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DailyNewsTribune.com - Local / Regional News: Democrats pound the pavement
Democrats pound the pavement
By Christopher Rocchio / Daily News Staff
Monday, July 31, 2006 - Updated: 01:46 AM EST
WALTHAM -- Using a combination of technology and grassroots efforts, local Democrats pounded the pavement in Waltham on Saturday as part of the Massachusetts Victory ’06 campaign.
"We generally always support Democratic candidates the best we can. But Victory ’06 is unique because we’re able to get lots of people involved thanks to technology that is far beyond what we used in the old days," said Waltham resident William Durkee, a Democrat since the 1960s. "It’s also an issue-driven campaign, and we’re not just promoting candidates, but ideas and values."
Victory ’06, which is also referred to as the Democratic Coordinated Campaign, began "100 Days to November 7" on Saturday. The effort includes door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, house parties, voter registration drives and other activities geared toward direct contact with the voter, which Democrats hope will lead to support for their campaign.
Local Democrats were joined by state Sen. Susan Fargo, D-Lincoln, who has represented the Third Middlesex District since 1997. Fargo said she enjoys canvassing because it allows constituents to address critical issues facing the commonwealth, including health care, education, transportation and developing a good work force.
"I’m a great believer in grassroots politics," she said. "It provides one-on-one interaction with the voters, so we can listen to the issues that concern them. And because I’m an elected official, efforts like Victory ’06 make it easier for me to do my job as well."
As local Democrats gathered under the gazebo on Waltham Common, Weston resident Kristin Chan was preparing for her first canvassing by reviewing some tips with Durkee. Chan was the youngest Democrat in Waltham for the canvassing Saturday.
"It’s important to raise Democratic spirit and for young people to come out and share in that experience," she said.
Tom Barbera, a Waltham resident for 16 years, said he has been involved with Democratic campaigns from Robert F. Kennedy in 1968 to John Kerry in 2004. He’s already been canvassing this summer in Waltham for several weeks, and said residents’ response to the Democratic message being delivered has been well supported.
"We’re taking the Democratic message directly to the people, and our canvassing is not oriented toward a specific candidate," he said. "This is old-time politics. We’re walking the streets, talking to voters and explaining what the Democratic message is."
Fargo, Durkee and Barbera all said this is an important election year in the commonwealth.
"It’s a good opportunity for the Democratic Party to show that it cares about the people of Massachusetts," said Barbera. "We need to return to Democratic values that foster growth in the economy, protect our citizens and solve the problems caused by 16 years of having a Republican governor."
Waltham resident Toby Fisher said the Victory ’06 effort in the Watch City will be ongoing, including some more canvassing that is scheduled to take place Thursday night.
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State sen. Susan Fargo, D-Lincoln, talks with Leonard Street resident Mike Umbrell as part of Saturday’s Victory ’06 canvassing effort in Waltham. (Chris Rocchio photo)
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