Dayna Steele and Scott Schroder became an unlikely duo when Steele ran for Congress in 2018 and Scott was hired as her “body man” - someone on a campaign who stays close to the candidate at all times and does everything from advising to driving to carrying her purse.
The two barnstormed across nine counties in a large pickup truck wrapped in Dayna’s image and the U.S. Constitution.
Now, the political duo have teamed back up to write about the experience in "101 Ways to Rock Running for Office."
1. Mike McGuff: How much do you feel one person can make a difference in their community - even if they are not running for office?
Dayna Steele: It makes all the difference in the world. We all have a network, a community around us - family, friends, school, work, hobbies, sports, entertainment, religious affiliation, the list goes on. When you run for office or volunteer on a campaign or just vote, you set an example for others to do the same. There are millions of "just one person" examples where that person started a ripple effect and changed the world. Nelson Mandela was just one person.
2. Is politics as rough as we hear it is?
DS: Yes. It is partisan and it is time-consuming. But, you will also learn so much about teamwork and listening. You will meet so many new people. And, you will learn about history and the future. I think the more you get involved, the more you see the need and the work it takes to make change.
3. What made you want to run for office?
DS: I always say "the more you do to help someone else succeed, the more you will succeed." I didn't see that happening in Southeast Texas. And, no one was going to run against the incumbent for the second election in a row. Even though I knew there was a good chance I would not win, I knew someone had to step up and do it. Democracy requires participation.
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4. What did you learn from the experience?
DS: That politics is not my cup of tea but I will continue to vote, stay involved, and stay loud. When we sit back and do nothing, nothing good will ever happen.
5 Anything else you want to add?
DS: My campaign slogan was Healthcare + Education = Jobs. When we all do everything we can to make sure everyone in our country is healthy and educated, we will soar.
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