Write In Al

Hi--Some of us actually tried the write-in approach in New Hampshire in '04. We worked in state after state in the primary season, and unfortunately, it's virtually impossible to get enough people to vote by a write-in that almost certainly won't win as opposed to voting for someone who's actually on the ballot. They feel as if they're wasting their vote, and sadly, they most likely are.

There may have been a time in our history when winning by a write-in vote was feasible, but I'm afraid those days are gone.

If we can't get him to declare his candidacy, I don't see much point in pursuing anything. Besides, if he chooses not to get in the race, that pretty much means he either doesn't want to run again or he doesn't think he can win. Would it be right for us to keep insisting that he get in against his will? I don't think so.

In the end, this is his decision. We should be doing everything we can now to encourage him to run and get other people to do likewise. But if he makes that dreaded Shermanesque statement, I think at that point it's time to give up our efforts.

Just my opinion, of course.