"Boy, you're sure optimistic!"

So, lobbying is a very interesting job. I've had the opportunity to do it with a few organizations now, but probably not to the exent as with my current job. I'm always amused by what some legislator has to say regarding our platform. Either the remarks are accepted and eloquently discussed, or blank stares and disagreement ensue. That's just part of the job.

But every once in a while I get really amused by things they have to say. The two bills that I primarily speak on are zingers. I can already see how some will look to expose my youthful flaws and try to rake me over the coals.

Just yesterday, we visited with a legislator who seemed perfectly complacent with the bills my colleague presented, but tried to slam me on both of mine.

"Well, you need to find out who's going to foot the bill, because right now, it's a stupid idea," was the first response I received from her. "Great, Representative," I thought. "Thanks for the insightful reasoning behind your stance. "

The next bill received an equally amusing response.

"I just say vote 'em all out. People never read that stuff anyway. People vote for candidates because their neighbor knows the person and says they make good brownies or whatever, or because they have the right name or look good. Boy, you're sure optimistic about these bills aren't you?"

Let me break this down a bit more: 1) Her reasoning for why people vote for certain candidates is most certainly true as far as it pertains to her. 2) Yes, I am optimistic about these bills because that's my job. Someone has to be the idealist. One of the reasons people have such a high distaste for government in general is because of apathetic, cynical attitudes akin to hers.

This is why we need to give legislators a raise...why you should have passed Prop. 302...so we can eventually get a few more quality legislators.

I am an idealist, and in many cases an optimist. So be it.

One thing is for certain...at least I get paid more than a state legislator.