In the throes of election fervor last year, I was having a conversation with someone about
Prop 8, Congressional races, etc., and I said that what was really missing in the progressive political community was a brilliant, intellectual, gay candidate with a highly decorated military history. And if he was African American, then that would really rock my world. Ha ha ha, right? Fantasy. Pipe dream. Silliness.

Except guess what?

Meet Anthony Woods.

Here's his official bio, liberally annotated by me.

A U.S. Army veteran, Woods earned the Bronze Star in Iraq. (Two tours, people.)

Anthony was raised by a single mother who worked long hours as a housekeeper (If I wrote that detail in a novel Michael would delete it with a snide, "over the top.") Overcoming numerous obstacles, such as a lack of health insurance for most of his life (seriously), Woods earned a Congressional Appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated on the Dean's List. (No less!)

Upon his return from Iraq, Woods earned a Master's Degree from the Kennedy School of Government. He was a co-recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Public Service Award and organized missions to help rebuild hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. (I know! It's completely crazy. It's like a movie of the week. But he's A REAL PERSON!!!).

While on leave from the Army, Captain Woods spent a summer bicycling across the country to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. (I swear you're not being punked.)

During his second year at the Kennedy School, he reached the conclusion that he could no longer serve in silence under the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, and was honorably discharged for standing up for equality within our military. (Because it's important to get rid of brilliant military leaders with unparalleled potential. That's the way to win the war on terrorism! Join them in their own biases!)

Woods went on to work as an economic policy advisor (yeah, he knows about the economy, too) - where he's helped craft solutions to keep Americans at work and attract new high-wage industries.

Now, Anthony Woods is back home and a candidate for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, where a special election to replace outgoing Representative Ellen Tauscher has attracted a virtual swarm of Sacramento politicians looking for their next job. (Basically every termed-out politician is scrambling for employment.)

I want you to meet this guy. I'm hosting a little meet and greet for him on July 11 at 3 PM at my house. No pressure, no hard sell (ok, maybe a little hard sell). Just meet him and decide whether he really is our fantasy politician come to life. If you don't live in the Bay Area and can't stop by my house, kick the guy a few bucks. Seriously, he's up against the Garamendi machine, among others, and he needs the cash.

Yours,
Ayelet Waldman