Open Up!

I went to the House Democratic Caucus meeting today. It was fascinating. I've been before, as a reporter, but I'm wearing a candidate hat now. I introduced myself as a candidate for Salt Lake County Council and they gave me a warm reception.

Interestingly, on the floor directly beneath us at the Capitol the House Republican Caucus was also meeting--in secret. That's the way of doing business with the House majority. Apparently, the members decided to push their own version of a legislative ethics package, perhaps saving the citizens of Utah from deciding the issue for themselves on the 2010 ballot. It would have been great to hear the discussion surrounding the ethics issue.

I think the GOP may finally be getting the message. People are sick to death of business as usual at the Legislature. They're afraid to leave it to the voters.

And I'm glad the Democrats continue to hold open caucus meetings, where they are doing the people's business.

People who need people

I'm realizing many similarities between campaigning for SL County Council and my long and previous life as a newspaper journalist. I spend my evenings now telephoning potential supporters and asking for their votes. In a way, it's like calling total strangers for interviews. It takes a bit of gumption and steeling myself--don't want to bother people too much in what is probably their precious and minimal spare time. There is a magic two-hour window that I try to hit between dinner and "too late to call." Between 7 and 9.

Once I get someone on the phone though, all my tension dissolves. We talk. They tell me what is on their mind. What they want in a politician. I'm heartened by their civic engagement and interest in the campaign. I am doing exactly what I need to be doing.

Bright Starr

I've had plenty of help so far in this campaign, but mostly through informal channels. Today I hired Samantha Starr as my official campaign manager. Samantha comes with great cred. She managed state Rep. Laura Black's (D-Midvale) legislative campaign in 2008 and has done a great deal of work in grass-roots organization. She is just what this campaign needs: intellect, a great work ethic, experience, tenacity. I think it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!