"We're back in the saddle again out where a friend is a friend...Ridin' the range once more...Back in the saddle again." We are back campaigning again, and just like Gene Autry, we feel a little like we never left. The campaign trail is old, familiar ground now. We have indeed begun to feel at home meeting and greeting folks, shaking their hands, and partaking in the social life of Western Oklahoma.
We kicked off this phase of the campaign at Southwestern's Organization Fair, where Doug had a booth. He and Keenan greeted students, gave them voter registration forms, and gave away Tootsie Rolls and pens. A large percentage of the student population took class notes that day with a "Doug Haught for District Judge" pen.
Next, we had a booth at the Washita County Fair. Again we gave away voter registration forms, Tootsie Rolls, and pens. The Tootsie Rolls were a hit with the kids and a good way to lure parents to the booth. The Washita County Fair is great fun with handmade exhibits, homemade food, show animals, and a carnival. This quintessential rural American phenomenon attracts a huge crowd. In fact, Doug was not the only candidate appealing to the electorate. Several people vying for state offices made appearances.
After the fair, we were off to Arnett where we rode in the parade and attended the rodeo. While Doug and Brandon greeted the crowd and handed out campaign literature, Lauren, Eli, and I rode in the pickup, which was adorned with campaign signs. I drove, and Lauren and Eli threw candy to the crowd. Eli had a grand time; after all, candy and horses are two of his favorite things.
We spent the following evenings knocking on doors in Weatherford, and we were blessed with beautiful weather. When we are canvassing door-to-door, we just never know whom we will meet. I ran into a former student that I had not seen in several years, and Doug met up with a second cousin he had not visited with in a long time. Both were pleasant surprises.
This past weekend found us at Cheyenne's Day in the Park, where we enjoyed great music and where Roger Mills County firefighters and EMTs were recognized. We followed up this event with a ceremony honoring Chief Lawrence Hart at the Visitor Center at the Washita Battlefield. It was a moving ceremony, and we connected with several people from all over Western Oklahoma.
Today we worshiped at the United Methodist Church in Weatherford and began planning the coming week. The fall is crammed with rodeos, festivals, and parades, so don't be surprised when we turn up at a celebration near you.
Remember a vote for Judge Haught is a vote for one of the state's finest, a man who understands and appreciates Western Oklahoma values and traditions.
