My dad was my first experience of politics. He confidently advocated his beliefs and was always willing to take on bullies (mine and in the public sphere) on behalf of things he cared about. Many people in Oregon will remember him, often fondly, or still slightly salty about his many public battles and the friendly coalitions that somehow survived them. My dad didn't do politics for personal gain. I come by my earnestness honestly, even though not many people got to see that side of him.