Political Pursuit

Random story I meant to mention.

It's a Saturday about two or three weeks ago. Shane and I are visiting Dad while Mom is visiting Jama and Zanne in Texas. My parents own a huge house (10 people lived there comfortably once) and it can feel borderline oppressive if it's completely empty for too long. Plus, Dad is good with Shane and I don't mind the break right before going to church!  Anyway, Dad is playing with Shaney when the doorbell rings.  Naturally, being the one unencumbered by a baby, I get up and go answer the door.

At the door, are two gentlemen.  I say gentlemen, because one was in a suit jacket and neither one looked like the typical door-to-door salesmen or lawnscaper that my parent's neighborhood seems to breed.

That's surprise #1. It's not much of one, but my first thought is that the Mormons are walking around again.

Then, one of them speaks.

"Are you [my name here]?"

Surprise #2. I haven't lived at my parents' house in years. Why would anyone be asking for me?  I blurt out a "yes," but I'm wracking my brain trying to figure out what's next.



The man in the suit jacket eagerly reaches out a hand, "HI! I'm running for office and ..."

Oh.  Politicians. That's surprise #3, but I probably shouldn't have been so surprised by some candidates starting their season early.

The man running for office and his lackey explain to me that they're trying to get enough signatures on a petition to get his name on the ballet. Sure. I've got no problem with putting someone on a ballet. In the end, it's the voting that elects someone and I have nothing against anyone running for an office. In addition, I figure it'll make them happy and go away before they bug my dad.

Lackey is reaching out to hand me the clipboard to look at when Candidate speaks up and says something like "I'm a Democrat if that affects you either way. Hopefully, the voices will tell you to sign"

Not only is he a politician, he's a newb politician!

I smile and tell him "Actually, I tend to run more conservative. I've got no problem signing to get you a chance on the ballet, but don't count on my vote." (well, I was thinking that last part. I don't remember if I really said it, but it'd have been cool.)

I meant it too. If anything, I can respect the intention to try and help people out by making things better (unlike how I typically feel about a politician once their butt ends up in office, but that's my own hypocrisy). Who knows? Maybe I'd like him better than any of the other candidates. The great thing about the American system is anyone who wants to can take a chance and see what becomes of it.

I do a quick glance at the petition to make sure I'm not signing my right eye away to someone who wants a spare, and sign it. Candidate is all smiles and as they're turning to leave asks me a quick question.

"Do you fox hunt?"

Huh? Thankfully, my brain is working by this point and I realize what's up.

"No, that's my wife. She's more into eventing."

It turns out the candidate's wife was also into horses (specifically eventing!) and he'd recognized the meanings of some of my wife's old bumper stickers on my car.  We chatted for a bit, he left, and then I had a revelation.  They'd never asked for my dad.

Apparently, I look old enough to own a mini-mansion.  Not bad for a guy who answered the door in a paint stained t-shirt saying "4 out of the 5 voices in my head tell me to do it!"