Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – I ran into Greg Hale who had just returned to Arkansas from New Hampshire where he had helped orchestrate a Town Hall Meeting for Senator Hillary Clinton. For those who don’t know Larry G. (Greg) Hale, you should. Greg’s expertise in politics, event staging and grassroots organizing traces back to his days working in presidential advance for Bill Clinton. Since that time, he’s worked for several candidates including John Kerry, Mike Beebe and now Senator Clinton. He was one of many people whose campaign work at a young age helped him develop significant professional expertise. Look for Greg to play a major role in the Clinton 2008 presidential campaign and expect him to recruit a cadre of Arkansas talent to join him.
Last week I visited with Sarah Huckabee, who was taking a break from the presidential campaign trail with her dad, Governor Mike Huckabee. I am a Sarah Huckabee fan. She’s bright with an engaging personality and is already a great asset in her Father’s campaign. What a terrific experience Sarah and many Arkansans are having and will have with the Huckabee campaign. If you are a young Republican, you should get on board now.
Clark Jennings, who is taking classes part time at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, was in New Hampshire with Senator Barak Obama. Clark already has extensive campaign experience and that’s why the Obama organization has called on him. You want to help Barak Obama…well here’s your chance.
If General Wesley Clark jumps into the fray, look for more campaign openings and opportunities for Arkansans. The major issue in the campaign–the War in Iraq–certainly plays in General Clark’s favor. If he gets in, he’s going to need a lot of people in Iowa and New Hampshire.
I grew up in Batesville, Arkansas never believing that I would ever meet a President much less know one. 1992 changed all that. Not only did Bill Clinton serve two terms, but now we have two and possibly three Presidential candidates with Arkansas connections.
Today, like 1992, a whole new generation of Arkansans–Republicans and Democrats–will have the opportunity to experience presidential campaigns from a front row seat.
Find a way to be part of it, work without pay or sleep on someone’s floor if you have to. Go to Iowa, go to New Hampshire, go to Nevada and go to South Carolina. Volunteer, stuff envelopes, make phone calls, knock on doors, run errands, sweep the floors–whatever is needed. As Nike advises, “Just Do It.”
If necessary, consider taking a semester or two off. Depending on your candidate of choice, find Greg Hale, Sarah Huckabee, Clark Jennings and others from Arkansas who are or soon will be in the mix. Ride the presidential wave with them. Like it did for many in 1992, it just might lead you to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or somewhere close.
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