PSU student runs state senate campaign

Most students won’t argue that firsthand experience outside of the classroom is important. With the experience gained from working with different Portland State organizations, one student is using his abilities to affect a very substantial outlet of the world: politics.

Chris Proudfoot has been involved with ASPSU in the past. He assisted in voter registration drives on campus and recruitment efforts to lobby for education. So when Jackie Pierce decided to join the race for State Senate in District 10, Proudfoot jumped at the opportunity to assist.

“I contacted the SDLF [Senate Democratic Leadership Fund],” he said. “I already knew the executive director and simply started without hesitation.”

Proudfoot quickly became the campaign manager for Pierce, for whom he directs strategy, recruits volunteers and works with coalition members, partners and media.

“I set the goals of the campaign and am accountable for their success. I am the candidate’s chief political adviser, chief consultant, fundraising director, scheduler, manager and basically lead every effort of the campaign,” he said. “From planning events to knocking on doors to calling volunteers, every aspect of the campaign is directed through the campaign manager.”

Proudfoot is one of many students who have taken the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. In fact, PSU has helped countless individuals get involved.

For instance, Richard Clucas, a professor of political science at PSU and the intern coordinator for the Hatfield School of Government, has given several students real-world experience.

“I try to do the best I can to get students in real-world politics. It’s helpful; sometimes they intern and find it’s not something they want to do,” Clucas said. “Having internship experience with political science and business can open doors.”

Clucas has had many students succeed with their internship, which has propelled them further in their careers.

“The reality is that it’s easy to get involved in politics; [party organizations] need people to get involved in campaigns,” he said. “If you want to work in the legislature you have to start with a campaign.”

This type of knowledge and background is unique for students who wish to learn something tangible outside of school.

“This is an experience that you simply cannot get in the classroom. Professors can teach so much, but sometimes you just have to dive in and see what you can learn,” Proudfoot said. “What I have learned from my experience is the real groundwork of a campaign, the fundraising, the voter contact, the media work, the real side of politics in Oregon, the decision-makers and the way in which the process actually takes place. “

However, Proudfoot still stresses the importance of the classroom. “Take the knowledge you learned in the books and lectures and actually apply it,” he said.

Proudfoot does not expect this to be his last role in politics. Taking what he has learned in the classroom—as well as in the field—he predicts that his involvement will continue to grow.

“If my efforts are successful then I will be happy. If my efforts start the movement and energize the voters in Salem to take ownership of the political environment in the area and bring life to the base then I will be even happier,” he said. “Elections are not all about winning. Sometimes it is about starting a movement and changing a culture.” ?