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PODCAST

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories

Join us on our journey to interview an elected official in each of the 50 states. With a focus on profiling underdogs who beat the odds, find out what motivated our officials to run, the adversities they overcame, and what we need to do to work together again. Do you think politics is only for a select and chosen few? Think again.

news & politics national

All Episodes

54:12

Aundre Bumgardner - Victorious at 20 Years Old

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/12/07

While most kids at the age of 20 are partying it up in college or working, Aundre Bumgardner was campaigning to win elected office and become the youngest legislator in Connecticut history, which he did in 2014 at the expense of a long-time incumbent. He even won as a Republican in a very Democratic district. While Aundre lost his reelection bid in 2016, he is not done yet. If you want to have hope for America’s youth and future, listen in. 2:40 - Can you speak about your brother who is on the

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35:55

Ben McAdams - The Golden Boy of Utah Democrats

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/11/27

In 2012, Ben McAdams came back from a 20 point deficit in the polls to become Mayor of Salt Lake County in Utah. In August 2017, he disguised himself as a homeless person for two nights to get a better understanding of the issues facing the homeless population. In addition to those two rarities, he’s a Democrat in heavy Red Utah - a state that Mitt Romney won with 72% of the vote in 2012. He recently announced he is running for Congress against incumbent R-Mia Love, a race to watch in 2018. Hear

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37:38

Brian Pettyjohn - Victory in 37 Days

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/11/20

Georgetown, DE native Brian Pettyjohn was elected to the Delaware State Senate on November 6, 2012. 38 days prior, he wasn’t even a candidate yet. After rumors of sex crimes surrounded the Republican candidate and likely winner Eric Bodenweiser, Brian began a campaign to win over not only the voters but also to even get his name on the ballot. Hear how he did both. 5:20 - Pettyjohn talks about his first race for Georgetown Town Council. 6:30 - Brian talks about why he decided to re-enter politics

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36:22

Rob Jones - A True American Hero

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/11/11

File this one under “Future Elected Officials of America.” In 2010, Rob Jones volunteered with his Marine Corps unit to go to Afghanistan. While searching for Improvised Explosive Devices, Rob was struck by one, causing both of his legs to be amputated just above the knee. Rather than sit around and sulk, Rob is pushing forward in life while raising funds and awareness for veterans’ causes. On Veterans Day 2017, he completed a full month of marathons: 31 marathons in 31 days. I had the privilege of

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37:05

Marcia Ranglin-Vassell - From Housekeeper to Deposing...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/11/06

From housekeeper to overthrowing the House Majority Leader, Rep. Ranglin-Vassall was born and raised in Jamaica without running water. Her father didn’t read or write. Motivated by homicides in Rhode Island, she entered the political scene out of nowhere in 2016 and beat long-time incumbent John DeSimone in a campaign that lasted only 3.5 months. 2:00 - Can you talk about your upbringing in Jamaica and when you came to the states? 3:30 - Can you tell me about your first interest in politics? 6:30 -

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49:31

Ken Simpler - Delaware State Treasurer

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/30

In 2014, Delaware State Treasurer Ken Simpler overcame nearly a 2 to 1 registration disadvantage and became the first non-incumbent Republican to win a statewide office in Delaware since 1994. Hear about how Ken pulled off the victory, what a day in the life of state treasurer is, and how Ken turned the darkest moment of the campaign into a bright spot. 2:00 - Who is Ken Simpler? 3:40 - What is the day in the life of a state treasurer? 6:50 - Can you discuss your budget smoothing proposal? 8:30 -

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39:27

David Wilson - Alaska's Youngest State Senator

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/23

Senator David Wilson is Alaska’s youngest state senator, and only their second African-American state senator. In this episode, David talks about Sarah Palin’s effect on Alaskan politics, the heroin epidemic in Alaska, and the challenges he has faced as an elected official in The Last Frontier. 2:10 - Can you talk about Sarah Palin’s influence on Alaskan politics? 7:00 - David talks about his first race. 15:50 - Is it youth that is important to politics, or people that aren’t currently involved in

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46:54

Chris Pearson - Bernie Sanders Former Staffer

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/15

Chris Pearson, state senator for Vermont, describes working for Bernie Sanders in the late 90s, how Bernie Sanders raised over $30,000 for him in one day, and speaks about his time in office as part of the Progressive Party, a viable third-party in Vermont politics. 2:30 - Chris describes working on Bernie Sanders Congressional campaign in the late 90s. 3:40 - What’s something about Bernie that you know that most people would be surprised to know? 5:00 - Did working on Bernie’s campaign inspire you

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35:00

Bill Ferguson - Maryland's Youngest State Senator -...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/12

Bill Ferguson was 27 years old when he beat an incumbent of 27 years (irony) in 2010. From not being able to make payroll for his campaign stuff to winning, hear how his political innocence led him to beat a Baltimore political dynasty. 2:30 - What is a day in the life of a Maryland state senator? 6:30 - “I didn’t know it was inappropriate to run against a long-time incumbent.” 15:30 - Is it healthy to not have any opposition from the other side? 16:50 - We are way too polarized, and way too

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23:27

Highlights from Episodes 6-10: Anthony Delcollo,...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/09

Listen to the best quotes and insights from Episodes 6-10. This includes Anthony Delcollo (Delaware’s youngest state senator), Colin Bonini (elected to the Delaware State Senate at age of 29 in 1994), Eric Brakey (Maine’s youngest state senator and current U.S. Senate candidate), Dan Feltes (New Hampshire’s youngest state senator), and Mike Ramone (lost 4 times before winning on the 5th attempt).

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43:49

Mike Ramone - The Man Who Wouldn't Give Up - Episode 10

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/05

Mike Ramone lost 4 times, yet found the fortitude to run a 5th time when he won. A remarkable story about never giving up, my favorite part is at 30:10, when he discusses his victorious election night in 2008. 2:00 - Mike Ramone discusses his first race. 3:50 - Ramone discusses the second race. 7:15 - “To me, being successful in politics is about building relationships.” 7:25 - Ramone discusses his 3rd race. 13:13 - How could a young person expect to fundraise? 15:20 - Ramone discusses his 4th race

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21:32

Highlights from Episodes 1-5: Michael Castle, Matt...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/10/02

This episode is a recap featuring some of the best quotes, insights and lessons from the first 5 episodes which includes Michael Castle, Matt Meyer, Alex Torpey, Rysheema Dixon and David Oh.

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42:40

Dan Feltes - New Hampshire's Youngest State Senator

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/28

Dan Feltes is the youngest New Hampshire State Senator since the 80s. Hear about Dan’s journey, and some choice quotes from Robert Kennedy, Joe Biden and Barack Obama that have inspired him. 2:00 - Dan discusses the hefty legislative salary he receives. 6:30 - Dan discusses his first race in 2014, where his predecessor didn’t support him. 9:10 - What other hurdles did your first campaign face? 13:40 - Can you take me to the darkest time of the campaign? 17:50 - What is the biggest life lesson you’ve

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41:48

Eric Brakey - Maine's Youngest State Senator - Episode 8

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/25

Eric Brakey is Maine’s youngest State Senator - elected at age 26 in 2014. Motivated by Ron Paul’s Presidential campaign, Eric embraces a libertarian mindset and is currently running for US Senate. Hear more from Eric, and about his unique background as an actor. 1:40 - What got you interested in politics? 12:35 - What kind of resistance did you get from the Party? 20:55 - What about young people concerned about people using their past against them? 23:25 - What’s the best advice you’ve ever

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38:31

Colin Bonini - From "The Longest Shot" to Senator -...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/21

Declared "The Longest Shot" to win by the Newsjournal, Colin Bonini defied Party leaders who told him not to run in 1994. He was elected at the age of 29. Hear his thoughts on the trouble he had gaining support initially, coping with losing a statewide race 51% to 49% in 2010, and how the government crushing his car shaped his political views. 2:38 - What was your first interest in politics? 5:08 - Who told you not to run? Everybody. 9:40 - Colin discusses his 2010 State Treasurer Race where he lost

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49:31

Anthony Delcollo - Delaware's Youngest State Senator...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/18

In 2016, Anthony Delcollo overcame a gigantic registration disadvantage and won against a 26-year incumbent. In this episode, Anthony discusses the tragedy that marked the beginning of his campaign, how being adopted has shaped him as a person, and some personal challenges he has overcome. 1:30 - You pulled off a major upset, how did you win? 3:00 - Did you win, or did your opponent lose? 5:00 - What was your first interest in politics? 7:20 - Did you face any resistance from people you cared

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41:18

David Oh - First Asian-American City Councilman for...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/14

David Oh was the first Asian-American ever elected to Philadelphia City Council. Recently stabbed in front of his home by a random assailant, hear David’s thoughts on rehabilitation, how Perry Mason influenced him, and what the country can learn from Philly politics. 4:40 - What were your first thoughts about running for office? 8:10 - Who told you not to run initially? 12:00 - Who told you not to run in 2011 after losing twice? 15:20 - What motivated you internally to run again? 22:00 - What would

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37:46

Rysheema Dixon - Wilmington, DE City Council - Episode 4

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/11

Rysheema Dixon was elected to Wilmington, DE City Council in 2016 at the age of 29. Hear about how a near-death experience impacted her life, and the hurdles she had to overcome as a woman of color entering politics. 2:00 - What was your first thought about running for office? 3:10 - How did you go about coalescing your plan to run? 5:15 - Who told you not to run? 6:20 - “I had to tell myself I’m ready no matter who tells me I”m not.” 6:40 - Did the people tell you that you weren’t ready have their

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48:33

Alex Torpey - The 23-Year-Old Mayor - Episode 3

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/02

Alex Torpey was elected Mayor of South Orange, NJ in 2011 at the age of 23, winning by a 13-vote margin. From literally getting laughed at by residents when knocking on doors, to dealing with a bonafide troll, hear his story about the challenges he overcame to become the youngest Mayor in the history of South Orange, NJ, and his advice for young people considering politics today. “What do I have to lose? So I run in an election and I lose, my ego might take a bit of a hit, but like so what? It will

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40:21

Matt Meyer - From Teacher to County Executive -...

Elected Officials of America: Underdog Stories ·

2017/09/02

Matt Meyer did what isn’t done in incumbent-friendly Delaware - he beat a three-term incumbent to become County Executive of New Castle County. Hear about the headwinds his campaign faced: from fundraising difficulties to reticent support from political insiders, and how he overcame them. 3:20 - What kind of resistance did you get from the Party, or from people who told you not to run? 4:50 - “[A friend] said he could almost guarantee me that almost nobody would support me and that I shouldn’t ask

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