Have Signs, Will Travel: The Life of a Politician

Heidi, folks! It sure is good to be back after my hiatus campaigning in Maury County’s 8th District.

Between knocking on doors, going to political rallies, shaking hands, slapping backs, kissing babies, fighting the summer heat, and keeping all of my personal affairs in order, I am bushed!

It is good to be writing again, however, and I sure do have a lot to write about. This has been a wild summer that has brought several changes. I have met so many interesting people and experienced so many things that it is hard to figure out what to write about first. Being just a few days after the election, I will start there while the events are still fresh in my mind.

I remember being so excited the day I picked up my petition from the Election Commission to run for county commissioner. A week later, the paperwork was filed and I was on my way. A week after that, I was asking myself, “Are you sure you really want to do this?” Being too late to turn back, I pressed on.

I came up with an elaborate design for my yard signs, figuring to have a couple hundred or so printed up. My chin hit the floor when I found out how much these signs cost. Yet, being vital to the campaign, I had to buy them, settling on a more conservative, one-color design. (Then when I found out how fast people steal them, I felt like I was just throwing money up a certain part of a wild hog’s anatomy.)

I had doors slammed in my face. Dogs growled and snapped at me as I walked through their territory to knock on their owner’s doors. I spent the better part of an hour talking to a woman who was really grilling me on some of the issues. Afterward, she admitted she couldn’t even vote in my district.

Those were a few of the bad things I experienced. The good greatly outnumbers the bad, thankfully.

I remember on one of my weekend drives through the district, I saw an elderly man sitting by the roadside, taking in the shade in his motorized wheelchair. This old gentleman was just happy to have someone to talk to. He didn’t even care I was a politician, it made his day. He took one of my cards and promised if he was still alive in August, he would vote for me. A couple of weeks later someone stole my sign out of his yard.

There are many, many more people just like that, who made my time on the campaign trail worthwhile. In addition to the people, just driving around my district was a joy on its own. There’s a reason why Maury County was dubbed the “Dimple of the Universe.” It is a beautiful place. Sometimes we just get too busy to actually slow down and enjoy the scenic beauty in our own backyard.

The months seemed to fly by and the big day had finally arrived. Someone asked if the day before the election was like Christmas Eve, waiting to see what Santa brought. No. I don’t think so. I would describe it more like the day before execution. You eat a hardy meal, try to prepare yourself to meet the deeds you have done, and you pray like you have never prayed before.

Davy Crockett supposedly said, “You can go to hell, I’m going to Texas,” after losing his bid for re-election. I, however, do not share his sentiments. Although Texas is a great place to visit, my place is here. And, I don’t want the people of the 8th District to go anywhere … I may need their votes again!

I came in a strong third place — a noble finish for a race with six candidates. The numbers say I lost, but it is not really losing if you gained something from the experience, and I have gained a great deal. (Not excluding the tag number of that champagne-colored Chevy that stole one my signs!)

I am now off of my soapbox and it has been put away for another time and place. Like I said, I have a whole lot more to write about. This will be my last article about politics, though. I’m sure everyone is tired of it by now, including the candidates.

But, brace yourselves for round two — November elections will be upon us soon!

Named a Tennessee colonel by Gov. Phil Bredesen, Adam Southern is resident of Culleoka and can be followed at http://colonelsouthern.blogspot.com .