On The Record: Roberta Hicks

This week I talked to Roberta Hicks from Amarillo, Texas, the State Democratic Executive Committeewoman from Senate District 31.

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

I have been involved in politics my whole life. We would talk about politics when we sat around the dinner table, and my daddy was an avid Democrat. In 1952, I worked for Adlai Stevenson when he ran against Eisenhower for President. Back then women weren't allowed to help on political things much, so I basically started my career stuffing envelopes in a back room.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of a leader?

I would say the first time I got out in front was when I was working on the Kennedy campaign, and I was made Chair of Ladies for Lyndon in this part of the country.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Amarillo?

We need to get a few more people to understand more accurately what a bad president George W. Bush is. This is a very Republican area, and has been ever since the Eisenhower campaign. Things just evolved from there.

How do local politics affect your family?

They absolutely do not affect my family at all.

Do you have any ambition for higher office?

No, I'm going to stay on SDEC as long as they will let me.

Who are some of your political heroes?

John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton is just a very brilliant man.

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

The campaign group that I was working with and I got to go to a barbecue at the Johnson ranch during his campaign. Then the following weekend, Mrs. Johnson hosted a party again at the ranch and I was asked to help in hosting it.

What are you looking forward to in the coming election cycle?

I'm looking forward to having a president who is a Democrat, as well as increasing our ability to change Texas. It's all about getting out the vote.

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

My entire family is mostly Democratic. If they're not, they know better than to tell me about it.

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

They need to work to promote the party, strengthen the party, and finance the party.

Have you ever wanted to work in politics?

No, I've always been a volunteer.

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

Unfortunately I would say money coupled with good people who are willing to dedicate their time and not expect anything in return. We must have people who work for what they believe.