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Lessons Learned on the Trail
“What should I write about?” I asked Hillary, my campaign manager AKA Boss.
Realizing this will be the last newsletter everyone will receive until after votes are counted on November 2nd, I wanted it to be a good one.
“Talk about the things you’ve learned on the campaign trail,” Hillary replied.
Thought to self: “She’s so smart. Five points to me for hiring her.”
Should I write about the things I’ve learned while walking precincts? Things like: Never knock on doors after the sun goes down. Doorbells don’t always work, so one should always knock. If a Chihuahua bites you, don’t laugh. (It only encourages them.) If a resident has an “Obama/Biden” bumper sticker on his car, the first thing out of your mouth shouldn’t be Bush, Schwarzenegger, Tea, or Republican.
Should I write about the different clubs I’ve spoken at, that the Hollywood Congress of Republicans has great speakers, the San Fernando Club is always the liveliest, and the LA GOP has free food and the best air conditioning? There’s also a patriotic singles group (great music, dedicated conservatives, and available people), and if it weren’t for the RWF, nothing would get done.
Should I talk about the free advice that people have given me? People give me all sorts of tips, telling me to wear my glasses because they make me look smarter or making sure someone proofreads my articles and tweets, as my spelling and gramer aren’t good (See?). I’m too conservative… I’m too liberal… I’m too young… I need to wear more sunscreen. (Oh wait, the last one is actually really sound advice.)
Writing these things down makes me realize that this is all very trivial information which is humorous but not life changing. I need to reflect a little more. What has changed my life, the way I do things? What stands out? Asking these questions causes me to pause as I compare where I was in September 2009 to where I am today.
Very early on in this campaign, I realized that I could not do this alone. I sent an Email to friends and family telling them of my decision to run for office, the odds against me, and what sacrifices would have to be made to do this right. Immediately I received positive words of support, and everyone rallied around me. People who I barely knew stepped up to the plate to help me with messaging, planning, and organization. My family listened to countless hours of venting, fears, dreams, and hopes. I learned quickly to seek wisdom from those who are older. Their experience and advice have saved me from making numerous mistakes, assisted me in dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of the race, and have inspired me. I am grateful for my elders’ generosity in passing the torch. Everyone got involved. I realize I could not be here today without all of the prayers offered, time given, and finances donated by my supporters.
Along with these positives, I have also witnessed the hardships people in my area are enduring each and every day. Some wait to see if the bank will hold off on foreclosing their home while they search for employment. Neighbors are losing their businesses they worked so hard to establish, friends are harmed in gang rivalry, parents work several jobs to put their kids into a better school, and people wonder why no one cares. These people need a voice, need representation, and need someone to stand up to government and say the status quo is no longer acceptable. I have seen the effects of an overreaching government and how it can enslave a whole community by promising services and benefits while stripping people of their own will and pride.
These are the things that have changed me. These stories provide the support to keep me going and the reasons to forge ahead. The weight on my shoulders is heavy, but the support of my friends is strong. Thank you for this last year. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for inspiring me.
Let’s win.
#1 from smartmaggie on October 27, 2011
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