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A Message from Roy Neel
I’ve been on the job for about 12 hours now and I want you to know how excited I am about joining you in this great challenge. When I came on board a month ago as an advisor working out of Washington, I was astounded by all the passion and energy of not only Gov. Dean but the legions of supporters who have been drawn to this political crusade. My first day here in Burlington only strengthens that impression.
As you already know, this is an amazing team, the most committed I have ever seen in politics, and I am honored to become a part of it.
First, let me tell you something about my background- I grew up in a small town in middle Tennessee, went to public schools and entered Vanderbilt University in Nashville. I left college for the Navy, and served four years as a journalist, including a one-year tour in Vietnam. Military life made me realize that I should finish college. I returned to Nashville where I worked as a sportswriter, then ran a small media business and directed environmental programs for the local mayor before joining Al Gore during his freshman year in Congress.
You may have read that I am the “ultimate Washington insider”, a lobbyist, and so on. After nearly 20 years in public service I worked for a few years in the private sector as an advocate for local telephone companies, but never lobbied the White House on their issues. That period gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my family (I coached my sons’ little league teams for nine years) and catch my breath after the roller coaster time in the Clinton-Gore White House. But I really missed the sense of mission and passion of presidential politics.
My wife, Jenny, and I have six children between us, five sons and a daughter between 24 and 18, and they are all pumped up for Howard Dean. We won’t fail- or I can’t go home!
Working with Al Gore for 16 years and then Bill Clinton was enormously gratifying. Conversely, seeing George Bush being inaugurated in 2001 was the most bitter disappointment. So, having this opportunity to elect a Democratic president in 2004 is a great thrill.
My job here is pretty simple: help the staff regain the momentum we had prior to Iowa. What Joe Trippi and the team was able to do over the past year is phenomenal, unprecedented in presidential politics. Your interest and commitment is a tribute to all that great work. But I’m not here to do Joe Trippi’s job- we have different skills and backgrounds. I’m hard at work with the staff today, looking for ways to streamline the operation, make the best use of our money and staff and most importantly, Gov. Dean’s time. I’ll be back in touch with you as this process moves forward.
Here at headquarters in Burlington, we’re not eating and sleeping at normal times (but don’t tell my wife, Jenny!), running on adrenaline. I wish all of you could see and feel this energy! Thanks to your drive and support, we’re going to continue winning delegates, and fight all the way to the Democratic convention in Boston.
Let me know what you’re thinking about this campaign and I’ll stay in touch.
Posted by Roy Neel at 10:54 PM
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I'm optimistic.
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