Hilltop Brigade Needs YOU to Expand the Democratic Majority
Last night I went to New Haven for an informational meeting about the Hilltop Brigade. The basic idea is that they round up and coordinate volunteers from the two Connecticut congressional districts that can be considered “safe” (the 1st and 3rd), and dispatch those volunteers to the 2nd, 4th, and 5th to help elect (and this year to re-elect!) Democrats to the House.
The meeting last night was packed. I went there with no intention of filming anything, so I tried something I’d never done before: I filmed a speech with my cellphone. I normally use my Mini-DV Camcorder, but I correctly suspected since the event was at a house that there would be no room for my tripod. Below is a video of Chris Murphy singing the praises of the Hilltop Brigade:
Turn up your volume a bit. The audio quality is bad, and barely passable. I will be taking my own advice from now on.
So if you’re interested in helping with the Hilltop Brigade, please head on over to their site and sign up. It looks like the site has not been updated since the last cycle, because all references to the 4th CD mention Diane Farrell rather than Jim Himes, so be sure to also sign up directly with the Himes campaign as well.
By the way, Jim Himes made quite a splash there last night. I suspect that a lot of people in that packed house were eager to take down Chris Shays and pleased by what was probably their first encounter with Jim Himes.
Photo from the Himes for Congress flickr feed
Spaze, Spaze, Spaze.
1. Never, ever, ever go to a political event without your video camera.
2. Buy a monopod, it’s better than a tripod when your in a tough jam.
3. Jack up the audio track and re-produce the video clip.
Remember, you only get one chance to capture the moment, make sure you capture them with the right tools…
The following day, Saturday March 8th, there was an event for Rosa DeLauro that featured an appearance by Nancy Pelosi. The crown was made up of Hilltop Brigade folks, Democratic Party Town Chairs, Mayors (DeStefano and Miron), First Selectmen/women, and some shaggy looking activists.
The support for Jim Himes is strong, and from the party “insiders” it is a real statement. I know people belittle endorsements but the Connecticut Dems are very excited about an all Blue Congressional representation.
Shays and Lieberman are the only drag for the State’s reputation and we have to wait on Lieberman.
It will be great to volunteer for Himes and be proudly labeled “A Free-Range Democrat” (which means we peck at pebbles and sticks).