One Possible 5th District Candidate - An Introduction

I know that the election for US House of Representatives isn’t for another two years, but people in the 5th District are already mobilizing and organizing for victory. Virginia Foxx is a disaster for our district, seen especially in her antagonizing votes against a minimum wage increase and the recommendations of the 9/11 committee, among others. In this district, it is never too soon to start to campaign against her, for her name recognition and fundraising abilities are formidable. Among several potential candidates (more on this shortly), I am writing to introduce the blogosphere to Ryan Eller.

It is important to begin with Ryan’s youth and vitality. It would be shortsighted, however, to think his young age brings inexperience. He was brought up in a politically active family in Ashe County. His father participated in the cabinet for the Governor of Kentucky, and Ryan himself was a page for the Kentucky House and interned in the Governor’s office. He has spent the last eight years trying working in campaigns against Foxx, even participating in Roger Sharpe’s campaign against her this last fall. Ryan’s love for and connection to Northwest North Carolina are apparent, as he has advocated and worked for the economic development of the region.

Ryan attended college in the district at Appalachia State University. During his junior year he was elected as the Student Body President of ASU – interestingly he won more votes than any elected official running for county-wide office. Among other collegiate offices, he spent three years on the Appalachian Integrity Committee fighting against rape and sexual assault. He was also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Student Governments, where he made sure Western North Carolina had a voice in higher education.

Ryan is finishing his Masters of Divinity degree at Wake Forest University Divinity School. While some Democrats shy away from their faith, Ryan believes in social reform by way of one’s faith and that social change requires God’s help. During his internship for this degree, Ryan spent time working with a local activist group (CHANGE) to help empower and give voice to local citizenry. His sense of religious duty has also led him to enlist in the reserves as a Navy Chaplain.

I think that Ryan’s youth and passion would be a valuable asset for our District. Ryan is emphatic that he isn’t going to think about running for office until this spring. While Ryan is being courted by some district politicos, other Democratic activists within the District are finding other possible suitors. Seth Chapman, the Clerk of Courts for Alexander County is one possible candidate. Also, Mayor Allen Joines of Winston-Salem, should he decide to run, would perhaps be the best chance of unseating Foxx.

I know this is a brief biographical sketch of Ryan Eller, but I was wondering what you all thought of the possibility of his candidacy? Would he make a strong candidate? Are there other possible nominees out there that could win this district?

I would love to hear your input, and welcome any questions about Ryan and this district.

Peace,
Drew