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Hi John,
As many of you know, I ran a very difficult campaign for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District this past May. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted (and worked SO hard for), but we caught the eye of many Philadelphia and national politicos for how bold and brave we were to take on a long-time, deeply entrenched Philadelphia politician.
My opponent never publicly acknowledged our campaign, but I knew he was shaken by how hard we ran, the number of votes we were able to accumulate, how much money we raised . . . and the fact that I came out of nowhere to challenge his congressional seat.
I believe that part of his refusal to acknowledge our campaign is a result of who I am – a single young woman – and my background.
The reality is we need young people from all walks of life involved in our electoral process. I was so excited to see the young voter turnout for this general election – young Democratic voter turnout is what stopped a red wave nationwide.
The establishment should be harnessing that energy and using our youthful impatience to push for change. But young people also need our own representation and the establishment should be encouraging young people to step into politics – even running for elected office.
This past Election Day, I went to lunch at *the* Philadelphia power lunch spot, Relish. Many of the folks there were people I’ve become friendly with since our campaign ended. When I saw my former opponent walk into the room and start greeting people, I went up to him and offered him my hand. I’m a fighter, but I’m not a sore loser.
He looked at me, at my outstretched hand, and he turned his back on me and walked away. The unspoken message was loud and clear: How dare someone like me run for his seat.
This sense of entitlement is so troubling, not in and of itself, but because it's a symptom of a much more deeply rooted problem in our democracy. It's what leads to voter apathy.
We voters notice when politicians' campaign promises all but evaporate once election season is over. They lie to get our votes, and then don't deliver. But if we say anything – if we complain, or try to hold our elected officials accountable, if indeed we run against them in the next election? We are the problem. We are accused of "disrespect."
That doesn’t sound very democratic to me. Yet you’d better believe that same core mentality – that young people disrupt plans for power – is why the GOP is talking about increasing the minimum voting age to 21. Old-school power can’t handle young civic energy.
If you think young people need a voice in the future of our planet and in our democracy, contribute to our exploratory committee today.
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