Recollections of a Jim Neal volunteer

by | Apr 27, 2016 | Campaigns, NC Politics, Politics, US Senate | 2 comments

A few days ago Thomas observed, “I still work with people who first got into politics because Jim Neal ran for Senate.” I happen to be one of them. The Jim Neal campaign was a pivotal event, both in our state’s politics and in my own life. If you will allow me the privilege, I’d like to say a bit about it.

I first encountered Jim at a Raleigh campaign event. I was a high school junior, over a year out from being eligible to vote, and I was investigating our state’s candidates. Jim gave a speech that was both powerful and relatable, authoritative yet refreshingly unpretentious. His style exuded the “authenticity” that drew so many young people to Sen. Obama. I signed to volunteer for Neal ‘08.

In the campaign’s egalitarian spirit, I was welcomed to Team Neal. A field organizer named Joe Gavrilovich incorporated me into his team as an equal member. As long as I performed the job well, I got to continue working on the front lines. In no way was I a “junior partner”–despite my very young age. That meant a lot to me, and only inspired me to work harder on Jim’s behalf.

Whether sixteen or sixty-seven, we shared a passionate belief in Jim candidacy. The campaign wasn’t just about putting a Democrat in the Senate; it was about electing someone who deserved to be there. So we phone banked for hours. We canvassed all over the place. We enjoyed the thrill of the cause and shared grumbles about Hagan’s monolithic establishment support. Even after her ad buy basically ended the contest, we continued to fight for victory.

Of course, victory didn’t come. But at least for me, didn’t slide into despair. Clichéd though it may sound, I will never forget our election night party at Southern Rail. We lost, but in a sense we had won–and we knew it. A gay man had received one in five primary votes for a seat once held by Jesse Helms. Moreover, Jim’s gracious speech proved that we had won on a moral level as well.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the Neal campaign, and Jim himself. Jim Neal for Senate is a shining star in our state’s political history. And Jim is a fine and honorable man, a public servant of intelligence and extraordinary courage. Whether he intended to or not, he did become a cause–and he will remain so in the hearts and minds of the many people inspired by his leadership.

2 Comments

  1. Alex Jones

    Thanks so much for saying that, Jim. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.

  2. Jim Neal

    Alex-

    In spite of the challenges we faced during the campaign- and I did personally thereafter- it was the most wonderful experience of my life. The people I met across the state- especially those who had the least in terms of resources- were far and away some of the most gracuous souls I’ve met.

    Everytime I meet or receive an email from a young person that was inspired by a gay man running for Senate in the South, I have absolutely no regrets; that’s an enduring victory of sorts.

    I have never received a more thoughtful, eloquent and humbling tribute than you accorded me in this post. I’m going to print it. There will be times in my life when I’ll need a bit of reassurance, and will read your words again for inspiration.

    Jim

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