Students gain wise advice from political field directors

by Katie Silverman
Presidency and the Press

Republican party field director Jacob Avery, and Democratic field director Derek Scalia joined the Presidency and the Press student reporters at Franklin Pierce University Wednesday, July 20 for a behind-the-scenes look at politics.

The two directors jumped right into explaining their backgrounds in politics, and how they ended up in their current positions.  They also informed the crowd about what the job of field director involves.

Along with meeting the candidates, campaigning, writing letters to newspaper editors, and trying to gain more votes, a big part of their job is making sure that they always keep their volunteers happy and taken care of.

“It’s about touching the people as much as you possibly can,” said Scalia.

One question asked the two whose campaigns they would want to be on if they could choose anybody’s in history.  Scalia was quick to answer with socialist leader Eugene Debs, explaining that although he may not have been the likely candidate, his choice to protest and stick up for what he believed in was very impressive and important.

“We’re too sterile with one another when discussing our deep seated beliefs,” Scalia said.

When asked if the two field directors would ever run for office themselves, they didn’t give a direct yes or no answer. But they were quick to remind the crowd that to make a difference, you don’t necessarily have to be the “front runner,” – they enjoy being behind the scenes.

“You all have a mind, use it to make your community a better place,” said Avery.