An Interview with Matt Paul of the Blouin Campaign

Recommend...del.icio.us Digg it Furl Netvouz Netscape Newsvine reddit Yahoo MyWeb April 27th, 2006 at 03:35pm Chase Martyn

We recently invited staffers from the Fallon, Culver, and Blouin campaigns to participate in email interviews about working in Iowa politics and about their campaigns. We were interested, first, in seeing which campaigns would even agree to do it. Luckily, all three consented.

From the Mike Blouin campaign, Matt Paul answered our questions. Matt is from Cedar Rapids, and he’s Blouin’s campaign manager. Here’s what he had to say.

IowaProgress: How did you get involved in politics?

Matt: My first political job was in the Mayor’s Office in Cedar Rapids, my hometown, when I was 24.

IP: What do you do in off years when there aren’t elections? (Or
what did you do before you joined this campaign?)

Matt: I worked in Governor Vilsack’s office for seven years. Before working in politics, I worked as a reporter.

IP: In this gubernatorial election, the candidates are using the internet a lot more than they did last time around. What role do you think the internet (both your campaign sites and online news outlets and blogs) will play in this election? In what ways has the internet changed Iowa political campaigning?

Matt: Like all political communication, applications for the internet and electronic media constantly change. Nothing is more vital than a clear message–no matter the outlet. The internet will continue to provide voters the chance to seek out information on their own, to research topics important to them and to create new methods to receive information during an election cycle.

IP: What role do you think students (should) play in Iowa politics?

Matt: Students in Iowa have such an advantage to engage in the political process because of their ability to access the Iowa caucuses. Since Iowa is also a relatively low cost media market, students get to see the important role retail politics play. I think our party does an excellent job of seeking the input and active participation of students and that should absolutely continue. Since Iowa is an aging state, its critical that students stay involved in the process and active in the party so younger voices continue to be heard. We have to make more progress in keeping young people here and making sure our communities give them a reason to stay.

IP: Iowa has a mix of urban voters and rural voters. Is it difficult
to account for both groups in crafting your message?

Matt: No. Iowa needs to grow and that means creating economic opportunity in all parts of the state and remaining committed to growth that embraces diversity and gives local communities the flexibility to chart their own course.

IP: (Campaign-specific question) How involved were you in choosing Dr. McGuire as running-mate? How do you respond to criticism that the choice was made for political reasons (McGuire is pro-choice)?

Matt: I was involved but the decision was ultimately Mike’s to make. Dr. McGuire was selected for one simple reason: she is qualified. Not only is she a medical doctor, she also holds a MBA and has been involved in a number of community organizations serving women and children. She is pro-choice but her selection was based upon her qualifications.

IP: Why is your campaign the best suited to beat Nussle?

Mike has the right experience, vision and ability to lead Iowa forward. He is the only candidate in the race with a strong record of job creation and his unequaled support from legislators is a clear sign that he could bring the statehouse together and make historic progress for all Iowans.

IP: Do you have a funny anecdote you’d like to share? Or anything else to add?

Matt: This is the first time I have ever submitted a blog entry. I suddenly feel very old.

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Entry Filed under: Miscellaneous, Campaign 2006, Gubernatorial, Opinion, State Politics, Interviews

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