Cladach authors Donna Westover Gallup recently embarked on a new adventure. She campaigned as the District 53 Republican candidate for the Colorado House of Representatives.

Many of us have strong political opinions and some get involved in grass roots efforts on behalf of their favorite candidates. But few of us run for office the way Donna Westover Gallup did. Below, in her own words, is a brief summary of her campaign experience:

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It was February 2008 and I had only returned to work three months earlier after having massive surgery for breast cancer, when I found out that my political party did not have a candidate to represent my district for the Colorado House of Representatives. The incumbent expected to walk back into that seat unopposed. Although I was still weak, fatigued, and dealing with surgical discomfort, I could not let that happen. The next day I was on the phone with the party chairman and a few other activists volunteering for the position. I had worked on campaigns in the past, but never my own, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was willing to give it a try.

I was an unknown -- a greenhorn to the system, but my heart was in the right place. My campaign took off after the County Assembly in March when I was officially nominated and confirmed as the Republican candidate for House District 53. Fundraising efforts went into motion, letters and phone calls of introduction went out, and the work began. But responses (donations) were slow. Because I was an unknown in the political arena, folks weren't about to open their wallets before opening their minds. Fundraising proved to be the most difficult aspect of my campaign because as soon as I had started to establish my name, the economy crashed. Then it became a choice for the donor: Do I give to this local campaign, or do I put this $20 in my gas tank? I wasn't the strongest contender to go up against the economy. However, I began to see things in a different light, realizing that what I did receive had been given sacrificially. I then received the contributions to my campaign as blessings and I counted each penny as a gift from the heart. The incumbent outraised me, but only financially.

My opponent had voted positive on and sponsored some bills in the past session that I considered questionable, so that is what I focused on during my campaign. . . .

After months of walking my district (31 precincts), making phone calls, talking to folks, and participating in speeches, forums, and 1 radio debate, it finally came down to the wire on November 4th. And I must say that, although I lost the battle, I didn't lose the war. I gained almost 40% of the vote, going from a no-name to a worthy candidate, bringing in over 12,000 votes.

I have no regrets. I met some wonderful folks along the way, had the opportunity to participate in and attend some great events, and was able to proudly represent and serve my community. Above all, the race got me back into life. I healed from my surgery, both mentally and physically. I strengthened my leadership and public speaking skills. I left the sanctuary of my home and soared.

I have left the door open for further possibilities in the world of politics; but right now, I'm focusing on my writing. The experience has made me stronger in so many ways but it's now time to inject that strength into my stories -- not "running," but walking down a different path to reach out to my community.

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Donna the author of the Mysterious Ways frontier fiction series (White as Snow and Rock of Refuge).

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