He's running for Congress!
Today, I was introduced to a new employee, a youngish Black woman, perhaps 25 years old, with a Scottish name. She had no noticeable accent. I asked her if she had Scottish or Irish heritage, and she reported that she thought she might be part Scottish, she was 1st generation born in the US of Jamaican parents, and "... you know how those British were!"
I showed her my office (I work for the State of Connecticut) and she noticed my paper on the walls, then the 'McNerney for Congress' poster. "Is that YOU?!" she asked.
When I explained that my brother was running for Congress, she responded with, "Where?? Not in Connecticut? No, must be New Jersey!" and I explained no, he lives in California. But now that she had a good job with the state, I hoped she felt free to support him.
"Well, I'll have to see what he stands for. I don't want to support him just because I'm his brother's co-worker."
And I suspected that this was a good attitude, I'm confident that any thinking person, researching Jerry and comparing and contrasting him to Richard Pombo would almost certainly decide to support him.
But thinking about it, several thoughts occur to me. 1- She didn't know who was running in her own home territory. 2- She was willing (or said she was willing) to do a little research, even if it was only looking up his website. 3- She is a busy person with a life - a life that does not include politics to any great extent.
And if she represents a 'typical' voter, or perhaps citizen is a better word, then we have a clue about what we have to do to take back the house: talk to people, get them interested, encourage them to look up websites. THEN, ask them if they are registered to vote.
Of course, this is a touchy subject on state property engaged in doing the States business. There are laws governing it. So, I more or less lay low while at work. BUT, as much as I love and support my brother, I have decided I'm going to get in touch with Joe Courtney's campaign, he's challenging Republican Incumbent Rubber Stamper Rob Simmons in my very own district, Connecticut CD-02. And walk a few blocks.