Originally, I had intended to write an on-going diary about the trials and tribulations I've faced while managing a campaign for state representative out here in Washington. Being a student and manager has kept me largely busy and unable to write on the activities of the campaign, but I also didn't find time to write because I simply didn't want to make that time. Working the campaign is fun, fulfilling, and educational, but more, it was just one task and then the next.
But Paul, where does he fit? I would be lying to say I knew anything more of him than a trivia answer about his death. I'd never listened to the man speak nor his message and never was given any reason to by those around me. He was just a name to me.
Thankfully, this last weekend changed all of that.
As my candidate and I are progressively-minded people, I was invited to participate in the "advanced campaign management conference" put on by Camp Wellstone on April 25-27th outside of Seattle. I've worked summer camps for years. Camp Orkila, Camp Colman. What's a Wellstone to the list? The two hour drive starting at 7am wasn't exactly an exciting task for my Friday, but I figured I'd pick up a few good tips for the campaign and maybe something good would come of it. I arrived early, having faced little traffic and I met a couple other early managers and local candidates (who also had a training seminar). I was handed a binder and a textbook and sat down for lectures. Maybe I wasn't missing class today as I had originally figured when I left my college home.
The very first activity was an intro video. I heard Paul speak for the first time. Two minutes into his bio, and I was already moving him into my elite list of political heroes. I cannot think of a single individual who I've felt more connection with and greater sense of understanding, compassion and motivation so quickly. If there was anyone that understood, it was Paul. I wanted to meet him. And the video ended, and the leader of the conference says, "and, unfortunately, you all know the tragedy that followed the making of this film." And I instantly put the two and two of it together.
Oh lord. I had lost someone that was suddenly important to me just as suddenly. Just when I had so much hope for politics, it was pulled away. Quickly adding a few books about Wellstone to my amazon wish list, I listened as the Camp was explained. Here, we had people who had worked on Wellstone's campaign and wanted to carry the message on after his death. Here was a group touching states across the country (40 and growing!) and teaching PROGRESSIVES have to do politics PROGRESSIVELY and WIN! And they were engaging! And they loved politics! And they had interesting stories and knew all sorts of ways to tackle so many problems. There was dedication and love that is so rare in our world, but it fit OUR kind of politics, and they wanted to make that better.
I have never done more learning in my life. Note after note after note written, slide memorized and speech absorbed. While I had goals and plans for the campaign before I went here, I'm now thrilled to go into the office tomorrow and write out an in-depth plan for how the campaign will be run from top to bottom. It's like a whole new game, now. The amount these people inspired me to not just look at the campaign as steps, but as part of a social movement and a truly empowering step towards progressing locally, statewide and nationally was astounding. The amount of dedication these people had who were only around Wellstone is empowering; I can't imagine what the man himself was like.
And I wish I didn't have to. I wish I could still see him in Senate, advocating for the common man. I wish I could see him standing up to Iraq and FISA and waterboarding. I wish we didn't have this government design and social acceptance to leave in his passing. I wish I could see him on the stage someday, debating his merits as a presidential candidate.
But I'll never get those wishes. Coming out of the camp, I learned so much. I learned how to win, how to craft messages, how to get people interested, but most importantly, I learned that the only way to mourn for Paul's loss is to work even harder. I'm saddened that such a great man left us, but I'm empowered to know that we can build more bases like him. Camp Wellstone is a group that allows progressives to go and learn the ways to advance politics for our cause, and to do it in a way that is truthful, community-oriented and educational -- exactly how it should be. There is no fear taught.
When I first decided to Diary this candidacy, I struggled a lot with deciding how I should go about discussing my Candidate. The internet is a big and scary place, and anything I say can and will be used by press, opponents and proponents. But then I realized something at Wellstone: I have nothing to fear with my campaign. Tim Knue is a good candidate. Damn good. I played soccer with his son and he taught agriculture at my high school. He's gotten students involved in many service projects in the community and gives more time than I can believe (or particularly enjoy. I DO have a campaign to run) to the community and his students. He is no Paul Wellstone, but who is? He IS a progressive candidate that I would love to have serving my state, however. He's ready to listen and learn before leading. He's ready to knock on thousands of doors and get down to the nitty gritty of local politics because that's how you get to know what the people want. And that's how you win.
I'll never meet Paul Wellstone. Maybe someday I'll meet someone who can strive to be just as good. And when I do, I hope I'll get them elected into office. Please, if you can, help get Tim elected into office. Movements start small, and they start all over the place, but with sites like DailyKos and groups like Camp Wellstone, links begin to form and support grows.
Please make a donation to get Tim into WA-LD10, Position 2 at www.timknue.com if you're able. I truly am honored to be on this campaign and I can't think of a better person to send to our capital. Thank you for all your support.
Also, if you're interested in Wellstone, their address is www.wellstone.org and you can also donate to them there. They estimate it costs roughly $450 to send someone through their camp, and they offered it at $150, eating the costs so that more people can learn. The reason they can do this is through outside help, and this is another great way to get more progressives elected.
I met someone great this weekend and though he's gone now, he's not lost. And I'm going to make sure it stays that way.