Election Results

It looks like we didn't make it into the runoff. The results as of 8:15 pm show us in 4th place. It's okay. We did our best; we ran a clean campaign. We can sleep at night, right?

Thank you again for all of your enthusiastic support!!!! Again, I am truly grateful.

This is IT!!!!

As I post this, I have no idea what the outcome of today's election will be. Regardless, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you who have been so fantastic in your support, work, enthusiasm, efforts, everything. Y'all are wonderful. I am extremely grateful for your friendship as well as your support. As I've said before, this is the first time I've ever run for office without family members living in the same district, so I have relied on all of you as though you're family -- and wow! What a family!
Thanks.

Down to the Wire!

Yep, we're down to the wire in this campaign - and we're still working. It is so important to get people to turn out to vote. When you go to vote, call 2 or 3 friends to remind them to vote -- or invite them to go with you. It's really hard to call -- actually impossible, but this race looks awfully close right now! So many people have worked so very hard, and I am truly grateful!

What an opportunity to make a difference.

Thanks, y'all!

Looking Good!

Things are looking good, but extremely close. Is there a neighbor or friend you've not mentioned the campaign to? Think hard. As mentioned before, my dad lost an election one time by NINE votes. Could you list nine people that you still might ask for support and votes?
We've had some of our signs removed, destroyed, messed up; we've heard rumors and negative campaigning. Regardless, our campaign is going to stay positive and focused.
I am very grateful for your support!

Updates from the Campaign Trail

Have you seen the signs? Of course. We've all seen the signs! Jim & Peg Lahmeyer have done a superb job with the "sign gang" in getting those out. (We have a few more available if you need one -- a few mediums and a few yard signs.)
Carroll Smith and I carried about 6000 pieces of mail to the Cross County post office late last night. We hope people will receive the mail today but it might be tomorrow.
Chris Czarnik, our superb treasurer, filed our disclosure/ethics report this week.
Financial contributions are coming in daily.
Maureen Gonzalez, Sharon Edgington, Nick Thomas & Ariel Pitman will be a part of this week's flyer blitz. Emily Bagwell helped over the weekend. Gale Ryan is working in Summerwood. Marian Dantzler is doing the same in some of Lincolnville.
If you are over 65, disabled, or if you will be out of the county for ANY reason next Tuesday, you are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. This includes college students. This should be handled IMMEDIATELY. Please don't miss voting!
Please feel free to add your news to the blog!
Thanks for everything!

A Few Random Notes

Candidates meet with the Gahagan Homeowners' Association tonight.

Going door-to-door will be so much more pleasant when temperatures drop a bit.

Our volunteers are the BEST!

Voting is a week from today.

Yard signs, debate, mailers & more

Things look great! Our numbers are climbing, and that is fantastic!

The yard signs arrived Friday. Thanks to Peg & Jim Lahmeyer who have spear-headed getting the yard signs distributed.

Emily Bagwell is getting teens organized to distribute flyers.



There was a debate among the 4 candidates last Wednesday night. Feedback has been very positive.



We've sent out mailers to part of the district; more will be hitting mailboxes soon.



Financial contributions have picked up. We accept 'em with no strings attached. As usual, Chris Czarnik is doing a tremendous job as treasurer.



Stay tuned for more info. Check back daily, okay?

Traffic

Which of these do you agree with? All? None? Other suggestions?
A new corridor from the greater Summerville area to Charleston.
Light rail between Jedburg/Summerville/Oakbrook to Charleston.
New, improved bus system.
Widening of I-26.
Carpool lanes.

Growing, Growing, Growing!

The list of commitments is growing! The campaign treasury is growing!

Our sign brigade, chaired by Jim & Peg Lahmeyer, has been working. They along with other volunteers are on standby - awaiting arrival of the yard signs.

Response as I've gone door-to-door has been very friendly. No dog bites, no tomatoes thrown. It would be nice to have the weather about 5 degrees cooler for the walks, but that's okay.

If you are willing to help with some of the door-to-door effort, let me know. We'd like to get more areas covered but we have only 2 weeks left.

Thanks to all of you for everything you're doing.

wonderful response!!!!

The response to the campaign so far has been great. People seem to be excited. We have lots of volunteers who have not been involved in political campaigns before, and that is superb!

Some of you have heard me say before that my dad lost an election by only NINE votes. Do you know of NINE people you haven't spoken with yet? NINE people that you might could get committed to our campaign? Probably we all know of NINE more we might recruit. Will you find NINE more?

Medium Signs Available

The large signs are up! Lots of medium signs are up.
I have more medium signs in my office; the very small yard signs arrive next week. Thanks to all of y'all!!!!!

Hooray for the Sign Volunteers!

Have you seen the signs yet? Thanks a bunch to our fantastic sign "put-uppers"!!!!! Jim Lahmeyer, Peg Lahmeyer, Jerry Musselman, Pat Gerwig, Dave Gerwig, Larry Shaffer, Janet Collins, Lauryn Sessler!! We have some medium signs left; small ones will arrive in about a week.

If you know of a location that needs a sign, let us know.

Also, several business owners have been willing to put signs in their windows or inside their businesses.

Thanks to everyone!

Voter Registration Forms Available

Saturday (9/15) is the last day to register to vote in the Oct. 16th primary. Voter Registration Forms are available in my office at 107 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC (Steinberg Law Firm). I also will try to keep a few in my car with me between now & Saturday. You may also register with the Dorchester County Voter Registration Board or the Charleston County Voter Registration Board. This is VERY important. Please register -- and vote!

What are the Issues?

Traffic congestion, illegal immigration, children's needs, senior citizens' concerns, continued improvement in schools, NO unnecessary taxes, efficiency in government.

Do you have some to add?

Only FIVE weeks away

It doesn't seem possible that we vote just five weeks from now, but it's true, and the next five weeks will be crammed with activity! Lots of volunteers are working, and so am I. We've done some limited mailing, a few talks to groups, some meetings, out meeting voters, shaking hands, listening, etc.

Your efforts in getting commitments from voters is really, really important. Keep me posted, okay?

Where Are We Now?

Filing closed today. The last I heard, there are 4 Republicans from Dorchester County and 1 Democrat from Dorchester County in the race for House District 94. Reports immediately after the filing deadline indicated no one from Charleston County entered the race.

The primary is the 4-person race, with voting scheduled for Oct. 16 and the likely runoff on Oct. 30. One area expert today said the race would be too close to call, predicting a 25% chance for each of the four!

That means we need to WORK! What does "work" mean in this instance? It means getting commitments, getting folks registered to vote before Sept. 15th, -- just a few days away. It means helping put up signs. It means asking every person you know who is over 18 to help us.

Together, we can do it!

It's Official!

Filing was done today, August 30th, so the candidacy is official. It won't be in the Summerville Journal-Scene tomorrow - even though I provided the info before the deadline - because there was too much breaking news in the Summerville area. Ryan Castle promised that it would appear "prominently" in Wednesday's edition.

In the meantime, things are popping! Y'all are doing such a terrific job. We've had volunteers to help put up big signs, volunteers to deliver yard signs, volunteers to have yard signs in their yards - and more. Of course, we will need even more folks to help with signs. This is a big project.

Finally, let me hear from you about the signatures for the "Grassroots Gang." Keep up the good work!

Deadline for Registering to Vote

The deadline for registering to vote on October 16th is September 15th. If you know of neighbors, relatives, friends, business associates who are not registered or who may not be registered, bug 'em to get registered before the 15th. This can be done in person or online but must be done right away!!! With so much growth in our area, this is a crucial part of the campaign. Signs, signatures, contributions - all are important; voting, though, is an absolute necessity. Please REGISTER now.

The Grass is Growing

Actually, it's the Grassroots Gang that is growing! Y'all have done an amazing job in enlisting others to support and help our campaign. We need each and every one of you. Thank you very much, fellow "gangsters."

Glad to hear about the signs

Glad to hear that the campaign is going to use signs. I hope it will be soon.

Gangsters!

I guess that's what the Grassroots Gang members should be called, right? Did you ever think you'd be a gangster?!?!?!

We are lining up places for our signs. They will be available for pickup before too long -- and our sign blitz will begin.

Counting Down!!

October 16th -- that's only 8 weeks from TODAY! Momentum is growing. Feedback thus far has been so very positive. Thank you for all you are doing for our campaign for the House. Keep up the good work!

Getting Better Every Day

Things are just getting better every day! What a joy it is to see and feel the enthusiasm from so many people. Donna Sands dropped by a list of new members of our Grassroots Gang. Yippee! I've run into people who say they've seen our fliers and have talked to other people about our campaign. Word is spreading and excitement is growing!

Other Candidates

Several people have asked who I'm running against. The answer is "No one." Sure, there are other candidates but we're all just seeking the same office. I don't intend to run AGAINST anyone.

Contributions Coming In Also

Contributions are coming in also. Our campaign will accept contributions ranging from $1.00 all the way up to the limit, which is $1000.00. They are sought and accepted with NO STRINGS attached. And they are appreciated! :)

Our Gang is GROWING!!!

More names in hand! Mary Meynardie brought in a list of names today -- and a check! Chris Czarnik dropped of three pages of names that she, Peg Lahmeyer and Mary Meynardie worked on. You gangsters are fabulous!!!!

More from Margaret

Margaret Pollack turned in a sheet full of names today. Way to go! Thanks, Margaret!

From Courtney & Bali

How exciting! Courtney Smith just turned in 8 more names for our "Grassroots Gang." Bali Cuthbert e-mailed about some of the contacts she is making for the campaign. Y'all are tremendous!!!

Disclosure

Campaign treasurer Chris Czarnik says that she is filing our first disclosure report today. She is keeping up with all IRS and campaign law requirements regarding finances and reporting. She also sends word that several contributions have come in, and she will deposit those later today.
Thank you again, Chris!

glad you're running!

I'm so glad you're running for the legislature, Sherry. It will be wonderful when you're up in Columbia again. After all, ya gotta keep those fellas in check!

Politics -- Good or Bad?

A friend took me to task for saying I don't like politics but that I like public service. He asked how I could expect people to participate if I'm saying negative things about politics. He's got a point.

Perhaps my words were poorly chosen. Our political system in our country is the best anywhere, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in it. What I don't like is the partisanship, the block voting in legislative bodies regardless of issues. There are certainly things I don't like about political campaigns - the name-calling, the cheap shots, the negativism -- but, yes, I appreciate our political system.

More Names -- Way to Go!!!

What an exciting day! Chris Czarnik turned in a bunch of names. Mary Meynardie has a sheet or two that looked full. Pam Cline found someone who seems eager to volunteer, Maggie Vedders. Carroll Smith has already turned in a lot of names and was making a new list of contacts today. John Clark was the first to turn in a full list.
Way to go, y'all!!!!!

Signs

Several of you have asked about signs. Will we put them up? When? Why don't we have them up? Well, signs cost money. We want to keep spending down; instead of a big-spending campaign, we want a people-to-people campaign. That doesn't mean we aren't going to spend anything and it doesn't necessarily mean we won't put up signs. Perhaps we will. But the main thing to remember is this: SIGNS DON'T VOTE; PEOPLE VOTE!

You volunteers

Amazing! The talk is great. We are hearing such good things from all of you. LINDA BAUMGART just turned in a long list of new members of Grassroots Gang. Thanks, Linda. And thanks to all of you who are signing up more "gangsters."

To all those reading this that do not know Sherry: She has a big heart, is fair but tough. I have seen her in Sunday School debates . . . hmmm. . . it would be very interesting to see Sherry in a good political debate. I am sure that Sherry could hold her own against any of the political insiders. Hey Sherry - give us an idea on where you stand on some of the hot topics that are swirling around in the news today.

Where is District 94?

The district lines -- well, they aren't straight lines. Some of the areas included in the district are downtown Summerville, some of Lincolnville, some of Ladson, Marlin Estates, Newington Plantation, some of Knightsville; along Central Avenue, Boone Hill Rd, Butternut, Bacon's Bridge and some of Trolley Rd -- and most everything between all of those places. A few of the street names (just to give you an indication of the various locations): Sycamore, Wilson, South Main, Hydrangea, Anstead, Amberjack Way, Bloomsbury Place, Bramwell Drive, King Charles Circle, Chessington Circle, Marion Ave., President Circle, Salisbury, Old Postern, Bramwell, Barshay, Golf, Pinewood, Three Iron, Weathers Ct., Flicker Ln., Roberta Dr., Von Ohsen, Robbie Ln, Sandra Ln., Susan Dr., Tea Olive Ct., Greenwave Blvd., Forest Circle, Berrywood, Clovewood, Elderwood, Donwood, Farmwood, Garwood, Kindlewood, Mixedwood, Outwood, Peatwood, Savannah River Dr., Seneca River Dr., Sparkleberry Ln, Kenilworth, Ayers Circle, Evesham, York, Luden, Wannamaker, Cardinal, Birch, Old Country Club Blvd., Mackeral, Dolphin, Luden, Tea Farm, Azalea -- and many, many more!

More TERRIFIC news!

I keep hearing good things, and I am SO very fortunate and appreciative! People seem to be coming out of the woodworks. They are tired of "politics as usual." Y'all have done an outstanding job of spreading the word and getting people to say "yes" to help us. Thanks "oodles"!!!

Grassroots Gang is Growing

Wow! The Grassroots Gang is growing. What a superb job all of you are doing in getting others involved. I am most appreciative. All of these folks have been fantastic in recruiting others: John Clark, Chris Czarnik, Courtney Smith, Pam Cline, Carroll Smith. (That's strange. They all have either first or last names that begin with "C")

Important Dates

Important Dates in the District 94 Campaign

Filing Opens: 8/24 (noon)

Filing Closes: 9/4 (noon)

Last Day to Register to Vote: 9/15

If unavailable for any reason, get absentee ballot 9/22 - 10/14

Primary Voting: 10/16

Runoff Voting (if necessary): 10/30

Last Day to Register to Vote in Special Election: 11/3

Special Election: 12/4

Campaign Treasurer

The campaign has a treasurer. She's Chris Czarnik of Summerville. Welcome, Chris, and thanks!

The treasurer's committee (those authorized to sign checks): Carroll T. Smith, Chures Ragan, Peg Lahmeyer, along with Chris. Chris is making certain that the campaign does everything correctly. All checks will require two signatures. Thanks to Chris for recruiting the committee to work with her.

Thanks to all of you!! You are important!