With the end of session in Olympia, we are one step closer to the beginning of real campaign season for the 2006 cycle. Soon we'll all start seeing the flyers, fund rasing letters, ads and pleas for volunteers. The question is, what are we going to do in response?

For my part, I'll probably pick a couple of races that mean a lot to me, places where I think I can help make a difference, and where there's a condidate that has the same priorities that I do (community development, good government, smart spending). I could also see myself getting ivolved in a race where I am more concerned with defeating an incumbent than I am helping a challenger.

What are you going to do this session?

What do you wnat BetterDonkey to do this session? (do you care what BD does?)

A couple of online resources you might find helpful in figuring this out:

The Washington State Democratic Party: A good place to start, learn about the party in general, check out the election calendar, get plugged in.

The WA House Democratic Campaign Committee: This is the group that is working to try to help elect good candidates to the State House. The House is an important incubator for good policy, and the Speaker (Frank Chopp) is a heck of a Democrat.

THe WA Senate Democratic Campaign COmmittee: This site is only helpful if you are looking for something specific. Honestly, if qanybody working on the Senate side is reading this --- FIX YOUR SITE! IT LOOKS TERRIBLE! Seriously, the Senate has a slimmer majority, and we need more room over there if we're going to get anything done.

Democracy For Washington: This is the state PAC of the organization spawned by Dean's 2004 campaign. Here's a well run campaign site, with lots to learn, and a good organization to tap into. Another good place to start.

Maria Cantwell's reelection site: A good place to learn about Cantwell and her reelection bid. Dont hold your breath for a callback if you send your name in to volunteer. On the other hand, if you feel like sending money, I'm sure they'll write you back real quick.

The Seattle Green Party: A ggod place to learn about Aaron Dixon and his challenge to Cantwell. I'm not psyched about his run, think it could hurt us in the long run, but maybe you feel differently. Go check it out.

So, what are you going to do?