Learning Curve

I was never very political, even though I've voted in every election for over thirty years. I knew the names of my federal, state, and local representatives, along with people whose names frequently appeared in the media, but I had never volunteered with a campaign. When Jay Hammond was re-elected governor in 1978 I was in Anchorage for a few days and went to election-night-central and a private election party to the wee hours. It was exhilarating!


That was the extent of me and politics. Now my brother Ralph Samuels is running for governor of Alaska in the Republican primary election August 24, 2010. I am shamelessly biased in his favor. As part of my sisterly volunteer contribution, I'm accompanying Ralph in a campaign motorhome north along the Parks Highway, south on the Richardson to Delta Jct., east on the Alaska Highway to Tok, then to Glenallen and home again. We're leaving Monday, March 29 and hope to return on April 7.

The campaign staff has tasked me with photography and setup duties. I don't think it necessary to divulge to them how my family's eyes rolled when told I was the trip photog. I understand computers better than the average person, but camera's . . . not so much. I do snap good pictures eventually. I'll be fine.

When Ralph first declared his candidacy my mother said, "I just don't want to embarrass him." Those are my sentiments exactly. So I'm hereby stating that I will not whine or talk too much or say anything derogatory during the trip. Or during the whole campaign.

I'm really excited about this trip. I've driven these roads a lot over the course of my lifetime, but never at so leisurely a pace. What new things will we see or old things remember?

The goal is for Ralph to meet and chat with a lot of people and I hope to help make that happen.
Wish us well!