The Poe-Mobile Hits the Road
I had an opportunity a few days ago to stop in at an event at the residence of Bob and Terzah Poe. Bob Poe is the only Democrat so far to officially throw his hat in the ring to run for governor in 2010. After having an “If not me, who? If not now, when?” moment, he decided to declare his candidacy. At the time, the Daily News column The Ear, said that it probably wasn’t a good idea to run for governor if the first question people asked was, “Who’s Bob Poe?” He took the point, and has spent the last four months campaigning around the state meeting people, and talking. A lot.
Now that we’re 18 months away from the election, fundraising can legally begin. It was a beautiful evening all around, and everyone had a chance to listen to Kay Brown, former Democratic spokesperson, and now Poe campaign manager, speak about what she felt was his “electability.” Poe himself followed up by saying that he wanted to govern the state from the middle, being able to reach out to all interests and get them talking.
~~~Campaign Manager Kay Brown, and Bob Poe
He looked pretty excited about the prospect of campaigning against Sarah Palin, but the chances of that happening seem to be dimming, as she turns her attentions outward, enamored by the national spotlight.
Many Alaskan Democrats find themselves in a quandary. They sure don’t like the way things are going now with the current administration. We have a governor who has moved on already, seeking the national stage, tailoring her message and agenda to appeal to all those bigger fish in bigger ponds. And we know that we may have a great candidate or candidates that would do an awesome job, but if they’re perceived as too left-leaning, getting elected can be a challenge.
This is why Mark Begich has been successful, and why many outside Alaska tilt their head to the side, looking confused when they read about him questioning Sonia Sotomayor about the Second Amendment, and griping about not being able to open ANWR to oil drilling. Progressives here want someone who is as progressive as possible but who can still get elected by “mainstream” Alaska. Where that fine line is, we can only speculate, and everyone has a different opinion. But, Bob Poe and crew think they know where it is, and they’re off and running.
Meet, The Poe-Mobile. OK, they don’t call it “The Poe-Mobile”. They have some nice official name like the “Bob Poe Campaign Travel Trailer,” but come on. This thing is a Poe-Mobile, and it’s quite nice. I got the official tour, which took about four seconds. It’s not roomy, but it’ll get the job done.
The day was sunny and beautiful, and everyone mingled and talked politics while enjoying some grilled reindeer sausage.
No, alas, they don’t make reindeer meat substitute with which to make vegetarian reindeer sausage, but there were Cheetos and red wine, so I was totally covered.
A nice group of supporters and volunteers showed up, and were treated to a tour of the Poe residence, the Poe-Mobile, and the nicest looking Campaign Headquarters in the state, complete with giant blooming lilac tree.
Before I left, I grabbed a shot of Bob with Mudflats mascot Brian the moose, and his two dogs Ben (red) and Jerry (black & white). Dogs are usually quite taken with Brian, until they figure out he’s not edible.
And an interesting story about the Poes’ “celebridogs”… They are but one degree of separation from Hollywood fame. Ben’s father was featured in the movie “Snow Dogs” and Jerry’s starred in “8 Below”. Pretty cool. And who knows….they may end up being Alaska’s “First Dogs.” And I doubt the State of Alaska will be billed for their travel expenses.
There’s a long way to go until November 2010, but for now, happy trails to the Poe-Mobile! The Poes are headed to Seward next, for the crazy zoo that is the Fourth of July Celebration. So, if you’re headed down there too, stop by and say hello. Ask him some questions, and tell him what you think about the issues, so you can wear one of those spiffy “I Know Bob Poe” buttons.
~~The Poes in their doctored "I Know Bob Poe" buttons. His reads "I Am Bob Poe", and hers, "I Love Bob Poe."
This man seems to be the real thing. I need to do some research, but anyone who will throw his hat in the ring this soon means serious business. I’m with Mudbug up above (except for my party affliliation). I am a fairly liberal democrat and I would be proud to side with my friend the conservative republican to oust Ms. Palin. More out of state funds here if needed!
As a comservative republican, should princess Sar ugh decide to re run, I’ll be sending my cash from out of state, to Poe or anyone else running against her. I like him. He looks honest.
“I know Bob Poe” pin.
Bob’s resume speaks volumes. He’s actually touched thousands of Alaskans in his various job capacities in Alaska. I know Bob and I’m excited to see someone who would roll out the welcome mat for all Alaskans at the mansion. Governor Palin’s divisiveness has impacted some geographical areas of the state more than others. Her pettiness is her virtue and she continues to display the same type of behavior towards the country that she does within our State. Gosh, Governor word salad won’t get the same opportunity to pull her divisive “smoke and mirror” show and get elected in this state again.
Best wishes, Alaska!
Your Bob Poe sounds like a winner!
So my wife and I weren’t the only vegetarians there. The rhubarb pie and beer worked for me. 🙂
Can you imagine? A REAL governor? I might have to pinch myself. Go Bob Poe – so far we like what we see and hear!
LOL at the “Cheetos and red wine” meal. We vegetarians do have to be prepared to be flexible when dining out, don’t we? 🙂
My favorite, and surprisingly frequent question, is “Oh, you’re a vegetarian. But you eat chicken, right?”
the buttons are cute ideas!!! how about i wish i knew bob poe! at least you won’t have to worry about him having a naughty monkey shoe collection;)
I love their buttons! A candidate with a witty sense of humor — he’s off to a great start!
ds55 – we only get lilac bushes/shrubs here. That baby looks like a tree!
Only in Alaska or what? Will go to open thread if need be but I am excited about Bob Poe running. Alaskans – do tell us on the open thread!
The rest of the country knows a bit about you -thanks for the past posts. Hoping for the best for Alaska!
Go Bob Poe – stay true to the people of your state, the country and needless to say, your family (o:
Go Poe!
Alaska has hope for the future.
Way to go, Poe! Cute pups, too!
After Scarah and Frank, he should be a shoe in………go Poe……git er done. Middle of the road is better than extreme right in my book.
Go Poe!
Reminds me — I have to say “Yes” to Bob Poe on my Facebook page. 🙂
Poe is a very handsome man, (drooling). I wish him the best of luck, nice to know someone with brains and Brian will have a chance to govern Alaska.
Doh. I see it’s a lilac bush.
Anyone know what kind of tree that is with purple blooms in the photo below the sausages? It’s beautiful.
Long time, first time… Enjoyed this post (the writing and getting aquainted withe Poes). Know that there are many to your south who stop by here often, have come to see you as “distant” family, and wish you well.
Tahuya, Washington State
Anyone who can survive at a meat-eater’s party as long as there are Cheetos and wine is my kind of friend! I have the same problem.
Go POE!! He can do it, he just looks like a decent guy.
Poe Power!
I knows … those are Poes!