Working for YOU!

Congressman Vern Buchanan: Working for you!  I don’t think I could have envisioned a better first visit to a campaign office.

Congressman Buchanan’s campaign team was incredible to us.  They were very   enthusiastic for us to come in and help out and they set up a day of activities.

The “Where’s the Red?” Campaign began today in the Florida 13^th district.  Every member to represent this district in the last twenty years has gained national attention for some reason or another.   Former CIA Director Porter Goss served the district from 1989-1993 until he was redistricted into the Florida’s 14^th.  Congressman Dan Miller (1992-2002)  was with President George W. Bush t Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasotawhen he was informed of the 9/11 attacks a.    Congresswoman Katherine Harris (2002-2006)… yes the Katherine Harris, Former Secretary of State of Florida, that presided over the 2000 controversy/recount.  Finally, Congressman Vern Buchanan won the election in 2006 by less than 350 votes.  His opponent Christine Jennings contested the election for over a year.   We were told that Ms. Jennings reported in to DC and attempted to represent the district even though she lost.

Since the 2006 election was so controversial in this area, the seat is targeted by the Democratic Congressional Committee’s top “Red to Blue” targets.  From what I saw today, they are going to have to work wonders to make that happen.

When we arrived in the office, we were greeted by Campaign Manager Joe Gruters and briefed about the Congressman and introduced to the staff.  We were jazzed to see an abundance of young people in the office.  Congressman Buchanan must appeal to the youth of the area as the team has plenty of college aged interns and staffers to compliment the experienced vets.  We were first put to work making phone calls to constituents.   I generally don’t enjoy making phone calls because I have had some pretty ugly responses (I once had an angry Democrat tell me he hoped I was sent to Iraq to be blown to pieces…). But every constituent I talked to was excited to help the congressman anyway they could.  I also did some data entry for signs and I know CJ and Kerry were given an array of tasks.  Look out for some video of our work in the office to be posted very soon!

The atmosphere in the campaign office was great.  It was laid back and fun, but still down to business.  Everyone was upbeat and enthusiastic; it was contagious.  For lunch, Joe Gruters and some of the interns took us to a Sarasota staple, Demetrio’s Pizza, which was delicious and a lot of fun.  If you are ever in Sarasota I recommend it.  After wrapping up some work, Matt, a student at University of Florida who is taking a semester off to work for the campaign, took us to the Ringling Museum.  Matt was born and raised in Sarasota, a perfect guide.

Overall, it was the best first day we could ask for.  The staff was incredibly nice and happy to have us there.  They went the extra mile to find ways we could contribute and to make us feel comfortable.  Finally, we got to see some of what makes Sarasota special.  Florida District 13 over and out.