31,000+ Miles, over 200 Public Events, and a Campaign That Keeps Showing Up
I put on 941 miles last week bringing my total for this campaign to over 31,000. We had 7 campaign stops in 6 different counties. We walked in 4 parades and brought the “get out the vote boat” to 2 of them. I’ve wondered if walking in parades is the best use of time for me, so I try to make the most of them. I try to shake as many people’s hands as possible and introduce myself. I do my best to look people in the eye, give a firm handshake and say “my name is Erik Osberg & I’m running for Congress.” Another version is “Hi, I’m Erik” with a quick handshake. Sometimes, people say “good luck.” Sometimes they say “thanks” and sometimes they say “you got this” or “you got my vote” or “good luck.” Not sure if they will vote for me, or remember me come November. But at least we made a connection. Better yet, a face-to-face connection. One of these times we will need to have a volunteer with a clicker to count how many hands I shake in a parade. Kids get “high fives.”
2 parades are on the schedule for this week, along with 3 county fairs and some other opportunities to connect.
One of the goals of this campaign is to find joy along the journey. I know there are plenty of reasons to be frustrated or even angry right now. Good results tend to find people who put in the work and bring a positive energy to those around them. Hope you will join us. There are many ways to help. You can volunteer, donate, or forward this email to a friend.
A Look Ahead
There are plenty of festivals, county fairs, and parades coming up over the next couple months. Some of the highlights are listed below. For a full list of upcoming events, click here: https://www.erikosberg4congress.com/events/
Events with links are to sign up via Mobilize:
Tuesday, June 23rd – Turnout Tuesdays with Team Erik – Virtual
Tuesday, June 23rd – Doorknock with Team Erik – Ada
Tuesday, June 24th – Norman County Fair – Ada
Thursday, June 25th – Doorknock with Team Erik – Crookston
Friday, June 26th – Hubbard County DFL Walleye Dinner – Park Rapids
Saturday, June 27th – Grande Day Parade – Willmar
Saturday, June 27th – Doorknock with Team Erik – Moorhead
Sunday, June 28th – Morrison County Fair – Little Falls
Sunday, June 28th – Todd County Fair – Long Prairie
Monday, June 29th – Door Knock with Team Erik – Starbuck
A Look Back
This week, we crossed 30,000 miles on the campaign trail and reached 201 public events since launching. That’s an average of about three public events a week for more than 15 months — all while working full time and raising a family.
When we say “we can do better,” this is what we mean: showing up, listening, and being accountable to the people of Minnesota’s 7th District.
The “Get Out the Vote Boat” was back on the road this week, making stops at parades across western Minnesota. Volunteers and I joined neighbors in Montevideo, Canby, Perham, and Paynesville — shaking hands, seeing familiar faces, and bringing the “we can do better” message directly to voters.
The Becker County crew hosted another successful postcard writing party and prepared 532 postcards to be mailed. Special thanks to Nicole LeDoux and everyone who helped make it happen.
Even when I took a night off, Team Osberg kept showing up. Supporters gathered with the Murray County DFL and continued spreading the message that it’s going to take all 38 counties to flip MN-07.
Our campaign now has fifty 4’ x 8’ signs available for high-visibility locations. To keep the campaign fiscally responsible, supporters are asked to cover the $50 cost if they are able. Anyone with a strong location can reach out to Field Director Evan Mattson at evanm@erikosberg4congress.com
Actions you can take
We’re committed to investing our campaign dollars into people power. We have four full-time staffers now and would like to add two more to give us the capacity to reach as many voters across the district as possible. Your financial support can help us secure more boots on the ground. Please give what you can today: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/erik-osberg060126
We have well over 569 volunteers already signed up, and we are gonna need more. And we’re just getting started. Join the movement to help us Do Better: https://www.erikosberg4congress.com/get-involved
Host a House Party
House parties are a great way to organize in your local community and help to raise funds and recruit volunteers in a comfortable setting. You can either invite neighbors, family, and friends or ask us to invite local supporters and friends-to-be. To get more information on hosting a house party, contact Gary Osberg: gary@erikosberg4congress.com or (320)293-6771.
Spread the word
Forward this email to a friend. Invite a friend, relative, or otherwise to be a part of this movement.
YARD SIGNS are available in our Swag Store. Help us fund our grassroots campaign and spread the word that there is a candidate who can do better by purchasing a yard sign.
With gratitude,
Erik
