MI mission

Hey there!

Thanks for checking out my blog! Before you dive in, allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Mikayla Bouchard, I just finished my junior year at Michigan State University where I am majoring in Theatre and International Relations. Interesting combination, you say! I know, and I'm the first to admit it. I have a passion for relationships; the ones we see develop in a story onstage or on film and the relationships that drive society and public policy. I jump at the opportunity to combine expression with politics and here is one such opportunity!

I am blessed with the most amazing family and friends in the world. They have supported me in my every endeavor so when my dad, Mike Bouchard, announced his campaign for Governor, I was eager to do my part to help. This election comes at an integral point in both of our lives. I have seen my dad's career as a legislator, police officer and entrepreneur develop to the point where he is uniquely prepared to become our next Governor. At the same time, I near the end of my college education and look to begin a career of my own. Like many of my friends, I fear that the current status of Michigan and her economy will not provide the life and job I am looking for.

For those reasons and many others, I am bringing a new voice and perspective to this campaign. I want to introduce you to my dad and give you a behind the scenes look at our journey on the campaign trail. Along the way, I hope to meet and talk with many of you who also want to see a brighter future for our Great Lake State! Let's put an end to job loss, debt, corruption and moving vans heading out of Michigan. It's time we, as the next generation, make a difference in this next election. I encourage you to get to know the candidates. I'm sure that you will agree that Mike Bouchard is the best choice for Governor!

Mikayla

Sunday, August 1, 2010

DAY 6

       Today was the point in the tour when I officially lost track of what day it was! Friday? Sunday? By the end of Saturday, however, as I type this sitting on my own bed (hooray!) with Bandit asleep at my feet, I have been returned to a state of total awareness. Awareness of the endurance that a campaign like this needs, and an awareness of the body and mind that can either push itself over the finish line or slow down with end in sight. Even while the Primary is just a step to ultimately getting my dad elected, this day has been the focus of so much planning and work that it demands every last drop of commitment only to be renewed and refocused for the General on August 4th (knock on wood!). Which means that my body and mind are concentrated on pushing through the line, not yielding.
            After a day of shaking hands in Macomb, Shelby, Romeo, Washington and Dearborn (let alone 6 days on the bus!) I was glad to get back in the campaign office for a “family” dinner in-between get out the vote (GOTV) calls. An important side note—local restaurants and individuals have been SO generous in donating food for our volunteers. We have so many people in the office making calls and volunteering that the donated food is vital to keeping everyone fueled and focused!
On the bus with my dad, brother, Grandma and Great Uncle KJ!
After the dinner ended, the family went home to spend some time with my Great Uncle KJ who is visiting from Texas. While we sat and talked with the news on in the back round, the seemingly looping political advertisements had me fidgeting to get back to work. My dad was busy finishing paperwork and I found myself on autopilot heading right back to the HQ to make GOTV calls. When the late hour ultimately came for us to hang up the phones, the mass of workers took to the parking lot for a dimly lit game of beanbags before we went in to tidy up the office in preparation for tomorrow’s similar whirlwind of a day. 
            Tonight I am saying my prayers in thanks. Thanks for the relentless campaign team that has not slept in days, but seems to eat and breath this campaign. Thanks for their constant restlessness to always find something to work toward and improve. Thanks to the people that give—their time, their talent, their treasure, their prayers, and their votes. Thanks to the people that support my father and my family in this endeavor. We still have a long road ahead but Tuesday’s Primary is an important mark along the trail that, I feel, demands some reflection. So, for now, thank you.

I hope to see you Monday night at the Election-eve Rally! Brother Rice High School on Lahser in Bloomfield Hills starting at 7:30 pm!
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