Casting My Ballot

On this primary Tuesday, I'm reminded of a few things. Perhaps the most disheartening is that our political candidates just aren't what they used to be.

I had the privilege of growing up in the Bob Dole era. He will always be one of the political figures I respect most. His vision was unwavering, his impact on America will be remembered for generations, and his commitment to our nation's veterans was a constant reminder of the sacrifices they make—including my own son. He believed in bipartisanship, something I truly believe could make America stronger if we could find our way back to it.

I've told this story many times, but it's one of my favorites.

I met Bob Dole because of my mom's love for a Dairy Queen Heath Blizzard. That's where it happened—at the DQ in Hiawatha, Kansas. I was somewhere around middle school age, and I remember being completely in awe that a U.S. senator would not only stop at our little Dairy Queen but also take the time to talk with a kid who couldn't even vote. At the time, I had no power to help elect him, but decades later, I had the privilege of casting my ballot for him in the 1996 presidential election—the very first presidential election in which I was old enough to vote.

I grew up in a Republican household. I vividly remember telling my dad that when I grew up, I was going to become a Democrat and move to Miami, Florida. He just laughed.

Fast forward to today, I've never registered as a Democrat, and I still haven't made it to Miami—although it's definitely on my bucket list. I grew up watching Miami Vice. How many of you are humming that theme song right now? I'll admit it—it was the number one track on the mixtape of TV theme songs I recorded onto a cassette on our fancy Magnavox player. Those really were the days.  Spotify...pfft.

Looking back, I realize my parents weren't raising me to blindly support a political party. They were teaching me the importance of voting for the right person. I hope I've passed those same values on to my children. I've always encouraged them to learn what candidates stand for before casting their ballots.

Unfortunately, they don't share the same excitement I felt growing up. I remember eagerly waiting for Election Day, staying up far too late to watch the results come in race after race. It was just what we did.  Most have heard me say that this isn't the America I grew up in, and that makes me sad—not just for myself, but for the generations coming after us. My hope is that we see integrity return to public service, that respect replaces division, and that we can once again take pride in our shared identity as Americans.

Today, I proudly cast my ballot as a Kansan as we have an important race for Governor this year.  Four years ago, I had the opportunity to attend my first gubernatorial inauguration. A friend and I decided, "Why not?" It was also a chance to see my son in action while he was deployed there as part of the event's security. If you've never attended an inauguration, I highly recommend experiencing one at least once. It's a unique glimpse into our political process—and if you're in Kansas, this is your year.