Ever since I first attended the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, I’ve been hooked on politics. Up until that point, I was planning a career in education. But being among so many energetic, enthusiastic people yearning to make a difference made me realize that the political world was the place for me.
For years, I stayed active in the party as a County Chairman, member of the State Committee, precinct delegate and volunteer. In 1992 I decided to make a run for the office of County Clerk. I applied the lessons I had learned, starting back in 1976, and put to work all of the friends and supporters we had met along the way. Our campaign was successful, and I made government efficiency and transparency a cornerstone of my administration during my eight years there.
In 2002, I made a run for Secretary of State. Again, with the help of friends, supporters and involved citizens, we were successful. We were reelected in 2006 with more than 2 million votes, and I’ve been working since then to ensure that our office is as user-friendly and accessible as possible.
In all my travels, I’ve found that hard work always speaks for itself. Of course, it’s easy to brag about our success, but it requires diligence and discipline to demonstrate it. Respect is earned when your work can stand on its own.
Finally, I’ve found that whatever our goals are, we must follow the advice of Sir Winston Churchill who once advised us to never, ever, ever, ever give up. We will always encounter obstacles and challenges, but in order to be successful, we must view those setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Terri Lynn Land has served as Michigan's 41st Secretary of State since 2003. She earned re-election in November 2006 and began her second four-year term January 1, 2007. Prior to her election, Secretary Land served as Kent County clerk from 1992-2000, at a time of tremendous change and growth in Michigan's 4th largest county. In that position, her focus was on making county government more open and convenient for the public.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery
The convention is over, but its powerful messages and messengers have energized our party -and America-remarkably. Phone lines, internet mailboxes and campaign headquarters have been swamped with citizens across the country who want to be part of this campaign. It is truly amazing to hear the outpouring of support for the history-making GOP ticket.
One story reflects the almost immediate effect this convention and our candidates have had on America. As we were celebrating at a Thursday evening closing party for Ohio's delegation Ellen, from Northeast Ohio, came up to me. I didn't know her. She told me she was a lifelong Democrat, a Hillary supporter, and had come to the convention as a guest. She had been teased by her siblings-all of whom were Republicans- who told her that she would return from the convention as a Republican. Well, she wasn't ready -yet- to switch parties she said, but she WAS ready to make her own principled stand. She told me she wanted to volunteer to help the ticket. She wanted to form a "Democrats for McCain" committee in her local, Democrat leaning community. She was impressed with the sense of duty McCain expressed, and the principles both McCain and Palin had not only spoken about, but had lived. Here was a ticket that had experience. Here, she said, was a ticket that related to the needs of ordinary Americans. Here was a ticket that hadn't just voted "present" when tough issues arose. Here was a ticket she wanted to support.
This is just one story which has been replicated in hundreds of communities around the country. This ticket will win because ordinary Americans want to be led by those they trust and those who are not afraid to take a stand for America's future. Ellen says the convention underscored the values which made this country great. She said that it's time to get back to our "true values". I agree.
Betty Montgomery was Ohio's first female Attorney General. During her term, she increased state support for local law enforcement and upgraded the state's crime labs. Her top priority as Attorney General was the protection of Ohio's seniors, youth, and crime victims. In addition to serving as Attorney General, Montgomery was Ohio's first female auditor of state and served as a state senator.
One story reflects the almost immediate effect this convention and our candidates have had on America. As we were celebrating at a Thursday evening closing party for Ohio's delegation Ellen, from Northeast Ohio, came up to me. I didn't know her. She told me she was a lifelong Democrat, a Hillary supporter, and had come to the convention as a guest. She had been teased by her siblings-all of whom were Republicans- who told her that she would return from the convention as a Republican. Well, she wasn't ready -yet- to switch parties she said, but she WAS ready to make her own principled stand. She told me she wanted to volunteer to help the ticket. She wanted to form a "Democrats for McCain" committee in her local, Democrat leaning community. She was impressed with the sense of duty McCain expressed, and the principles both McCain and Palin had not only spoken about, but had lived. Here was a ticket that had experience. Here, she said, was a ticket that related to the needs of ordinary Americans. Here was a ticket that hadn't just voted "present" when tough issues arose. Here was a ticket she wanted to support.
This is just one story which has been replicated in hundreds of communities around the country. This ticket will win because ordinary Americans want to be led by those they trust and those who are not afraid to take a stand for America's future. Ellen says the convention underscored the values which made this country great. She said that it's time to get back to our "true values". I agree.
Betty Montgomery was Ohio's first female Attorney General. During her term, she increased state support for local law enforcement and upgraded the state's crime labs. Her top priority as Attorney General was the protection of Ohio's seniors, youth, and crime victims. In addition to serving as Attorney General, Montgomery was Ohio's first female auditor of state and served as a state senator.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
I never had a life-long mission to become a politician, as many do. I had a good career as a federal tax litigation attorney. I had a wonderful family, with a loving husband, five fantastic kids, and 23 foster children. But the time for action presented itself in 2000. Many friends, neighbors, and local Republicans urged me to challenge our sitting State Senator at our GOP convention. Despite some reservations, I did so and came out on top. And, I was later elected to the Minnesota State Senate first in 2000 and again in 2004. When my Congressman and friend Mark Kennedy ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006, his Congressional seat opened up and the circumstances seemed all too right to overlook. In a very tight race, I pulled out the victory and never looked back.
Politics is not something you pursue to fulfill your own sense of accomplishment or self-worth. It’s a position that feeds from within, with a steadfast dedication to those you represent. You work for the people; they do not work for you, and I guarantee that if all 435 Representatives remembered that each day, Congress would be a better steward of your hard-earned tax dollars.
If running for office is in your future, I wish you the best of luck. Congress needs more good, conservative women Representatives. If you choose to run honestly on your principles and for a greater good, you’ll be happy with yourself at the end of the day - win or lose. But if elected, never sacrifice those principles for short-term political gain. There’s nothing more important to me than being a loving wife and mother, but serving as a United States Representative who remains true to her principles sets a pretty nice example for the family.
Michele Bachmann is the Republican Representative of Minnesota's 6th congressional district. Prior to her election, Bachmann had served in the Minnesota State Senate, beginning in 2001. She is the third woman and first Republican woman to represent Minnesota in Congress.
Politics is not something you pursue to fulfill your own sense of accomplishment or self-worth. It’s a position that feeds from within, with a steadfast dedication to those you represent. You work for the people; they do not work for you, and I guarantee that if all 435 Representatives remembered that each day, Congress would be a better steward of your hard-earned tax dollars.
If running for office is in your future, I wish you the best of luck. Congress needs more good, conservative women Representatives. If you choose to run honestly on your principles and for a greater good, you’ll be happy with yourself at the end of the day - win or lose. But if elected, never sacrifice those principles for short-term political gain. There’s nothing more important to me than being a loving wife and mother, but serving as a United States Representative who remains true to her principles sets a pretty nice example for the family.
Michele Bachmann is the Republican Representative of Minnesota's 6th congressional district. Prior to her election, Bachmann had served in the Minnesota State Senate, beginning in 2001. She is the third woman and first Republican woman to represent Minnesota in Congress.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman - Mentors
It’s up to us to be prepared to take all the opportunity that is coming our way. I can’t imagine being ready to walk through any of the open doors I’ve encountered in my life’s journey if it weren’t for the incredible network of friends, family and colleagues who have surrounded me and supported me over the years. From my friends in county and state government to my husband, my son, and my parents, I have the love and support of a tremendous network of people. Without them, I’m sure I would have missed many opportunities.
One person above all has played a critical role in my life. I’m sure you each have stories about the influence of a special person who helped you gain the confidence you needed to succeed. For me, that person was my grandfather. I was the firstborn of five granddaughters, and Grandpa and I had a very special relationship. He always taught me that I was a capable person and that I could take on any challenge.
From the time I was very young, Grandpa always spoke to me on his level, like an adult. He had a keen interest in politics and government. He was a disciplined, loyal man, godly and smart. I learned to expect respect from him, and I learned to expect respect from other people. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t or shouldn’t run for public office at the ripe old age of 25. My grandfather taught me that I was just as qualified as anyone else. When I was getting my start in politics and government I was largely on my own. There simply were not many other women there at higher levels to mentor me. My grandfather was really the person who helped shape me and the direction I’ve taken as a leader. I’ll forever be grateful for the influence he had on my life.
Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman has devoted her life to public service. She was first elected to office at the age of 25 and held county offices for 16 years. She went on to serve 12 years in the Indiana Senate, quickly rising to a position of leadership as the first female elected to Senate Leadership as Senate Majority Caucus Chairman. In 2004 Becky joined Mitch Daniels in his bid to become governor. Together, they sought to renew Indiana’s economy and move the state forward. Upon election, Becky became the state’s 50th lieutenant governor.
One person above all has played a critical role in my life. I’m sure you each have stories about the influence of a special person who helped you gain the confidence you needed to succeed. For me, that person was my grandfather. I was the firstborn of five granddaughters, and Grandpa and I had a very special relationship. He always taught me that I was a capable person and that I could take on any challenge.
From the time I was very young, Grandpa always spoke to me on his level, like an adult. He had a keen interest in politics and government. He was a disciplined, loyal man, godly and smart. I learned to expect respect from him, and I learned to expect respect from other people. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t or shouldn’t run for public office at the ripe old age of 25. My grandfather taught me that I was just as qualified as anyone else. When I was getting my start in politics and government I was largely on my own. There simply were not many other women there at higher levels to mentor me. My grandfather was really the person who helped shape me and the direction I’ve taken as a leader. I’ll forever be grateful for the influence he had on my life.
Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman has devoted her life to public service. She was first elected to office at the age of 25 and held county offices for 16 years. She went on to serve 12 years in the Indiana Senate, quickly rising to a position of leadership as the first female elected to Senate Leadership as Senate Majority Caucus Chairman. In 2004 Becky joined Mitch Daniels in his bid to become governor. Together, they sought to renew Indiana’s economy and move the state forward. Upon election, Becky became the state’s 50th lieutenant governor.
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