Our Candidate, Our Campaign, Young Voters, & What’s Next I met Ricky late last year at his law office. My client Dr. Bowden encouraged me to consider working with Ricky’s campaign. I popped in half an hour before one of his “We’re Really Going To Do This” pre-election season meetings. The guy I met was exactly the type of person I surround myself with. He was straightforward, genuine, friendly and calm until we dived into the issues I knew would become attacks during his race. I saw the fire in his eyes, felt the passion in his words, and knew that Ricky would be a guy I could proudly stand behind for the months to come. He never once made me regret my decision. Those who know me know that I’m a realist – often perceived as a pessimist, but nope… just a realist. I went into our race fully aware that - though possible - our candidate had a lot of ground to cover in a short window of time if we wanted to pull off a “W.” I do not like Steve Cohen, “the man.” Most voters don’t know Steve Cohen, “the man.” However, his voting record as a Democrat is strong and the predictable endorsement from Obama scores major points in our District. In the end, we made incredible traction in the 9th District. We began with a man who has humbly (and often invisibly) served the true interests of Memphis and who has created a successful, respected law practice; the Wilkins team then made him a Man To Watch & Rally Behind within a short 6 months time. Wilkins proved to be an outstanding representation of the grit, grind, and invested leadership that is needed to move Memphis forward. To the Cohen campaign team (and supporters) - congrats on a hard-fought victory. Honestly, I smirk a little at how hard we made you guys work. ;-) *** I’m 26 and classify as a young voter. I didn’t attend the Millennial Voter Rally. As much as I agree that young voters SHOULD be more engaged in the political process of Memphis, I don’t expect young people to invest their attentions into campaigns built on party lines and limited vision. You don’t earn the allegiance of young voters by simply showing up where they are physically. You earn their allegiance by understanding them, supporting them, developing meaningful platforms that consider their interests, and communicating those platforms in a tangible way. To my Facebook loves, I don’t care if you didn’t vote as a young person. Hell, most of the candidates didn’t talk about how they will serve you. You STILL have the right to complain about what’s happening in Memphis if you don’t like it and felt that no candidate’s message resonated. You also have the RESPONSIBILITY to seek out new leaders, invest in them (with both financial and human capital), and rally around a more dynamic leadership for Memphis. As someone who fully intends to demand (read: respectfully beg) that Ricky Wilkins seeks political office in our future, I also challenge him to bring a dynamic vision for energizing younger voters to stay in Memphis (or return home) and invest their time, talents, and innovation right here in the 901. Im also proud to know and report that he wants to better understand our visions and identify ways that he can help. What’s next? Prepping for motherhood, serving more ding! clients, and spoiling my current clients who have ALWAYS welcomed my efforts to grow and expand as an individual and small business owner. Im a lucky girl. Thanks y’all for EVERYTHING – texts, posts, calls, visits, belly hugs, and votes for Ricky. Working with Ricky Wilkins For Congress was an incredible, extremely fulfilling journey. :)
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 21:27:06 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015