A year ago, Marc Farinella and former members of Mel’s political and gubernatorial staff made plans for a what they called a Team Carnahan reunion. Many of them were youngsters and political novices back in the nineties. Since then they’ve moved on. . . married, have families, and gotten “real jobs.” But, thankfully, many of them stayed in politics as fund raisers, managers, and consultants of state and national campaigns, writers, chiefs of staff, government workers, volunteers, even candidates and officeholders. Looking back with the perspective of time and experience, they realize what a unique opportunity they had as young people, working and volunteering in the various campaigns.

Team Carnahan: Together Again

This weekend more than a hundred from around the country gathered at Pi Pizzarea Downtown to relive Camelot. I was deeply touched by those who attended. . . by those who felt they had a meaningful connection with one of our family’s many campaigns. They made the effort to be there, because in some way the association had made a difference in their lives. I heard so many wonderful stories, some for the first time. I’m grateful to the organizers for arranging to video a number of those recollections and to Scott Charton for his patience and skill in conducting the interviews.

Thanks for the memories, guys. Through the many campaigns, we worked and grew together.  We fought together (with the opponents and occasionally among ourselves).  We laughed and cried together.  We created a bond that will always be.  As we munched on pizza this weekend, I thought of what Chef Alice Waters called “the all-important intersection of food, life, love, and loss.”

During times like these, it’s good to remember better days and better ways.

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