Pictures of a campaign season: TEP hard at work for you

You may have noticed that the Tennessee Equality Project through TEP PAC, our state political action committee, has been working hard for you this fall. We're doing all we can to make sure that we're involved strategically in races that will put us in a better position when the 107th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee convenes in January. Our work is almost done.

But let's rewind and take a look back at the campaign season that was. The endorsements we made are important, but there is so much more to providing the kind of help candidates need than just announcing your support and hoping voters take heed. Here's what we've been doing for the last several weeks.

The Fundraisers: Did you know that since November 2009, TEP PAC has bundled over $12,000 for candidates in state and local races? Money is still part of the game, but we had a lot of fun along the way helping Rep. Jeanne Richardson, Metro Councilman Sam Coleman, and Rep. Sherry Jones and others.



The Yard Signs: It's true that "yard signs don't vote." But in a day when our media don't adequately cover legislative races, they do help remind neighbors of the names when they go into the voting booth. We canvassed our members for "real estate" for candidate yard signs and even helped put them out in yards.



Door Knocking: You really get an education in Tennessee politics when you get in your car and knock on doors in a district for a candidate. The weather was perfect this election season and we had a good time on these road trips. Candidates value the volunteer work and most voters don't seem to mind the momentary interruption.


Dialing for Votes: We did 7 phone banking sessions this season with one more to go on Monday, mostly with the Davidson County Young Democrats, who are great partners. We called hundreds of voters. While not as personal as a door knock, you learn where unions make a difference, who cares about guns, who votes based on political party, and who keeps the yard sign in the garage so it can be put back out every two years.


The end is in sight: We don't know whether we'll be celebrating or commiserating on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, but I can honestly say that we did our part this year and actively worked to elect a better Legislature. We are grateful to all the volunteers who gave their time to support good candidates. It's now up to you get out and VOTE EQUALITY!



-Chris Sanders