Well, buckle up and hang on because it has been BUSY ever since deciding to run.

I officially filed to run for the State Representative position in Lansing on Thursday, July 19.  It took several tries to locate the actual office where filing occurs.  As an FYI, because the 98th district covers two counties, candidates must file in Lansing with the State Bureau of Elections.  They had moved and no one seemed to know where.  Once we did find them, they were more than helpful and delighted that we wanted to take pictures.

August activities and events:

• Held numerous campaign committee meetings;
• Traveled to Lansing to meet with the House Caucus fundraising guru, researcher, writers, graphic artists, and sat for an hour getting photos taken (great fun);
• Started attending events as a candidate rather than as a participant.  For example: the Saginaw and Midland County Fairs, and Saginaw County Sheriff’s Corn Roast;
• Met with various community leaders and local business owners to discuss the 98th district constituents and issues;
• Had the Midland Daily News run a press release and The Saginaw News print an interview.
• Finalized most of our initial graphics work.

September events:

• September 8 - Volunteer gathering.  We gathered with those folks who had indicated a desire to assist with the campaign.  A nice evening and good food was shared by all.
• September 10 & September 11 - First campaign mailer.  About 15 people helped to put together the first mailer to all strong democrats in the 98th district.  The mailer went in the mail that Wednesday.  Responses have been trickling in ever since.
• September 15 - Politics in the Park.  The Midland County Democratic Party hosted their second annual picnic at Emerson Park in Midland.  This was my first experience giving a campaign stump speech!
• September 15 - First House Party, in Mt. Pleasant.  We had an excellent turnout and the food and fellowship was great!
• September 16 - Constituent gathering at Molly’s, Midland.
• September 27 - Lansing day.
• September 29 - First Door-to-door.

October happenings:

Door-to-door - We have spent a TON of time hitting the doors:

• October 9 - Midland City, Ward 1
• October 13 - Merrill
• October 27 – Midland City, Ward 2

These have gone exceptionally well as folks seem receptive to our presence and party affiliation.  A very special “thank you” to the many people who have helped with this endeavor!  It is extremely gratifying to routinely see 18-20 people helping with these activities. 

• October 14.  Platform planning – the campaign committee, and guests, gathered for a full day of discussion and platform planning.
• October 19-20.   Attended the EMILY’s List (http://www.emilyslist.org/) training in Detroit.  Actually, this was sponsored by MIList (http://www.milist.org/), their Michigan partner.  I highly recommend this workshop to anyone considering a run for office or those who want to help with a campaign.  Prepare yourself though as it’s a lot of information thrown at you in a short period of time.
• October 29.  The first “A Latte with Lewis” was held at Espresso Milano in Midland.

November events:

• November 2 – House party hosted by Janice Wolff and Mary Harmon, Saginaw
• November 3 – Door-to-door; Midland City, Ward 3
• November 10 – Pig Roast at the Bayou Golf Club in Freeland.