On The Record: Emily Amps

For this installment of On The Record, we speak with Emily Amps, Chief of Staff for State Representative Paula Pierson.

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

I grew up in a political family. My late mother was a political consultant in Dallas, and I spent many hours after school in campaign headquarters, most of the time up to no good. When I was 7, half of my wardrobe consisted of campaign t-shirts. It’s amazing how some things don’t change.

What was your personal progression from being interested in politics and the issues to actually becoming involved?

Between my junior and senior year in high school I went to Ecuador for the summer to vaccinate dogs and cats. Although I had been very fortunate to travel across the globe during my childhood, I suddenly saw the world in a new way. I was in a Third World country, living with a family who had no running water, but they were still so happy. It made me realize a few things. First, that we as Americans are very fortunate. Second, that we take our prosperity for granted. It was after that experience that I knew I had to do something to try to change my world, to do my part to ensure that kids had health care and that a decent education was affordable and available to all.

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

There are so many. Insuring our children and taking care of our seniors should always be a top priority. We seem to put both children's and senior's issues and concerns on the back burner; that's misguided.

Do you have any ambition for higher office? Do you have plans to run for any other party office, or possibly even public office?

There are moments when I think one day I may want to run. From experience, I know campaigns can be brutal. For now, I am not sure. If I see the opportunity and know that I can make a difference by being in public office, then I will run.

Who are some of your political heroes?

That’s easy — my mom is my political hero. Although she never ran for office herself, she put her heart and soul into making sure that good people were elected to office — people like Martin Frost and Oscar Mauzy. Another would be my former boss, Chet Edwards. Chet is truly a statesman. He taught me a great deal about politics and what it means to serve your constituents. At the end of the day, the most valuable thing I took away from working for Chet was that family should always come first in your life, not politics.

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

Election Day 2004 was very bittersweet. I was working on Chet Edwards' campaign and the win was amazing, but seeing so many people I respect lose that night, especially Martin Frost, was really difficult. Then I realized the impact our campaign had on the state. We defeated the person who was responsible for 200,000 Texas kids losing their CHIP coverage. Our campaign woke people up, and made many finally realize that if you need to balance the budget, don't do it on the backs of kids.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

The presidential race will be historic. I haven’t decided who to back, but not because of a lack of good candidates. Of course I will be watching legislative races very, very closely.

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

My mother, who passed away when I was nine, was a staunch Democrat, as is my father. We’re working on my brother. He’s a surgeon, so he's not crazy about the perceived role of “trial lawyers” in the Democratic Party. In 2004 while I was driving down a dark, two lane road in Limestone County, he called to tell me he was voting for Kerry — I nearly drove into a ditch.

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

Never, ever take yourself too seriously. It’s not about you, it’s about the people you work for. And I don’t mean the person with the title. It’s about the men, women and children your boss represents or wants to represent.

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

I am going to be a little repetitious and say the same thing as my good friend Terrysa Guerra — money, people and time.

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

Nothing is impossible. There will be times when someone asks you to do what you think is impossible. Just remember, there is always a way.