President 2008

My political odyssey began 10 years ago when I interned for Senator Richard J. Durbin. Here I learned what tasks are required of a local constituent service office. It was a valuable experience.

Next stop was the 2000 Gubernatorial Campaign of Paul Vallas. Here I helped put together the database of voter information.

I stepped out of public politics for the 2002 cycle.

In 2004 I entered the fray volunteering for John Edwards in Iowa and Wisconsin. I ran the office in Davenport on caucus night and hand designing campaign signs. I also volunteered for Dan Hynes in his losing bid for the Senate seat. I also went to the College Democrat Convention where I received invaluable training on grassroots politics.

I watched C-SPAN hoping to see John Edwards and instead I noticed someone new, Lindsey Graham.

It seems odd to people in my home state of Illinois that I would not have chosen John Edwards to focus my attention on because I knew and had worked for him. It also wasn't anyone local or a national figure like John McCain, whom everyone would know. I chose Lindsey Graham from South Carolina.

I chose Lindsey for his independence. He shows the trait when he stands up to party leaders and base voters for a principle such as not abusing detainees or paying for Social Security reform. This is the same tack I take in life as a very independent voice.

I discovered him while watching C-SPAN, which is a pastime and the only place I can get non-biased coverage of governm

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