I’m fairly new to the blogging world, although I do enjoy writing, and expressing my opinion through writing. I suppose until now I’ve been more of a blog reader than a blog writer, but with so many critical issues facing us today, I think its important for everyone to be vocal. This is my way of making sure I stay vocal.

 

I grew up, and still live in West Michigan, where my family has been for the past 100 years. Its a great place to live, and I think represents so much of what is good about the Midwest.

 

I have two brothers and one sister, and am very close with all of them — as well as my parents and grandparents. Family is very important to me. I think we are more a product of our family than we like to realize.

 

I graduated from Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan - with a BA in History and Political Science. Hillsdale is a close-knit community of only 1300 or so students, but a very fine liberal arts college. The college proudly continues to refuse funding of any kind from the federal government - and is thus free from any restrictions and mandates of the federal government. “Independence”, is a strong trait that you will find in many Hillsdale students.

 

I’ve been active in politics since before high school - and haven’t tired of it since. I have served as a delegate to the Michigan GOP convention since 2000, and have been active as a student in College Republicanpolitics on the local, state and national level. One of the greatest rewards of this work for me, has been to learn from some tremendous leaders. I’ve had the honor of working for Michigan’s Secretary of State,Terri Lynn Land - and for U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg - both have been instrumental in giving me hands-on experience and a knowledge of the political process - but they’ve also given me their passion for the issues that they have worked so tirelessly on - and that I think is a lasting reward for me.

 

I’ve been privileged to have some pretty great experiences politically through my work, travelling across the State of Michigan (from Iron Mountain to Monroe and most places in between) and spending a good deal of time in our nation’s capital.

 

Hanging out with Newt Gingrich and First Lady Laura Bush would have to be some highlights — but I think even more rewarding has been meeting hundreds of everyday people and listening to their stories. People have so much to offer - and they are so fascinating. Its one of the true benefits of life in the political arena - to be able to spend time meeting and talking with so many people.

 

I once had a picnic with friends inside the Lincoln Memorial - literally right at Abe’s feet. It was about 2 A.M. - and we were just having fun when the police came to remove us. Instead, we talked the two officers into joining us - and we all enjoyed it together. (Still the best place I’ve ever eaten cheese and crackers)