Six Weeks’ Notice

Posted by Jacob Roecker on November 8, 2009 under Commentary | 5722 Comments to Readhttp://912candidates.org/blog/2009/11/08/6-weeks-notice/Six+Weeks%27+Notice2009-11-09+01%3A00%3A16Jacob+Roecker

Benedict Arnold

The paradigm is shifting, yet the mainstream media and politicos continue to miss the increasingly clear and bold writing on the wall.  You’ll notice that folks are coming out of the woodwork on other media outlets this weekend to apply caricatures to the outcome. One article or another makes treasonous allusions to anyone who didn’t support Newt Gingrich and his NY23 endorsement of liberal GOP candidate DeDe Scozafazza.

Maybe it is time to revisit our history; Benedict Arnold made great contributions to this nation, then betrayed his core values and died the most infamous traitor in American history. Similarly, it is Newt who also has done great things for this nation, and recently betrayed his core values. Despite active re-branding efforts by some in the establishment, Gingrich is a traitor to the very principles he once proudly shepherded.

The real story of NY23 lies beyond Newt, D.C. and even Doug Hoffman. That valuable backstory will be the focus of  912Candidates.org this week, when we share the lessons and insights from the 9-12ers and Hoffman staff about how an accountant with no interest or innate gift for politics relied on decency and grassroots support to come within 5 percentage points of party picks backed by machines and dollars.

In his day, Arnold believed the patriot cause couldn’t win, and he made his choices out of a lack of faith.  Many GOP advocates seem to share this same perspective. The parallel is made even more ironic because the state where Arnold made his greatest contributions, and betrayal, is the one where this political battle took shape.

At the core of our interviews are 10 volunteers from the CNY (Central New York) 912 Group who met with Doug Hoffman six weeks before the election.  Doug decided at the outset of his campaign to become a 9-12 candidate,  and at the meeting he displayed his contract.  The 9-12ers had never seen someone actually pledge their sacred honor to these principles and values, and that was enough to garner their backing and energize them to support his campaign.

When Dick Armey endorsed Hoffman, he came and spoke to the group of volunteers.  “Dick Armey was an inspiring speaker. It was great to have some of our new members join us and old members return. The FreedomWorks rep said we were one of the most organized 9-12 groups, which got a laugh out of us, but he was serious.” It says something about what you’re doing to have it validated by the ‘old pros’ in the business, according to one of the original 9-12 organizers in central NY. You’ll find that from the inside, the organization wasn’t smooth-going.

This week you’ll hear from Jennifer, Sil and others involved in this campaign. Of course, we’ll let them tell you most of the story.  It’s their story to tell.  We’re grateful for the access, surprised that we were the only outlet interested, and encouraged by what we’ve learned. Nonetheless with six-weeks’ notice, these volunteers raised the profile of the campaign and the 9-12 movement.  As we release more information you’ll have an opportunity to discern the lessons to take back to your 9-12 groups.

We consider these folks the true patriots. In addition, they are pioneers, whose homemade tools and ideas can be leveraged forward to sharpen your craft, if you choose to use them.

Stay tuned.  We’ll be releasing each article at 8 p.m. CT this week.  We need as many of you as possible to help us spread the word.  Articles and announcements appearing on this side can be republished, so long as a link is provided to the original source.

About the Authors:

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Jacob Roecker is the founder of 912Candidates.org, father of four, an Eagle Scout, and a 2-time veteran of the Iraq War, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal.  Jacob is a graduate of Utah State University where he earned a degree in Speech Communication.  While a student, Jacob committed himself to benefiting his college community and for his efforts received the University’s Robins Award for “Man of the Year.”

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Nanette Kirsch is a married mother of four and marketing communication professional in Tyler, Texas, who identifies herself as conservative.  She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.  She currently serves as editor-in-chief for 912Candidates.org, creating and posting submissions from volunteers and guest authors about 9-12 candidates. She may be contacted at editor@912candidates.org.

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