Photo Journal: Team Raskin Independence Day Celebration

75 Team Raskin 4th of July volunteers celebrate the campaign's triumphant show of force in the Takoma Park parade.

Jamie, Sarah and his family walked the parade route shaking hands, handing out balloons, and even stepping into the parade to great supporters yelling their names. The excitement was contagious and whole sections of the route chanted “Jamie! Jamie! Jamie!” throughout the day as the Raskin entourage took the parade by storm.

The crowd was thrilled to receive tickets for free “Askin’ 4 Raskin” ice cream samples at Summer Delights. Hannah and Tommy Raskin passed out the stickers and coupons with abandon.

Jamie also stopped at the six viewing parties along Carroll and Maple Avenues planned by Team Raskin to greet supporters and volunteers. Large groups at each site tried to beat the heat with lemonade, popsicles, and watermelon.

The campaign’s official Fourth of July Headquarters was at the home of Julia Sweig and Reed Thompson where supporters could buy Raskin T-shirts or even get their face painted.

“I love Jamie and his great campaign. He’s our future so I was so happy to help,” said Julia about opening her home for dozens of volunteers in blue campaign t-shirts.

After the parade, a huge crowd gathered at parade headquarters for the official 2006 Raskin campaign photograph taken. There were big smiles and laughter as the photographer asked everyone to jump in the air on the count of three!

The crowd was then treated to a special guest as Jamie’s client Cindy Sheehan spoke to the crowd about patriotism, freedom of speech, and how Jamie helped her in her time of need.

“Jamie was my one phone call when the Capitol Police arrested me for wearing a t-shirt!” Sheehan said. “Jamie stepped up for me when I needed it. He’s an amazing person who knows what it truly means to be an American. We elect our officials to protect our rights not take them away. Jamie is that person – the person who will protect our rights and reflect our values!”

After Sheehan’s passionate words and pledge of support, the exciting day ended on a very sweet note as the crowd of supporters walked down to Summer Delights for their delicious cone of “Askin’ 4 Raskin” ice cream. A crowd of hundreds passed through Summer Delights to taste the new flavor. “It’s all-natural and handmade,” Jamie yelled. “Not a product of the machine.”

Jamie and Greg Moorin from Summer Delights laugh about the crowd of hundreds lined up to taste Greg's "Askin' for Raskin" ice cream, a delicious strawberry and chocolate chunk crowd-pleaser. "All-natural and handmade," Jamie said of the ice cream. "Not a product of the machine."

Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Jamie share stories from the campaign trail with Sarah Raskin.

Jamie shows off the beautiful flag cake that a Silver Spring voter, Susan, made for Team Raskin. Jamie met her canvassing.

Jamie greets supporters along the parade route.

Jamie samples lemonade from some young District 20 entrepreneurs.

Raskinistas enjoy the free "Askin' for Raskin" ice cream at Summer Delights.

Jamie thanks the crowd of volunteers who helped make the Team Raskin 4th of July celebrations a success.

Ethan Shurberg shows his true colors.

Team Raskin volunteers handed out hundreds of Raskin for State Senate balloons to young Democrats, including at the Takoma Park metro station.

The signs of victory.

The evening of July 3rd, Team Raskin volunteers worked all night for the Independence Day festivities.

The morning of July 4th, the Team Raskin volunteer crew kicked into high gear again.