I Heart Bob Poe.

What? Someone was going to say it. I might as well in my secret library of musings. Bob Poe is hot. And he is going to be our next Governor.

I first met Governor-elect Poe with his wife Terzah at Bernie's Bungalow about two years ago. The couple was cool, humble, they listened to whatever nonesense anyone was throwing around and made their own simple, thoughtful contributions. They left before the parties got too big, but hung around long enough to enjoy the people and the bar. It wasn't long after this meeting, the Poe's were less seen at my favorite watering hole. I'm not sure where they went, but it was several years later when they began to peek back to the surface. And I was waiting.
When whispers started spreading that Bob Poe was running for governor I was estatic!

"Well, I know Bob Poe! We're old drinking buddies!"

It's funny how a drink and a conversation can make you feel like you know someone. I have a little bit of a hard time declaring that I know Bob Poe. I mean, I don't know him. I don't know his sign, or his birthday, or his anniversary, or what brought him to Alaska, or his pet's names- or even if he has a pet. But we shared a drink and a conversation (I think) and that's at least a start.

I went to a small gathering tonight at his house to hear about the campaign and meet the people who are driving his candidacy. A warm welcome at the gate from his wife and Kay Brown, former Democratic Party Communications Director turned Bob Poe Campaign

Manager, Alaskan reindeer sausage and snackys were for anyone to enjoy and observe and learn. Kay made a wonderful greeting to the crowd.

"We have a long ways to go, but I am working with Bob Poe because people need to trust ou

r next governor. Bob Poe is someone I can trust."

And I believe her. Bob Poe is someone I can trust too. Oh yeah, and he's hot. That doesn't hurt.

Tall and slender, reserved and humble, he took the stage.

"Whenever people talk about what we are doing differently on each side, I come to the middle and focus on our common interests."

Yes. Finally. A realist.

Bob Poe has never run for office. He told us that. He thought that might be the biggest thing opponents say against him, but it's not a handicap. We need people who know the system yet aren't tainted by it. We need people to lead our state who aren't focused on our differences, but our commonalities. I think you will see that come through on the campaign trail. He talked about his trailer, the one they take out to Alaska to "hang with the Alaskans."

Me: (once I get to know Bob Poe): "Hey Bob! What did you do this weekend?"

Bob Poe (after he gets to know me): "Ah, I just hung out with some Alaskans in a remote campsite in the middle of the Chugach."

The "I know Bob Poe" campaign is brilliant. It challenges you and me to get to know Bob Poe. Bob Poe. Our next governor invites you to know him.

"If it's not me, who? If it's not now, when?"

He quoted that tonight as his thought, but I remember Terzah posting that a LOOOOONNG time ago on Facebook, and it resonated with me then, just as it does now.

The last few nights I have come home amped with energy. The thought of Bob Poe as Governor not only gives me energy, it gives me hope.

"The last seven years this state hasn't really moved forward. We need to be moving forward."

You will hear much about Bob Poe from me. I intend to get to really know Bob Poe. Are you looking forward? Do you know Bob Poe?

KNOW BOB POE. www.bobpoe.com