A Political Junkie Goes to Washington D.C.

Last month Darrin and I travelled to Washington D.C. for an industry association legislative conference.  Normally I'd go by myself, but this was Washington (during an election year!) and I knew I'd want to see the sights with my best friend by my side.  Darrin knew how excited I was about this trip, so he willingly went along.  Big shout out to my parents for taking our kids for a week so we could really enjoy this trip by ourselves!

Highlights of our trip (in no particular order):

1. Arlington National Cemetery, and the tomb of the unknown soldier - breathtaking.

2. Spending a day at the Capital "talking shop" with Congressmen from California.  The Republicans such as Tom McClintock, Dan Lungren, Wally Herger and Jeff Denham welcomed us into their offices and discussed the serious issues facing businesses today.  Other than Jerry McNerny (who probably wished I hadn't come in his office because he didn't like my tough questions regarding his opposition to the Keystone Pipeline), the Democrats didn't bother to meet with us, and instead had their staffers take five minutes in the hallway to discuss our concerns. 

I can't even tell you how much I LOVED talking about the 2012 election with top leaders of the Republican party at the evening social events.  LOVED IT. 

Darrin and I pictured with Congressman Tom McClintock.

3. Darrin sitting in the gallery of the House of Representatives with me for two hours while we watched John Boehner (Speaker of the House, R-Ohio), Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), Nancy Pelosi (D - California) and others debate repeal of the health care law.  Darrin turned to me after watching Pelosi speak and said "How can she just stand up there and LIE like that?!?"  

4. John Boehner and Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) speaking before our association on day two of the conference.

5. A cocktail event where I shook hands with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-California) and thanked him for going after President Obama's Attorney General Eric Holder for the screw up known as Operation Fast & Furious. 

6.  The White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the tour of the Capital.

7. The Smithsonian Museum of American History.  Seeing the original Stars & Stripes, the top hat Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated, a war boat from the American Revolution, a picture of my little sister's BFF (superstar soccer player) Megan Rapinoe on the wall of contemporary American history. 

8.  Meeting new friends, drinking ouzo and yelling "OPA" while we talked politics. 

9.  Trying to meet Congressman Paul Ryan, but getting turned away by his staffers because I didn't have an appointment - even after I told them he's been my political crush for at least two years.  Imagine that.

10. Five days, immersed in politics, in the place where it all happens.  Surrounded by the action that I read about on a daily basis.  Feeling like I should be doing something there instead of just watching. 

I will go back to Washington D.C. my friends.  It may be just to take the kids when they are old enough to understand the magnitude of our nation's history.  Or it may be to participate in the politics that I love.  Visiting this place gave me a renewed sense of energy that our amazing country will get through these tough times and come out stronger for it. 

But only if we stay engaged and make our voices heard.