A message from Avery and Scalia: Get involved

by Jess Anderson

After longstanding interests in politics and experience in campaigning, guest speakers Derek Scalia and Jacob Avery are well versed on the subject of campaigning from a grassroots level.

The two men shared their experiences and knowledge with Presidency and the Press students at a presentation at Franklin Pierce University.

Scalia’s initial words of wisdom dealt with speaking to the media, as he described in what he referred to as a “battle story” in which certain controversial comments he made to an ABC reporter found their way in the next day’s news.

Scalia also said that though the campaigns he had participated in over the years weren’t necessarily successful, winning wasn’t as important as picking the candidate he could relate to.

“I choose my candidates because I believe in them,” he said.

Avery also encouraged student to get involved with grassroots campaigns in order to get experience that can’t be achieved through other means.

“You all have idea and a mind to make this place better, this world better, this community better,” he said. “Use it…It’s inspiring for people in my position as a consultant and staffer to see that, your energy and enthusiasm.”