By M. Morris Gaman
The 2008 presidential race is ramping up, and some students are hopping on the campaign trail. But one Northeastern student isn’t just working on a campaign he is running for office as his co-op. By doing this, he is also getting hour credit.
Zac Saboliauskus, a middler Political science major, is campaigning for office at the Massachusetts State House and his friend is his campaign manager. Running as an Independent, Saboliauskus started on the campaign trail just two weeks ago with his campaign treasurer, friendand roommate, Ben Frech, who is also working on the Saboliauskus campaign as his co-op.
“Zac came up with the idea a few months ago and while we were talking about it I asked what the chances were that I could work on the campaign and he liked the idea,” said Frech, a middler history major.
Frech is in charge of the funds of the Saboliauskus for State Rep. Committee. “We’re motivated by the fact that we’re running a political campaign,” he said. “It’s a cool opportunity. We want to show our friends what we can do.But mostly because this is such a great experience.” So far Saboliauskus has promoted his campaign in interviews with local media. He has also sent mailings to voters in the First Middlesex District.
But Saboliaukus stresses the importance of talking to voters. Saboliauskus goes door to door engaging residents in conversation. He talks about politics, connects on a personal level and even carries a stack of voter registration forms to help get people to the polls in November.
Saboliauskus said he asks questions like, “What potholes do you hit every morning?” and “What teachers piss off your kids?” He also outlines his policies and answers voter questions
Voters seem to be interested in his campaign, he said, if not for the issues then because he is such an interesting and “improbable” candidate. The fact that his campaign is doubling as his co-op set him apart from the other candidates, he said. He is not without qualifications. During his first co-op, Saboliauskus worked in the Statehouse for six months for State Senator Steven Panagiotakos and in 2005 he ran for Mayor of Huntington Avenue. Pepperell is his hometown.
Saboliauskus and Frech said they go to the first Middlesex District a few days a week. They set up the Saboliauskus for State Rep. Committee to handle any campaign donations. Campaign costs consist of gasoline, stamps and envelopes.
“We’re paying for it out of our own pockets,” Frech said. “Right now we’re getting forms together for the campaign finance board.”
The hardest part of campaigning is raising awareness, Saboliauskus said. On top of that, Saboliauskus is facing an incumbent, Robert Hargraves, who has held his seat since 1992.
Addressing his own lack of experience in public office, Saboliauskus said, “I think experience is a factor but ultimately voters are looking for competence.” It is great for a young person, like Saboliauskus, to become involved in politics, said Virginia Wood. Wood is a Democrat of Groton who announced her candidacy last week.
Saboliauskus has a comprehensive three-part campaign plan that also demonstrates his capability, he said. First, he will generate support by talking to community leaders like the chief of police and members of local boards and committees. Second, he will talk to voters by going door-to-door while consecutively getting the requisite 150 signatures by Feb. 5 that will guarantee his name will be on the ballot. Lastly, he’ll go out and meet the voters by speaking to the people at public meetings, events and restaurants, among other things.
Elections will take place Nov. 4.
