Jim Deakin Vs. John McCain Vs. J.D. Hayworth : Donating To Deakin

At our Tea Party meeting in Palominas last Monday, Senatorial candidate Jim Deakin didn't seem the slightest bit intimidated by the fact that both John McCain and J.D. Hayworth have tons of Big Money in their coffers (with McCain having tons of tons). After he'd spoken from the front of the room, taken questions, and was ready for the meet-and-greet closeout as people drifted toward the exit, he made a simple pitch for donations to his campaign for the Republican nomination.

Not that he launched into it from a standing start. Members of our group were asking how they could help him between now and August 24 when the Arizona primary determines the Republican nominee. After mentioning things like stuffing envelopes, putting up yard signs, etc., he finished with,

"...or you could give me a little cash so I can pay for some radio commercials."

Talk about David vs. Goliath.

Fortunately, we know how that turned out. The Deakin may only have a worn leather sling and five smooth stones...but it only takes one. One vote. One more vote than either of his opponents gets next Tuesday. There really is a chance, you know. News reports just today (Tuesday, August 17) advised viewers that early voting returns are showing much less activity than expected.

My interpretation: Uninspired McCain supporters are. Staying. Home (yawn). In droves.

We've got a shot, people. We really do.

True, folks who like J.D. Hayworth are going to get a better turnout percentage than the McCain types. But nothing like the rockribbed conservatives, the steely-eyed eagles that back Jim. Our turnout will be 100 percent. No exceptions.

'Cause that's how we are.

So I dug in my pocket, scraped out a couple of greenbacks (no, I'm not saying what denominations), stuffed them into a donations envelope, filled out the federally required info, sealed it, and handed it to Jim. Done deal Big whoop, right? How boring can this story get? Hey, would I leave you without a punch line?

Here it is: This morning, needing a few groceries, I fired up the Subaru, made sure Sarah Palin's Going Rogue on CD had been removed from the player, cranked up Rush Limbaugh on the radio, and headed toward Bisbee to raid Burger King and Safeway. Five minutes later, no kidding, a Jim Deakins commercial hit the airwaves.

How's that for instant feedback? Almost instant, anyway.

Nah, I'm not saying you should donate. For one thing, that's your decision. if I get pushy, you get ticked off, quit reading my stuff, and maybe get me banned from HubPages (which happens to be the finest site for writers I've found to date). And you'd be right to do so.

But I was impressed with his commercial. His website is set up as well as anyone else's for donations, so I'm planning on talking to Pam in the morning, see if she agrees that we ought to kick in a few more bucks using the debit card. (You'll note the caution: After six divorces, I've at least learned not to fling money around without clearing it with the redhead!)

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On the way home, packing a bunch of stuff that needed to get into the freezer ASAP, I was toodling down our dirt-surfaced road when I saw it: A neighbor's place was sporting a big, beautiful, bright red Deakin yard sign. It stood out like a wildfire in the forest. Every other candidate is using blue--humanity's favorite hue and a fine color no doubt--but for sheer impact you just can't beat red. Like the news anchor who walked around all day at the Tea Party Border Rally in her beautifully tight red sheath dress.

Hey, if you were there, you noticed.

Just like Jim Deakin is going to be noticed when We the People grant him the nomination.

Deakin 2010.