Attention DU I have made a decision.

[Andy_Stephenson]

Today, was the first day of my run for the position of Secretary of State, Washington. I have thought long and hard about this and it is with my Partner's blessing I undertake this.

In light of our Secretary of State's decision to push Diebold Voting Machines and a blanket primary I feel it is the only option. So today I started gathering signatures on a petition in lieu of a filing fee. I will not accept any corporate donations, so there is no taint of me working in their interests. I am by of and for the people!

If you live in Washington state and would like to support my candidacy please go and gather signatures on this petition. PM me for the address to send the completed forms. I only need 1018 (correction 1008...correction 1004) signatures and more would be better to assure a margin of error.

I have worked with Bev Harris and watched the Diebold controversy unfold for well over a year now. To me the MOST important issue facing us, is the absence of a Voter Verified Paper Ballot. I plan on centering my campaign around that issue, and will work diligently with our Governor and Legislators to insist that your vote is recorded on paper and is the standard for a recount.

I also intend to address the blanket primary. This issue along with "paperless voting" could very well put our state in the red column. I will fight vigorously against the blanket primary in Washington State. All parties should have the right to associate freely just like any other group does without pressure from the state or outside interest groups.

If you do choose to support me, you have my sincerest thanks. I am running to win. The defense of Democracy in Washington State depends on it. I am up to the task and will serve Washington State with integrity and honor.

Andy Stephenson

[goobergunch]

1. *endorses*

Good luck with the campaign!

:toast: :thumbsup: :yourock:

[Andy_Stephenson]

31. *blushes*

:yourock:

[trumad]

2. Good Luck

sign up for paypal...They have a pretty good donation section and it's user friendly...

[Systematic Chaos]

3. OOOOH, good luck!!

:)

I'm a Nevada resident but I wish you all the best just the same!

[neuvocat]

4. Congrats!

If I were there I'd gladly give you my support.

[frank frankly]

5. good luck!

way to go, Andy!!!

:hi:
:hi:
:hi:

[ixion]

6. good luck, GBnC

if I were in Washington, I'd vote for ya. :yourock:

[blm]

7. WOW!!!!

DOUBLE WOW!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

[Andy_Stephenson]

28. Yeah I am Damned mad and

I'm not going to take it anymore!

[7th_Sephiroth]

8. go man go

we need more like you in power, just beware, republicans have no afterthought to killing people with different views than they do.

[WilliamPitt]

9. NICE

Any help you need, you ask.

[Andy_Stephenson]

13. I need a good speech writer...

your the best one I know... :loveya:

[WilliamPitt]

15. Tell me what you need

[Andy_Stephenson]

18. When the time comes I'll let you know...

right now I need signatures from Washington State registered voters.


Oh and thanks Will.

[WilliamPitt]

32. You do that

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. WOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Way to go!!!

If the voters of Washington want someone good in office, you are in luck.

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. Good luck, and stay strong.

:thumbsup:

[Spazito]

12. Way to go, Andy!

I wish I lived in Washington State so I could work for your campaign!
I will be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!

[Wonk]

14. If you want a hand with any graphics for a website, posters, or brochures

feel free to ask. I'd be glad to help your campaign, Andy :-)

[Andy_Stephenson]

17. Prolly gonna need a webpage.

and I suck at building them...the spacing is always off.


Edit...and thanks!

[retyred]

38. Anything I can do for your Web page

I'd be glad to help, I'm not the best but can handle Front Page fairly well.

Good luck!

PM me if I can help!
Don


Retyred In Fla
So I Read This Book

[Andy_Stephenson]

52. Yall probably need photos of me huh?

In nice clothes and hmmm my yahoo profile pic. It is my favorite.

[greatauntoftriplets]

59. A sincerity photo.

One in a suit and tie (sorry about that) looking serious; another in more casual clothes (khaki pants, sport shirt, pressing the flesh.)

[papau]

16. Great move! Good luck - you are doing God's work! :-)

:-)

:toast:

:-)

[soleft]

19. will you let us know how to make donations

you don't have to live in Wash to donate do you?

[Andy_Stephenson]

24. I don't think you have to live here and

I will let you know. I may already have a few endorsements. I will keep ya'll posted on my progress.

[FrenchieCat]

20. REALLY, REALLY Happy about that!

You Go! You are right!
Those Diebold machines mean an end what's left of our Democracy!



"IT'S THE ECONOMY AND YOUR WAR, STUPID!"
A REAL MILITARY HERO TELLS A GENUINE INTELLIGENCE FAILURE

[Coventina]

21. Hugs, kisses and Karma!!!

:hug: :*

Blessed be your campaign!!

[karlschneider]

22. I'm in Oklahoma but have several friends in WA. Will be contacting.

Good on 'ya! :D

[Beetwasher]

23. Wow! I'm Impressed!

Awesome! :toast:

[slor]

25. Go get 'em Tiger...

and best wishes!

[Booberdawg]

26. Congratulations!

And 100% support! :toast:

[sistersofmercy]

27. Good Luck!

That is so wonderful, good for you!

[in_cog_ni_to]

29. Best of luck!!!

where can we send donations? :bounce::bounce::bounce:

[Tinoire]

30. Damn I wish I lived in Washington!

You have all my wishes and support!!!!!

Waaaay cool!

[thebigidea]

33. ah ha!

give em snarling hell!

[Andy_Stephenson]

34. Oh I plan on it

believe me I do.

[kentuck]

35. Congratulations Gbnc!

It seems that DU is sprouting a lot of candidates here lately. That is great news!

[JanMichael]

36. Who da man? You da MAN! It was just a matter of time.

I always imagined that DU'ers would start running for office, it was only a matter of time.

You've got my support!

[judy]

37. WAY TO GO ANDY!!!

You have great courage, and your partner too, I'm sure :)

Thank you !
I live in California, but I support your candidacy wholeheartedly!!

[UrbScotty]

39. I wish you all the best.

You, Vince Whitacre, Jeff Seemann, and others have my full support!

[never cry wolf]

40. HEY, just wait one darn minute...

How do we know you're not skull and bones, huh??

Just kidding of course!! Kick some elephant ASS!! Make sure you let us know how to donate when the time comes!! Wish I lived out there, I'd be knockin on doors.

:yourock:

[knight_of_the_star]

41. Good luck man

I wish I was up there so I could vote for you and work on your campaign. Maybe I'll organize some fundraising down here as an effort to stop Diebold. That could probably work.

[maxanne]

42. way to go, Andy

You rock hard coredly. :party:

In 2002 I heard Granny D say, "...before we are through, some of us will have to run for office.." I hated hearing that, because I was contemplating it myself. How could I not run at 46, given all she does at 93??

We have to be the change. Blessings upon you and your campaign. DU is a great place for support. We will be here for you.


:kick:

[Trek234]

43. What party are you running under?

Independent? If so, do you have any plans to attempt to get the support of the Democratic party?

[Andy_Stephenson]

46. There has always been a Capital "D"

after my name.

[AWD]

44. WAY cool!

We're getting a little family of DUers in politics now, aren't we?

What's the count of DUers running for election now?

Jeff Seemann - US House
Vince Whitacre - US House
Charlie Crystle - US Senate
Andy Stephenson - Washington Sec of State

Lest we forget MaineMary, who already is in office.

Which others are there?

[Bushknew]

45. Give them Hell Andy

[Andy_Stephenson]

47. 998 names left to go

but who's counting?

[creativelcro]

48. That's it!

I'll move to Washington state damnit! All the action is going on there... :) -CV

[Andy_Stephenson]

50. I love your handle

I really Do

[Rowdyboy]

49. Most excellent

I will be happy to support your candidacy, in the small way that is available to me.

[Andy_Stephenson]

53. If you live in Washington State

gather signatures that is what I need right now. And thanks!

[Rowdyboy]

92. Can't do any good for you there as I live in Mississippi...

But, as things progress, I'd be proud to send a small financial contribution to support a fellow DU'er with the guts to put his name on the ballot. I truly respect a person willing to try to actually amke a change and not just bitch.

[bpilgrim]

51. wooHoo!

:wow:

weTHEpeople can use all the help we can get :bounce:

gl bro :toast:

let me know if you ever need any web help :hi:

peace

[gristy]

54. Go fer it, Andy!

the absence of a Voter Verified Paper Ballot. I plan on centering my campaign around that issue

I'm sure you realize this, but be sure to do your homework on the myriad issues confronting that office in your state. You will need to pull in voters concerned about many different issues, and voters (and, just as important, your state's press) will definitely need to know that you are a well-rounded candidate who understands all (or most, anyways) of the issues and can be counted on to do the right and intelligent thing.

Is there any way to set up some kind of "blind trust" that corporations could donate to? Seems you could have a lawyer set it up. I think as long as you are able to protect yourself from learning the identity of such contributors, then you can and should accept such contributions. There just has to be many corporations which could and would benefit from removing the creep in the office now and from your election, regardless of whether you return any "favor" or not (which you wouldn't, of course). And believe it or not, other corporations may contribute just so as to "do the right thing".

One of your first credibility tests will be for you to show evidence of a smart and viable campaign.

edit: typo

[rhite5]

67. Just a caution here re: the blind trust you suggested

Andy will have to obey whatever the Campaign Finance Laws are in Washington State. They do vary from state to state.

He would be smarter really to focus on small business owners who do get screwed by the corporate giants. Those business people would be a good source of contributions as individuals.

[Andy_Stephenson]

68. That is what I want

a campaign of the people. I am sincere in this. I will refuse giant corporate donations.

[gristy]

73. Hmmm. So maybe you are saying that Andy (or his blind trust)

would be required to disclose the donations. And that obviously would make it NOT blind. Andy - why not just put a limit on donations? You don't want to cut anybody out unnecessarily. I think it just sounds better if you just limit the donation amount, rather than "not take ANY support from corporations". It just sounds a bit too, I don't know, non-viable. But of course I defer to your judgement. Good luck!

[stevedeshazer]

55. Good news

I don't live in Washington, but I can see it from here literally. If you need help gathering signatures in SW Washington (Vancouver-Longview-Kelso-Camas) I'd be glad to help. PM me if you need to. :-)

[linazelle]

56. Congratulation and best wishes

:kick:

[David Zephyr]

57. I Will Support You.

And what a great decision you made. :thumbsup:

[LeftCoast]

58. Good luck!

Wish I could vote for you! I'm in CA. :(

[Pastiche423]

60. Right on ANDY!

I am so proud of you!

Let us know when we can donate.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[incapsulated]

61. Good Luck to You!

:thumbsup:

:kick:

:)

[Catshrink]

62. Andy Andy Andy

Best of luck to you!!! You have identified the best of issues to run on. We're behind you. Keep us posted on your progress. Let us know if and when you get a PayPal account up and going.

[flamingyouth]

63. I'll support you!

I think it's great that you're doing this. I will gather signatures for you as well - first thing tomorrow.

[Andy_Stephenson]

65. Thanks!

I appreciate that!

[creativelcro]

64. they're waiting for you, man...

[leftofthedial]

66. all the best

I don't live in Washington. If I did I would be behind you 100%.

[hunter]

69. Blessings to you from California!

:yourock:

[DemBones DemBones]

70. Good for you! We need more progressive Dems in public office!

Salud! :toast:

[Andy_Stephenson]

71. Wow

Dem Bones! Thanks!

[LWolf]

72. I can't vote for ya,

not being in Washington, but I'll sure root for you, GBnC. Thanks for acting for us!

[LizW]

74. God, I'm so jealous

of people in states who have good qualified Democratic candidates challenging for important offices.

The very best of luck to you, Andy.

[rhite5]

75. Best wishes, Andy

You can count on me for some financial support.

I am in Oregon so I can't help with the signature-gathering. Get in touch with any organizations you belong to, go to their meetings for signatures. Large meetings can generate several pages of signatures. Connect with your county's Democratic Central Committee for advice and help AND signatures.

Find a person who has some experience with being a Treasurer for a candidate or for an issue PAC. Let us know as soon as you get the paperwork done.

Would love to see a bio on a web page!

[nostamj]

76. whoa Andy!

and here you had me thinking you were moving to DC....

go for it! if you need graphics, etc. ask!

[Andy_Stephenson]

80. This is the right thing to do

nost....

I could not bear to leave Washington. I love it here despite the 5 inches of rain we had on Monday. Which btw was a record.

[nostamj]

85. i heard about the floods there,,, damn!

but hey, I'm THRILLED for you!

that's GUTS. go for it. and if there's anything I can do...

ask ( though, I DO have limits! ;-)

[hedda_foil]

77. Hooray for Secretary Andy!!!

I just heard your announcement on Malloy! Get that paypal account up, gbnc, I want to make a donation to your campaign too. What GREAT news!

[creativelcro]

78. Andy, have you held

public office positions before ? When is the deadline for filing ?
Thanks. -CV

[Andy_Stephenson]

82. I have 7 months before filing.

I already have the day marked on the calendar.


I was an elected PCO here. Which is more than Patty Murray was when she ran for the Senate.

[Crewleader]

79. Good For You Andy

...All Of DU is rooting for YOU!!! Best Wishes! :toast:

[Bushfire]

81. Bushfire endorses GBNC

Go get 'em Andy! You make us proud.

[Guaranteed]

83. That's great...

break a leg! ;)

[Andy_Stephenson]

84. oooo Real bad thing to tell a

klutz like me. :)

[Generic Other]

86. I will vote for you Andy

and so will all my friends! Count on it!

[Andy_Stephenson]

87. Thanks!

be sure to get the form and pass it around. Get signatures.

[Pale Blue Dot]

88. Good luck, Andy.

It's a big step. I know someone is Washington who might be willing to help. Let me know if you'd like me to contact her.

[ConsAreLiars]

89. Good!

I'll put the word out with friends. I expect I will be able to offer a little help with some reduced-cost printing at the early stages (the shop owner is supportive on BBV and ?W type issues but we are too small for some jobs).

[Armstead]

90. Good luck

Admirable move

[lysergik]

91. Give em hell..

I'll see what I can do as far as signatures :thumbsup:

[TheDonkey]

93. Thank You!

It makes me very happy to see brave individuals taking up such awesome civic responsobility.

[RetroLounge]

94. Best of luck

and long-distance endorsements!

[eleny]

95. This is fantastic news!

Washington State folks are so lucky!

[roguevalley]

96. I live in Alaska but you have my vote.

Good luck, honey.

[dsc]

97. Lots more will be needed for margin of error

I don't know how Washington state works but most states will disqualify a whole page for one little error. A good rule of thumb is to have twice as many signatures as you need.

[creativelcro]

99. Do electronic signatures

count ? Are they allowed at all ?... Sorry for silly question... If credit card companies use electronic methods for authentication, I don't see why it couldn't be used in this case... -C

[Andy_Stephenson]

101. Ok then lets fire em up!

I only need 978 now...Just came in from garnering sigs.

[catzies]

98. I admire you for taking a stand to try and change the world

Every good person in office is good for us all. Thank you for stepping forward to do the job.

You are living proof of the motto: "GET INVOLVED. THE WORLD IS RUN BY THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP."

And I think your work with BBV makes you eminently qualified to do the job you are running for. Every state deserves an SoS like you would be.

Congratulations. :party:

[VeniceBeat]

100. You're a Good and Brave Man, GBC

I'm proud that you're taking the plunge!

Make a splash!

:toast:

All the best to you and Termite!

[KT2000]

102. Great news!

I will be getting signatures (already PM'd you).

[It was not a pretzel]

103. Great!!!

good luck from Germany!

[Le Taz Hot]

104. Alright, GB&C!

I can't vote or campaign for you but I sure as hell can contribute to your campaign. Let us know when you get that paypal set up as I KNOW DUers will come through for you. And damned good for you for taking action!

[ignatius]

105. Good luck to you. If anything positive can come from these miserable

Bush years, it is hopefully that as more and more people become concerned about the direction our country has taken, they will become involved politically, a true grass roots movement.

Kudos and cheers to you.

[Octafish]

106. Good luck!

Give 'em heck, Andy!

First Washington... then take it nationwide!

[NeonLX]

107. Go Andy!

I'm in Wisconsin but I'm with you in spirit.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

108. SWEET!...CONGRATS!!! and GOOD LUCK

[_NorCal_D_]

109. Best of luck to you!

B-)

[ewagner]

110. Good luck GBNC

I have a couple of relatives in Washington State and will e-mail this announcement to them.

Best of Luck!

:toast: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Freddie Stubbs]

111. Are any other Democrats running?

[goobergunch]

128. Not that I've heard (n/t)

[bobthedrummer]

112. Best of luck to you Andy.

eom

[PopSixSquish]

113. Go For It!!!!

Good luck and Godspeed

[GinaMaria]

114. Congratulations!

This is a huge step. You have all my support. If I can do anything for you, just ask. You are awesome. Put on your boxing gloves, the opposition to a paper voting system doesn't plan on losing the issue. Come back to your corner (DU) whenever you need water or a pep talk. Can we change your name to Champ?

[fob]

115. Good for you Andy. Support from California here.

I have one thought, use it, abuse it, throw it away, whatever you see fit.

I will not accept any corporate donations, so there is no taint of me working in their interests. I am by of and for the people!

I think the two are not mutally exclusive. We all know it takes money to win. I think a strategy of OPENLY accepting donations from any/all who wish to support you can be made a positve thing. It goes like this, it's not that you GET money from corporations, it's what you do FOR the money you get from corporations. You can then honestly approach corporations and offer them credibilty, you donate to me and you will be supporting me to do what's right when the time comes no matter what. You can state with certainty that, should the time arise that you have to make a decision that goes against their best interest, but is better for the people, then that is what you will do. Now you may not get a lot of corporate cash this way, but what you do get will be "clean" and more money will help.

I wish you success!

[Andy_Stephenson]

116. Thanks to everyone who has responded

I have a temporary e-mail acount set up at yahoo and have set up a paypal acount

So here are both

[e-mail]

and it is the same at Pay Pal.

OK I am off to gather more signatures.

Thanks Again!

Andy

[radfringe]

117. for what it's worth

you have my endorsement and blessings

unfortunately, unless we can rig the black boxes in PA to register votes in WA... I can't give you my vote :(

[Skittles]

118. *SWEET*

I AM WISHING YOU GOOD LUCK! :thumbsup:

[rucky]

119. Andy, I'm In Portland

Be happy to go across the river and canvass for ya!

[Andy_Stephenson]

120. Great!

Print the form and gather signatures.

Outstanding! Thanks!

[RedEagle]

123. OK, I missed this earlier

Wahooo!

Just remember: You've got to appeal to the other two-thirds of the state, the counties that are not King and do not surround it, who have been "used" by the GOP for generations. They literally vote by rote any more.

Point out the value of someone who really means what they say.

[9215]

121. Go man Go!

You are really gonna smoke when you start getting the word out about the voting problems. This is such a fundamental issue and your knowledge from being here at DU will be a real eye opener for the public.

"It is now effectively illegal for citizens in 49 states to count their own votes on election day." <http://www.votefraud.org/Intro/index.html>

Good luck to you. If you need anything contact me.

[Andy_Stephenson]

122. Signatures!

Signatures Signatures!

[flpoljunkie]

124. Good on you, Andy! I salute you!

I hope your campaign succeeds in getting the message out about how blackboxvoting threatens our democracy.

Best wishes in your campaign!

[Andy_Stephenson]

125. Kick

for Mimi

[Syn_Dem]

126. GOOD LUCK ANDY

Show them how a real Democrat works! :thumbsup: :dem:

[Terwilliger]

127. I know have known two candidates for secretary of state

(that I'm aware of)

Andy Stephenson of Washington, and the California 2002 Democrat for Secretary of State Shawn Casey O'Brien.

I support you in your effort. Good luck! :bounce:

[Isome]

129. Sending tons of encouragement & best wishes...

from Florida!

[Jack Rabbit]

130. Good luck, Andy

You've chosen a good and important issue.

[9215]

131. kick

kick