I'm involved in helping my friend Shelia Smoot in her July 13 runoff election for the AL-07 Congressional seat. I've said a lot about Shelia and why I think she is the best person to represent the constituents of this district. Shelia has also stopped by on several occasions to talk about this historic election. I've seen some negative comments in diaries from people who are hiding behind computer screens that don't personally know Shelia.
Tonight I want to try something different and offer you some quotes and testimony that come from others about Shelia. Here I start with the latest endorsement from a supporter in Eutaw, Alabama that was submitted to the campaign
From Debbie in Eutaw, AL - I believe that Shelia's vision alone, on upgrading technology in the rural area, will bring the black belt into the information age and make this generation competitive.
From Casual Wednesday , a fellow Kossack - who met Shelia yesterday
. . . I want to talk about the genuine person I met first thing this morning. Commissioner Smoot was in Washington DC to do some much needed fundraising for her runoff and the general election. She held a meet and greet with a few people in the morning and alpolitics helped me to get an invite.
I recognized Shelia from her picture when I saw her in the lobby of an office building. Unlike some other politicians I have met from both sides of the aisle, Shelia did not look at me funny with that unmistakable "who the hell are you" look. She shook my hand, smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Shelia."
I immediately got the sense that her campaign slogan -- "On Your Side" -- is not just a generic branding strategy recycled by some Washington campaigning outfit. When Shelia says she is on your side, she means it.
From Birmingham attorney and friend Barry Walker who is hosting a fundraiser for Shelia tomorrow night
Shelia is a person who dares to reach her hands into the darkness to pull others into the light. She is the right choice for the 7th Congressional District and this is the right time!
From Bruce Feaster of Detroit, Michigan - a college friend of Shelia's
I HAVE KNOWN AND ADMIRED COMMISSIONER SMOOT SINCE OUR DAYS AT MSU. SHE
ALWAYS HAS BEEN A BEACON OF CHARACTER,INTEGRITY,COMMITMENT, AND PASSION. SHE WILL
MAKE ALABAMA PROUD AS THE CONGRESSWOMAN FROM THE 7TH DISTRICT
From Mandi Joseph - Shelia's former Chief of Staff
Shelia has a natural passion to fight for underserved communities and
individuals. She sees no issue as insurmountable. The 7th Congressional district of
Alabama can rest assured that sending Shelia to Washington will guarantee that their
voices and concerns will be heard, loud & clear! It is without a doubt that Shelia
will also make sure that necessary and long overdue resources are secured to move
the district forward!
From Shelly Sparks, a high school classmate
I have known Shelia all of my life and if anyone can do it she can. She
has always worked for the people. In high school she was always advocating for
student rights. She has been and will continue to be one of the greatest people
advocate of all time. We in Beecher love and support Shelia Smoot for Congress.
From Veterinarian Lavelle Galloway, a campaign volunteer and supporter
I support Shelia because she always puts the people first.
From Liza Howard of York, Alabama - where Shelia's family is from and the heart of the 7th Congressional District
She represents the concerns of the people. She is a spokesperson for those
who cannot speak for themselves.
From Vi Parramore , president of American Federation of Teachers local #2143, which endorsed Smoot
"Commissioner Shelia Smoot worked hard to help build a number of new schools (Bessemer City High pictured below) in Jefferson County resulting in a better environment for our teachers to teach and our students to learn," "It shows her great leadership and love of education, her concern for children's futures," added Parramore. "We look forward to working with her as our 7th Congressional Congresswoman."
People that hide behind their computer screens can say what they want about Shelia Smoot and her time on the Jefferson County Commission. But we have provided words from a number of people that have known Shelia Smoot for years and those who have given testimony to what she has done and what she will do. Shelia is not talking about what she might do, she's talking about what she's done and people recognize that. She's also got a vision for improving the quality of life for the people in this district. I leave you with one more line from Casual Wednesday's diary
In a serious contrast, Shelia has fought to keep a Jefferson County hospital open so that it can continue to provide indigent care. What really caught my attention though, was when Shelia said offhand that she does not see any difference between indigent care and any other health care. Every American deserves access to health care. Arthur Davis didn't get that and he lost his race for governor this year.
Shelia Smoot does get it.
Visit her website: Shelia Smoot for Congress
Follow her on Twitter: @smoot2010
And most importantly, kick in a few bucks if you can: Act Blue
Help us reach our goal on Grassroots for Smoot