Member-only story
A Feel-Good Election Story
From trucker to U.S. Senator — with some alcohol on the way
I’ve been a candidate for office exactly one time.
It was a local office, one where there would be just about 3000 total voters.
Despite the hyper-local nature of the race, it was all-consuming.
My daughter was 4 at the time. And I missed an entire summer with her. When I wasn’t working, I was campaigning.
Door-to-door to shake as many hands and talk with as many voters as possible.
I had maps and names and voting histories. I had literature and signs. I had a few volunteers. But, in these local races, voters want to meet the actual candidate.
The process was grueling. And wildly rewarding. I met many of neighbors, heard their concerns, got a glimpse into their lives.
Even without being elected, I was able to help address and solve some problems.
It was also terrible in ways. People are mean.
Oh, and in the end, I lost. By just a handful of votes.
All of this happened before I took the steps that would lead me to trouble with alcohol.
I’m not sure I’ll ever run for any sort of office again. Still, I remain interested and…
