Disappointed but not (quite) disillusioned...

For the first time in my life, I actively campaigned for a political candidate.  By this I mean that I volunteered to work at a local campaign office, as well as talked up the candidate.  I've spoken of him before.  I did this because he shares many of the same beliefs and core values that I do, not becuase he was the "popular" candidate or because he was endorsed by a television celebrity, movie star, or musician.  Yes, he did get some endorsements from other people that I admire to varying degrees, but I supported this campaign long before those endorsements materialized.

In a primary with a startlingly pathetic turnout and a crowded field of candidates, Adam Andrzejewski showed well in the polls but did not secure the party nomination.  Am I dissapointed?  Yes.  Very.  Actually, I think this is the biggest loss I have ever felt on a personal level for a political cause.  Am I disillusioned?  Only in the fact that as of this moment, out of a state of over 6 million registered voters, the ENTIRE total of votes received by ALL 7 candidates was 748,473 with 96% of the totals in.

So yes, I am disillusioned in the voting public as a whole, but not my candidate.

I know this turned into more of a standard blog posting than a P365, but it's just what flowed out.  I'll be back to regular pics on Wednesday.

(post 31/365)

Volunteering for something you believe in

Today I spent several hours at the local campaign office of Adam Andrzejewski, an Illinois businessman running for the GOP gubernatorial ticket on this Tuesday's primary. This was a first on several levels.  For one, I had never actually "volunteered" at a political office prior to today, and secondly, our son (aka "The Boy") was right beside me...sorting information cards, putting lawn signs together, etc.  He has an interest in the political process and was very eager to see how things worked "behind the scenes."

While I've spoken with Adam on the phone for an interview and even saw him speak yesterday at a luncheon with Lech Walesa, I had never met him "face to face" until today, when he (unexpectedly) showed up at the Oak Lawn office.  One of the best parts of chatting with him?  Our son got the opportunity to meet Adam as well.  "The Boy" was quite thrilled.

(post 29/365)

Luncheon (bonus post)

Ok, so I know that I missed 2 days this month for my Project365 blog.  When that (occasionally) happens, I will attempt to make the posts up with "Bonus Posts."  Here is my first make up post...

This is the view from the back of the banquet room before the start of the luncheon.  You can see that some of the press had already set up their cameras...imagine that same view with about 6 sets of gear and you will have an idea of what it wound up looking like.

(post 28/365)

Legendary

Lech Walesa, former President of Poland and champion of democracy

Today I had the extreme pleasure to attend an event and meet a legend in the fight for freedom and democracy:  Lech Walesa. While he spoke through an interpreter, his actions and the tone of his voice were captivating to the point that it crossed the language barrier. He was charming, captivating, and passionate in his remarks. And believe it or not, this man has a sense of humor I suspect is much larger than the glimpse we got today.

(post 27/365)