On The Record: John Patrick

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with John Patrick, Democratic National Committee member from Galveston County, in Senate District 11.

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

I have always had an intense interest in politics. My earliest political memory was watching the Kennedy/Nixon debate on television when I was 10 years old. Three years later, I vividly recall sitting in my American History class in Alvin High School and hearing over the loud speaker that President Kennedy had been shot and killed. I was stunned and confused! As a young teenager, I could not imagine what our life would be like without John Kennedy.

A few years later, I became equally as enamored with Bobby Kennedy. I envisioned Bobby applying the finishing touches to his brother’s vision, and I had already made plans to work for Bobby’s Presidential campaign in the upcoming fall election. As devastated as I was when President Kennedy was assassinated, I was even more stunned, and confused, with Bobby’s untimely death. It was truly a critical moment in American History and I have often contemplated about how things in America would have been dramatically different had it not been for those assassin’s bullets.

I entered the military shortly thereafter and immediately upon my ETS in 1972, I volunteered for the George McGovern campaign. I have had a role in every Presidential campaign since that time.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of DNC Committeeman?

I recall attending voter education classes put on by the Texas AFL/CIO in the spring of 1980. I now smile when I consider how naive I was at the time. I actually believed that I would be able attend the Democratic National Convention that year. When reality eventually set in, I quickly learned that all was not lost. I used that experience as a learning process that enabled me to attend future State and National Conventions.

I have been a delegate to every Texas Democratic State Convention since 1978 and have now attended three Democratic National Conventions. I look forward to attending my fourth national convention next year in Denver, Colorado.

One of the proudest moments of my entire life was when I was nominated and elected to succeed Rosa Walker as organized labor’s representative on the DNC from Texas. Rosa is a magnificent lady in every sense of the word and a “True Texas Legend.” I said at the time that I would do my best to follow in her footsteps. I hope I have done so.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Galveston County?

Certainly home is where the heart is and Galveston County is my home. However, because of my job, I am forced to view things on more of a state-wide and/or national basis rather than limiting myself to Galveston County.

In the final analysis, what is good for Texas and our nation is also good for Galveston County. I believe the most pressing issues in America today are, (in no particular order) the war in Iraq, protecting American jobs and health care. I have bargained countless labor agreements in my professional career and health care is always the most difficult issue for both parties to come to grips with. I hope in the not too distant future America will have a mechanism in place that will guarantee each and every American citizen access to decent, affordable health care.

As a DNC member, I also look forward to the resurgence of the Democratic Party as we strive to take back the White House in 2008. We must also strengthen our existing majorities in both the House and the Senate. I hope to capitalize upon our momentum with similar victories in our next round of state wide elections in 2010.

How do local politics affect your family?

I have always heard that “all politics are local.” Unfortunately, I have not been able to focus attention upon local politics for quite a few years. My responsibilities with the United Steelworkers keep me focused mainly on statewide and national elections but I certainly recognize the importance of local politics and how it impacts our daily lives. I am hopeful that when I retire in a few years, that I will be able to refocus my energies upon advancing local politics.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I am looking forward to the Democratic Party building upon the momentum that we generated in 2006. We must keep our eyes on the prize. In my estimation the ultimate goal is to regain the White House and increase our majorities in both houses of Congress. In doing so, we will be well on the way to helping establish a worker-friendly, pro-family government that each and every American can be proud of. I feel that it is imperative that we return America to the people.

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

I have learned through the years that each individual has a unique set of skills and expertise. The key is to capitalize on those skills and give each individual the necessary tools that will ensure our future.

Tell us a little bit about the DNC, and what roles you feel like you fulfill in that group, official or otherwise.

The DNC is a diverse group of individuals from each state in the union. Every DNC member brings to the table a different perspective for the Democratic Party. That is what makes the Democratic Party great. We are truly the party of the “People” rather than the “select few.”

It is my objective to further the goals and principles of our party. The DNC is committed to helping keep our nation safe while working to expand opportunities for each and every American citizen. Included in our commitment is an agenda that emphasizes the security of our nation, strong economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, honest government, and civil rights. I strive to do everything within my power to help cultivate and maintain those worthwhile goals!