sure I’d use that word—”
“That’s also when the opportunity to participate more fully presented itself—”
“And that’s when I realized that here was another way to serve my community.”
“Commendable, indeed.”
“You’re very kind.”
“We’ll be right back.”
¶ ¶ ¶
“Assemblywoman Cassie McClellan appeared today at the opening of the new mini-mall on Crescent Avenue, where she spoke to a crowd of grateful residents.”
“I am so happy to be with you!”
“Yay!”
“Because this wonderful place is a tribute to the power of both the individual and the community.”
“Yay!”
“For a long time we’ve dreamed that this vision would come to life, but it wasn’t until we stopped waiting for government handouts that we made progress. That’s when we raised money by ourselves, found private and corporate donors by ourselves, and made this place happen. BY OURSELVES!!”
“Yay!”
“So I think we all deserve a big round of applause!”
“Yay!”
“C’mon, give yourselves a real hand!”
“YAY!”
“Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!”
“Run, run, run!”
“Thank you so much!”
“Run, Cassie, run!”
“Thank you! You make a girl feel really appreciated!”
“Yay!”
“And that’s why I have some advice . . . or maybe it’s a warning . . .”
“Hah-hah!”
“. . . for our leaders in Washington and in our own state capitol. Stop throwing away our money on useless pork projects! Let us keep more of it in our own pockets! Then let us decide how to spend it!”
“Yay!”
“And I promise you that we’ll do a lot better job than the fat cats!”
“Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!”
“Run, run, run!”
“Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!”
“Jim, the response from the crowd was electric. If everyone here today voted in the next election, Ms. McClellan would win in a landslide!”
¶ ¶ ¶
“Welcome back to Forum, where we’re speaking to Assemblywoman Cassie McClellan. Ms. McClellan, we’ve discussed your economic goals. But I’m sure potential voters are also interested in your views on some of the key social issues of the day.”
“Whatever they want to know.”
“Fine. How would you describe your political philosophy?”
“Well, I basically favor less government interference and more individual freedom.”
“And what about—”
“In fact, I have a simple message for our leaders, wherever they might be.”
“And that is . . . ?”
“Hands off!”
“Hah-hah! That’s a phrase you’ve used many times before. In fact, it seems to be turning into your own personal slogan.”
“If it is, I don’t mind at all. It’s one of my core beliefs.”
“And what exactly does it mean?”
“It means that as Americans, we want to run our own lives, and set our own standards. We don’t need professional politicians from Washington telling us how to behave. We also don’t need media types from New York and California telling us what to think. We’re perfectly capable of deciding these matters for ourselves.”
“I understand. Now tell me: I’ve heard a lot of buzz about the possibility of your running for Congress. Is there any truth to these rumors?”
“Well, of course I’m flattered. After all, just to be considered is an honor—”
“Does that mean you’ll be running?”
“On the other hand, I have plenty to do right here.”
“I’m sure you do. But there’s no doubt that as a member of Congress, you’d have far more opportunity to influence policy both locally and nationally—”
“I guess I would—”
“Then suppose you were asked?”
“Oh, that‘d be a tough decision. After all, the position is very demanding, and there are so many qualified candidates—”
“But you must have ambitions along that line—”
“I really don’t. Besides, before I take any formal steps in that direction, I’d want to discuss the matter with my family. My husband, my children, and—”
“Who would certainly play a part—”
“A big part. That’s why I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”
“You wouldn’t care to give us an inside scoop.”
“Not right now.”
“Maybe one day?”
“If my plans ever change, you’ll be the first to know.”
¶ ¶ ¶
“Welcome back to this one and only debate between Congressman Dennis Buehl and his opponent, Assemblywoman Cassie McClellan. Now, candidates, I’d like to move away from fiscal matters and on to other issues. Congressman Buehl, during your ten terms as representative for the third district, you’ve been a staunch supporter of women’s rights.”
“I like to think so.”
“You’ve been particularly outspoken on the matter of abortion. Since this subject arouses such passion, would you care to reaffirm your position?”
“I’d be happy to. From the start of my political career, I have been pro-choice, and I remain committed to that point of view. To state the matter as clearly as possible, I believe in a woman’s right to make
