My Candidate

I've talked to many people for whom this election season was their first time ever donating money to a candidate for public office.

This was true for me, too.

I gave money to one politician who I really believe in. I believe in him because I know him. We went to Yale together. And unlike the many, many future political hacks with whom I shared that rarified air, Tom's the real deal. Smart, funny, and compassionate.

I think he won. Tom ran against a long-term incumbent (who also happens to be a racist and an Islamophobe) and won by 600 votes out of 300,000 cast.

But until further notice (after the impending recount), I'm proud to say that I was one of many people who gave money to congressperson-elect Tom Perriello of the 5th district in Virginia.

Just in case you tend toward political cynicism (like me) and think all politicians are the same, I think this campaign ad gives you a sense of how Tom might be a bit different.

Congratulations to Tom and to all of the donors and volunteers who helped on his campaign. Gives me (some) hope for democracy. Here's a good article about how he did it.