Do it for the kids

One of the coolest parts of working for a candidate running for an open seat, or challenging a incumbent Democrat is that we typically get to meet the candidate and spend a little time with him or her.  Yesterday, we got to spend more than just a few moments with Texas 22^nd Congressional district candidate Pete Olson; we spent almost the whole day with him.  While going door-to-door in Pearland yesterday, I had privilege of being teamed up with Pete, and was able to talk to him for a couple of hours.  I wanted to share some of my experiences because after talking to Pete, I see why Republicans are so excited at the prospect of working alongside him.

As I walked door to door with Mr. Olson, I was able to get a feel for his motivations.  He told me how after graduating from Rice with a Computer Science degree, he decided to attend law school, but after wrapping up a JD, he decided the law profession wasn’t for him.  He felt a call to service and decided to enlist into the United States Navy.  After flying missions in the Persian Gulf in the 90’s, he was reassigned as  a Naval Liaison to the United States Senate, and assisted Senator Phil Gramm on military issues.  After Graham’s retirement, he became Chief of Staff for Gramm’s successor Texas Senator John Cornyn. 

I asked Pete if he had always thought about running for public office someday.  He said that the thought had crossed his mind off and on but he didn’t seriously consider it until a good friend approached him.  His friend said that he thought Texas needed an honorable man like Pete serving the district and encouraged him to challenge Congressman Nick Lampert.  Pete said the major factor in his decision to run was his 7 year old son and 11 year old daughter.   There are so many major issues that this generation is failing to address, like Social Security that is absolutely going to cripple our and his kids’ generation.  Pete is nervous about the world his generation might be leaving the next, and he knew he wanted to work to ensure that his kids enjoyed the best quality of life possiblewhen they reached his age. 

Pete and I walked door to door together in Pearl Land for about three hours and I never once doubted in sincerity.  We talked about everything from the energy debate going on in DC, about my future plans, and sports.   He was incredibly down to earth person who was thrilled to have us in Texas, helping him out.  He was genuinely excited to talk to constituents in the district and wanted to hear what they had to say.  He was born in raised in the Clear Lake area, so representing the people of the district is extremely important to him.  This is his home. 

I had a great time that morning and felt privileged to spend the morning with Pete.  I really hope he wins this seat because if he doesn’t, the 22^nd district is going to miss out on having an incredible person represent them.