Candidates Taking Nothing For Granted In The 6th District
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The race for Minnesota's 6th District finds both Michele Bachman and Jim Graves taking nothing for granted the day before Election Day.
Their race is easily the most expensive one in the state with a combined $22-$24 million spent. But the candidates aren't just relying on money. On Monday, they used some old fashioned tactics to help win votes.
With all the energy and fire of a first-time candidate, Bachmann took no chances. She spent the day making the rounds canvassing her district.
At the Blaine campaign office, a swarm of largely young volunteers were dialing for votes. Bachmann thanked them for their enthusiasm and hard work.
"Literally from the time they hit the floor in the morning until they go to bed at night, [they're] calling and working; and that's what we have to do," Bachmann said. "I highly respect the voters of the district and we're working hard for every single vote."
Graves also stopped by to thank his phone bank volunteers. Then he went to college campuses to make a direct appeal to young voters. He may be outspent by Bachmann, but he won't be outworked.
"We're being outspent 12 to 1, but we're getting our message out," Graves said. "It's resonating and, at the end, the only poll that counts is tomorrow (November 6), and we feel good about it."
Of the $24 million spent, most of it has been by Bachmann. However, she made a case to her supporters Monday: She asked them to remember back to the Coleman-Franken race, which was decided by just a few hundred votes.
Why are the candidates putting so much emphasis on phone banks?
Because, in the end, what matters most is that people get to the polls. TV spots are nice, but they don't connect one-on-one like a phone call.
Both campaigns say they'll make tens of thousands of direct phone calls Monday.
