NH Wilsons: January 2008

What a wonderful time to live in the great state of New Hampshire.
I have joked that during the months leading up to the primaries, you could swing a dead cat and hit a politician. We have had the amazing opportunity to be personally wooed by every single one running. Our tv's were covered in commercials, we received at least 5 phone calls a day from various groups, trying to educate and sway us for their candidate.
My neighbor Debbie got me involved with the Hillary campaign. In November, we hosted a house party. We invited many durham residents to come talk and receive more information about her. Although she did not come to the party, we had many reps from her campaign. Other candidates, such as Bill Richardson, actually showed at the local house parties. My mother chatted with him in the kitchen for quite a while.
Getting coffee in a local shop or just walking down the street, your chances on meeting one of them was great. Especially since we live in the town housing UNH. It got to the point, where I did not get excited or try to go see them, as I knew they would be around again and again.
Closer to crunch time, they really got busy. Once Iowa was over, we became the major focus for four days. News crews were everywhere.
I went canvassing the town with Debbie and John on my back to try to talk to townsfolk about Hillary. I found myself so inundated with information, I started to consider other candidates.
The morning after Obama won Iowa, Chris and I took the morning off to go greet his plane and hear him speak. It was exhilarating. The energy and vibe from the crowd, the hoards of media, the signs, the flags and the music. He was an amazing speaker and revved up the crowd. By the time I left, I was voting for him. Then it was Saturday.
I canvassed the town and went to get coffee. My coffee shop was taken over by the media as Hillary was there to have an intimate discussion with some college students. That night was the debates, and Hillary took that hands down. More and more calls, more visitors at the door and I was back on Hillary's bandwagon.
Sunday night we took the girls to go see Hillary. We were in line for an hour, about 300 people in front of us, and we didn't get in. They shut the doors five people ahead of us. The girls were so disappointed. So, I took them out of school the next day, and with John in the pack, we went to try to see her again. We not only got in, we got in the front row. The girls made friends with the little old ladies, and they pushed them us even further. We waited for an hour and a half for her to come. Johnny was so good in the pack, and then Hillary came in. The energy in he crowd was great and she was pumped to lock up the NH vote. John was excited too, as he happily shrieked throughout the whole speech. Hillary kept looking at me, I kept mouthing "sorry", and tried hard to keep John quiet! During the town Hall questioning, we decided to leave, John was done and the girls were glassy eyed. I caught one of the secret service men and asked if I could get out through the secret service door. He said no! Until another official came over and helped me. I was approved to leave through the door. However, I could not get over the barricades with John on my back. Two secret service men had to pick me up over the barricades and lifted Hannah too. I am sure Hillary was just as happy as we were to get out!!!
Tuesday, voting day finally arrived. Probably about 20 phone calls during the day to remind us to vote or to sway us. I took the girls from school to come with me to place my vote. We then held Hillary signs outside until dark.
I am happy that we were involved, I am happy that we gave our kids the exposure to politics so early on. I am sorry we did not see more candidates. I am proud as a New Hampshire resident to have such an important part in our electoral process.
When the time comes for you to get involved, I urge you to do so. I was amazed by the dedication that these campaign workers have. I am surprised by the feeling of satisfaction and country pride you can gain by working on a campaign for someone you believe in and who can make a change and difference in our great nation. Don't forget to vote, regardless who you choose.