Wow! Since my last posting I went from a leisurely summer of reading, grilling and sailing to the intensity of a major congressional campaign working with some of the greatest political minds in the country. A horrific man made oil disaster that threatened Lake Michigan added to the intrigue.Since starting my sabbatical, I have managed to plow through about 50 books in a short period. I was really getting into it. A cool drink, Quincy enjoying the lush green lawn and me in the Adirondack chair with a book. Quite a life. In between the sailing, dinner parties and gardening, Quincy was really enjoying his summer surroundings.
Then the call. One I used to enjoy receiving. But not now. I'm diggin' my summer in Northern Michigan. "Peter? It's Field. Can you manage my campaign?"
An old politico of mine needed help. He was running for Congress against six right wing conservatives in a Republican Primary. Field and I are of the old Milliken/Rockefeller/Ford moderate wing of the GOP which is a dying breed. Fiscally responsible and progressive on social issues like privacy and the environment. And, gay.
My answer was immediate. "Hell, yes, I will!" My passion for politics is innate. As much as I want to put it behind me, it is a struggle. A moderate in need is a friend indeed!
Twenty to thirty years ago, campaigns were nuts and bolts. Volunteers, typewriters, and lots of paper. That was what I was used to. Now they have computers, cell phones, the Internet and so much other new social medias.
I was a twit before Twitter!
I had five incredibly fast weeks to help my friend. The congressional district spans from Frankfort to Saugatuck. We worked like dogs. Field campaigned tirelessly. I was in the war room from 7am-midnight. Campaigns are grueling and you never know the outcome. All campaigns are the same but different. The late Lee Atwater said they are like trying to push jello up a hill and it keeps running over the sides. That is what I kept doing. I was managing a team of young people on their first campaign... a completely different generation with ideas about work and play that are vastly different from mine and the candidate.
But I was also working with some of the greatest political minds in the country and one exceptional communications specialist. Each day seemed like a week at the end of the day, just so much work that had to be done and was.
We had major momentum going into the last week before the primary. Then, the scare. A major oil line that few knew about ruptured and had leaked nearly 1,000,000 gallons of crude oil into the Kalamazoo River that could flow into Lake Michigan and destroy life as we know it in the Midwest. Fortunately, it was contained after five gut wrenching days.
Election day came and we lost. Not even close for us. Close between the far right candidates.
The causes Field championed and campaigned for are simple. Privacy rights, fiscal responsibility, care for the environment and let individuals live their lives are all basic fundamental values. Gay or straight no one can in good faith disagree.
The campaign did not go the way I wanted. Us old moderate Republicans may be out numbered now and we may still lose elections while fighting like hell, but there is hope, there really is. I'm still standing.
My name is Peter and I approve this message!
Dispatch! Lake Michigan!
