THE US REPORT

Commentary by Donna Barrow

Last May I wrote an article detailing my evolution from “super voter” to “grassroots activist.”  I wrote that the U.S. Senate race between Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist is what it is all about for a political junkie like me because there is nothing more exciting and motivating than a candidate I am passionate about. I also stated that I believed that this race is for the heart and soul of the Republican Party, and that many super voters would have the same epiphany I had in 2004 and realize now is the time to take that next evolutionary step from super voter to grassroots volunteer. Others have come forward to do so; the numbers grow daily. [Commentary continues after video.]



I can report to you today that I have witnessed the beginning of the evolution and I want to tell you about some of the newest grassroots activists inspired by the Marco Rubio revolution. 

At a recent Young Republican event in Jacksonville a lady told me in the 53 years of her life she has never written a check to a candidate, and though she always goes to the polls on election day, she had never felt compelled to get involved until now.  She said she didn’t remember where she first heard Marco speak, but she knew he was the “real deal.”  Her family could not believe she had ventured downtown by herself that night to hear a candidate speak or that she tells everyone she meets about Marco Rubio. 

At that same event I met a couple in their 40s.  He had been active in grassroots in the past, she had never felt the need to get involved until now. The husband told me his wife stands outside her gym telling everyone who approaches about Marco Rubio.  I then learned that was only the beginning of her efforts on behalf of Marco.

She has put together information packages on Marco to give to friends, family and anyone who will listen.  She sat down with her eye doctor and sold him on Marco and said, “Now, get out your check book.”  She told her personal financial advisors that she is coming to talk to them about this true conservative running against Gov. Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by GOP Sen. Mel Martinez.  One Sunday, she and her husband joined us as we tailgated for Marco at the Jaguars game.
These are just two examples of Americans who have been motivated by Marco Rubio to take that step from “super voter” to “grassroots activist.” 

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about another friend who has been involved in grassroots much longer than I.  In fact, she worked for Ronald Reagan.  I spoke to her at the same Young Republican event and after hearing Marco she said to me almost in a whisper, as if afraid to say it aloud, “He sounds like Ronald Reagan.” 

Now I know there will never be another Ronald Reagan.  But, there can be a true conservative American leader who can invoke the Ronald Reagan vision that America is a “shining city on a hill.”  A conservative American leader who speaks of American exceptionalism and makes us feel proud to be Americans.  A leader who believes in what is good about America. 

Marco Rubio is a first generation American whose parents were Cuban exiles. They taught his brother and him about the greatness of America.  Having run Marco’s brother Mario’s grassroots campaign for the Florida State House, I have been a witness to the values and character instilled in them by their parents: honor, integrity, honesty, self-reliance, hard work, just to name a few.  When you add to that Marco’s charisma and ability to articulate his sincere conservative message and his love of country, then you have a man who can lead us out of the desert to that “shining city on a hill.”

If you haven’t yet joined the Rubio Revolution, it is not too late.  In fact, it’s the perfect time for your evolution to begin.

The Marco Rubio campaign: From evolution to revolution
by Donna Barrow
The US Report   10-29-09