Candidate's Corner: A friend of mine who stopped by my house a few days ago noted that my front hallway and living room were starting to resemble a campaign romper room. But that’s okay. The jumble is well worth it as we come into the final stretch to Tuesday, March 4^th.

But how to keep the momentum going without Hillary and Obama around? Not to mention that this year’s Election Day (March 4^th) is about as non-descript as the not-so-legendary figures and events I found associated with this day. Ever heard of Juha Helppi, a Finnish professional poker player who was born on March 4^th? Or Voldodymyr Morozov, the Ukrainian flat-water canoer? Me neither. Of a little more interest perhaps is that on March 4th, 1861, Abraham Lincoln became our 16^th president and on March 4th, 1917, Jeanette Rankin of Montana became the first female in the House of Representatives. For those of you counting down the minutes to usher in a new president on January 20^th, you might be asking how so March 4^th for Abe and Rankin? Answer: from 1789-1933 Inauguration Day was held on this day!

I can’t promise you that our local election on March 4^th will win us a ranking in the Wikipedia Encyclopedia but it will mark a fresh, exciting start for our district.  It goes without saying that I hope every reader of this newsletter and a good many more will “march forth” to the polls on March 4^th to make it an historic day for the 8^th Essex.  ~ Onward -- Lori

Grassroots Sprouts and News: 

~ While You’re Waiting for Spring. We know you’ve been eying longingly the bulbs in the gardening catalogs of late. And perhaps you’ve even cast a sidelong glance at the lonely empty flower pots in your garage. Well we have a great idea to help get your fingers nimble for the digging and planting tasks ahead. Please help us make phone calls to I.D. voters leading up to Election Day. It takes only about an hour to get through a call list. The good news too is that at this time of year, the doldrums of winter seem to make people a lot friendlier on the telephone. Please email electloriehrlich@gmail.com to volunteer. It’s so important we make these calls.

~ New Endorsements!!  We must be doing something right as the list is growing quickly. Over a dozen organizations have now endorsed Lori Ehrlich.  We also received some wonderful letters of support this week in the Swampscott and Marblehead Reporter. Check out some of these:

Swampscott

Paul Brownridge Political junkie picks Lori Ehrlich

Deborah Boggs Ehrlich's record reason to choose her

Lenora Frenkel 'Just a citizen' endorses Ehrlich

Lawrence Block, MD Lori Ehrlich will best represent Swampscott

Stephen H. Townsend Vote of confidence for Lori Ehrlich

Marblehead

Phil Gloudemans and Karen McLaughlin Ehrlich the 'clear choice'

Candidate thanks voters

~ Support Letters en Route. Asking for your support to help our campaign continue to run strong is our least favorite thing to do. However it is a very important component to our success. If you have not already done so, we hope you will consider a contribution. Secure online contributions can be made at www.loriehrlich.com or a check made out to The Committee to Elect Lori Ehrlich, 46 Gerald Rd., Marblehead, MA 01945.

~ New Signs are in! And quite stunning they are. Please email for yours electloriehrlich@gmail.com or let us know if our rapid response signage team needs to repair or replace.

~ In Case You Missed It. Lori Ehrlich and her Republican and Independent opponents discussed the issues at the recent Marblehead/Swampscott League of Women’s Voters Debate which can now be viewed on MHTV on the following dates:

v      Thursday, February 21 – 7:30 PM

v      Friday, February 22 – 1 PM

v      Tuesday, February 26 – 7:30 PM

v      Wednesday, February 27 – 1 PM

v      Monday, March 3 – 7:30 PM

v      Tuesday, March 4 – 1 PM

~Make March 4^th an Historic Day with the Trailblazing Team!!