On The Record: Eduardo Hagert

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Eduardo Hagert, chief of staff for Eliot Shapleigh.

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

I was always interested in politics. When I finished graduate school I received a fellowship from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and worked in D.C. for Congressman Lloyd Doggett. After it was over I decided that I liked the work, and decided to move to Austin to work in the Legislature.

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

Changing how to spend the surplus. We should be using it for health insurance and on Texas grants for college students. We also need to consider a reform of our tax system.

Who are some of your political heroes?

John F. Kennedy, because of what he stood for and the hope that he brought to people. Also Bill Clinton, because his grasp on policy and world politics is just extensive.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I think the time has come for Democrats to make a come back at a federal level. As long as we remain in Iraq, the voters are going to consider our party more. I really like the attitude and charisma of lots of the candidates. Specifically Richardson, Obama, and Edwards. I think that the primaries will be much more interesting with all the different states moving up in the primaries.

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

They are all Democratic. We always have been and always will be.

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

Do an internship somewhere. One must arrive with an open mind, and they can decide from that whether or not politics is for them. You must always have thick skin in politics. Things happen in politics that you cannot let affect you, because you had nothing to do with it happening.

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

Volunteers. With enough volunteers and people that believe in the organization, you can accomplish so much. People that believe in you will always be willing to participate.

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

Never take anything for granted, because you should honestly always be paranoid. Also, always be straightforward with people, because in this business all you have is your work and your reputation.