Campaign staffers inspire students to pursue politics

by Meghan Rimol
Presidency and the Press

Campaign staffers and political activists Derek Scalia and Jacob Avery came to Franklin Pierce University today to speak with students about grassroots campaigning.

Scalia was the Northeast regional field director for the Dennis Kucinich campaign in the 2008 election and an alumnus of Franklin Pierce. Avery is the field director for the New Hampshire state Republican committee.

Both speakers discussed their experiences being involved in campaigns and what they have learned so far during their careers.

For Scalia, having never worked on a winning campaign, these lessons have been what not to do. “I have the reverse Midas touch,” said Scalia.

Avery, however, has worked for campaigns both winning and losing, as well as in all different political ideologies. Avery has been involved with campaigns for Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian party candidates at all different levels of office.

The speakers related stories from their work on previous campaigns, and gave students advice to get involved with politics in any way they can. “You get a glimpse at what a person is feeling, and you get a glimpse at their core,” said Scalia.

Both Avery and Scalia have considered running for a political office sometime in the future, but have decided to continue working behind the scenes for the time being.