Proud

Thirteen years ago, a small town lawyer from Hometown got elected to the United States Congress. I was lucky enough to intern for him his first summer on the Hill and go back 3 years later and become his scheduler. 6 years ago, he pulled off a stunning defeat and became a United States Senator. It still blows my mind a little.

He was in Georgia the first day of my internship back in 1995, but he came in on that second day and told me to come with him. While his wife had been my 5th grade teacher and I considered both his daughter and son friends and he lived just down the street, I didn't know him very well. He took the time we were walking over to the Capitol to be sure my living arrangements were acceptable and I had everything I needed. We saw Steve Largent (a congressman at the time) and when I swallowed my tongue in awe, he teased me mercilessly. When another Georgia congressman was wondering around near us, he made sure to grab both the congressman and a photographer so that I could have my picture taken with them both. He took me down on the floor with him and told me which button to push and where to look on the board to see that vote reflected.

Of course, he's a lot busier now with a much larger staff, but when he walked in the Silver Skillet tonight following a tough debate with both of his opponents, he first made sure his wife was standing by his side and he then profusely thanked his staff.

I still remember how I felt the night he won this seat. I still have a hard time believing that he pulled it off. I'm so proud of the work he's done and I sure do hope he gets to continue. Because I believe in his politics? Absolutely. But mainly because I believe in the man.