Presidential candidates woo us--but will the honeymoon last?

Leading democratic presidential contenders will hit the hustings in San Diego this weekend, vying for votes and trolling for support from conventioneers. The accelerated presidential primary calendar will give California more influence over who is nominated, but it also favors those who amass the most in campaign contributions, so they can get their message out in multiple media markets at once.

All the more reason why those of us who hunger for change in Washington need to be on our toes, researching the candidates and their positions, and choosing wisely. We need to look beyond the race for dollars, get involved and active earlier, and make sure that whoever earns the nomination has a real depth of support and staying power.

What can you do to help ensure a progressive candidate wins?

Participate in town hall meetings. Volunteer in campaigns. Walk precincts, write letters to the editor, spread the word to friends and neighbors, put up signs, slap a bumper sticker on your own car, staff a table at your local farmer's market, leaflet at a favorite sporting event, contribute online, and/or join up with friends to do phone banking.

You don't need reminding how high the stakes are. You are already more then motivated. Just get out there and do it.

As Joan Blades of MoveOn.org has printed on one of her favorite T-shirts, "Politics is NOT a spectator sport!"