The Red Army... the good one

Today we visited the district of Congressman Adam Putnam, endearingly coined “Red” by President Bush for his red hair.  We acquired some nifty   “Adam’s Army” volunteer shirts that we are all sporting here at the office.  Look out for the pictures in the rearview mirror and be jealous.

Congressman Putnam was the youngest person ever to be elected to congress (at the time) and has made a major impact in his first two terms.  At age 33, he is the third ranking member of the Republican leadership, serving as House Republican Conference Chairman.  He is essentially the spokesperson for House Republicans.

Despite his youth, Congressman Putnam appeals to a predominantly older constituency.  Campaign Finance Director Karen Boswell gave us some great stories about the congressman that show why he appeals to such a broad base of people.  He is young father with  four children under the age of 6; his own little Army (gotta be a handful!).  She told us about the hours she has spent with the Congressman making the signs for his campaign and doing the grunt work.  He is definitely someone who is willing to roll up his sleeves and work hard for what he believes in.  Apparently the Congressman is a grill master.  Ms. Boswell was showing us some pictures of an annual BBQ they do for the 4th and there the congressman was with an apron dishing out food to his constituents.  A lot of the stories she told reminded me of Cincinnati Congressman Steve Chabot: a down-to-earth and genuine individual.  I have to respect that.

Right now, the Putnam campaign is preparing for an assortment of events for the 4^th of July:  a parade and the big barbecue.  Apparently, the Congressman recently acquired a fire truck and will be using it in the parade.  The congressman loves the fire truck, mainly for its redness.  It used to be former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert’s truck and when he retired he offered to sell it to Congressman Putnam.  Now it’s a campaign staple and rightfully so.  What kid’s dream isn’t to ride on a fire truck?  Picture a “Where is the Red?” fire truck…