The power of the Internet, the power of blogging, the power of Daily Kos is that it puts politics back in the hands of the people... where we all know it rightfully belongs. Forget the red, white and blue campaign websites with their consultant-sanitized messages and carefully constructed doublespeak.
You don’t have to participate in CSI: Election to try and uncover the meaning behind the sound bites. You don’t have to squint at the campaign logo, deciding whether you see the vase or the two faces. You don’t have to do it because you, gentle reader, have the Blog Workers Industrial Union and Benevolent Society—and the BWIUBS has your back.
Here at BWIUBS, we’re asking the hard questions. Cartoon characters. Mascots. The walls of the candidates’ high school bedrooms. We asked every Democratic candidate for Governor, Senate and the House of Representatives to answer twenty questions for your edification. The questions are still being sent to candidates, and answers will be posted in the order they are received. Candidates are notified in advance of the posting of their answers so that they can join us if they desire, and we will post a diary Monday through Friday between 10 and 10:30 AM EST for your reading and commenting pleasure. Join us for some fun and camaraderie as we get to know the people who want to represent our interests across the country.
If you would like to join the BWIUBS, you can join our Facebook group or follow us on Twitter. You may also email us at bwiubs@gmail.com for information or to help with this diary series or other BWIUBS endeavors.
In the hot seat today is one Heather Beaven, candidate for Congress in FL-07.
On with the show:
BWIUBS: Looking at your district/state on a map...what does the outline of your district resemble?
Heather: A randomly broken piece of peanut brittle
BWIUBS: What is your favorite crayon color?
Heather: Dandelion.
BWIUBS: What is your favorite thing about being a candidate?
Heather: The infinite possibilities in the ideas of people who haven't ever run for office.
BWIUBS: What is your least favorite thing about being a candidate?
Heather: The money chase.
BWIUBS: When you were growing up, what did you want to be and why?
Heather: A philanthropist. Even though I didn't know there was a word for it, I always liked the idea of traveling the world looking for people who deserved a hand-up.
BWIUBS: IF you were on death row, what would you want your last supper to be and who would you want to cook it?
Heather: Chips, salsa and guacamole made by my husband Douglas (AKA El Guapo).
BWIUBS: If you could run for office in any other district/state...where would you do so and why?
Heather: I wouldn't. My skill set is particular to my districts' needs for 2010 and beyond.
BWIUBS: Favorite sport and team in that sport?
Heather: I have two... Kansas City & Jacksonville Rugby. I went to try out for Mizzou Rugby in college but I chickened out. A person could get hurt doing that! I have loved the sport and respected the players since.
BWIUBS: Most recent book you read?
Heather: 1-2-3 Magic. With a 5 and 6 year old, that's required reading. Early and often, as they say.
BWIUBS: What kind of car do you drive?
Heather: Kia Sorrento. It was my Grandfathers and when he passed away, I couldn't face the idea that a stranger would drive it out of the driveway so we bought it. It is the car I drive to all my campaign events. It's like having him with me every step of the way.
BWIUBS: Favorite character in the movie "The Breakfast Club"?
Heather: John Bender (Judd Nelson). I respect people who fight through adversity and who just flat out say what they mean.
BWIUBS: Where are you when answering these questions?
Heather: In my breakfast nook.
BWIUBS: Best meal you've had at a banquet since becoming a candidate?
Heather: Juneteenth BBQ. It was 105 degrees but everyone was there to celebrate and give thanks.
BWIUBS: If you could be any cartoon character...which one would you be?
Heather: I really don't like cartoons. Never have. But my two favorites would be Speedracer and Underdog. And I really loved that "I'm only a bill" after school special, if that counts.
BWIUBS: The day after the election, win or lose...which amusement park would you prefer to visit and why?
Heather: Atlantis because it is surrounded by an island on which pina colada's can be found.
BWIUBS: If you could come up with a new animal as the mascot for the Democratic Party which animal would you pick and why?
Heather: Gray Wolf. They are pack animals. They mate for life and both parents are responsible for raising healthy, smart, productive pups.
BWIUBS: What is your favorite board game and why?
Heather: Balderdash. Hysterical. Clever. Witty.
BWIUBS: What was the last movie you saw in a movie theater?
Heather: A Christmas Carol. Spectacular but definitely not for little ones.
BWIUBS: As teenagers, many of us had posters of our favorite movie stars, musicians etc on the walls....what was on the walls of you room as a teenager?
Heather: Rick Springfield! Yummy!
BWIUBS: Last but not least....say one nice thing about your Republican opponent?
Heather: He has some serious stick-to-itiveness.
And there you have it folks...feel free to ask Heather more questions in the comments and if she doesn't make it in to answer them herself, I'll forward the questions to her and we'll post her answers in a Saturday wrap up diary if necessary!