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[–]douchewaffle 34 points35 points ago

Just a heads up - 2/5 is Super Bowl Sunday, so you'd probably get a better turnout by doing the AMA on 2/4 or maybe even the next weekend.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 7 points8 points ago

And this is why I didn't set it in stone :)

[–]nailz1000 5 points6 points ago

Also this is reddit. Most of us won't watch the superbowl. Also what's your candidates stance on Gay Rights? If you know. I didn't see that in the original thread. Being a conservative town, I have a horrible feeling I already know the answer. Also, please tell him not to use the line "we need to change congress". We all know we need to change congress. We also know Anyone who says this is full of fucking shit.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 1 point2 points ago

Gay Rights? you'll be able to ask during the AMA, and I will also let the team know that this is something Reddit wants to know about.

Believe it or not the "we need change in Congress" line works really well for your typical primary voter. even the "This election is about beating Obama" works in a GOP Primary. I consider it a bunch of BS, but yea...

[–]nailz1000 1 point2 points ago

Well, please don't use it here.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 1 point2 points ago

Noted

[–]mad87645 2 points3 points ago

This is definitely a smart man, I feel much better now.

[–]Sindragon 26 points27 points ago

Since you're here and you're the New Media guy, can I make a suggestion that you lose the "eyes" banner at the top of www.sheriffmackforcongress.com

I think you're probably going for "honesty", but it looks more like the campaign website for Emperor Palpatine. I found it quite unnerving.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 10 points11 points ago

I even upvoted this. Trust me the eyes will be gone with the new website.

[–]meatspace 2 points3 points ago

Thanks for the lulz.

[–]baalsitch 8 points9 points ago

If he took money from the MPAA, or any other hollywood asshat, smear him.

[–][deleted] ago*

[deleted]

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 4 points5 points ago

Will be fixed with new website by the weekend.

[–]bwilliams18 5 points6 points ago

How can I donate?/Will you make a prettier website?

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 7 points8 points ago*

1.) we are setting up a website [http://www.abucktocrushsopa.com](www.abucktocrushsopa.com) where the messaging will be focused on why SOPA sucks. That will be the best place where we can take online donations. Friends don't let friends use Paypal for campaign donations.

Edit: for some odd reason using the direct link isn't working for some people. Just copy and paste www.abucktocrushsopa.com in your browser.

Edit: direct forward link until we fix it. Remember we don't plan to be pushing anything until after the weekend. https://secure.piryx.com/donate/IFRtcDy9/Sheriff-Mack/crushsopa

2.) OH GOD YES!

[–]danjayh 3 points4 points ago

FYI I (and probably many others) will not donate until there is an option to do so that's non-repeating. Currently, the closest thing is "donate now, and once more."

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 1 point2 points ago

When the page is completed, you will have a link for a one time donation. Please remember that the page isn't anywhere near complete. We should have it up completely by Sunday

[–]rcsheets 3 points4 points ago

Your link is slightly broken.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

fixed. Remember this site is VERY beta. Should be up completely by Sunday

[–]Grande_Yarbles 3 points4 points ago

Link still isn't working.

Strongly recommend you change that headshot and definitely the header photo. Photos should convey feelings and for a welcome page it should be one that's warm. Ultimately you want people to like your candidate, even if they don't agree with his/her views.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

sigh on the link... it's on my list to fix

and thank you for your advice. This was a big point I brought up to the campaign.

[–]rcsheets 2 points3 points ago

Friends don't [let] friends use Paypal for campaign donations.

I just donated to the campaign using PayPal. Was that bad? :-(

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

Oh no not at all! We are switching from Paypal over the weekend because Paypal has a history of charging a higher rate and holding people's money. Plus while most of us know our Paypal passwords, we are in the minority.

Thank you for your donation! :)

[–]electronics-engineer 2 points3 points ago

Paypal has a history of ... holding people's money.

Pro Tip: link the Paypal account to a bank account at a bank that you don't have any other accounts at, then sweep all the money in that account to an account at another bank on a daily basis. That way they can only hold one day's donations.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 4 points5 points ago

Or use Piryx that doesn't give me any hassles and takes less money.

[–]rcsheets 1 point2 points ago

Okay, cool. Totally agreed on reasons not to use PayPal, BTW.

[–]TheImperative 2 points3 points ago

I think you a word

[–]usyed1 0 points1 point ago

BROKEN LINK. plz fix it so i can pass it to others so they can donate to you.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 1 point2 points ago

fixed on the page. Bear in mind the page is in beta and we will have it completely up this weekend.

[–]ethanlan 4 points5 points ago

If the Texas twenty first district is as conservative as you say it is, you guys should focus on Lamar Smith's connections to Hollywood if you can.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 4 points5 points ago*

I don't want to talk too much about messaging as I'm sure Lamar Smith staffers are lurking here.

[–]meatspace 2 points3 points ago

Hey Lamar Smith Staffers. Anything you see here will likely increase your likelihood of ulcers. Enjoy!

[–]mmtrjh01 2 points3 points ago

OP, what is the general consensus/opinion on SOPA and Lamar Smith's recent excuses for legislation in TX-21? Giving redditors a perspective of how the residents of that area think will help us mobilize/think-of-creative-ways-to-destroy-Lamar-Smith better.

[–]miredblu 4 points5 points ago

dude, i love my state but it can be a bit embarrassing when it comes to general knowledge of current affairs. most people in that district haven't even heard of sopa. the way to take down a republican in texas is with money. convince people that he is less "conservative" than his opponent by paying off everyone in the local party. we have one of the most openly corrupt state governments in the country. you can't beat lamar by raising half of is war chest you have to trump it. on the plus side that's pretty much all you have to do.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

We will be debuting different messaging soon. I don't want to say much of anything now because you can bet money Lamar's Smith people are lurking

[–]electronics-engineer 2 points3 points ago

(Everybody together) HI, LAMAR SMITH'S PEOPLE! Our sympathy on your upcoming defeat in the primaries. Try to get Lamar to promise you a job after he start his new career as a paid RIAA / MPAA lobbyist.

[–]mmtrjh01 2 points3 points ago

So the only hope is to moneybomb this Sheriff Mack?

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

I'm talking to various groups about moneybombs. We're asking to wait until our website doesn't have creepy eyes on it anymore.

Moneybomb isn't the only hope. Assuming we get funds raised we should be having a virtual call center where you can make phone calls to voters in TX-21.

[–]mmtrjh01 2 points3 points ago

We're asking to wait until our website doesn't have creepy eyes on it anymore.

Well I guess you gotta start somewhere!

[–]rcsheets 1 point2 points ago

Assuming we get funds raised we should be having a virtual call center where you can make phone calls to voters in TX-21.

Very interesting idea!

[–]miredblu 1 point2 points ago

i'd say it's our best hope, but where there's a will there's a way right. a grass roots campaign isn't out of the question. voter turnout is miserably low so a dedicated local movement could swing things in any direction theoretically. it's a matter of getting people to petition and vote for mack to be the republican candidate when the entirety of the local political elite will be opposing him because there's more money in it for them to keep lamar. if mack can hand them each a wad of cash bigger than what lamar will get them by being in office then they hand mack the candidacy. if a thousand pissed off citizens stand up and say "anyone but that fucker!" then mack might win that way too. the problem with the latter is no one in this state seems to be paying attention. however there are some areas in that district that really could pull through for us. i'm not intimately familiar with the 21st but i know that there is a degree of intellectualism in the austin area but there's also a shit ton of old money who know lamar can bring home more bacon than mack.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 3 points4 points ago

You have to remember the average GOP Primary vote is Grandparents age. So going with just a "my opponent voted SOPA and SOPA is bad" message won't work.

Trust me we have messaging plans in place

[–]7yler 3 points4 points ago

I like grandparents.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

My grandparents rock

[–]7yler 4 points5 points ago

Mine too

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 3 points4 points ago

Upvote for awesome Grandparents

[–]swartze 2 points3 points ago

Actually, I work for the Chairman of the Comal County Republican Party (which is at least partly in district). A few of the more vocal members of the party are angry with Smith over both NDAA and SOPA. I've explained it in simple terms and they asked decent questions. Now they're explaining it to the other members of the county part as being more government regulation and more cost to tax payers. Smith is definitely in trouble as long as get the word out.

[–]weeeeearggggh 0 points1 point ago*

SOPA is big government censorship, no? That's not very conservative.

As a former conservative Christian, worries about the government persecuting people for their faith are pretty strong. Like we watched cheesy sci-fi in church about people trying to survive government police state oppression after the rapture. Not sure if this government censoring religious content meme would work in TX-21 or not.

[–]Nurdeek 3 points4 points ago

Don't forget about ACTA.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 4 points5 points ago

we won't

[–]Nurdeek 3 points4 points ago

Super!

[–]Nurdeek 2 points3 points ago

There is a drive for a petition right now. They have half of the 500,000 signatures they need. Stop ACTA

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 3 points4 points ago*

As I don't have a official statement, I can't give what Sheriff Mack's stance would be on such a crap piece of legislation. It will be addressed later on.

Edit: grammar

[–]rcsheets 2 points3 points ago

I can give

Guessing you meant can't.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

Exactly

[–]maximusDM 4 points5 points ago

might the 21st district map still change? I live just inside the 21st district near downtown Austin. But I keep hearing that they have to change the map again.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

It might. Just make sure you're registered GOP so you can vote for Sheriff Mack assuming you're in the district.

[–]pasher7 4 points5 points ago

You don't have to register as GOP in Texas. Just show up and vote as a republican in the primary.

[–]meatspace 2 points3 points ago

In Texas, you can vote in primaries without being a member of the party?

[–]pasher7 2 points3 points ago

Yes... It is called an Open Primary. When you register to vote there is no option to select a party.

Voter Application: https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/vrapp/index.asp

[–]meatspace 2 points3 points ago

So in Texas you get to vote for president twice....

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

Thanks pasher

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 8 points9 points ago

I know he loves Guns and Freedom. The rest I would need a official statement on.

[–]Pandarsenic 3 points4 points ago

Those are reasonable things to love.

[–]mikuotaku01 5 points6 points ago

we all do bro

[–]scrottie 2 points3 points ago

Is Sheriff Mack taking volunteer phone dialers?

My other comment: http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/oyd16/lamar_smith_the_scumbag_behind_sopa_is_up_for/c3l83b9

A lot of people want to do something. Donating money is one thing, but surely the volunteer time if a percentage of people gave a few minutes would amount to something as well.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 3 points4 points ago

Assuming we get the funds in I want to have a virtual call center set up

[–]tlydon007 1 point2 points ago

What is his position on NDAA??

Is he running as a Democrat??

What politicians would he say he identifies with the most??

Is he going to sign Grover Norquist's pledge never to increase taxes??

[–]thetoxicmonarch 2 points3 points ago

What is the second question mark hoping to accomplish??

[–]nofilmincamera 0 points1 point ago

ಠ_ಠ I must know!!

[–]tlydon007 0 points1 point ago

It's a good question.

On political forums like this one, I've noticed that any message I post that can be misinterpreted will be misinterpreted. There seems to be an army of Ron Paul / Alex Jones / Lyndon Larouche fanatics ready to deliberately twist what I've posted with the goal of replying and accusing me of being a [Socialist, CIA, Zionist, Communist, Nazi, etc] for questioning something they hold dear.

So I suppose I use double punctuation and double-spacing sometimes in order to make sure my message is so clear and unambiguous that even they can understand its intended meaning.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]miredblu 3 points4 points ago

lol. if he's running as a democrat he may as well not run. i don't think you understand how entrenched the republican party is in texas. most republicans run uncontested in this part of the world.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

Would you be okay if we answers these in an AMA at a future time?

But he is running in a GOP Primary.

[–]tlydon007 5 points6 points ago

I guess that would be okay.

But I'll likely never support anyone that refers to stem cells as "fetuses" and declares that the constitution is divinely inspired (pretty much shitting on the secular republic that constitution was written to establish).

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago

Thank you for your patience.

[–]ranscot 4 points5 points ago

This district includes Llano, Blanco and even Williamson County, come on. That is a pretty conservative part of Texas, I mean, even for Texas.

If all this Republican is mainly in disagreement with the hivemind is over abortion, that's pretty darn good.

This: In 1994, he was named Elected Official of the Year by the Arizona-New Mexico Coalition of Counties and was inducted into the NRA Hall of Fame being named NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Okay, that's pretty much what you usually expect from those parts to be the candidate, not the Hollywood Cocktail Crusader Lamar Smith.

I mean, District 21 is more Mack people, if you ask. I guess Lamar's people are in DC. But either way, I'd rather have whatever 3-legged dog the Texas Democratic Party drags out face Mack than Smith.

I'm willing to over the abortion issue, mostly because he's not running for Supreme Court.

[–]pasher7 2 points3 points ago

I propose we only refer to Lamar as the "Hollywood Cocktail Crusader" from this point forward. That would be a great google bomb.

[–]tlydon007 -1 points0 points ago

Well, it's actually the stem cell issue he's addressing. So he pretty much takes the abortion issue to its extreme.

Also, he doesn't really say his position regarding SOPA other than saying the laws don't need to be changed. That really doesn't even address SOPA because the drastic changes are in the enforcement. When someone doesn't criticize something for what it is, I'm skeptical. I've heard many of these Tea Party candidates go on and on espousing such ambiguous notions of freedom that are really just a thin veil covering their crypto-fascist views.

[–]electronics-engineer 0 points1 point ago

The unsubscribe button is over there --->

Sheriff Mack is the candidate we have. If you oppose him you are supporting Lamar Smith. Your perfect candidate that agrees with you on all things isn't running, and wouldn't win if he did.

[–]electronics-engineer 1 point2 points ago

But I'll likely never support anyone that...

If you don't support Sheriff Mack because he doesn't share some of your views, then you get Lamar Smith, who doesn't share even more of your views. We don't have the perfect Reddit candidate here, and if we did, he wouldn't stand a chance of winning in rural Texas.

[–]tlydon007 0 points1 point ago

It's a waste of peoples' money to support him if he doesn't take any concrete positions.

All he's offered is an extremely luke warm criticism of SOPA. He doesn't say anything substantial to back up his opposition because he most likely supports a massive crackdown on pirated material on the internet, but only believes that the current laws are sufficient to justify it.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]tlydon007 0 points1 point ago

That's right!!

I'm a pro-choice, anti-SOPA Lamar Smith campaign staffer.

[–]porkpie-hat -2 points-1 points ago

So you're a strategist? This post is slightly discouraging. Why on Earth aren't you doing everything you can to make Reddit feel included and draw them in?

[–]electricfistula 7 points8 points ago

He is telling like it is, just accept it. Without knowing anything about him, Sheriff Mack is probably an asshole. That'll do though, I'd prefer to send a message against people authoring things like SOPA and I think electing pretty much anyone is worth doing that.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 5 points6 points ago

Thank you.

I'm going to be honest. I don't have the time to deal with Redditors who are going to say "since they are both Republican it's a choice between Hitler and Mussolini" For people in that camp they have two options. The Candidate they hate who wants to control the Internet, or the Candidate they hate who wants the Internet to be free. If you don't choose, someone else will choose for you,

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 4 points5 points ago

This is a BobHatter Opinion.

I made it clear that I don't think many Redditors will like most of his views (I would love to be wrong) because we can't waste resources fighting on what doesn't matter. TX-21 will have a conservative candidate, the difference Reddit can make is on whether it's a conservative who thinks laws like SOPA are good, or laws like SOPA are bad.

[–]rcsheets 1 point2 points ago

So you're a strategist?

No, he's Director of New Media.

[–]MaverickTTT 1 point2 points ago

Before committing any further, I want to see written statements on the candidate's website pledging a genuine opposition to SOPA/PIPA, as well as NDAA.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 5 points6 points ago

I can't comment on the NDAA until we have a official statement. Thank you for your patience

And we will make it crystal clear his opposition to both SOPA/PIPA

[–]7yler 5 points6 points ago

and NDAA.

/FTFY

[–]TheDunkinJew 3 points4 points ago

I hope his opposition will be just as steadfast to NDAA as it is to SOPA/PIPA considering the implications are so much more grave.

[–]gwiffy -3 points-2 points ago

Your Directing his Media Campaign?.. Your posting is riddled with grammatical errors... Uh oh.

[–]TheBobHatter[S] 2 points3 points ago*

I think you mean "Your postings are riddled with grammatical errors."

[–]electronics-engineer 2 points3 points ago

Posting about minor grammar issues in a Reddit post once is annoying. Twice is stupid. Three times is a Lamar Smith supporter looking for something to complain about.