We're in the car, on the way to Netroots Nation

by: Rosi Efthim

Wed Aug 12, 2009 at 09:15:00 AM EDT

This morning, clammyc and I are hitting the road on the way to beautiful Pittsburgh and Netroots Nation 09. I'm stoked.

I'm going as one of Democracy for America's Netroots Nation Scholars. DFA has this fabulous competitive program to underwrite costs for people they think ought to have that opportunity. It's a savvy way of undescoring deep ties between grassroots political organizers and those of us who ride the interwebs. I'm very lucky they chose me. (Shrugs.)

If you've got the means, throw DFA some coin. They're sending 40 of us this year to NN09- and that's all expenses paid.

Last year, they sent 30. On of them was Jeff Gardner, my buddy and a denizen of this site, and of DFA-NJ, like I am. There was a friendly, but cutthroat competition for votes with one Robert Harding at The Albany Project, which Jeff won, being that he's awesome. Don't worry, Robert got to go, too.

Clammyc's an old hand at NN, and he's participating in a session on red districts (for the fighting NJ-5) and moderating this one on PTSD.

Saturday, we'll be there to greet Governor Corzine, headlining the keynote panel, on 21st Century economy. It's a great "get" for Netroots Nation. With just two big state races this year - NJ & VA - the Republicans are focusing a lot of resources here to try and climb out of their hole. That's a story every blogger at NN09 is going to know. (Barring last-minute surprise, Creigh Deeds, running for the open seat in VA, won't be there).

Bill Clinton, Valerie Jarrett, and Howard Dean are also coming. Here's the full schedule. And some vid from past NNs.

Blue Jersey's friends TJ and Ian are coming. You going? It's not too late - drop us a note  here, so we can be on the lookout for you.

Here we go!