Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will be posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local). This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Grass Roots Leaders and Volunteers (Pride Part 3)
I am PROUD of the grass roots organization in our state, and their tireless work even in the face of often grim / daunting reality. As Diamond Dog said, people could just give up and go watch TV, or spend more time with their friends or family. But, as DD also said, we can't give up. The stakes are too high. As Rush Limbaugh recently stated, "We must be recommitted to communicate and educate. Recently, we've thought the conservative education process was complete. The conservative education process is never complete."

If I tried to name everyone who deserves recognition here, I'd surely miss some people, but I'll point out some great role models for activism:

• Carole Christianson - who worked tirelessly to plan so much of the SD 45 work, then stepping up to do so many things when there wasn't anyone else to perform the work. The MN state party would be in great shape if we had a half dozen Carole Christiansens in each district.

• Folks such as Len Thiede, who are willing to go above and beyond in raising money for local candidates; having the big-picture / long-term vision of Republican party presence and expansion within the district, regardless of the current term prospects.

• Ron Stocke - who put some common sense organization and execution into place regarding lawn sign programs

• My wife Anita - picking up many activities for the Brigham campaign (as if she doesn't have enough to do with home schooling, raising 3 kids, and managing our household).

• Andy Aplikowski & the Northern Alliance Radio Network (and the rest of the blog / talk radio new media coalition): leading the charge in transforming communication and education via new media, while diminishing the old media's importance, and holding old media and opposition candidates accountable.

• Grassroots guys such as Rob Hewitt and Scott Brooks, working tirelessly to promote the conservative cause, despite facing long odds and sometimes even violent hostility in the belly of the Minneapolis beast. Guys like these are true soldier/heroes in the fight to save our traditional conservative way of life, and in keeping our nation strong and secure.

Stay tuned for Perspective - What do the results really tell us? What can we do better?