There is a story told by Tip O'Neill about a woman in his neighborhood. He had mowed her lawn and carried her groceries for years and when he first ran for office he expected her vote. He didn't get it.

Surprised, he went to her. "You didn't ask, Tommy," she said, "people like to be asked." It was a lesson Tip O'Neill never forgot. People like to be asked. Take nothing for granted.