August 11, 2002 - Peace Corps Online Exclusive: Director Vasquez says he will "absolutely not" run for US Senate seat from California in 2004

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Headlines: Peace Corps Headlines - 2002: 08 August 2002 Peace Corps Headlines: August 11, 2002 - Peace Corps Online Exclusive: Director Vasquez says he will "absolutely not" run for US Senate seat from California in 2004

By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 11:38 pm: Edit Post

Director Vasquez says he will "absolutely not" run for US Senate seat from California in 2004





Read and comment on this exclusive report from Mike Learned, National Coordinator, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual RPCVs, on Director Vasquez's speech to the World Affairs Council in San Francisco on July 30 in which the Director was asked about the trips he has made to California since he was confirmed and whether he is planning to run for the US Senate seat from California in 2004. Director Vasquez said he will "absolutely not" be a candidate. This is good news for the Peace Corps because the Director has demonstrated that he is an eloquent and passionate advocate for the Peace Corps and that with the unprecedented challenge of doubling the number of volunteers in the field by 2007, he recognizes that the agency requires his undivided leadership and dedication. Read the story at:

Director Vasquez says he will "absolutely not" run for US Senate seat from California in 2004*

* This link was active on the date it was posted. PCOL is not responsible for broken links which may have changed.



Director Vasquez says he will "absolutely not" run for US Senate seat from California in 2004

On July 30, Peace Director Gaddi Vasquez made at least three public appearances in San Francisco. He appeared on early morning talk/news Channel 2 in a 5 minute interview with Ross McGowan. At noon he appeared before the Commonwealth Club where he spoke to about 80 to 90 people in a 3/4 filled room. He appeared at 6 p.m. at the World Affairs Council before a group of at least 100 in a full room. The appearance before the World Affairs Council was taped for KQED FM public radio. There were a significant number of RPCVs and PC applicants/ invitees at both the Commonwealth Club and World Affairs Council gatherings.

In a question/answer session following his evening remarks, I asked Director Vasquez the following, "You've been to California several times since your confirmation. Are you considering running for the Senate in 2004?" Director Vasquez said "absolutely not" - then went on about the importance of commitment in his life that he learned from his family. He was passionate about the importance of the Peace Corps in his life, and his commitment to its success.

I've now heard the Director speak several times. He's a polished presenter and comes across as a very strong advocate for the Peace Corps. His overt political/ partisan comments were pretty much limited to "the president's plans/vision/etc. for the Peace Corps...." He also answered questions related to Peace Corps' independence as an agency, stating that the agency will remain independent. He did a good job and was very well received.



About the Author

Mike Learned is the National Coordinator of the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual RPCVs. He has been active in Peace Corps alumni activities for almost twenty years and has served on the NPCA Board of Directors, and currently serves on an NPCA Board membership taskforce. He served as a volunteer in Malawi in the early years of the Peace Corps. He works for a knowledge management consulting firm in Boston as a technical trainer, lives in San Francisco and works all over the country.



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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Peace Corps - Director; Peace Corps - Washington

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By Steve Manning on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 8:32 am: Edit Post

This is not too surprising, as the likelihood of a successful run for public office is greater after than in the middle of a successful tenure doing something like presiding over a doubling of the Peace Corps. The Senate race after the next one is more likely the objective.


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