WE DID IT!!! NC IS BLUE!!! and more….

Nov 6, 2008, from the AP wire service:
“President-elect Barack Obama has won North Carolina, adding 15 electoral votes to his wide victory and a symbolic triumph in a state that hadn’t voted for a Democrat in more than a generation.”

Congratulations to the entire, phenomenal Gasp Network!  Your commitment and hard work — along with that of so many of our neighbors and friends —  propelled Barack Obama to a 15 point victory in Wake County.  This large margin was instrumental in Obama’s razor-thin victory in NC by only about 13,000 votes.  In other words, if we had won Wake County by only 12%,  McCain would have retained NC in the “red state” column.  But in spite of wet shoes, tired feet and dark streets, our volunteers kept knocking on doors until well past 6PM to secure every possible Obama vote.  And not only did Obama win decisively in Wake, but together with the other urban counties, we helped push Bev Perdue and Kay Hagan over the finish line in very competitive races. 

So to all of you who called, knocked, fed, monitored, drove, greeted and otherwise invested your own time precious time in this historic campaign: WELL DONE.  You chose to own this campaign and now you own the sweetness of its success as well.  

A FEW FINAL HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:

1.  If you have any personal property remaining at 600 St. Mary’s Street, please arrange to pick it up by 3PM on Friday when the office will shut down for good and all remaining items will be donated to a good cause.  Call Aaron Straus at 919-394-4736.

2.  There are a number of jackets and sweaters that were left on Election Night.  Please come by on Friday to retrieve those as well.

3.  There was a handmade poster of the Morgan Street Obama office with the word “HOPE” on the sidewalk that was taken off the wall.  It is a treasured possession of one of the staffers, made by his mom.  If you have that poster, please return it to 600 St Mary’s St. 

4.  There was a 15 watt amplifier and microphone on the stage that is now missing.  If you know the whereabouts, please contact Carter at 961-3595.

5.  Many thanks to Margaret Henderson, Julie Wood, the other Julie, Tom Hester, Chris Wallace and all the other Gasp volunteers for their great work to put on the Election night watch party!  It was a joyful event, made even more so by the rockin’ band  ”Joe the Rock Stars”, known formerly as “Midlife Crisis”.  Thanks guys!

6.  We would really love to do a final tally of volunteer hours from Gasp members.  Please take a few minutes right now to estimate your total volunteer hours since late September for ANY Gasp or Obama activities and send an email to nicky@gasp08.com so we can get a final total of the impact we made.

WHAT”S NEXT FOR GASP?

That answer is up to you.   Let’s let the dust settle for now.  (Go take dinner to your own family!)  But when our community needs urgent advocacy in the future, as it did in this campaign, we now know where to find 1,000 of the most talented, dedicated and generous girlfriends anywhere.  On behalf of the 10 charter Gaspers, I want to say what a remarkable experience it has been to join with all of you in this great cause.  You are AMAZING!

All the best,

Carter Worthy

carter@carterworthy.com

919-961-3595