I am a 20-year old college student. I eat ramen. I work full time despite the fact that I am a full time student because I need the money to pay for school costs, rent, utilities, etc. So.....what in the world would make me want to spend over $1,000 of that money on candidates, most of which I have never met and never will meet?
Inspiration.
Prior to this year, I had always volunteered for Democratic candidates. I voted for Democrats (in the one election since I turned 18). However, I never felt motivated to spend what little money I had to help candidates out. Ever since 2004, I have been filled with anger. I HATE George W. Bush. I HATE George Allen. I HATE politicians like Bob Corker. I HATE J.D. Hayworth (AZ-05). I HATE Deborah Pryce (OH-15). I HATE Bob Ney (Ex-OH-18). I HATE the fact that Republicans treat the Constitution like a set of loose guidelines.
Yet despite all of this hate I never felt compelled to donate money. I wanted to win, I wanted to volunteer my time, but I just wasn't ready to spend my hard-earned money to help win elections. I wasn't ready to take the next step in political activity, and I felt like as someone with very little money, I didn't have an obligation to. While no one has an obligation to donate, I now do so every second Friday when the paycheck comes in. Why?
Inspiration.
Moral of the story, hate didn't make me want to part ways with my cash. What finally pushed me over the edge........
Inspiration.
While I do hate Denny Hastert, that didn't make me contribute to John Laesch.
I contributed to John Laesch (IL-14) because he inspired me.
I contributed to Larry Kissell (NC-08) because he inspired me.
I contributed to Harry Mitchell (AZ-05) because he inspired me.
I contributed to Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) because she inspired me.
I contributed to Zach Space (OH-18) because he inspired me.
I contributed to Jim Webb (VA-Sen) because he inspired me.
I contributed to Harold Ford (TN-Sen) because he inspired me.
Be inspired, it's a great feeling. Search websites and find someone who truly inspires you. Even if you've never given a penny to a political candidate before, once you get that feeling of inspiration I promise you'll know why I'm so happy eating ramen noodles from now until November 7th.