Crossposted at BlueNC.
As a practicing political consultant, it’s my job to make sure my candidate is the one in the limelight. It’s a standing professional practice of mine to keep my opinions about issues to myself, and to make sure that my candidate’s name is more recognized than mine.
It’s tough to get me to come out of the shadows to do something as public as posting a blog, but I’ve been convinced by some seasoned bloggers to leave my comfort zone and give a brief personal introduction to the online community in order to help my candidate’s cause.
I have been a reader of DKos for some time, but this is my first post here.
It’s true that many political professionals are in the business of campaigning for the money or the prestige. If you know me, you know that I’m not one of them. I’m a nomad. I’ve moved 13 times in 11 years, and to date, I’ve logged more miles on my cars than dollars in my bank account.
I was born in the 5th district in North Wilkesboro. Except for a brief hiatus in Lenoir before kindergarten, I spent all my formative years here in Watauga County. I graduated from Watauga High and went to Appalachian State University games every Saturday with my dad.
Because the county didn't have the money for a girls team, I played soccer with the boys in high school--even though the coach, a friend from church, told my dad he didn't think I had a right to be on the team.
I still marvel at the beauty of our mountains and completely understand why my ancestors stopped their wagon train here hundreds of years ago on their way to a better life--quite simply, they found what they were looking for.
My parents and grandparents taught me to treat all people with respect no matter the hue of their skin or their station in life, and that in America, if you have a dream, you can achieve it. I may be idealistic, but I am not naive. I graduated college from UNC in 1996 and have worked tirelessly for pay or for peanuts for Democrats and democratic causes since I was 10. I've dedicated my life to the causes and people I believe in, even though my father begs me at the end of every election cycle to “get a real job.”
My colleagues around the country questioned my sanity when I decided to come back home to manage Billy Kennedy’s race against uber-conservative Virginia Foxx, but my heroes have always been those who have taken on the status quo and won--not because it was politically expedient, but because it made the world more just and and more fair.
It’s unfortunate that the powers that be have gerrymandered this district making it seemingly impossible for a Democrat to win. What’s even more unfortunate, is the cynicism which has shrouded any candidate in this race. There are other more seasoned politicians who have lacked the political courage to take on Rep. Foxx. Not only does Billy have the guts to take her on, he has the political courage to call her out on every vote she’s taken that is contrary to the best interests of her constituents.
Billy really is a working man who is in touch with working people, but he is so much more than what the pictures and words convey. In my 15-year political career, he's one of the few candidates running for all the right reasons--to help those who are unable to help themselves; to be the hope and change that others merely talk about because that's what the polls say; to leave this country and this world a better place for future generations.
It's a refreshing change that's needed in all levels of government. And, whether you believe this or not, we have yet to test our message in a single poll. We will poll soon, but no poll will change our philosophy of what is right or fair. We believe it's easy to "tell it like it is" when you are telling the truth.
We are running an aggressive race. We understand the odds. We accept that the district is gerrymandered to favor a Republican, but does this mean we give up the fight? We don’t think so, and we are cognizant of the unique dynamics of an off-year, anti-incumbent election. We also understand our opponent’s war chest of corporate money will be overwhelming in the final days, and we are preparing for the onslaught.
A key difference in our race and other Democratic candidates before us is Billy's connection with people. It shows in our fundraising which is unprecedented in scope for a Dem in this district--to the tune of having thousands of donors from all over the country. It shows in the more than 500 volunteers who have signed up to help the campaign.
We've known from the outset that we can't outspend Virginia, and that's why we have to run a smarter, more carefully targeted race. In short, we have to build a movement from Watauga to Winston to Washington.
Our country is at a crossroads and the Washington establishment and the political grandstanding that takes place there are symptomatic of a great divide in our country. Yes, it is an anti-Washington year. Yes, people on both sides of the aisle are mad at politicians. Who wouldn't be? The '08 election was a clarion call for the leaders of our country to respond to our most pressing problems, and "the people" are frustrated with those who would block real and meaningful progress.
If you feel as I do, that we are the change we want to see in the world, then you will join our efforts right now. You can volunteer and/or donate to the Billy Kennedy for Congress campaign here.
I have faith that if we elect people such as Billy Kennedy that people will once again have faith in their government.
Thank you for reading. I will post again soon.