Q & A With Angel L. Rivera
Why are you running for governor?
Over the past two elections, I have been unhappy with the available choices from the two-party system. When I speak to voters and ask
them how they felt about the two major-party candidates, nine times out of 10 I would hear things like, “I’ll vote for the lesser of the
two evils.”
I couldn’t find it in my heart to vote for either one of the candidates so I will try to take this job and do it myself. I’m running to
provide voters with another choice.
What kind of leadership have you demonstrated in the past?
Aside from serving as student council president at St. Benedict High School, I have no political experience. However, for
nearly a decade I have been in the front lines of helping procure organs to save more than 300 lives. With life-and-death at the
core of my career, this has demanded strong organizational skills, an ability to cope with pressure and becoming accustomed to a
high level of responsibility.
What is your party affiliation?
I'm a moderate conservative, though in this race I am running as an independent. All voters need to do is write, “Angel Rivera.”
What kind of realistic chance do you have to win election?
In my life, almost everything of significance that I’ve set out to do, I have accomplished. And I believe I have a shot at
winning. When I first set out to run, it was a message that I wanted to send both parties and their leaders. But as I started
talking to friends, family, and even strangers, I began to pick up a following.
Most of the discouragement I heard was from people warning me that I was up against two political machines with a lot of money.
They didn’t say anything about being happy with the candidates. Eventually, most said, “Angel, we’ll vote for you. How can we
help?”
It tells me I’m not the only person in the state of Illinois who feels we're stuck and that we don’t have a desirable choice.
How will you convince voters to support you when you have no political experience?
Everyone starts somewhere. Even the current candidates were not always politicians. I view my lack of political experience to
be an asset. I can relate to the everyday realities facing families and individuals. My feet are still on the ground.
I’m in touch with the public and I understand their needs.
Have you ever voted for a write-in candidate yourself?
No. However, I should note that no write-in candidate has ever asked for my vote. I will be asking for votes all the way
through 7 p.m. on election evening.
Will you be taking your campaign on the road?
Yes, starting on Friday, August 11. I will be on the road every other week, taking my message directly to voters throughout
Illinois and learning more about what is on their minds.
How else are you going to spread your message?
Through any means possible. I am not a millionaire and I don’t have a huge budget, so I will rely on my web site, word-of-mouth
marketing and creating networks of supporters who share my message with their spheres of influence. This is classic grassroots
campaigning.
Are you accepting financial contributions?
Yes. Our goal is to raise at least $225,000. By comparison, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Judy Baar Topinka have millions upon
millions of dollars. But this election will rise and fall on voters, not dollars. You can make a contribution by clicking on the
button below.
Copyright ©2006 ANGEL RIVERA FOR ILLINOIS GOVERNOR. All rights reserved.
|
