Help me solve my political dilemma

[AWD]

I have a potential conflict coming up in 2 weeks.

As a longtime DUer, I've still never been to a DU gathering. But there is one in Columbus on August 16th at Noon.

I could meet up with quite a few of you, some of which I've developed great relationships with. Plus, it'll give me a chance to thank DUers for their help (and to return to the scene of my most infamous day as a DUer)

That SAME day at 530 in Cleveland, Governor Howard Dean is having a fundraiser, to which I have been invited. Keep in mind, I am a Dean supporter....please don't let your decision be clouded if your not a Dean supporter.

As a congressional candidate, it could be very important to make contact with the man who could be the President I'd be working with soon.

Yes, I know I could do both...and I might do that. But it would mean doing the DU gathering and leaving by noon in order to make it to Cleveland on time.

But if you HAD to choose only one...which one would you choose, and why. Ohio DUers who will be at the meting, make sure to tell me if you're going!

[salin]

1. I would have to opt for the Dean event

you need to start networking, not just with Dean, but with the people dedicated enough to be in the game so early in the primary season. I do not mean to short change the opportunity to meet with Ohio DUers (who are wonderful!!!), but you might be able to get some manpower/assistance for your campaign as a result of networking at the local event.

Of course the best of both worlds is to do both :D

[expatriot]

2. do both... as a candidate it is about volume.....

the volume of hands shaked, babies kissed.... but really you need to connect with DU'ers your potential core support and need to contact a very likely Dem. nominee.... hell you need to be meeting all the frontrunners and telling them you're running and in what district to make contacts for the general election... hell ohio can be a battle ground state... i mean at least a minor one just enough to make bush drop a few million there while the Dem candidate just does a few stop overs....

[expatriot]

3. which district are you running in?

[AWD]

7. Ohio - 16th District

US House Of Representatives

[lcordero]

4. Either do both or do the DUer event alone

Put the people that you will represent and that will support you first. This is how grassroots works.
Gov.Dean may or may not be there in the future but you will have to represent your constituency. The constituency is the 800 pound gorilla, not Gov.Dean.

[Rose Siding]

5. Go see Dean

If you're both elected, it would be good for your constituents.

Maybe you can figure a way to be integral in the next DU Do :shrug:

Your on-line buds would love to see you but surely recognize that DU is, foremost, an amazing tool for education, validation and the promotion of the kind of change you're trying to make.

Bake something and send it as a token of affection!

[Blue-Jay]

6. I've been considering

going to the meet-up in Columbus, but if I do, I won't be able to stay for very long. Will there be beer?

[sandnsea]

8. If you're serious, do both

Something tells me you may have to get used to that kind of schedule, if you want to win that is.

[ewagner]

9. Do both if possible

the other posters were right on two counts:

You district comes first...make sure you don't short change them EVER!!!

Networking with Dean's people is okay but remember not everybody in your district-to-be is or will be a dean supporter.

If push comes to shove...take care of your constituency first.

Good luck....

btw...if you need some campaign ads done up(print or radio), PM me...

[PaDUer]

10. Do both...

Go to the DU function, then go see Dean...tell Dean about the DU function, and bring him and his entourage to the DU function :-)