It’s taken 25 states, 91 cities, and 24 churches, but the Values Bus officially hit the 40,000-mile mark this month! Remarkably, until the heavens opened up on our recent visit to Maine, storms never caused a cancellation at one of our events!
Undaunted by one weather-scrubbed event, the team from FRCAction and Heritage Foundation engaged the citizens of Maine at events like the Moxie Festival, where we signed up people as Champions and in favor of Saving the American Dream. Prior to setting up though, the Values Bus was one of the premiere “floats” during the Moxie Festival parade down Main Street with an audience of approximately 20,000. Our team was happy to walk alongside–handing out candy, shaking hands, and enjoying the thumbs up and words of encouragement from the folks gathered. Before leaving for the Granite State of New Hampshire, the Bus met up with FRC’s Dr. Kenyn Cureton at Calvary Chapel in Bangor, Maine, where Kenyn preached at both Sunday services. Pastor Kevin Graves of Calvary Chapel, warmly welcomed the Values Bus and invited his congregation to register to vote if they have not done so already. We owe much of our success during the trip to Carroll Conley, Executive Director of the Christian Civic League of Maine (CCL), and Pastor Bob Emrich, of Emmanuel Bible Baptist Church and a CCL board member, who worked tirelessly to make sure we covered as much of Maine as possible.
On the heels of our successful “Myth of the War on Women” (WoW) press conference in Richmond, Va., the Bus served as a backdrop to the second WoW press conference in Concord, N.H., in front of the State Capitol. We were joined by conservative women leaders from the state legislature, grassroots activists, and candidates for the state legislature–all of whom brought a wonderful voice to this message.
As has been the practice throughout the Values Bus tour, our dedicated friends at the Family Policy Councils have been key to arranging visits in each state. In New Hampshire, Karen Testerman, former Executive Director of Cornerstone and now President of First Principles of New Hampshire, and Shannon McGinley, founding board member of Cornerstone and now acting Executive Director, were responsible for the successful events occurring throughout the state.
Activities included a stop at the GOP Victory Office in Stratham, N.H, where I spoke to a crowd of supporters, who gathered on a hot and humid afternoon were eager to sign up as Values Champions and learn more about our tour. Next, FRCAction and Heritage were invited by the Republican Liberty Caucus to be a part of a panel discussion at Thomas More College on ObamaCare and its federal and state implications. I represented the FRCAction PAC, while Genevieve Wood, Vice President for Marketing, represented Heritage. Later, Connie and Genevieve had the privilege of joining New Hampshire House Speaker, William O’Brien, and New Hampshire Representative, Andrew Manuse on a panel discussion about ObamaCare.
The visit also included multiple meetings on the issues with state activists and leaders. The Bus has inspired and increased the outreach of both FRCAction and Heritage through programs like the Values Champions and by distributing countless materials on our policy positions and registering voters.
Encouraged by invitations inspired by past visits, the Values Bus is now headed back to Ohio for a rally this weekend. On Saturday, the team led by our own Bob Morrison, will join several pastors and grassroots leaders in Cleveland, Ohio at Public Square to speak out for marriage between one man and one woman. In addition, the bus will be set up with our teams ready to sign up Values Champions and promote Heritage’s Saving the American Dream plan. On Sunday, Pastor Mike Bucher of Calvary Chapel Cleveland has invited the Values Bus to join his congregation for Sunday services.
With only three months left before November, we hope that you’ll keep the bus rolling down to the wire. Your prayers and your financial support have been essential to the success of the Values Bus Tour. The benefits of face to face engagement are immeasurable in bringing the importance of citizen involvement at this crucial time for our nation. To help us financially, please visit www.FRCAction.org/donate.