Now is the time to Give Smart
This is a brainy way to start activating your loved ones who care about democracy.
We’re still in the season when most Americans actively avoid anything related to elections. Sam Alito’s wife hasn’t even unfolded her coup flag yet. However, this is when our money matters most, and we have the best opportunity to be strategic.
I’m thrilled that the States Project has released its first Give Smart slate for the 2024 general election.
Donating on Oath (a new smart donation platform that promises less spam) or ActBlue (an older donation platform that yields a conventional amount of spam) is super easy.
Then, for the good of humanity, consider sharing this page with anyone you know who cares about democracy.
There are several reasons why this giving opportunity is a good way to explain to your early bird friends the big picture for this upcoming election cycle.
If they’re active citizens with some disposable income, they’ve probably considered donating or are already giving to Biden/Harris. The presidential ticket is raising lots of money and will be better funded than the Trump campaign. That doesn’t mean the right is surrendering at all. Tens of billions have and will be spent to defeat Joe Biden and hand Donald Trump a dictatorship, whether it’s through Super PACs, Fox News, or buying Twitter.
That’s why earlyworm has adopted a strategic “reverse coattails” approach targeting down-ballot races that serve the dual purpose of activating voters who may lack enthusiasm by giving them a candidate to be excited about and winning strategic power.
For us, who can’t quit this stuff, focusing on joining or starting a Giving Circle, like earlyworm’s Flipping Arizona, is the best use of our frisson. For everyone else, Give Smart makes “reverse coattails” simple and cost-effective. It’s based on the extensive analysis of Aaron Kleinman, director of research for the States Project, one of the sharpest political minds in the country.
“Give Smart sends money to the candidates that have the best chance to win power in state legislatures” is the mission. And if you need a reminder of why we think this is the most effective use of our time, energy, and money, please listen to this interview with Melissa Walker of the States Project.
Here in Michigan, we’ve seen historic change thanks to the kind of strategic giving. The trifecta we won in 2022 by a margin of just a few hundred votes has resulted in tangible wins like free lunches for kids and monumental change like getting rid of the pre-Roe abortion ban and passing an excellent clean energy bill, perhaps the best in the nation.
This slate of candidates is a good opportunity to discuss the intelligence of focusing on state legislatures and note where some of the best strategic targets are in this cycle.
HOLD: In Michigan, we must hold the trifecta, hold a US Senate seat, and maintain the Blue Wall to ensure a Biden/Harris victory.
GAIN: In Arizona, we need a seat in each statehouse to win a trifecta; in addition, we need to hold a US Senate seat while also trying to deny Trump the state.
REACH: In North Carolina, we can break a supermajority in the state legislature, giving a Democratic governor a chance to govern. Also, the Tar Heel state was closer than Michigan in 2020, and with the freaks Republicans have nominated statewide, there’s a real chance for a shift in North Carolina.
Because you’re an earlyworm, you’d like you know more about these candidates (though your early bird friends probably won’t). So let us save you some Googling.
Nicholas Gonzales, Legistlative District 13
Nicholas is an entrepreneur, a community planner, and a father, now running for State Legislature in his home district of LD13. Raised in Chandler and educated in the Chandler Unified School District and ASU, Nicholas is deeply connected to the Chandler community. Nicholas is firmly committed to restoring reproductive freedom and affordable housing in Arizona. As a business owner, Nicholas is passionate about economic development and knows the importance of education so that Arizona’s economy can continue to thrive.
INCUMBENT: Matias Rosales, Arizona Legislative District 23
Matias is a three-term elected official locally here in the city of San Luis, and is ready for the next step and representing not only rural communities but all of LD23 in the state legislature. He is a real estate professional, San Luis City Councilmember, and former Vice Mayor, and has lived in a border community for 20 years.
INCUMBENT: Christine Marsh, Arizona Senate District 4
Christine Marsh grew up in her legislative district and still lives only a few blocks away from her childhood home. Growing up, she attended schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District and graduated from Chaparral High School. Running has always been part of her life. She started running in her neighborhood and in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve when she was just 12 and pursued track in high school and in college, attending UCLA on an athletic scholarship.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Christine returned home to Arizona and began her teaching and coaching career at Chaparral. She taught junior and senior English for 25 years before making the decision to move to middle school. She currently is in her 29th year of teaching in public schools in Arizona.
She has a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Education Administration.
In 2016, Christine was named Arizona Teacher of the Year, an experience that provided her the opportunity to travel the state to see first-hand the issues faced by Arizona’s students and communities.
Christine is a former foster mother and a mother to two sons. She currently sits on the Senate Education Committee and on the Transportation and Technology Committee. She continues to teach while serving in the State Senate--and she runs in the Mountain Preserve every day!
Lorenza M. Wilkins, North Carolina House District 25
Dr. Lorenza Wilkins is an equity-driven servant leader and inductee into the National Society of Leadership and Success with a career of advocating for education, small businesses, and our children. His background includes multi-level experience in the private, public, and social sectors; currently serving as Chief Officer of People and Culture at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, formerly serving in human resources leadership roles and as an Executive Fellow at FUSE Corps, Executive Director at Rebound, Alternatives for Youth, Senior Director of Programs and Operations at Made in Durham, Program Manager at the Triangle Literacy Council, and Talent Advisor at CSX. Dr. Wilkins has lived in Nash County for over 22 years, is a native of Lake Gaston, N.C., and enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and family. His hobbies include volunteering, gardening, weight training, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Denise Mentzer, Michigan House of Representatives District 61
“I'm Denise Mentzer. I grew up right here in Clinton Township and graduated from L'Anse Creuse High. My father retired as a Detective Lieutenant from the Macomb County Sheriff's Department after 34 years of service. He has influenced many members of our family to serve in law enforcement. I earned a degree in Business Administration from Baker College while working full-time and taking classes at night. In 2011, I purchased a home in Mount Clemens and became interested in City issues. In 2013 I was elected to serve on the Mount Clemens City Commission and have served for nearly 10 years.”
INCUMBENT: Reggie Miller, Michigan House of Representatives District 31
Regina Miller was given the nickname “Reggie” by her father, who passed away when she was a young girl. She was raised by a single mother with very meager means after her father passed away. Her childhood summers and weekends were spent earning extra money to help her family. At the age of 9 years old, Reggie had steady work babysitting the neighborhood kids and her first part-time job at the age of 14 years old. Miller is married to her college sweetheart, and they raised their two children in the area. Reggie enjoys gardening, photography, and traveling. She and her husband are members of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Miller began serving as Van Buren Township Trustee in 2012 and has been elected to three consecutive terms. She has served as the board liaison for both the Senior Endowment Committee and the Elections Committee. Previously, Miller served as the former Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Executive Director of the National Strawberry Festival and Vice President of the Belleville Downtown Development Authority. Miller is a member of the League of Women Voters. She has volunteered for two homeowners associations serving in different roles, and was a former Savage School volunteer in the resource room. She also volunteers for the Salvation Army annual holiday kettle drive. During Reggie Miller’s first term in office she donated one year’s salary to the local schools, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and to the Belleville Area Council for the Arts.
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We’ll keep bringing you more information about smart giving and the candidates we’re backing so you can share them with the rest of the world. And please let us know what else you’re looking for as you try to do a little democracy saving.