Wednesday, November 05, 2008

My Political Experiences

1. I love taking pictures of funny political signs. While in NOLA a candidate's sign said

"He Has the Favor of God"

It always struck me as unbelievably funny.

2. Lists are essential. If I ever run for an elected office, I'll be sure to call YOU.

3. Once, while I was working on a campaign, I went out to the candidate's spouse's car and discovered political signs for the opponent in the back. I know- it was terrible, but trust me.. I'm certain both sides were doing it. Although it is much more distasteful to me now.

4. If you ever want to get the public riled. Make sure you focus on the starving women and dying babies. Women and babies are the KEY to public outcry.

5. Political parties throw a lot of parties for really dumb reasons. They also give you dumb mementos to celebrate the occasion. I have a lot of mugs to support this theory.

6. I once went to the AFL-CIO meeting with a candidate. My grandfather was a plumber in Utah (he actually helped build the bulk of the Hogle Zoo in his day). His brothers were also plumbers in Utah. We chatted and I told them about my family. I got a very warm response. As we were leaving I yelled "Go Plumbers". Everyone thought it was pretty funny.

7. I worked on the campaign for a candidate that had been diagnosed with cancer. It was a well guarded secret. He won his re-election, but died days before the next legislative session. I've always been proud of my work on his campaign.

8. I interviewed for a job in NOLA Mayor's office. Morial, not Nagin. His Chief of Staff was reviewing his virtuous service by recounting to me that his staff includes a PERSONAL CHEF so he can eat lunch in his office and always be available. This was the same year that they were trying to levy a garbage fee to give a much needed raise to city workers. It was rejected, but he still has his personal chef. I was always really happy I didn't get that job.

9. I took a quarter off from college and worked for a lobbyist at the state capital. It was an AMAZING experience. I was lucky to work with some really experienced lobbyists. It was the year the Utah State Legislature was going to levy a tax on cigarettes and use the money for several things, including roads. I had fun listening to their conversations with different members trying to discourage them from voting for the tax. They kept referring to the whole things as Tobacco Road.

10. What goes around always comes around. Really- it does.

2 comments:

michelle said...

This was really interesting, Lara. You have had some great experiences and been very involved! I'm more of a political bystander myself. (a passionate bystander, is that an oxymoron?)

Anonymous said...

This is so cool Lara! I basically have no political experience other than community stuff, but I really want to!