It's the little things...

that can make a big difference in a political campaign, and as I've said before, I think some of the most critical endorsements are the ones that have relatively little marquee value. Maybe it's because I'm from a caucus state myself, where on person in a precinct hustling up a dozen friends on caucus night can have a big impact on the process.

A good example of the importance of the individual activist is presented in the Washington Post profile of Teri Goodman, who they present as "inarguably one of the essential political figures in the earnestly political city of Dubuque." Suggesting that John Kerry's increased attention, and increasing opportunities, in Iowa are to some degree directly related to the work Goodman has done in her hometown, it's a great example of how one person can still make a big difference in a campaign.

That's why I think it's such a big deal every time another local legislator, Party vice chair or PTA president signs on with a campaign. Those are the Teri Goodman's, and the people in touch with the Teri Goodman's, and in many cases those are the people that end up counting as much as the national strategists and media consultants in the final outcome of a campaign.