I actually began to write this post earlier tonight but then my cable modem decided to fritz out for some reason. That’s probably a good thing because I started to think after awhile that my tone in the article would’ve been too bitter.
The article came about because I still occasionally get e-mail in the mailbox I established prior to the election for campaign news. And yesterday I got this from Brian Hammock of the Martin O’Malley campaign, under the subject of “Inaugural Workers Needed”:
Dear Michael,
One month ago you helped make history by electing Martin O’Malley as our 61st Governor of Maryland. I’m writing this morning to ask for your help once again as we prepare for the Gubernatorial Inaugural.
Invitations for the inaugural need to be sent out next week. We are looking for volunteers to help assemble the invitations next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the 5th Regimen Armory in Baltimore (219 Twenty-Ninth Division St, Baltimore, MD 21201). We have three shifts available each day: 3:00 – 5:00pm, 5:00 – 7:00pm, 7:00 – 9:00pm.
This will be a good opportunity to see friends from the campaign and be a part of this historic event. Food and beverages will be provided. Please let me know if you can help and which day/shift you are available. You can let me know by email or call the inaugural office at 410-547-8884 ×200.
Leaving aside the fact I wouldn’t vote for Martin O’Malley for dogcatcher (let alone governor), this got me to thinking about a simple question. Of all the volunteers this envelope-stuffing gig will draw (since that’s basically the purpose), how many of the actual stuffers will have an invite sent to them? They may get a courtesy invitation for helping out, but the real movers and shakers who gave big bucks to O’Malley’s campaign (union leaders, trial lawyers, etc.) are going to be the ones who get access to the more exclusive events. And I doubt the high-dollar donors will be the ones in the trenches doing the grunt work.
I suppose the MBA member with the most cogent thoughts on the subject would be Stephanie of Jousting for Justice, she’s done volunteering for the O’Malley campaign and it’s quite possible she’ll be one of those stuffing the envelopes. But if one were to just glance at the subject line like I did, I would be thinking of helping at the actual inaugural event, not a solicitation to stuff envelopes.
Anyway, on to bigger and better things. I also got another note today from Delegate Jeannie Haddaway that I’m happier to pass along:
Dear Friends,
It’s time once again for the 5th Annual Care & Share Santa Swim!!! The event provides funding for families and senior citizens in Dorchester County that need food, clothing, toys and other items to make their holidays brighter.
My request is that you join Delegate Addie Eckardt and I in the swim (PUHLEASE!!!!) or sponsor us for being brave enough to wear a bathing suit in December. So come cheer us on, jump in with us, or sponsor us with a donation!!!
The event is set for this Saturday, December 9th at the beach at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay resort. Santas will jump in to the brrrr-isk river at 10:00 am (registration starts at 9:30am). There will be awards, refreshments, and other entertainment during this wonderful holiday event – and – don’t forget, the Hyatt has HOT TUBS!! :o)
If you would like to help out, give me a ring at (443) 786-2137 or reply to this email. If you cannot help us this time, please consider joining us for the Polar Bear Plunge in January (to benefit Special Olympics) and say a prayer that it warms up a little before Saturday!!!!
For more info, you can also visit www.votehaddaway.com.
Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio
Sorry Jeannie, I don’t think your prayers will be answered. Looks like mid-30’s for temperature with a light wind out of the north.
And wouldn’t you know it, I guess I’m Ben Cardin’s “friend” as well. His campaign dropped a note in my mailbox this evening regarding the Iraq Study Group (or, as Rush Limbaugh calls them, the “Iraq Surrender Group”) and their recommendations. I think I’m going to post on that one tomorrow or Friday.
Just another day with my mailbag. It had actually been quiet for awhile but I guess it’s time to gear up the political machines. We’re only a few weeks away from the resumption of politics-as-usual in both Annapolis and Washington. One thing about having a bipartisan mailbox is it gives me all sorts of opportunities to compare and contrast the two parties, and this example shows why I’m on the right side.
