If a Republican congressman refuses to hold a town hall, then a Democratic challenger should do so

[Yavin4]

A perfect opportunity to reach out to passionate voters. Hear their concerns and start campaigning early.

But, who am I? I'm not some highly paid Democratic party consultant who thinks that buying ads is the only way to campaign.

[ProudLib72]

1. Agreed

And they should be very, very vocal about it. You want a rep who is so out of touch that he refuses to meet with his constituents, or do you want someone who welcomes all questions and concerns from constituents?

[Cracklin Charlie]

2. I think this is a fantastic idea! But...

Why limit the involvement to a Democratic challenger?

If no campaign opponent is available, why not hold a town hall without the granny starver Congressman?

Invite local activists to speak on the issues, art students could make signs, invite high school bands to play music, and convince the folks to vote for someone that shares their interests/concerns in the next election.

I would like to find a way to convince people I know to vote for a candidate, and not just always against.

[Stallion]

3. That's Not a Bad Idea With a Little Publicity

nm

[2naSalit]

4. Spectacular idea! ...nt

[furtheradu]

5. OP, Replies 1 & 2..

Y'all are awwwsome, Y'all are why I love DU..& a big ole part of why& how I remain HOPE FULL!
Great ideas,& WE can DO what needs doin! My elected employees phone it in..NOT acceptable.
Love Your thoughts on THAT.
Thank You!

[Staph]

6. During an earlier Congressional vacation this year,

I saw pictures from several town halls held with a suit of men's or women's clothing prominently displayed at the front of the hall. On a mannequin, on a hanger, or simply draped on a chair.

"Welcome to the town hall of Congressman X, the empty suit!"

[mopinko]

15. or a cardboard cutout.

[Phoenix61]

7. Excellent idea!

Great way to get face time with constituents. I got a job at a restaurant once. I just sat there after asking if they were hiring for 4 hours and didn't leave.

[Ninsianna]

8. Sounds like a great idea, but I'm thinking that party consultants for smaller districts are

probably not relying on ads alone, it's not a national race, and the geography is easier.

I think the Resistance is already doing this though, they've got empty suits, empty chairs, cardboard cutouts and chickens standing in for these traitorous officials who forgot who they work for.

[dalton99a]

9. Yep.

[Hekate]

10. Very very good idea

[Rhiannon12866]

11. That's exactly what's happened in my district.

The RW Trump/Ryan stooge who inexplicably got a second term last November has not only refused to hold Town Halls, but she's refused to publicize her schedule until after the fact since her constituents are pretty angry and have started holding protests. So she already has a Democratic challenger who has started holding Q&A sessions - which have been well attended. I just hope he can keep the momentum going!

[octoberlib]

12. This is abreast idea!

[KelleyKramer]

13. Yes! do it

Great idea, we should make this happen!

[Vinca]

14. That's an excellent idea. Let's hope it catches on.

[MineralMan]

16. Absolutely! And if there isn't a current challenger,

the local Democratic Party organization should host a Town Hall for themselves. Every House seat is a local seat. The party, itself, can hold town hall meetings, and should. Take advantage of the publicity over this stupid bill and bring people together to protest it. Schedule a town hall meeting, and notify the local media about it to help get coverage for it.