"It was awesome!"

That was the reaction of one of the Tennessee activists at the end of the two-day DFA Training Academy held in Knoxville last weekend.

Many of those who filled Karns Middle School had not worked on a campaign before or were not familiar with the sophisticated techniques outlined by DFA trainers. During breaks they peppered instructors with more questions and began making plans about how they would use the information in future efforts.

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The event drew activists not only from Tennessee, but also from Kentucky, Georgia and other states. Two activists traveled from West Virginia to learn more about DFA and began making plans to start their own chapter upon their return.

In addition to lecture work, class members received homework designed to test their campaign planning skills, then have them reviewed on Sunday morning.

Sunday's lunch included a talk by Mark Harmon (pictured above), a DFT-sponsored candidate and newly-elected member of the Knox County Commission. Harmon reviewed his own campaign experience and how the techniques being taught in the class helped him win election as a Democrat in a highly Republican County. Amy Broyles, another class member, is also running for county commission and hopes to win election next year.

Despite learning media techniques, fund-raising and other skills, most members agreed their main job back home would be to organize their precincts and get volunteers in place so they can help elect candidates in upcoming elections.

A huge thanks to Democracy for Knoxville organizers Paul Witt, Susan North, Dan & Linda Haney and others for their hard work in making their guests feel welcome. Without the Knoxville chapter's efforts, we couldn't have done it.

And a special thanks to our trainers, DFA Executive Director Tom Hughes on Field & Targeting, Matt Blizek on Volunteer Recruitment & GOTV, Michael Cook on Fundraising & Finance, and Ellery Gould on Media & Communications. All got top marks from attendees who said they only wish they could have given them higher marks.

And I'd like to thank all who attended. It was a long two days filled with hard work and everyone gave it their all. Now it's time to hit the streets and show those radical conservatives what we're made of!