Qasim Rashid speaking with a constituent at the Stafford County Courthouse Building.

I’m running for Virginia State Senate in the 28th District to flip a long held red seat, blue. Recently while canvassing, I ran into three self-identified Republicans who refused to sign my petition.

Flat out refused. I believe dialogue is crucial to winning hearts and minds, and wasn’t about to give in so easily.

Here's three quick stories of what happened.

First convo with a woman, let's call her Jill

Jill: (creaks open door) Can I help you?

Me: Hi my name is Qasim and I'm running for Virginia Senate in the 28th District.

Jill: Okay?

Me: I'm collecting 250 signatures to get on the ballot.

Jill: Are you running as a Democrat?

Me: Yes, but this isn't to vote for me, it's simply to get my name on the ba—

Jill: No thank you, good bye. [shuts door]

Me: Have a nice day, madam.

Second convo with a man, let's call him Tim

Tim: (Opens door and steps out of house) Can I help you?

Me: [gives my spiel about getting 250 signatures]

Tim: But you're running as a Democrat?

Me: Yes, but this isn't to vote for me, it's simply to get my name on the ba—

Tim: No thank you. But thanks for coming by.

Me: I respect that. Politics has gotten so toxic people won't even talk to each other, I appreciate you at least talking to me

Tim: (pauses) Yeah I feel the same way. People wanna impeach Trump, they wanna arrest Pelosi. Meanwhile basic civility is gone and we can't get any laws passed

Me: I feel your pain

Tim: Alright, give me that form. I'll sign it. You know I mostly vote Republican but I don't want to shut out Democrats either.

Me: I appreciate that. And here's my card. When I win, I'm not blocking out conservative voters. I need to hear from you. Here's my direct cell. Call me.

Tim: Good man. I will. God bless

Third convo with a woman, let's call her Joan

Joan: (Opens door and steps out of house) Can I help you?

Me: [gives my spiel about getting 250 signatures]

Joan: But you're running as a Democrat?

Me: Yes, but—

Joan: No thank you. But thanks for coming by.

Me: I'll go, but can I ask just one small favor that doesn't involve you signing my petition?

Joan: (skeptical) Go on...

Me: Help me be a better public servant. Can you share with me me the 2-3 things that bother you most about voting for democrats? As a conservative what are your priorities?

Joan: Yeah I can do that. Our society has become too dependent on government handouts. We need to get people off welfare and start working. I teach my kids that if they won't help themselves, I won't help them either.

Me: You mean you don't want welfare for lower income people?

Joan: No no not that. I'm okay with welfare. I get some people are in need and I believe in helping people. I just don't believe in wasting money on people who don't want to work.

Me: What else?

Joan: Well healthcare costs are going up and we give free healthcare to the poor. Why should I have to pay more for my healthcare and also their healthcare when they get it for free?

Me: So you want more affordable healthcare?

Joan: Yes, exactly.

Me: What else?

Joan: I guess those are the main things.

Me: So if I hear you correctly, you want lower healthcare costs and you want to help lower income people while ensuring people aren't dependent on government?

Joan: Yes. Exactly. That's exactly it.

Me: Well, I'm not sure how else to say it Joan, but I agree with that completely.

Joan: Really?

Me: Sure. I think those are perfectly fair positions to hold. I'm running on a platform to spend more money on education for our kids because with better education, kids have a better chance in life. And I also plan to improve healthcare so we're not spending a ton to go bankrupt. (Medical costs are the number 1 reason Americans file for bankruptcy).

Joan: Okay, that makes a lot of sense.

Me: I'm glad to hear it. Glad we could have this chat.

Joan: Alright, give me that petition. I'll sign it for you.

Me: Great! And here's my card. Call me directly any time you see me break this promise. I have to thank you.

Joan: For what?

Me: You coulda slammed the door shut on my face and told me to go to hell. But you didn't. And now we better understand each other. So thank you.

Joan: Well I'm glad to hear that, and thank you, too. I look forward to seeing your name on the ballot.

Me: Do email me with your concerns. Never hesitate.

Joan: I will do, thank you again.

Me: Enjoy the rest of your day.

Joan: (smiling) Good bye.

It is amazing what the power of dialogue can do. I'm not naive enough to think we can or will always agree on everything. But, the key to get to agreement is to keep the doors of dialogue open.

We have a long way to go yet, but I know we'll get there.

I hope y'all will share these stories as I post them, and support our #RashidForVA Campaign . Every dollar helps. Grateful for your help in spreading the word: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/rashidforva