Awww. Poor Obama. Paul Ryan is stealing all of his thunder.

Lots of reasons to smile.

The internet exploded with excitement since Mitt Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate, with the new official Twitter account for the campaign, @PaulRyanVP, getting over 50,000 followers in the first day. The account now has almost 80,000.

The buzz translated in to real world effects too, with the thousands of conservatives using their wallets to show their pleasure with Romney's choice of Ryan. The campaign raised over $1.2 million in the first few hours after the announcement, and $3.5 million in the first 24 hours, as reported by campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul:

Grassroots vs. Michael Moore

I've seen a lot of different types of campaign fundraising strategies, but I have to say I'm really enjoying what the Sean Bielat campaign posted today: "Match Michael Moore." (Disclaimer: I work for the campaign...but you probably already knew that.)

Moore (along with a number of other liberal Hollywood elites) donated $2,500 to Joe Kennedy III. Team Bielat is asking grassroots supporters to match that by midnight tomorrow, and we're chatting about it on Twitter under the hashtag #MatchMichaelMoore.

Clear contrast in race for Massachusetts' 4th District

Sean Bielat, candidate (R, MA-4)

What a contrast...

Last Thursday, Republican Congressional candidate Sean Bielat kicked off his campaign for Massachusetts' Fourth Congressional District at a VFW Hall in Needham, a quaint little town of less than 30,000. Bielat asked his supporters to bring friends and make a "suggested donation" of $20.

Meanwhile, Bielat's Democratic opponent, Joe P. Kennedy III (grandson of Robert Kennedy), will be flying to California next week to raise money from some of those Democrats in Hollywood. Tickets start at $500 per person. 

Lydia Gardner Wine Tasting Event Tomorrow

My friend Lydia Gardner is having a Wine Tasting Fundraiser to support her re-election campaign as Orange County Clerk of Court. Please attend if you can:

Packed House for Plakon

Last Thursday evening, we had an amazing crowd for State Representative Scott Plakon's campaign kickoff. Over 250 people crowded into the clubhouse at the Alaqua Country Club - I had to park two blocks away. Plakon is clearly very popular here in Central Florida.

Photo by Bob Moylan

We had a little entertainment, courtesy of John "For The People" Morgan, who stopped by near the end of the event, but mainly, it was a wonderful chance to catch up with some great local conservatives and business leaders before the new legislative session starts.

On the note of session starting...

Come Support Scott Plakon on Thursday

State Representative Scott Plakon is kicking off his re-election campaign this Thursday, January 5th. Contributions in any amount are welcome. 

Hope you can join us. Here's a message from Representative Plakon and a link to the invitation with all the details:

Allen West is Laughing All The Way to the Bank

A million dollar $1.9 million smile.

Awwww. Poor, poor Democrats.

Literally...

As the Crowley Political Report notes, Republican Congressman Allen West raised an astonishing $1.9 million during the last financial quarter, far outpacing his two Democrat rivals:

Crowley Political Report | Allen West piles up the cash; should Democrats just surrender now?

Come join us to meet Teresa Jacobs

I'm on the host committee for a casual, "low-country boil" event for Teresa Jacobs' campaign for Orange County Mayor tomorrow night.

 

Click on image below to view invite:

 

Please join us if you can.  For more information about Teresa Jacobs, go to http://www.teresaformayor.com.