On The Record: Brian Pendleton

For this Easter installment of On The Record, I spoke with Brian Pendleton, a Regional Field Director for the Democratic National Committee and the Texas Democratic Party.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

Growing up, my parents always talked about current events, mostly politics, at the dining table every night. Also, my parents are avid newspaper readers in addition to watching the news on TV every day. Listening to them comment on the issues of day made me realize at a young age how important it was to vote and stay up to date on issues, whether local or national.

I volunteered on my first campaign in college as a sophomore on a local county commissioner’s race. The candidate for county commissioner also happened to be a trustee at the university. A group of us helped pass literature out in one of the commissioner precinct neighborhoods one Saturday morning for several hours in the hot sun. Afterwards, we were treated to free food by one of the supporters who organized the lit drop. She won her race a few weeks later. She personally thanked us for our work that day.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the where you are today?

Well, you really never leave the role of an activist; you just work from a different position and learn more as you move forward in those different positions.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning the state?

In my opinion, health care and education have to be the top two on my list. I still don’t understand the Republican Legislature’s decision to cut so many kids from CHIP. We are talking about children who need basic health care now in hopes of avoiding future health problems down the road. I wonder sometimes how a child with diabetes copes if they don’t get proper medical care in the beginning stages of the disease. Education is just another issue where I sometimes scratch my head and wonder why Republicans refuse to truly invest new money into our schools. Democrats have consistently worked to provide Texas kids with the care and education they need to be successful, and if we continue to gain seats in the Legislature, that can become a reality.

Do you have any ambition for office?

Hopefully, I will find myself as an elected official in some capacity in the future. I will probably have to run at the local level. City council or school board would be a good fit.

Who are some of your political heroes?

I have a lot of heroes, too many to name right now. However, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are my favorite on the Presidential level, partly because I grew up with those two running the country and other reasons. I’ve always enjoyed watching Ted Kennedy debate on the Senate floor for the rights of everyday people. Some others I’ll mention are Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan, and former US Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and many others.

What would you say has been the single most defining moment in your political life?

I would have to say attending the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Although I spent the majority of the time working, it was an experience to meet current and former US Senators, Congressional members, governors, mayors and other dignitaries. Not to mention watching the speeches (especially Senator Obama’s speech), talking to other delegates, and seeing the confetti and balloon drop after John Kerry’s acceptance speech. I took a handful of busted balloons, signs and confetti as souvenirs. Since 1980, I have watched every convention on television, but this time, I finally enjoyed it in person. My oldest sister even called me during Obama’s speech and asked me about the experience of being there live.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

Electing a Democrat as President! We also have a lot of opportunities right here in Texas, though. Democrats had a great deal of success in 2006 and proved we could compete and win in every area of the state. So I am definitely looking forward to working on local races within my 45-county region, as well as gaining more seats in the Texas House. Lastly, I really want to win more judicial races locally and statewide.

What would you say the political breakdown of your family is? Is it mostly Democratic or are you somewhat unique?

My parents have always been Democrats. They have always stressed the importance of voting, especially because so many people died for my right to vote. I remember the time I forgot to vote in 1992 for Clinton. I was a sophomore in college and forgot to send the absentee ballot back home. Although Clinton won, my mom gave me the speech about the importance of voting. Needless to say, I made sure my ballot was cast for Clinton in 1996.

What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?

Do not be discouraged during defeats! Losing a race is never a good feeling, but you really learn from those experiences. I think some of the most important lessons I’ve learned were on losing campaigns. You just keep plugging away and stay focused on our common goal of electing more Democrats because victory is definitely sweet.

What one thing would you say a political organization never has enough of?

I would have to say money and volunteers. Money speaks for itself. It’s critical to communicating with voters and turning out votes. It is no secret that Democrats are frequently outspent by Republicans, but we also now have a Republican government that is beholden to special interest donors. I am proud to be a member of a Party that represents the middle-class Texans like you and me, rather than big political contributors.

Also, as people become less interested in politics and government, volunteers haven’t been quite as plentiful as compared to the past. However, we are seeing a surge of energy and motivation in the Democratic Party as Democratic leaders and activists become more excited about our candidates and our prospects.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics?

Turning a county or state takes a lot of patience and planning. When I first got into politics, I thought candidates could win based on their ideas. However, when you work with others, there can be so many good ideas that your ideas may not be implemented right away, or maybe not at all. You have to be patient and not expect instant gratification. Today, I see some people wanting instant victory. But strategy, hard work, and planning are the key for more Democratic victories in the future.