To get on the ballot, I need 2,000 signatures - same as in 2006. I’m realizing that it’s actually going to harder this time, even though I’ve been around the block a few times on this process.

In 2006 there were about a half dozen people running for mayor, two people running for Council Chairman, a competitive At-Large Council Member race, about a dozen people running in Ward 3, even more in Ward 5, and a few in Ward 6. The excitement of the mayor’s race and about 50 candidates all getting signatures made for a number opportunities to get a lot of signatures at one event like a debate or endorsement vote.

This time around, there’s no mayor’s race, no Council Chair race, no real race to speak of in the at-large seat (talking Democratic primary, not the general where are few people are looking at Carol Schwartz) and no real competition in Ward 4 or Ward 7. That lack of excitement and dearth of petition gathering operations makes my job that much harder.

I do like going out and getting the signatures, I really do, it’s fun to talk to people at events and farmer’s markets. Most people are nice and sign right away, some need some facts before they sign, and some say they need to know more. Some even know who I am…which is always a trip since I never assume anyone has heard of me.

It’s a great way to meet people, and since I got just about all 2,000 signatures plus myself in 2006, I do think it’s why I won. I just wish I didn’t have to get so freakin’ many!!

So if you see me in front of the metro, a Safeway, or at a local farmers market…please come over and sign my petition and bring a few friends along. If you want to help get signatures, shoot me an email at mike.panetta(at)gmail.com.

The star of NBC’s Heroes Hayden Panettiere and U.S. “Shadow” Senator encourage DC taxpayers to “think inside the box” and support the DC Statehood Delegation Fund via their District of Columbia tax filings this year.You can see the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8dR7rqrEGA

Apparently she starting lobbying Strauss about the need to save the whales, and he was supportive but reminded her that he couldn’t vote. So she agreed to do this. She’s my hero!

If you don’t live in DC, but still want to help you can donate to the Free and Equal DC Fund here: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18798

I just got the news this morning that true fighter for DC voting rights, and for all progressive causes, Mike Shor, died of a heart attack in New Mexico over the weekend. Mike was a really great person and I wish we all had more time with him. I’ll always the remember the encouragement he gave me (and the rest of the group I was leading) last summer during our Hill visits to lobby for the DC Voting Rights Act. He was full of sound advise, delivered in his unique soft-spoken approach. Each of our lobby visits were stronger because of this…and that’s just one of dozens of stories about his impact that we’ll hear more of in the coming days.

One of the great things about the role I play as Shadow Representative is that I’ve meet so many wonderful people I otherwise would have not had the opportunity to get to know. Mike was definitely one of those people. We’re all better after knowing a guy like Mike — he’ll be sorely missed.

Below is some more information from Kesh Ladduwahetty, of DC for Democracy:

Our dear friend and colleague, Mike Shor, died of a heart attack this weekend in Taos, New Mexico. He was struck down in full stride. When I last spoke with Mike about a week ago, he was having a whale of a time skiing and enjoying fine southwestern cuisine. It’s very, very hard to imagine he’s gone.

There is no replacing Mike. I first met him in 2004, when he was training Howard Dean supporters on door-to-door canvassing for the DC primary. After DC for Democracy was founded in 2005, Mike became my closest comrade in grassroots politics, as well as my very dear friend. His stature in our small community of grassroots activists is difficult to exaggerate. A founding member of DC for Dean, DC for Democracy, and most recently, DC for Obama, he thought on a grand level, and he backed up those big ideas with tactical brilliance and unequalled stamina. His passing leaves a void that will be felt for a very long time.

No one of us can do justice to Mike’s memory; we will have to pool our efforts. Our meetup this Wednesday, April 2nd will be the first opportunity for many of us who knew and loved Mike to meet since his passing. We will accordingly devote the latter part of the meetup to a collective remembrance. As usual, we will meet in the back room of Ben’s Chili Bowl at 1213 U Street. Please note that the meetup will start at 7:30PM, a little later than usual. Our main topic of discussion at the meetup will be our plans for the presidential primary campaign (more on that very soon).

If you would like to make a suggestion regarding our meetup, please email us at dcfordemocracy@gmail.com

If you would like to send a card or gift to Mike’s family, please mail to the following address:

Mike Shor c/o Susan Clampitt
13 9th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

A memorial service for Mike is expected sometime in May, and we will let you know the details as they emerge. And rest assured, we will remain in close touch with Irmgard Hunt, Mike’s longtime partner, to give her the help and support that she needs in this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Kesh Ladduwahetty
Chair

In case you haven’t heard yet, the U.S. Mint rejected the designs submitted by Mayor Fenty for the DC Quarter.

It’s frustrating that the U.S. Mint would outright reject the designs submitted by Mayor Fenty. If New Hampshire can have the slogan “Live Free or Die” on their quarter, I don’t see why the District can’t have “Taxation Without Representation”. Both slogans and ideals were fundamental in the founding of this nation — even if the promise of the latter is still being fought for in the District.

I’m glad we submitted those designs - the more opportunities to talk about this issue on a national scale, the better. Mayor submits designs, U.S. Mint rejects them, Mayor gets to tell everybody why, more people understand our situation in DC. Lather, rinse, repeat…the more times we can run through that cycle, the better!

What do you think?

This is from my friends at DC Vote. Personally, I’d rather throw Mitch McConnell in the Potomac River, but I’d likely get tossed in the clink for that. This does look like fun though, I’ll certainly be there:

DC Vote Tea Party: The Revolution is Still Brewing

Join DC Vote as we commemorate the 234th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party by calling for an end to Taxation Without Representation.

When: Sunday, December 16, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Where: Georgetown Waterfront Park

What: Rally, speeches, and a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party

Plus, free tea bags that say ‘End Taxation Without Representation.’