Yesterday, from Lindsey Simmons (D):

“The political-industrial complex thrives on the politics of big money. Everywhere you turn people want you to pay money for polling, phone number lists, media advertising, filmmaking, scriptwriting. All with a pitch on how their product helps you win.

The key to winning is simple—earn the most votes. But money doesn’t vote—people do. When a billionaire and a working person cast their vote, it counts the same. That’s why outreach to every single voter—regardless of their zip code matters.

That’s what the #MO04GravelTravel road trip is about. I’m visiting every single community. Today, I did town halls in California and Sedalia. But I also visited a small Missouri town, population 200+ that didn’t have a single paved road, where the average income was $12,000.

My plan was just to reach out to these voters with a contactless literature drop. But then, I saw some incredible things—one house in town decorated in Biden signs—surrounded by Trump signs on all sides. People will tell you “signs don’t vote.” Of course they don’t. But people see those signs. They see that someone else is a Democrat when they thought themselves alone. People respond to the signs. Motivated to plant their own. Inspired to vote because if their rural town has three Democrats and you make four—well, you might make the difference.

So I changed my plans slightly. I pulled over at the Dollar General in Urich and bought some pens and lined sticky notes. Every single time I saw any Democrat sign—Biden, Nicole, Yinka, Betteridge, Williams, Chesney, Kinney, or myself—I handwrote a message thanking them for doing that work.

Because out here our signs are stolen. They’re shot. They’re torn. They’re burnt in our front yards. But these folks do it anyway. And when they stand firm it gives others permission to do the same. Mark my words—we will never win back each of our communities if more people don’t feel comfortable stepping forward and identifying as a Democrat.

The first step is letting people know they aren’t alone. Each sign is a beacon of hope—signaling that people who value healthcare for all, public education, unions, women, racial justice, family farms, environmental policy and democracy live here, too.

So many of you are doing that work right now. Your courage and persistence in the face of intolerance and hate cannot be diminished. You are doing good, powerful work. I see you in Calhoun. I see you in Holden. I see you in Deepwater. I see you in Green Ridge. I see you in Tipton. I see you in Fortuna.

I see you.

And you have my heartfelt thanks.”

Previously:

Lindsey Simmons (D): retail politics in the 4th Congressional District in a time of pandemic (October 2, 2020)