Name: Amanda Sherman
Hometown: Milwaukee
Position: Communications director for Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis.
Age: 26
Alma Mater: Saint Louis University
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Washington Examiner: What initially drew you to politics?
Sherman: Politics is something I have been interested in for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I would wake up early, not to watch cartoons, but to watch the “Today Show’s” politics segment. As I grew up, that love never faded and I was lucky enough to turn it into a paying job.
Examiner: How did you come to Rep. Kind’s office?
Sherman: I am originally from Milwaukee and before I came to D.C., I worked on political campaigns in the state. When the job came open, a mentor from my campaign days flagged it for me. I have, and will always have, a soft spot for my home state, Wisconsin, so I am glad it worked out.
Examiner: What do you like best about working for Rep. Kind?
Sherman: Ron has an unbelievable ability to not just focus on the issues that Wisconsinites’ care most about, but he also understands how to explain it in a way people understand, which makes my job much easier.
Examiner: What is it like to work in a minority party member’s office, and does Rep. Kind’s seniority make a difference?
Sherman: I’m not going to lie to you, a lot of the time it is very frustrating. Especially when it feels like so many important pieces of legislation have no chance of coming to the floor for a vote. It is helpful to have a boss who, having been in both the majority and minority, understands what can be accomplished and the most effective ways to make a difference.
Examiner: Does working for a member of the Wisconsin delegation have perks now that Rep. Paul Ryan is speaker?
Sherman: It is nice to have someone who understands the issues that are important to Wisconsin leading the House, but I wouldn’t say there are any additional perks.
Examiner: Is there an issue, or issues, that you are working on that is personal/very important to you?
Sherman: Having gone to college right around the time of the financial crisis and having a younger brother in college now, finding ways to lower the burden of student debt and making college more affordable are two issues I care a lot about. Earlier this year, we introduced a College Affordability Action Plan, which was fun to work on because I truly understood the positive impact each provision would have on people’s lives.
Examiner: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sherman: The million-dollar question! In this field, I have learned that you never quite know what opportunity will come up next, and you should approach every opportunity with an open mind. I love politics, campaigns and crafting a message people can understand and relate to, so hopefully I will be doing something that encompasses all three of those things.
Examiner: What do you do to unwind after a long day on the Hill?
Sherman: I am an obsessive reader. My nightstand is literally overflowing with books and magazines. I am also a big fan of watching mindless TV, much to my boyfriend’s chagrin.
Examiner: What interesting work experiences have you had?
Sherman: My high school after-school job was working in the front desk area at an acupuncture and holistic health center. But I am absolutely terrified of needles. It’s safe to say that every time they asked if I wanted a treatment, I came up with some creative excuse why I would pass.
