Service Learning – Rand Paul HQ Manchester, NH

Interesting enough the Rand Paul’s campaign headquarters was fun. As soon as you walk in there is a huge sign reading “We stand with Rand” with signatures and charming comments about their guy. Surrounded by of the team, Rand at town hall meetings and Christmas lights to add flair. His team in New Hampshire really cares about him. They firmly believe in the restoration of Liberties Senator Paul promises. Everyone was smiling and passing encouraging words. Warm welcomes of coffee and donuts greeted James and I. It was a simple process getting set up to phone bank. I had done phone banking for Dan Gecker for the state senate race. Since the Democratic Party uses vote builder I was interested to see how the Republican Party manages to log in information. I gave Emory my name and a random four-digit pin and I was ready to make calls.

Nathan explained to us that there was a competition for a football signed by Rand Paul. We were invited to participate in the race. Everyone in the office was ready to work but the competition made things a little more fun. Something that I didn’t have at past experiences was in-house incentive. I thought that was a fun way to keep everyone on track. They actually have these prizes all the time. I took a trip down the hall and saw a wall full of prizes up for grabs for which volunteer had the most calls as well as a poster with a countdown until the primaries. This was in all of the offices we visited but the fun arts and craft take on it showed that someone wanted to actually keep track in a fun way.

Once on the phones the goal was to invite as many of Rand’s supporters to see him at a town hall at the Lawrence Barn Community Center. There was a mix of views that were happy to relay that to me over the phone. I gained about five people to confirm they were interested. I made around 200 calls too. I pulled out my note pad and asked Brian, Nathan and Emory the hard questions. I asked Brian what drew him in to the Rand campaign; he said, “This is a Movement to reclaim government for the sake of the constitution”. He stands with Rand because there would a more decentralized government with him in leadership. States would be given back powers that the federal government took over. I went over to Emory and asked how is Rand different than his dad. Since a lot of voters were please with his message. He explained to me that Ron was little more set in his ways whereas Rand works across the aisle as bi-partisan problem solver. “[Ron] may have got the ball rolling but Rand is creating a lasting impact on the political landscape.” Lastly, I went to ask Nathan how the campaign is targeting millennials. He said there were volunteer opportunities open for everyone even if they aren’t in school. But he relies heavily on the students to engage the younger vote.

#Randroadies #Standwithpaul #HavocinNH #Randpaul