May Senator Brian Schatz stay busy in DC for years and years!

May Senator Brian Schatz stay busy in DC for years and years!

It felt so incredibly natural staffing a table for Brian at the Kona 4th of July Dems Picnic.  I hadn’t seen our young senator  since we drove to Hilo for his HQ opening back in spring — At home, we watched him prevail over his debate opponent via internet streaming.  But having a chance to tell him that I tweeted one of his boldest and most successful debate jabs, and then seeing his smile light up, truly made it feel like old times again in a new place, here on our precious island.

Oh, all those mainland Fourths and community events I still remember in Oregon…  mingling with Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, Commissioner Brad Avakian, Commissioner Dick Schouten, Governor John Kitzhaber,  memorable, hard-working, powerful progressives I left behind.  This year, it was Governor Neil Abercrombie who fired up a loyal crowd, reminding us that we’re all working together, some 2500 miles away from the closest land mass.

Meanwhile, in D.C., it’s comforting to know that Brian, Jeff, and Ron effectively rub elbows, sharing the same values I talked about on the phone with voters on the mainland, and when possible, here. What’s really different is that when I volunteered/staffed campaigns in New York and Oregon, we dropped cookie crumbs, raised our eyebrows, and laughed along the way.  It’s changed a bit here.  The goal hasn’t changed a speck…  I’m still trying to help the most qualified Senate candidate in the race, Brian Schatz,  — but I miss all the crumbs and giggles, while making calls from where I’m sitting right now.  It’s a long trek to Hilo HQ – and an even longer swim to Honolulu!

At this year’s Kona picnic, so very many of us sounded committed to the importance of keeping Brian busy in D.C.  He belongs there. He’s left a mark already, and, at 41, Brian has the energy, growing wisdom, and integrity to fight there for us for decades.

brianschatz.com/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Schatz

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