On The Record: Matt Glazer

For this installment of On The Record, I spoke with Matt Glazer, editor of the Burnt Orange Report and Communications Director and Legislative Aide to State Representative Pete Gallego.

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

I got started at the tail end of high school because I was very interested in journalism. From there I got into the 1998 and 2000 election cycle. As I got older I got into it from a journalistic viewpoint. It just so happened that my journalism experience turned into campaign experience.

What was your personal progression from being interested in politics, to actually working in politics?

As a student in journalism, I became very interested in how civic participation really matters. While you get to referee and umpire politics in the blog world, it's definitely different than actually knocking on doors. I became addicted to taking my gloves off and actually getting my hands dirty. I took full advantage of being able to help legislate and campaign. The first time someone tells you you've done a good job, it becomes pretty addicting.

Who are some of your political heroes?

I like looking at flawed leaders in our history. Teddy Roosevelt; he was a man who never really had an opportunity to shine and really wanted to. I would also say Woodrow Wilson, because you can learn from failure. If Wilson had been able to work with Congress, the League of Nations never would have failed. I am also a fan of Harry Truman and his "the buck stops here" mentality. After all, the staff goes virtually unnoticed in this profession. I also think there is inspiration in everyone who is willing to run in really scary districts.

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

Leaving Texas, because it was the first step to what I am doing now. I sold all of my possessions, and put everything I had in the back of my car. From there I went to New Mexico, Iowa, Georgia, Massachusetts and anywhere else I could find work. I got a rare chance to work on a variety of campaigns early on. It helped me to realize how much I missed Texas and wanted to work here. So, I hurried back and have been here ever since.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

How the presidential election is so geared up. And the fact that we don't even know when the primaries will be in Texas is exciting. We have 4 or 5 great candidates for president, and that is incredible. It's great, how big of a shot we have at beating John Cornyn, because he is such a vulnerable candidate if we can get the right candidate in the race. Local politics matter more now too. In two years we have the opportunity to take back the House and potentially replace Craddick. On a national and state level there are a lot of good candidates.

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

Open government. We are seeing that people want open government, and the Republican Party keeps trying to make it harder and harder for people to see what's going on. The Republican Party also seems focused on making it hard for people to get the education they deserve. Reservoirs will receive coverage too; that's is just another state sanctioned land grab. I think we will see a little bit of everything in 2008.

How do you feel the netroots alliance is helping Democrats in Texas?

I think a lot of stories don't swell as much as they should. I don't think as many candidates would be mentioned if it weren't for the netroots sites bringing them up, like they should. You see many other sites that are starting to have blogs, embracing them, and figuring out the next way to do things. It's helping us to see a new way to organize and see issues that are important to everyone. It also helps us to raise money very quickly.

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

I am the first really political person in my family. There is something that happened in me where I became excited about politics. I think I'm not only the first progressive in my family but the first one to be involved. I've also helped my family embrace the process of being directly involved in politics. I've kind of been the one to open the door for politics in my family.

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

Just do it. There is no job too big or small. If you are interested in doing something, just walk in and ask for an internship. If you are really into it, don't be afraid to work for free. It will eventually lead to something great. There are always going to be some odd jobs. The second you think a job is beneath you is the second that you need to get a new job. This is totally a marathon; you have to focus on the fact that most of the work comes in the last few weeks and no matter what, you can say you did something to make things better.

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

Humility. I was the second youngest delegate to the 2004 convention; there are thousands of people that apply and only a few hundred get to be a delegate. That is extremely humbling, but you have to take that opportunity and do something with it. I was lucky enough to get jobs from that, and I won all these different races early. Afterwards, I came back to Texas forgetting that this was a marathon. You have to remember that Texas is a difficult state to win in compared to more liberal states, and that sometimes you lose on election night. Humility comes from realizing that you are going to have a few years that are really tough, but staying focused on the fact that you are going to have some great years too. I think 2008 is going to be a great year.