Note: Although I was not elected to go to Denver, I have elected to maintain this blog. This About Me page should still give you a sense of who I am and what I am about.
Contact Liz at: woodliz@peacemail.com
My name is Liz Woodruff. I was born in Boise, Idaho in December of 1977. My first political memory is of Gary Hart and the 1984 Democratic National Convention that nominated Walter Mondale. My whole family was so focused on that big crowd of little people on the t.v. and I remember watching intently and memorizing Mondale and Hart’s names and faces. If there is an earlier political memory, it would be Frank Church’s funeral, but that goes beyond the scope of “political.” This is what these two memories mean “about me”: I grew up in a very “blue” house. Politics was regular table-talk from a very early age. I have grown up hearing stories of my mother’s trip to Miami in ’72 as a National Delegate from Idaho to nominate McGovern, repeated tales of her time working as a dedicated volunteer for Frank Church, and an almost mythical, larger than life impression of that great GOVERNOR ANDRUS or as my mom calls him “Cece.” I started working on political democratic campaigns in Idaho when I was 11 or 12. I worked on Twilegar’s campaign for senate and two of LaRocco’s congressional campaigns. Larry LaRocco is a political hero of mine because when I was 15 on a trip to Washington he took me to vote with him, introduced me to Tom Foley and let me sit in the speakers chair. Plus, he and his family are tremendous people who love Idaho. I hope he wins big with Obama in the Fall.
So that is “about me” background in terms of my political origins. Some more facts: I am 30 years old, I am the mother of 2 children, I work full-time for an environmental group, I spent the 2008 legislative session working for two minority party senators. I have a BA and an MA. I love Idaho, I love the democratic party, I practice and ponder political systems and I am committed to activism centered on transformative politics. I am trained as a feminist and I am a committed environmentalist. I believe Barack Obama is the leader that we have been waiting for. While I don’t believe in inevitability, I do believe in opportunity and we are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. It is essential that we all do everything we can to seize this moment and elect Barack Obama as President. I would love to have you vote for Liz Woodruff to go to Denver. I will use my speaking and analytical experience to affect the outcome we all want and that this country desperately needs. Please find me in person at the State Convention and ask me questions or share your thoughts. I also would like to know “about you.”
My Obama Delegate's Blog 
Hey, Liz!
I met you at the State Convention. I helped clean up recyclables after the final evening and toted them out to the van. I really appreciate that you took the helm and got some recycling done. I think a gentle reminder in advance will remind the organizers to integrate recycling into the event. Next time.
I’ll be canvassing for Dem candidates on the next several Wednesday evenings, but I would still like to drop by your drumming class. What is the last date your class meets?
Karen
PS — What great names you gave your sons!
Liz,
I have some pictures I took at the state convention I told you I would send. Drop me an email.
Pete
Dear Liz,
I believe that you are an incredible person. Both my wife, Maria, and I have admired your energy, dedication, enthusiasm and commitmeent for Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy, and the potentially profound changes he represents since we first met you at the recent Democratic State Convention. Our only sadness was that you were not selected as one of the Idaho State Delegates. You were at the top of both our lists. I was proud to vote for you in CD#2, and believed then, as I do now, that you would make an excellent addition to our team. When we go to Denver, I will miss having you there, but I know that you will be with us in spirit.
I have also enjoyed reading the comments you have make on your blog about the ongoing campaign, and the effects it is having on you and all of us. Keep up the good work!
Also know that when even one person stands up and speaks out for progressive social change toward a new and more just world order, that very act sends out untold ripples affecting others, much as the reverberations of a hummingbird’s wings ultimately spread far and wide, affecting many other things, beyond the bird, itself. Please keep to the idealistic commitments you have made as you continue in this life, and know that there are many to whom you are an inspiring example of the wonderful potential of our future.
Jim Fletcher
Idaho Delegate for Obama
Thanks to Jim and all who have read and commented on this blog. It thrills me to interact with other folks excited, and energized by the place we are at as a nation. I wanted to mention, about Jim, that I had a long list of wonderful folks I wanted to vote for at the State Convention. When I heard Jim speak he went to the top of my list–I was thrilled to see him win and had no doubt that he was a perfect choice. Something very special is present in Jim’s committment and although I am not able to go to Denver I know he will represent me and the rest of Idaho so well.
I also appreciate the positve response to my blatant optimism. It is nice to know that it inspires some and gives hope to others. I feel it deeply and it is wonderful to share.
I am so inpired and amazed at your brilliant writing and intense passion for politics. I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments about Barack Obama and his impeccable timing as the leader this country desparately needs. I can’t wait to share your blog with Candace!
Give a big hug & kiss to Woody, Canyon & Riv!
Ah Blaise, as usual you make me smile so big! Thanks for the great feedback, This blog has been a really good way for me to process and even though I am a little over the top sometimes I swear it is what keeps me sane. I am hopeful we will get to visit with you and Candace soon–Please give her my love.