Everybody Loves a Parade

The first round of parades is over, and I am still achy--note to self, sandals, no matter how comfortable, are not made for walking 4+ miles!

For the last four years, my oldest son and I have walked in the Murray Fun Days Parade, first for Rep. Tim Cosgrove and, this year, for my own campaign. We have enjoyed being part of the parade (though one year I would like to actually see the other entrants), but I learned this year that the view from the post of "candidate" is much different.

As a supporter, you walk and wave. As the candidate, people actually seek an opportunity to talk to you along the route.

Granted, a few just wanted to know how to get one of our lovely purple t-shirts (pledge to make a monthly donation!), but other people wanted me to know how glad they are I am running, to wish me luck, and to give me the ten second snapshot of their concerns about the office I seek.

What was most surprising and enjoyable about these brief conversations, however, was the sense of hope that people seem to be experiencing in this election year. While the parade route may not be the most scientific method for determining which way the political winds are blowing, this brief moment of connection with voters did give me the sense that voters are eager for something better that the status quo we have all dealt with for so many years. Best of all, voters have real choices among candidates this year in most state and national races. Not only can they hope for better, they can actually vote for better! Now there's something to celebrate at a parade!