Back at the beginning of this cycle the BWIUBS posted a bunch of diaries where we asked candidates a bunch of non political questions in an effort to get to know our candidates as people instead of just candidates. That effort, sadly, got pushed to the side as I got more and more involved in the campaign efforts around the country. This weekend I dusted that series off and will be posting a few more, starting today with the answers I received from Rep. Raul Grijalva.
Me: Looking at your district/state on a map...what does the outline of your district resemble?
Rep. Grijalva: If you flip it 180 degrees to the right, it looks like Virginia.
Me: What is your favorite crayon color?
Rep. Grijalva: Blue.
Me: What is your favorite thing about being a candidate?
Rep. Grijalva: The chance to meet and talk to the people I represent. I really value the American person-to-person experience of speaking your mind, making your needs and hopes known to your representatives, and keeping them honest. I enjoy that process very much.
Me: What is your least favorite thing about being a candidate?
Rep. Grijalva: Some voters have the unfortunate idea that they can abuse candidates and lawmakers because Congress works for the people. It's an idea we need to combat, because civility in public life is essential.
Me: When you were growing up, what did you want to be and why?
Rep. Grijalva: I wanted to play center field for the Yankees and be the next Mickey Mantle. If anyone wonders why, they should look him up.
Me:IF you were on death row, what would you want your last supper to be and who would you want to cook it?
Rep. Grijalva: I'd want the albondigas they make at El Minuto in Tucson.
Me: If you could run for office in any other district/state...where would you do so and why?
Rep. Grijalva: I think it would be interesting to run in New Mexico. We have a close and interesting relationship with our neighbor, and I feel very connected to the people and places I see when I visit.
Me: Favorite sport and team in that sport?
Rep. Grijalva: I'm a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan. I still remember George Blanda.
Me: Most recent book you read?
Rep. Grijalva: I read plenty of airport thrillers. I don't want to give one author an obvious sales advantage by naming the latest one.
Me: What kind of car do you drive?
Rep. Grijalva: Right now, a four-door hybrid.
Me: Favorite character in the movie "The Breakfast Club"?
Rep. Grijalva: Emilio Estevez. He has it rough but always keeps a sense of reality and humor.
Me: Where are you when answering these questions?
Rep. Grijalva: Campaign headquarters in Tucson.
Me: Best meal you've had at a banquet since becoming a candidate?
Rep. Grijalva: We had a good spread at my yearly party on Capitol Hill with a Southwestern band and catered Mexican food.
Me: If you could be any cartoon character...which one would you be?
Rep. Grijalva: Bugs Bunny, because he always gets into and out of adventures unscathed.
Me: The day after the election, win or lose...which amusement park would you prefer to visit and why?
Rep. Grijalva: I'm not really one for roller coasters. I might go miniature golfing with my family -- there's a great place in Tucson.
Me: If you could come up with a new animal as the mascot for the Democratic Party which animal would you pick and why?
Rep. Grijalva: Maybe the hedgehog -- they're friendly-looking, so people underestimate them until the spines come out.
Me: What is your favorite board game and why?
Rep. Grijalva: Scrabble, because it keeps me thinking instead of just rolling dice.
Me: What was the last movie you saw in a movie theater?
Rep. Grijalva: "Inception," and I thought it was good.
Me: As teenagers, many of us had posters of our favorite movie stars, musicians etc on the walls....what was on the walls of you room as a teen ager?
Rep. Grijalva: Oakland Raiders stuff.
And it's not too late to have your chance to win one of Rep. Grijalva's famous Doodles! Just donate $20 or more on this ActBlue page and be entered to win!