to run for this district since I was 18,” Spence said. “I know a thing or two about this university. More importantly, I know about listening. And this is what this campaign is going to be about.”
####
Here is an article from the Maneater (MU's student newspaper) about last week's "Pizza & Politics with Sean Spence." Doesn't it sound like we had a good time?
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
seanspence@earthlink.net
573-823-1308
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Spence meets with students
By Robby LewisFeb. 8, 2008
Photo/Nick Jewell
State Auditor spokesman Sean Spence knows how to persuade college students to talk about politics with him: free pizza.
Spence led a meeting Thursday and ordered Shakespeare’s Pizza for his supporters to eat while they discussed his campaign for state representative of the 25th district, the seat held by Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia.
Spence, a graduate of MU, said the 25th district affects the entire state because of MU’s position within the district.
“The seat is extremely important because it includes the University of Missouri, which is the most important economic driver of the state,” Spence said. “The university produces the technology on which the future of Missouri should be built. The university is the number one producer of professional research. If we don’t take care of the university our state’s future is pretty bleak.”
Spence said he would not run for this position had Baker not announced that she is considering a run for the Ninth Congressional District seat occupied by Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo.
“Judy Baker has provided incredible representation for this district,” Spence said. “If she were running for re-election I would do everything I could to make sure she was re-elected.”
Spence said people should vote for him because he has vast experience.
“I have a combination of government and business experience that you don’t often see,” Spence said. “I have started businesses and I’ve worked for a Fortune 500 company, I’ve worked for the Missouri state Senate, the Missouri House and I’ve worked for the state auditor. I know how to get things done.”
Spence said it is important to meet the people who are going to vote.
“I go door to door pretty much every day,” Spence said. “The other day it was pouring down rain and I was out there. When it was 10 degrees with wind chill I was out there.”
Spence said MU needs attention in three areas. He said the first area has to do with finances.
“Number one is funding,” Spence said. “This governor and legislature are shifting the burden of education costs onto students and their parents when it should be a shared responsibility of all Missouri citizens.”
He said the second area he will focus on is scientific research.
“MU’s freedom to engage in scientific research is under constant attack,” Spence said. “It’s not just not having enough money. It’s about stem cells and other areas of research where people are using the type of scientific endeavor in determining whether or not the university should get funding.”
Spence said the third area deals with legislators who don’t understand what MU does for Missouri with its esteemed research level.
“MU does a level of research that cannot be matched by any public institution in the state,” Spence said.
Spence said it is important to hear from Columbia’s young people. His campaign manager Noah Kutchin represents just that.
Kutchin, a 19-year-old student at Columbia College, said the job is a great opportunity and a huge learning experience for him.
Kutchin said though Spence doesn’t hold a governmental position, he knows things the other candidates likely do not.
“Even though he doesn’t hold an elective seat, he sees the behind-the-scene things that go on there,” Kutchin said. “He knows the way it works.”
MU graduate Josh Norberg, who is helping with the campaign, said Spence is the best fit for Columbia.
“I think he represents everything this area needs,” Norberg said. “He’s been an MU student and he knows what’s best for the university.”
Norberg said Spence’s desire to know the people he represents shows he would be a good representative.
“You can’t represent people if you don’t know them,” Norberg said. “A passion of Sean’s is to meet people. He wants to meet everyone.”
Spence said running for this position has been a dream of his.
“I have wanted to run for this district since I was 18,” Spence said. “I know a thing or two about this university. More importantly, I know about listening. And this is what this campaign is going to be about.”
####
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
What a GINORMOUS Day!
Hi Everybody!
Question of the day -- Should state government be in the business of helping all of its citizens have health care insurance? Any other comments?
Yes, from now on, I'm going to do my best to have a "question of the day" that will hopefully attract some real, thoughtful answers from folks. As I've mentioned before, I would like for this blog to help facilitate actual policy discussion. Please comment away. I will never edit or hold back comments related to policy, even if I strongly disagree with them. This blog will not, however, allow any comments that include personal attacks on anyone (even if it is someone I really, really don't like!). Sound fair?
*****
Yesterday was a HUGE day for me, for Missouri, for our nation. I'm an Obama guy, but have a lot of Hillary friends, and many of my supporters also support Hillary. Wasn't it a great day for all of us? Even for the partisan Republicans? I don't really have anything earth-shattering to say; I'm just so proud of our electoral system and all of the great work that so many people put into helping their candidates. No matter who your candidate, it was a huge day for Democracy.
And, of course, I should mention that Susan Montee must be some sort of political genius. She was the first in Missouri to endorse Barack Obama, co-chairs his Missouri campaign, and has been working very hard to help him get to the White House. She endorsed him when his chances looked much slimmer than they do today. Yay, Susan!
Before the polls closed, I had my first horrible walk-in-the-rain day. I felt like the golf-playing minister on "Caddy Shack", relentlessly trudging down the fairway in the pouring rain, just waiting to be hit by lightening (and I actually was walking by the country club in the 25th district). Thanks goodness for a warm coat, gloves Leigh gave me, and an incredibly cheap umbrella (that inverted twice, so that I then felt like I was in a Marx Brothers movie or something). Yes, it was a very cinematic day.
The other big deal for the campaign was lunch with many of the most important labor leaders from around the state. I was the only state legislative candidate in attendance, and was given the opportunity to introduce myself and share just a bit about the race. Labor folks are some of my very favorite in the political world. Hard working. Focused on issues that matter to working people. If I am lucky enough to be elected to this seat, there will be no greater champion of Missouri's working men and women. I've walked a few picket lines in my time and am ready to do that as a member of Missouri's House of Representatives.
Oh, here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 2/5/08: 1
HoursWalked, total: 6.5
Houses Visited 1/29/08: 22
Houses Visited, total: 165
Have an awesome Wednesday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
www.SpenceCampaign.com
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
Question of the day -- Should state government be in the business of helping all of its citizens have health care insurance? Any other comments?
Yes, from now on, I'm going to do my best to have a "question of the day" that will hopefully attract some real, thoughtful answers from folks. As I've mentioned before, I would like for this blog to help facilitate actual policy discussion. Please comment away. I will never edit or hold back comments related to policy, even if I strongly disagree with them. This blog will not, however, allow any comments that include personal attacks on anyone (even if it is someone I really, really don't like!). Sound fair?
*****
Yesterday was a HUGE day for me, for Missouri, for our nation. I'm an Obama guy, but have a lot of Hillary friends, and many of my supporters also support Hillary. Wasn't it a great day for all of us? Even for the partisan Republicans? I don't really have anything earth-shattering to say; I'm just so proud of our electoral system and all of the great work that so many people put into helping their candidates. No matter who your candidate, it was a huge day for Democracy.
And, of course, I should mention that Susan Montee must be some sort of political genius. She was the first in Missouri to endorse Barack Obama, co-chairs his Missouri campaign, and has been working very hard to help him get to the White House. She endorsed him when his chances looked much slimmer than they do today. Yay, Susan!
Before the polls closed, I had my first horrible walk-in-the-rain day. I felt like the golf-playing minister on "Caddy Shack", relentlessly trudging down the fairway in the pouring rain, just waiting to be hit by lightening (and I actually was walking by the country club in the 25th district). Thanks goodness for a warm coat, gloves Leigh gave me, and an incredibly cheap umbrella (that inverted twice, so that I then felt like I was in a Marx Brothers movie or something). Yes, it was a very cinematic day.
The other big deal for the campaign was lunch with many of the most important labor leaders from around the state. I was the only state legislative candidate in attendance, and was given the opportunity to introduce myself and share just a bit about the race. Labor folks are some of my very favorite in the political world. Hard working. Focused on issues that matter to working people. If I am lucky enough to be elected to this seat, there will be no greater champion of Missouri's working men and women. I've walked a few picket lines in my time and am ready to do that as a member of Missouri's House of Representatives.
Oh, here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 2/5/08: 1
HoursWalked, total: 6.5
Houses Visited 1/29/08: 22
Houses Visited, total: 165
Have an awesome Wednesday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
www.SpenceCampaign.com
573-823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
Monday, February 4, 2008
Posting from the field
Hi Everybody!
This won't be a particularly substantive post. But I've just enabled the function that allows me to e-mail posts from the field. So I'm testing it. Assuming this works, look for the occasional post from my walking, from events, and from anywhere else the mood to communicate with potential constituents strikes.
- sean
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Volunteers, hacking up a lung, etc.
Hi Everybody!
First, I have to come clean and let you know that I couldn't walk yesterday because the entire day was spent on a 2300 piece mailing to voters. More on that, later, but it needed to be done and I thought it would be better for the long-term volunteer effort if I did it with them. You know, teamwork and all that.
Second, after consultation with Dr. Leigh, I won't be walking today because I have a cold that is making me cough and sniffle, quite a lot. Honestly, I feel fine to walk, and was planning to do 1-4 today, but I agre with Leigh that I would probably lose more votes than I would gain as I coughed all over at least 15-20 of my potential future consituents. And hand shaking? Forget about it!
So I'll do other things today, and will be back on the walking trail tomorrow.
The mailing was awesome. Special thanks to volunteers Rick, Kathleen, Greg, Nate, Jim (one of my Rotary Club buddies!), Brianna, Leigh, JS (my secret helper) and Christine. With their help, we put out the first major communication of the campaign. And, with enough volunteers, we were able to finish on time (roughly one minute before we were secheduled to stop) and had a good time. It was all very exciting, and I will always remember that these were the people who showed up for the campaign's very first volunteer activity.
This week, there will be lots of walking, calling people, and getting ready for the campaign's first public event -- "Pizza & Politics with Sean Spence" at Shakespeared downtown, 5:30-7:00 this Thursday, February 7th. Especially if you live in the 25th district and want to get to know me better, please stop by.
Thanks for your time. Have an awesome Sunday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
First, I have to come clean and let you know that I couldn't walk yesterday because the entire day was spent on a 2300 piece mailing to voters. More on that, later, but it needed to be done and I thought it would be better for the long-term volunteer effort if I did it with them. You know, teamwork and all that.
Second, after consultation with Dr. Leigh, I won't be walking today because I have a cold that is making me cough and sniffle, quite a lot. Honestly, I feel fine to walk, and was planning to do 1-4 today, but I agre with Leigh that I would probably lose more votes than I would gain as I coughed all over at least 15-20 of my potential future consituents. And hand shaking? Forget about it!
So I'll do other things today, and will be back on the walking trail tomorrow.
The mailing was awesome. Special thanks to volunteers Rick, Kathleen, Greg, Nate, Jim (one of my Rotary Club buddies!), Brianna, Leigh, JS (my secret helper) and Christine. With their help, we put out the first major communication of the campaign. And, with enough volunteers, we were able to finish on time (roughly one minute before we were secheduled to stop) and had a good time. It was all very exciting, and I will always remember that these were the people who showed up for the campaign's very first volunteer activity.
This week, there will be lots of walking, calling people, and getting ready for the campaign's first public event -- "Pizza & Politics with Sean Spence" at Shakespeared downtown, 5:30-7:00 this Thursday, February 7th. Especially if you live in the 25th district and want to get to know me better, please stop by.
Thanks for your time. Have an awesome Sunday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
www.SpenceCampaign.com
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Up and at 'em!
Here's the walking update:
Hours Walked 1/29/08: 1.5Hours
Walked, total: 5.5
Houses Visited 1/29/08: 36
Houses Visited, total: 143
Good Morning!
Yes, it is 5:33 a.m. and I'm up campaigning (started about 4:30, actually). We have volunteers coming in at 9:00 to do a 2300 piece mailing. It is pretty exciting (to me, anyway) because it is being sent to likely voters in the district, just introducing myself to them.
Nope, not asking for money. Just an introduction.
In bigger campaigns, there are just too many voters to do a mailing like this, months before the election. Campaigns have to save their money for the last few weeks, when people are paying a little more attention. But in a state legislative primary, there are relatively few voters, and I feel like it is my responsibility to start communicating with them earlier. At this level, there is a real opportunity for voters to get to know their representative, so isn't it my job as a candidate to help create a real connection? Or, at least, the opportunity for one?
Here is the core of the letter we are sending today:
Dear Gerald,
Within the next few weeks, I will formally announce a run for Judy Baker’s seat in the Missouri House of Representatives (as she takes the first steps toward becoming Columbia’s next member of the U.S. Congress). I am a progressive Democrat, running in the August 5th primary and then hopefully in the November 4th general election.
As a candidate, no one will work harder to create a dialogue with the residents of our district. There will be many opportunities for us to get to know each other – to me, being in close touch with constituents is the only way to provide the kind of representation you deserve.
My goal is to make sure that every Missourian is educated, employed and insured. If these basic needs are met, is there anything beyond our reach?
At www.SpenceCampaign.com, you’ll find increasingly detailed information about our campaign and my vision for the future. We won’t be a campaign that just talks about problems. We’ll talk about specific solutions and participate in vigorous debate with anyone sincerely interested in solving the problems we face.
Please visit www.SpenceCampaign.com – and let me know if you have comments or questions about my vision for Missouri. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Sean C. Spence
Democratic Candidate, Missouri’s 25th Legislative District
Later today -- while others work on the mailing, I suspect -- I'll be back out, walking door-to-door and meeting voters. That's turning out to be a pretty awesome part of the campaign. People are giving me a pretty friendly reception and it really feels like they are responding well to our message.
Thanks for reading. Have a fantastic Saturday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
Hours Walked 1/29/08: 1.5Hours
Walked, total: 5.5
Houses Visited 1/29/08: 36
Houses Visited, total: 143
Good Morning!
Yes, it is 5:33 a.m. and I'm up campaigning (started about 4:30, actually). We have volunteers coming in at 9:00 to do a 2300 piece mailing. It is pretty exciting (to me, anyway) because it is being sent to likely voters in the district, just introducing myself to them.
Nope, not asking for money. Just an introduction.
In bigger campaigns, there are just too many voters to do a mailing like this, months before the election. Campaigns have to save their money for the last few weeks, when people are paying a little more attention. But in a state legislative primary, there are relatively few voters, and I feel like it is my responsibility to start communicating with them earlier. At this level, there is a real opportunity for voters to get to know their representative, so isn't it my job as a candidate to help create a real connection? Or, at least, the opportunity for one?
Here is the core of the letter we are sending today:
Dear Gerald,
Within the next few weeks, I will formally announce a run for Judy Baker’s seat in the Missouri House of Representatives (as she takes the first steps toward becoming Columbia’s next member of the U.S. Congress). I am a progressive Democrat, running in the August 5th primary and then hopefully in the November 4th general election.
As a candidate, no one will work harder to create a dialogue with the residents of our district. There will be many opportunities for us to get to know each other – to me, being in close touch with constituents is the only way to provide the kind of representation you deserve.
My goal is to make sure that every Missourian is educated, employed and insured. If these basic needs are met, is there anything beyond our reach?
At www.SpenceCampaign.com, you’ll find increasingly detailed information about our campaign and my vision for the future. We won’t be a campaign that just talks about problems. We’ll talk about specific solutions and participate in vigorous debate with anyone sincerely interested in solving the problems we face.
Please visit www.SpenceCampaign.com – and let me know if you have comments or questions about my vision for Missouri. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Sean C. Spence
Democratic Candidate, Missouri’s 25th Legislative District
Later today -- while others work on the mailing, I suspect -- I'll be back out, walking door-to-door and meeting voters. That's turning out to be a pretty awesome part of the campaign. People are giving me a pretty friendly reception and it really feels like they are responding well to our message.
Thanks for reading. Have a fantastic Saturday!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
Friday, February 1, 2008
Legislation I'd like to see...
Hi Everybody!
Yesterday I wasn't able to walk because we had something come up with a client that had to be dealt with right away. I was literally driving to the location to start walking when I got the call.
Oh well, here's where we are, as of today:
Hours Walked 1/29/08: 1.5
Hours Walked, total: 5.5
Houses Visited 1/29/08: 36
Houses Visited, total: 101
Right now we are still trying to get every aspect of the campaign off the ground. For the past couple of days, I've been learning about Facebook. There is still much to learn, but our page is up and going in the right direction. I have 46 friends now -- mostly young democrats from MU, but others, too. Facebook is such a powerful organizing tool. We will certainly do our best to put it to good use. And maybe have a little fun.
Today I'm going to write a letter to the editor about people who are gathering signatures for petitions to put issues on the ballot. Every day I go to the post office and there is a guy there, gathering signatures for the effort to eliminate affirmative action in Missouri. First, I should tell you that I'm a proud supporter of affirmative action -- it is not perfect, but it is the best method we have yet created to fight institutionalized racism in our economic practices. Second, I'm fine with people gathering signatures regarding pretty much any issue; but, for gosh sakes, can't they be truthful about their issue?!?
In this case, the guy is saying, "Won't you sign my petition to end unfair hiring practices?"
Sure, I get that some people view affirmative action as an example of unfair hiring practices (they certainly have the right to be wrong), but the Secretary of State created specific language that is to be used on the ballot, and the courts approved it, and I believe this is the language that should be used in collecting signatures. I actually talked to the Secretary of State's office about this and it turns out that this is just one small example of the abuses of the petition process. Apparently there is no way to enforce the way petitions are gathered.
This needs to change.
If you have any thoughts regarding how the legislature should address this issue, I'd love to hear them. It is definitely something I plan to get into if elected.
This afternoon I'll be walking for a few hours, then tonight I have a date with Leigh. She's in the mood for Jina Yoo's (not in the district, but still very delicious, I'm told). One of my favorite date-places in the 25th district, by the way, is definitely Addison's, off 7th & Cherry. Go there soon, unless you don't like tasty food at decent prices (our last meal there was $25 for the two of us).
See ya!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
Yesterday I wasn't able to walk because we had something come up with a client that had to be dealt with right away. I was literally driving to the location to start walking when I got the call.
Oh well, here's where we are, as of today:
Hours Walked 1/29/08: 1.5
Hours Walked, total: 5.5
Houses Visited 1/29/08: 36
Houses Visited, total: 101
Right now we are still trying to get every aspect of the campaign off the ground. For the past couple of days, I've been learning about Facebook. There is still much to learn, but our page is up and going in the right direction. I have 46 friends now -- mostly young democrats from MU, but others, too. Facebook is such a powerful organizing tool. We will certainly do our best to put it to good use. And maybe have a little fun.
Today I'm going to write a letter to the editor about people who are gathering signatures for petitions to put issues on the ballot. Every day I go to the post office and there is a guy there, gathering signatures for the effort to eliminate affirmative action in Missouri. First, I should tell you that I'm a proud supporter of affirmative action -- it is not perfect, but it is the best method we have yet created to fight institutionalized racism in our economic practices. Second, I'm fine with people gathering signatures regarding pretty much any issue; but, for gosh sakes, can't they be truthful about their issue?!?
In this case, the guy is saying, "Won't you sign my petition to end unfair hiring practices?"
Sure, I get that some people view affirmative action as an example of unfair hiring practices (they certainly have the right to be wrong), but the Secretary of State created specific language that is to be used on the ballot, and the courts approved it, and I believe this is the language that should be used in collecting signatures. I actually talked to the Secretary of State's office about this and it turns out that this is just one small example of the abuses of the petition process. Apparently there is no way to enforce the way petitions are gathered.
This needs to change.
If you have any thoughts regarding how the legislature should address this issue, I'd love to hear them. It is definitely something I plan to get into if elected.
This afternoon I'll be walking for a few hours, then tonight I have a date with Leigh. She's in the mood for Jina Yoo's (not in the district, but still very delicious, I'm told). One of my favorite date-places in the 25th district, by the way, is definitely Addison's, off 7th & Cherry. Go there soon, unless you don't like tasty food at decent prices (our last meal there was $25 for the two of us).
See ya!
- sean
Sean Spence
Candidate, Missouri's 25th Legislative District
823-1308
seanspence@earthlink.net
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