Running for public office is a terrific way to encounter your past… ready or not.  And yes, in my case, I’m ready, willing, and able.  I say this because in the process of campaign-related activities, I’ve had occasion to meet individuals with shared interests, shared backgrounds and, in some cases, shared histories. 

I grew up in Mitchell County, near where author Hamlin Garland lived as a young man.  I’ve read and studied Garland for many years and occasionally meet someone who shares my interest.  Last week, in Ames, I met a woman who not only knew about Garland but had stayed frequently at the Garland homestead northeast of Osage...

She knew the family that owned and farmed the Garland property long after the Garlands left in 1881. The house, built by Hamlin’s father, still stands and the spirit of Garland can still be found in north-central Iowa.  It was special to meet someone with considerable knowledge of Garland and of Mitchell County history. 

My second encounter was with a gentleman in northeast Iowa, a retired teacher who had been a volunteer one of my first political campaign adventures back in 1974.  This fellow and I supported Martin Jensen, a first-class candidate who hailed from Decorah and lost to Mike Blouin in the primary.  As much as anything, Martin was our “geographical” favorite, since we both were living in northeast Iowa at the time. 

After the 1974 primary, we both supported the Blouin campaign with gusto and again in 1976, when I had the pleasure of working for Mike in Linn County.  This meeting reminded us both of previous campaigns, now more than 30 years ago.  I can only imagine the many students encouraged by this former teacher to get involved in politics.  His years of Democratic service speak loudly of his commitment and dedication.  Seeing him again was a special encounter. I eagerly anticipate meeting more remarkable 4^th district Iowans in the months ahead.  Most folks probably haven’t read Garland and most likely weren’t politically active in the mid-1970s.  If you’re the exception, however, let me know and we’ll talk. 

And on a completely different, yet important note I urge you to please check out my website which has been undergoing vast improvements as of late.  We are improving and building it all the time and I would like to hear what you think of it so far.