How Did I Get Here??

So, you may be wondering how I got here in the first place.  The obvious answer is I-75 of course!  The more interesting answer, however, is a bit more involved.  So, since I have time on my hands while traveling, I will tell the story. 

Several years ago, when my daughter started kindergarten at the local public school, I got very involved in the school’s PTO.  Our school system was trying to lengthen the school day for elementary students and I didn’t think this was a good idea.  I began attending school board meetings and giving my input as a concerned parent.  One thing led to another and before you knew it I was asked to be the president of our school’s PTO. 

My involvement with the local PTO got me interested in politics at the local level.  I had been involved in politics statewide for many years, but had never really gotten involved in my local county GOP.  So, I took the plunge and went to a meeting. 

It was actually very informative and I realized that it was at these small county meetings  that true change happenes.  The grassroots efforts have always been the strength of the Republican party, and that was evident at my county GOP meetings.  I began attending as often as I could and before long I was attending district and state conventions.

I was good with this arrangement... Attending meetings, working on local campaigns, supporting our local candidates, etc.  However, my Mama raised me to never settle for “good” but to always go for GREAT!  So, when a dear friend called me in March of this year and asked if I would be interested in being a delegate to the National GOP convention I certainly couldn’t say no.

Many of you have asked me what the process is to become a delegate.  To be completely honest, between good friends and all, I had no idea what it entailed when I started this process.  But, I quickly learned what was required.  I had to put together a “political resume” outlining every single grassroots action I have ever taken on behalf of the GOP or a candidate.  The “resume” was then submitted to a nominating committee that was composed of 5-6 men from my congressional district.  They scheduled an interview with all those interested in one of the six (3 delegates and 3 alternates) positions available.  I interviewed with them on the Friday afternoon before the district convention on Saturday. 

I knew being nominated was a long shot since there were over 30 folks interested in one of the positions, but I also knew I had a purpose in attempting this feat.  The week of the district convention a poll was released that showed women in my age demographic (18-49) were supporting Obama by a 2 to 1 margin.  This was staggering to me.  I also know that women make up over 50% of the voting block on election day.  In a nutshell what this meant to me was that if the GOP can’t attract women voters in my age demographic we will lose the election in November.  I knew I could be the face of this demographic and represent what women all over the nation are looking for.  We want to know that we are accepted into the GOP.  We want to know that it is okay to be a wife and homeschooling mom and still be an activist for the things we believe in.  It’s okay to be actively involved in politics. 

On Saturday at the convention, as expected, I wasn’t nominated by the committee.  So, I did what any good Southern girl would do - I pitched a hissy fit!!  No, seriously, I was nominated from the floor by a good friend.  Being nominated from the floor requires you to go against one of the nominees.  Both parties then give a short speech and the delegation stands to vote for the person they think would best represent them at the National Convention.  I was fortunate enough that the outcome was in my favor that day.  I am still a bit shocked that the good people of my district would choose me as one of their six representatives.  I am grateful and humbled by their confidence in me. 

In conclusion, I just want to make perfectly clear to all the women out there in my age demographic that you are welcome in GOP.  We want you.  We need you.  We need your energy, creativity, and passion.  If you are sitting at home angry about Obama’s War on Women, then get involved.  Find your local GOP meeting and get up - get your Spanx on - and get going!