Campaign Blogging
I've had my share of experiences this summer. One which has spawned many other experiences is my internship with Santorum 2006. I worked as a New Media intern in the local office, and I have never been more excited or involved in politics.
It's also been fun to post the occasional blog to the Santorum 2006 blog, which was recently named the best political campaign blog.
In all the craziness of the last few weeks of summer and my last weeks of my internship, I haven't had the opportunity to post the blogs here, but how could I leave the CR blog in want? Find below links to the blogs on RickSantorum.com and, in the extended entry section, the whole posts.
What "Keep Up the Fight" Means to Me
What "Keep Up the Fight" Means to Me
"Keep Up the Fight!" we've been saying. It's not just a slogan, but an inspiration. Yesterday's kick-off picnic for Senator Santorum's tour of Pennsylvania was a rally for the fight we're all in as members of the Commonwealth.
At North Park in McCandless near Pittsburgh, families and friends enjoyed food, music, and fun. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! The Senator and his family arrived in the tour RV, and the Santorum children sported t-shirts that said "I love my Senator!" There was something in the air -- not the humidity. It was a strong energy from the supporters, and it was remarkably evident once the Senator took the microphone.
Rick's family joined him on stage as he delivered an impassioned message to the crowd. He spoke of volunteering for the campaign, fighting for the issues, and keeping on top of our future by keeping tabs on the present. Rick even noted that while Governor Rendell campaigns with Bobby Casey, Jr., he does not campaign for Casey. Even people who don't care for Rendell's politics can appreciate that!
I was grateful to have the opportunity to have a picture taken with the Senator and his lovely wife, Karen. When I mentioned that I am an intern, she thanked me. I responded that it is easy to work for someone whom I find so inspiring and whom I can really support.
And I mean that. What I see is an individual whose values are so defined, whose family means so much to him, whose occupation aligns so well with his passions that he cannot be steered wrong when led by the people who elect him.
"Keep up the fight" means more than working for election success. Our responsibility as voters doesn't end there. When the "system" works the way it is supposed to, we get what we need -- someone who represents us and who is willing to listen to us. All that means is that we need to be willing to tell that person whom we elect what our needs and concerns are, where our hearts lie, and how to help us live better.
Keep up the fight, Pennsylvania. Today we kicked-off another vein of energy for this campaign. Take our fight and make it your fight -- use this inspiration to keep Pennsylvania alive by keeping Santorum on our side.
Karissa Kilgore is a New Media intern with Santorum 2006, one of Rick's Running Mates, and Secretary of the Seton Hill University College Republicans.
A is for Amstrong
Where was the first stop on the "Keep Up the Fight" tour? Armstrong County. Dave Battaglia, who started off the event, thanked the Senator for choosing Armstrong as the first stop. The Senator promptly responded, "Well, Armstrong... 'A...'" The crowd laughed, but indeed this is a great place to start.
This morning's breakfast garnered a crowd of people at the West Kittanning Fire Hall in Armstrong County. There were more children at this event than I've seen at any other. The Senator even commented on the number of children and said that it was his goal to keep Pennsylvania a good place to live and raise kids.
I was excited to hear what the Senator would say about our County, and I wasn't disappointed. All of Rick's words were lifted in applause. He mentioned the work he's done for our County. He also said how even though the industry shift has hurt Armstrong, he sees that we're rebounding and working in the right direction.
When he moved to national and global topics, he made sure to distinguish the differences between where he stands on these issues and where his opponent stands. The Senator said that Bob Casey tells people he'll ask the tough questions. What leaders do, Rick continued, is find answers to those tough questions.
He proceeded to share his views on illegal immigration, border security, and concerns about Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The War on Terror, as it is called, the Senator said, is actually the war against Islamic fascism. "War on Terror" is the politically correct way to say that, though, without offending people, he said. Maybe we need to clarify things and take that chance of offending people in order to know what it is we're fighting against. Mr. Senator, thank you for saying so.
After the event, it was fun to watch all the kids running around while their parents met with Rick, Karen, and the Santorum children. I've been at a couple events before, but I know I like it best when Rick's family comes along. I think it makes him seem more real, down-to-earth, and approachable. No political pedestal, just another Pennsylvanian who just so happens to be in a position to help all the rest of us. But we've got to help him first...
It's great to know that we're not forgotten here in Armstrong. I wish the Senator and his family the best for this tour. Rally around, Pennsylvania: Keep Up The Fight!
Karissa Kilgore is a native of Armstrong County, and is also a New Media intern with Santorum 2006, one of Rick's Running Mates, and Secretary of the Seton Hill University College Republicans.
Posted by KarissaKilgore at August 14, 2006 6:41 PM