Campaign Diary – Down for the Count
On Early Voting…
There were 5,816 early voters for the General Election, about four times as many early voters as there were before the primary election in Frederick County. I was surprised by the higher turnout in early voting. I hadn’t anticipated this, and I daresay not too many other candidates did either.
Early voting began on October 22. That meant that prior to the October 26 forum at Frederick Community College, 3,508 Frederick County residents already voted. Prior to the October 29 Forum at Homewood at Crumland Farms, 4,548 had voted.
What does this mean in 2014? I think it means the following:
1. Political ad campaigns will start much earlier after the primary. All of us will hear the radio ads, and read the print ads, for a much longer period of time in 2014 than in 2010.
2. All forums, in fairness, should be completed before the first day of early voting.
3. Something else that I haven’t thought of yet.
On the Eve of the Election…
I purposely held back about 100 or so yard signs so that I would have enough for the polling places (65 in all) this evening (November 1). I was glad I did, because it’s important to still have a presence and not run out of signs. I was able to have help earlier in the afternoon, so I didn’t have to stay up as late as I did on the eve of the primary.
Election Day
I put up the last of the signs this morning before the polls opened, and saw that the Frederick County Teachers Association had put up a lot of my signs. I know this because their apple stickers were visible on them. I was happy that they did that for me, because it helped increase my presence at the polling places.
Election Night
We spent the evening at Magoo’s Restaurant downtown on West Second Street. I am grateful to Jennifer Daugherty for allowing us the use of her premises. We had a great turnout throughout the evening, as it was my way of saying “Thank You” to my team and my supporters. My daughters were able to bring their friends, so they were happy.
As the results streamed in, we held out hope, but as the night progressed, we realized that the gap between the Republicans and the Democrats was increasing substantially in the race for county commissioner. So, around 11 P.M., we called it a night. It was disappointing, of course, to have finished eighth, but I am proud to have run the campaign I did.
I listened to my campaign manager, Amanda Haddaway, every single time, and I have her to thank the most. My treasurer, Tim Winter, did a remarkable job handling the revenues and expenses. I learned that half the battle is surrounding yourself with people whom you trust, and this I did.
The Morning After
I spent the day getting congratulatory emails, texts, and phone calls. I also made many phone calls to my supporters. As I said when I called WFMD, I now have the opportunity to re-introduce myself to my family. I will focus on my real estate work, and continue to write.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I am excited about the opportunities before me.
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