BEHIND THE SCENES:  What does the end of a quarter look like? 

It kind of looks like this.  A couple of weeks ago we were nearing the end of the quarter in mid April, and we were driving down to a speaking engagement in Fort Wayne.  I noticed that everyone in the car, including Michael had several cell phones going at one time.  I could not resist snapping this shot of him, with two cell phones up to his ears… wrapping up a call with one of our supporters, and dialing another.  His relentless resolve and his effectiveness as a leader, is one of the main reasons he gets the job done and his fundraising has gone so well thus far.  Over 500 individuals have given to the campaign!  Michael has an endless and limitless resource of energy, and does not even drink one sip of caffeine.  I on the other hand, resort to embarrassing amounts of coffee.

Well this photo really says it all.  Michael gave the keynote address to a crowd of over 300 people and had all of them on their feet several times.  This is Mr. Moore, who was pumped up after the speech.  His comments about Michael before the picture:  “Your boy can sure speak, I’ll tell you that much”.  He is one of my favorites; as soon as I met him I know we would be friends.  He brings a big smile to my face every time I see him on the campaign trail. 

Take Care,

Bethany

 Hello everyone!  This is the last day to register to vote for the Indiana Primary.  What an exciting time in politics, especially for the great state of Indiana and the Third District.  This primary will be too good to miss.  So if you have not registered you can click on the “register to vote” tab on the front page of our website and register to vote right now.  Or if you know a friend, neighbor, co-worker or relative who has not registered yet and probably does not know that the deadline is today, please forward the “register to vote” link from our website, so they can register by the end of the day!  We received word two days ago that new voter registration numbers in the Third District are through the roof, (over 2,000 in Fort Wayne just last week!)  So join the thousands of new voters who have registered in the last couple of weeks and register your self or a friend today!  And thank you to all of those volunteers who have gone door to door over the passed couple of weeks, to do their part in registering new voters.  It is so exciting to see so many young people taking an active role in this election!  To give you some encouragement we snapped a photo this morning at the Elkhart County building of new voters still registering!  The line was quick though, in and out, only a couple of minutes!         

 Have a great day, register to vote and enjoy this beautiful weather!    

 Take care,

Bethany

Bethany's Blog:  Where you get to hear what is going on behind-the-scenes on the campaign trail directly from the Candidate's wife - Bethany Montagano.

 Last week we drove to Steuben County to make another official announcement rounding out our 8 county announcement tour, in a full blown ice storm.  The next day we drove to an NAACP meeting in Elkhart again in yet another snow storm.  Michael won some folks over and before we knew it a few days later we were headed down to Fort Wayne’s NAACP meeting, in yet another snow storm.  Michael pictured below at the NAACP meeting in Fort Wayne, Photo Credit:  AAIP.  I have realized that this is how a grass roots campaign works.  There is definitely a buzz about Michael and it is motivating to have every speaking engagement and question and answer session always lead to another one and so on.

 And yesterday, as the snow came down in Elkhart County we drove to Fort Wayne for a few speaking engagements during the day and a town hall meeting last night.  We arrived home last night around 1:00 a.m. exhausted.  Needless to say, because of the weather and because of our schedule we have spent a ton of time in the car.  So I thought I would write about that today: the car. 

 First and foremost, Michael’s campaign manager is 6 ft. 7 and usually drives, and his seat goes so far back that he is in the front seat and the back seat at the same time.  Packing the car…well it is usually quite an extravaganza.  We toss in the Montagano for Congress stickers, sign up sheets, business cards, bios, campaign literature, camera and a complete agenda of where we are traveling that day.  Before I know it I am knee high in brief cases and suit jackets.  I make sure to pack the water, hand sanitizer, head ache medicine, breath mints…you know all the stuff I think matters but they do not think about.   

 We have one of those portable navigation systems, which has been extremely helpful.  The screen also has an exact time of arrival, which means we cannot lie to ourselves about when we need to leave for the next event.  Excuse me while I give a shameless plug to the portable navigation systems:  I would also suggest this device to anyone who travels multiple hours with their spouse.  Everyone knows what it is like to be in the car with your spouse for five to six hours during vacation and what happens when you find yourself lost on the back country roads some place in Indiana.  Who knew something so tiny could make such a difference in our lives.  Now there is a couple happy with their navigation system.  Credit:  AAIP. 

 I have also made some other improvements during our car rides for myself.  We have a few staff members that ride in the car with us and I usually like to sit in the back by myself so I can work from my laptop on my museum writing and take pictures out the windows, which I love to do.  Sitting in the back comes with a price though.  I am usually freezing, while they are sweating, so I have smartened up a bit… I have now armed myself with blankets, a hat and fleece socks for the car rides.  They usually tease me a bit, because it looks like I have a snow suit on in the car but at least I am warm and happy.  Here is a view we snapped from the road... 

 When we start out on the road during the day, it is a campaign on wheels; Michael is making calls, preparing remarks for his different town hall meetings, question and answer sessions and speaking engagements for the day.  If you are excited to hear Michael talk sign up on the website for information on his next speaking engagement. 

 We had a few teachers who came to a town hall meeting last night after they saw coverage on WANE TV of Michael’s announcement in Fort Wayne a few weeks ago, and they were anxious to hear him talk about the issues.  At every speaking engagement Michael delivers short remarks and then opens it up to issues and questions.  From my seat, I take a lot of pride in watching Michael get in front of a group of people who have not heard him talk about the issues yet.  They have usually read about him in the paper, seen him on TV or visited our website and they are always blown away by him in person, when he starts talking issues.  So sign up and come on out and see him or call headquarters to host an issue forum of your own.   

 When Michael speaks and answers questions I am usually rooting for him, with all my might, while trying not to nod too much.  From watching the presidential elections, I have decided on one thing very early:  I do not want to be a “nodder”, standing next to my husband.  It just looks so funny to me and really distracting.  So please let me know if I do this, I will stop for the good of all spouses.  Michael and I at our announcement in Goshen...practicing my no-nodding strategy.  Photo Credit:  Elkhart Truth 

The car rides home, we try to get caught up on all the excitement happening with the presidential races…which is definitely one of the most popular topics of conversation in the car.

 Thanks for reading and Happy Valentines Day…and yes I already broke the news to Michael’s staff that “call time” will have to end early this evening…as we have Valentine Day Dinner planned. 

 Take care,

Bethany   

In a few weeks we are opening a new headquarters in historical downtown Goshen!  So in early March stop into headquarters, we are always looking for more volunteers.  Because of this exciting development, I set out on Saturday with a camera and my mother-in-law (Michael’s Mom) to introduce myself to the new neighbors.  I know a dangerous combination… a camera, and his two biggest fans.  If you thought I shamelessly promoted my husband; Michael’s mom, Jeannie, a School Psychologist in the third district for over 20 years, carries business cards, stickers, articles and other Montagano for Congress campaign materials just about everywhere we go.  And she has no problem proudly planting a sticker on anyone willing to listen.  Don't even get me started on the enthusiasm of his dad... 

 We made a good team, she did the approaching and “stickering”, and I got to do two of my favorite things; take photographs of my favorite places in Goshen and talk art, coffee, shopping, yoga and about my husband’s campaign with the people of Goshen.    I love Goshen, aka the Maple City, as it is known for its small town charm and dedication to downtown revitalization and historic preservation, which is close to my heart.  In that spirit, I thought I would highlight some of the well known hotspots in Goshen and also some of the unexpected discoveries that I have made along the way, that make this city so unique and so rich in the culture.  You can find this trendy fitted t-shirt and others like it at Jules Boutique in Downtown Goshen. 

Made with 800,000 thousand bricks in less than 8 months the old bag factory is a true testament to what united Hoosiers can accomplish when they have a common goal.  Many of you know that because of my Museum work, historic preservation in the third district is very important to me, and the Old Bag Factory is a premier example! 

Michael and I have the great privilege of knowing and being friends with the Swartzendrubers, the owners and brave couple, who took on the restoration of this enormous project.  This is where Michael chose to do one of his official announcements last week.  They were both in attendance to hear Michael pay tribute to the history of the building and their amazing contribution as historic preservationists and leaders in city of Goshen.

Next Stop:  Dick Lehman

Next Stop:  John Mishler

  Next stop: The Spacious Heart Yoga Studio. 

Next stop:  The Electric Brew, a favorite hangout for local Goshen college students, offering inventive gourmet coffees and a warm urban-city atmosphere.  This is Dominique, who kindly let me take her picture as she typed away on her laptop.  Don’t you worry Jeannie handed her a Montagano for Congress card, she was lucky Michael’s mom ran out of stickers by this point.   

 RIVALS NOW ON THE SAME TEAM.  It is no secret that Michael and I have a strong allegiance to DePauw University.  We are both alumni and that is where we met.  Many of our campaign advisors, supporters and contributors are DePauw Alumni and even our staff has DePauw alumni on board.  Now, however, we are adding some new and unexpected supporters and volunteers to our campaign.

 Most native Hoosiers are familiar with the DePauw - Wabash rivalry, which dates back over a hundred years.  The Monon Bell Football game played between DePauw and Wabash every year is the source of this continued rivalry.  And this rivalry does not always end after college, verbal sparring continues still among friends, colleagues and even relatives, at alumni game telecasts, year after year. 

 But the rivalry has been put aside for now, for a Wabash Sophomore, who thinks that Wabash and DePauw students and alumni can work together to solve many of the problems affecting younger generations and generations to follow.  Pat, pictured below with Michael, is a Wabash Sophomore, and Allen County Native from Fort Wayne who offered his energy and smarts to volunteer with our campaign.  We met Pat a week ago, as he traveled quite a distance to hear Michael speak at a Breakfast in Whitley County and meet with him afterwards.     

 Pat, who has a wonderful sense of humor, stood up and took a few moments after Michael spoke, to tell the group, that if they had sons looking for the best liberal arts college in Indiana, they should send them to Wabash.  That was the only shot he took at Michael for being a DePauw grad.  Ok, ok I will pay some deference to Wabash.  They have an amazing list of alumni, and can take credit for, Thomas Riley Marshall, Vice President under Woodrow Wilson.  And Pat, well he is definitely a shining star at Wabash, who will go on to accomplish amazing things in the field of politics and probably humorous pundit writing (possibly for the Daily Show, as I think he is definitely funny enough) for Wabash and himself.

 A few weeks ago he traveled with a few friends to Iowa to watch the Iowa Caucuses and meet the presidential candidates.  He met and took pictures with almost all of the major democratic and republican candidates, and shares details on his very witty and insightful blog.  He has some great observations and hilarious stories about which candidates “brush you off and are done with you” as soon as the photo opp. is over with.  Pat is also headed to Israel for a few weeks on Wabash service trip, and is affecting change on the world early.

 I asked Pat what he thought the biggest issues were for young people.  He thought that the war is definitely one, but he also thought that no one is paying enough attention to the fact that young people are struggling with student loans and starting off their adult lives in debt.  Hey if DePauw and Wabash students and alumni can put aside their deeply rooted rivalry, to work together to solve the life long problems that now burden our generation and the ones to follow, then I am confident the Democrats and Republicans can find a way to do the same, for the sake of us all.  And Michael can lead that charge for the third district.   

 Thanks,

Bethany   

Like many Americans, I had the day off today to reflect on the life of a man and a civil rights movement that has meant so much for our country. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work in a career that celebrates our American culture.  So for me, every day of the week is a chance to absorb that message and the legacy of Dr. King. I thought it would be appropriate to share with you today what exactly it is I took the day off from doing. 

 Many of you know that I took a contract with the Eiteljorg to curate an exhibition for them to open in March of 2009 allowing me to work from our home here.  What you may not know is how close my work is to my heart.  My niche in the museum field is social justice, minority-American history exhibitions and exhibitions that re-explore chapters of history or popular artists from a new and surprising perspective.   

 My exhibition technique is straight forward; I try to give those who were virtually invisible in popular history and contemporary America visibility and give voices to those who are voiceless.  My goal is usually to debunk stereotypes and challenge and engage visitors to learn something new and outside themselves.  The hope is to affect positive change in the way visitors to the exhibition view the world and people around them.

 I am currently working on an exhibition that highlights the stories of triumph of both African Americans and Native Americans and the significant roles they played in this country’s history.  Right now I am story boarding, which means – like a cartoon writer and illustrator – I have copies of objects, photographs, artifacts, art pieces, quotes and content taped to every spare inch of my office walls. (Needless to say I am visual person).  So I am surrounded by the powerful stories, photographs and lived realities of individuals who paved the way for me as an American. I feel privileged to give a voice to their unique story rarely heard and often misunderstood. 

 The exhibition I am working also deals with issues and factors of race in our society.  It can be uncomfortable to talk about these issues but I believe it is so important to have diverse and open forums to fuel and facilitate understanding. 

 In closing, I have written in my blog about the passion I have for my work but it is also humbling to be a part of something that embodies the spirit of social justice; an effort to understand and share all of the stories that make up our American history. 

Take Care,

Bethany

 As part of our "Community Voice Project", Michael also takes time to meet with many younger voters from the district.  He always notes your vigor and passion about the issues and how you are a wonderful resource for refreshing ideas.  A few nights ago, Michael met with Nate, a young professional from the 3rd district, who had some great ideas about helping other young professionals cope with the burden of student loans.

  So if you are a young voter in the third district do not be afraid to call headquarters to find out how to get more involved in our campaign or host a forum in your area, to talk about the issues with Michael.  (Here is a picture of Michael and fellow Elkhart County Native, John, after an invigorating meeting with a group of young voters).  

Montagano for Congress Supporter Writes:  I have read Michael’s bio but you can tell me what he is like from your perspective? 

 A couple of weeks ago, I watched Michael fix a meticulous plate of food.  He was fretting over the presentation, and spinning the plate around to make sure everything was just right.  I took note of how thoughtful he was being, making dinner for me, his wife.  Nope, moments later, he swept right passed me, gave me a kiss and told me that his new friend Barney, who is 92 and also the state of Indiana’s biggest IU fan, had wrist surgery and he was bringing her dinner.  She returned the plate a few days later with maybe the nicest thank you note I have ever read.  Yes, they also talk politics over the phone after supper on a weekly basis.  He is always surprising me.

 That is what Michael is like; quite simply, he is full of surprises.  Just when I think I have him pegged, he does something that throws me back on my heels. 

 On our honeymoon, I thought we were flying home after a wonderful trip and instead he surprised me with a few extra days.  (He had asked my boss for more time off). 

 And then there was the time I thought he was going to have to miss one of my exhibition openings because of a big case. To my surprise, he blasted through the front door at the museum, muddy shoes (having parked a few miles away) in just enough time to practice my welcome speech with me one more time, as he could see that I was pale and terrified. 

 Oh and then there was the little time at breakfast, 9 months ago, where he shared with me his desire and reasons why he wanted to run for congress.  Yes, I have to admit that I did not see that one coming and practically fell off my chair.      

 When a new staffer joins our team, they are always surprised by Michael’s work ethic.  “Does he ever sit down?” they often ask.  His staff is always chasing him around headquarters during “call time” to get him to sit in one place.  Michael is an incessant pacer, always will be.  Sleeves rolled up and pacing is how he spends the majority of his day. 

 Michael has also surprised many of the congressmen in Indiana he has met with. They often introduce him by telling the story of when he first came into their office nine months ago to seek support and express how impressed they are with where he is now.  Here is a great inside campaign side note: These same congressmen also whisper to Michael after speaking engagements as we walk to our cars that that they are pushing for him 1) because they want to see him to win 2) because they are looking for a good, young athlete to join their congressional football and baseball teams. 

 Apparently they have not been performing as well as they hoped despite the addition of Heath Shuler, a congressman and former professional quarterback, to their team.  They are actively recruiting Michael for next season.        

 He is also surprisingly quirky as well.  He is squeamish when someone is paying him too much of a compliment.  He believes, strictly in hard work, has terribly high expectations of himself, and has never thought he was entitled to anything in his life.  He loves a challenge but loves to work his way through a challenge more.      

 I have been on the campaign trail with Michael for a while now and I have heard a number of politicians speak at political banquets.  We hear the same things, over and over and I find myself “mental parasailing”, letting my mind wonder to something other than the same old, same old.  I love when he speaks though, not just because I am his wife but because he often surprises the crowd, throws them back a bit and defies their expectations.  (This is a picture of Michael, after he delivered one of those surprising speeches, at a dinner in Whitley County, to an enthusiastic and cheering crowd). 

 For nine months I have watched my husband, and my best friend defy all expectations.  I have learned never to underestimate him because I know he always has a few surprises up his sleeve and he just might surprise a lot of people in this district in November 2008.    

Thank you for the question.  Please e-mail your questions, comments and stories to me at:  Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com

Montagano for Congress Supporter Writes:  What are you looking forward to with the Campaign in the New Year?

When I first started writing my blog, I had no idea what to expect or how it would be received.  I have to say I am humbled by all the feedback I have received about my posts.  So first and foremost, I look forward to writing much much more in the New Year. 

 Thank all of you for sharing your own personal stories with me as well.  When I get a particularly encouraging e-mail, I call Michael, read it to him over the phone, (which inspires him for the rest of the day) and then I post it on our board.  The Board:  Where we keep all of your encouraging e-mails and letters you send.  I think it needs a nickname…I am open to suggestions.   

 I also have to thank all of you for your loyal support for the campaign.  I was just reflecting with Michael about the last nine months we have spent on the trail.  We are both taken back by how much you have gathered around us to help build this campaign from the ground up.  It has been really rewarding to watch interest and support for our campaign grow everyday. 

 I look at our support base now, and I cannot believe how far we have come.  We have met with thousands of people in the district and you have shared so much with us; about issues and your selves.  But this is just a start; you will hear and see much more of us.  You have helped us mobilize; and your volunteer-efforts at headquarters and help with fundraising have directly contributed to a strong presence in the district and some new and very exciting developments with the campaign. 

 Because of your support, we have been able to add an experienced manager to direct our team.  Please stay tuned to the website for updates coming soon!  Besides strategizing, managing and fundraising, new key staff members are going to have to pass a wife test:  Can they transition Michael out of a conversation in less than a half an hour and keep him on schedule? 

 If you know Michael as I do, you’d know it has always been like that with him.  In the line at an airport, the guy behind us becomes our new best friend because Michael always strikes up a friendly conversation.  When we go to a ball game Michael is sharing our snacks with the people beside him.  (That is Michael and I at a Cubs game, which he loves by the way.  See the guy in the blue shirt with his son next to us?  Half way through the third inning, they were sharing our stadium peanuts with us).    And who makes friends with other runners while running the mini marathon?  Yes you guessed it.  Meanwhile, I was lucky to finish, still running, let alone utter words beyond: “Water. Please.” to anyone on the course.  Really, no one in the district is going to have a problem getting Michael’s ear.  It will be the challenge of the staff to make sure he stays on schedule so everyone has a chance to get it! 

 As the campaign builds momentum, we’ll be sending out newsletters and updates – including more blog entries from me.  So if you read my blog, make sure you also sign up! (enter your e-mail address in the top right-hand corner sign-up section of our website).          

 We turned the corner on the New Year and things are really heating up as the campaign gets more exciting! You can look forward to hearing much much more from me as I detail our adventures to keep things interesting.  I also look forward to seeing all of you on the trail and reading your letters. 

 Please keep the e-mails coming.  I look forward to them every morning.  Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com      

 Take care,

 Bethany   

Montagano for Congress Supporter writes:  Is the campaign rewarding along the way or do you and Michael focus on the end goal?   

 “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

 Earlier this month, we attended a Holiday Party in Fort Wayne. We braved a pretty bad ice storm to get there but it was worth it because this happened to be one of the most rewarding nights on the campaign so far.   

 They had a raffle ticket/drawing/auction at the party.  This is how it worked:  Donated prizes were placed around the room with corresponding paper bags.  You would buy your raffle tickets and place them in the bags that matched the prize you wanted.  Then there was a drawing for each prize.  All of the money went to a good cause so we thought we would give it a try. 

 We bought six raffle tickets; Michael split them up evenly and we both went off to choose the items that caught our eye.  I chose to place one ticket in for the civil war book (my dad is a huge civil war buff), one in for an Indiana Women book (that was for me) and one in for a poster (just for fun).  I am sorry to say I lost all three drawings.  Rats.  Michael, who is much braver than I, put all of his tickets in the same bag. 

 He has this quote that sits above his desk by Ghandi that reads:  “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."  Well there was a great framed version of that quote at the raffle, which in my opinion, was a major improvement in comparison to the quote printed in large font on flimsy computer paper Michael made for himself after a hard day.

 Although we were hopeful, I am sorry to report that Michael did not win that drawing.  The gentleman who did win the framed quote, however, overheard Michael tell someone earlier in the night that the quote sits above his desk at headquarters.  So the gentleman without thinking twice, accepted his prize and walked briskly over to Michael.  In a bold and determined voice he said he was a supporter of Michael, and that he wanted him to have it on behalf all the people from his organization who were behind him 100%. 

 On the way home in the car, Michael and I did our usual, we recapped and reviewed the evening.  Our car rides home are always the moments I really cherish on the campaign because that is where we get to soak it all in.  Michael turned to me during that car ride and said:  “Those guys would give you the shirts off their backs.  When they talk about issues with me, you would not believe it; they always tell me a story about a friend, relative or even an acquaintance and ask me how I am going to help them.  They rarely tell me a story about themselves.”  (Here is Michael below, having some pizza with some of the guys from Fort Wayne, who would give him the shirt of their backs).   

 The computer paper quote has now been significantly upgraded by the replacement of the framed quote.  But the quote now serves a new purpose, in addition to providing inspiration:  To always remind him why he is in this and to keep fighting.    

Thank you for your question.  Please send your questions for me to:  Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com

 Have a Happy and Safe New Year and talk to you soon,

Bethany               

Montagano for Congress Supporter Writes:  I just read your blog about Michael’s family.  Can you tell me about yours? 

“Never forget where you came from."  I used to think that, like many parents, my father used to say this to me out of fear that I would forget about him and my hometown, when I went away to start my own life.  Well, my father is unforgettable so that just was not an option.  Now that Michael and I have been on the campaign trail for 9 months; this piece of fatherly wisdom has taken on a different meaning all together. 

Like many good people in Northeast Indiana, my father’s heritage is polish-American, and like many Midwest folks who have a polish background my father is as tough as nails.  My father has never been one to sugar coat anything in our lives, so sometimes I look to him in this process as a true gage of how we are doing. 

 I was happily surprised to learn that recently, my father took in Michael’s campaign update materials to work to show off to his buddies.  He even had the whole group huddled together; viewing our website and my blog.  I had no idea that my father even knew what a blog was until two weeks ago.  My mother told me all of this.  I asked my dad about this when he came to visit.  He looked down, shuffled his feet on the floor and said just this: “You are doin’ good."  Wow, we must be doing pretty well if Michael’s campaign is getting air time between college football and college basketball talk at my father’s work.   

My father is not a man of many words, so when he has something to say, it usually means something, at least to me.  In addition to his honesty though; I also look at him as a reminder of who we are fighting for.  My father has seen and overcome many things in his life, including the inside of a boxing ring one too many times, and a very modest upbringing.  In short, my father fought and often struggled to create opportunities for himself and his family so that our sacrifices and struggles would never have to be as great as his.  That was his one goal in life, to give his children a better upbringing and more opportunities than he had. 

I talk about him so much on the campaign trail because I believe that his story is the story of so many of us in the third district.  We all want to create opportunities for ourselves and our families and we want something better for our children.  We need hope that things can change but also need someone to listen and fight for us for this to happen. 

Recently, I heard Evan Bayh quote a famous poem at a Christmas Party we just attended.  He was talking about effective leadership and I believe he said something like this:  “You have to be able to walk with Kings but never lose the common touch."  He could not be more right.   I think he's saying, to lead you must be able to act with confidence among leaders, but never forget where you came from or you will forget to fight for people like you.  I think that was what my father was always trying to tell me.  A picture of my dad and I, after he told me that Michael and I "Were doin' good". 

 Thank you for the question. 

Please email your questions to:  Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com

Take care,
Bethany

Montagano for Congress Supporter Writes:  I am a strong supporter of  both Michael and you but I wanted to know how exactly to pronounce the last name?  Also, can you tell me more about the last name? 

We have heard many pronunciations of Montagano, some correct, some close, and some not even in the same ball park.  So this is a great question.  Montagano is pronounced phonetically: Mon-tag-a-no.  All short “A’s”, nothing fancy, just like it reads. 

Like many great families in Elkhart, Michael’s last name is Italian-American.  Michael hails from several generations of farmers in Elkhart County from his mom’s side and several generations of restaurant owners on his dad’s side.  (Michael shaking hands with his younger brother Christopher after he announced to the entire extended Montagano family that he was running for Congress).

Many people from Elkhart County know the Montagano family name well, which is due in part, to the generosity and good nature of Michael’s father and grandfather. 

Although Michael’s grandfather passed away before I came into Michael’s life, I definitely feel like I have grown to know him
through the many stories I have heard about him from supporters on the campaign trail.  Michael’s grandfather, Anthony Montagano, went by the nickname “Casey”, which is also the name of the
restaurant he ran for years, where the people of Elkhart came to know and love him.  Casey was adored for his extreme generosity, helping anyone and everyone in need, and his unmatchable charismatic personality, wit and charm.  Needless to say, the apple does not fall too far from the tree. 

When we are at an event in Elkhart, and someone learns that Michael's grandfather is Casey Montagano, a crowd tends to form around Michael, and before we know it people are smiling, laughing and sharing stories about Casey. Casey was a man of the people here in Elkhart and the people who knew and still love him always offer their sentiments about how proud they are that Michael is carrying on his legacy of public service, hope and good will in his run for Congress.

Thank you for the question.  Please send your questions to
Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com

Take care,
Bethany

Montagano for Congress supporter writes:  Please tell me about one issue that you really care about in this campaign?

My father always told me:  “If you find a job that you actually enjoy doing then you will never have to work a day in your life."  I am sure he got that from somewhere else but I got the point.  Many of you know that I am in the Museum field and the people who know me well know that I followed my father’s advice.  For my entire life, I have always had an affinity for the arts and culture that will never leave me, which makes what I do for a living a perfect fit for me.  I can say that if I was not exposed to art classes, music programs, new cultures and museum field trips during school I am not sure if I would have been so lucky. 

During the campaign, Michael and I have run into many frustrated teachers, parents and students from schools that have been forced to cut their art, music and drama programs.  (Michael is pictured left meeting a group of concerned women from the district). We have even heard that some schools can no longer afford to charter a bus to take on a school field trip. 

In the museum field, I have the privilege of being around some of the most astounding artwork, antiques and artifacts in the world made by spectacular individuals.  It bothers me to think that by cutting back on these important school programs; we might miss out on the next brilliant artist, musician, or actor.  

So to answer your question, for many reasons, pragmatic and personal, education is one of the many issues I really care about in this campaign.  Please e-mail your questions to me at: Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com 

Take care and have a good weekend,

Bethany

This week I am taking questions from women who are following our campaign.  So if you have a question about how I am managing life on the campaign trail or if you would like to know more about what happends behind the scenes, please e-mail me at: Bethany@montaganoforcongress.com

It is Sunday and I was just sitting here reflecting about how nice it was to have so many of our family members with us for Thanksgiving.  All of us women can understand how much preparation and thought goes into putting the finishing touches on our homes for company and preparing the large thanksgiving feast.  I think we can also agree that it is always worth it to see everyone sitting together at Thankskgiving dinner.  We had four generations sitting at the table! 

In addition to the Thanksgiving dinner there is also another event that our family takes just as seriously:  The Day after Thanksgiving annual Montagano touch football game.  We bundled up all the kids and the family ventured over to our lots next door for the game.  I am not sure who won, but I can tell you that there were alot of great plays, grass stained jeans and we laughed the entire time.  I will have pictures up from the game soon!

Good morning,

 About a month ago I had the privilege to meet Judy Hayhurst.  Most of you know she is the lovely and supportive wife of Tom Hayhurst who led a very strong campaign in 2006.  It was wonderful to talk to her, as she has walked down this road before.  She had some great advice for me and many words of support and encouragement.  Her greatest tip:  When knocking door to door, knock and then take a few steps back so you do not scare the person on the other side of the door.  I also ran into Judy at Tom Henry's election night rally and I have to say it is so refreshing to run into someone that knows exactly what this is like from a Wife's perspective.  She is sweet and endearing and I have nothing but respect for her.  Michael and Tom Hayhurst meet frequently to discuss the campaign and I am so grateful that Tom is supporting Michael and that Judy is providing support and advice for me. 

Have a happy thanksgiving everyone!

 Bethany

Sorry I have not written in a while... 

It has been a whirlwind of events, first with the local elections and second preparing for Thanksgiving.  We are hosting over 20 family members this year for Thanksgiving.  Needless to say I have been busy.  A few weeks ago, Michael and I traveled to Fort Wayne to attend a rally in support of Tom Henry who recently won the Mayoral Race in Fort Wayne!  Michael's staff and our entire family went down to join Tom Henry's extended family and help him get out the vote on election day!  At the pre-election Tom Henry rally Michael met with Evan Bayh.  Evan Bayh, a beloved Senator from Indiana, flew from Washington D.C. to offically endorse Tom Henry before the election.  Michael and Evan Bayh spoke about Michael's candidacy and then posed for a few photos.  Here is one below.  

Tom Henry! Mayoral Candidate of Fort Wayne:

A few weeks ago Michael and I attended an event for Tom Henry, the Fort Wayne democratic mayoral candidate. Mayor Graham Richard of Fort Wayne and Dan Parker the State Democratic Chair spoke in support of Tom Henry.  Each speaker gave concrete examples from their personal experiences regarding why Tom will be an effective mayor.  Everyone also had a story about why the Henry family is the most welcoming family in Indiana politics. Tom's wife, Cindy owns and runs the Green Frog Inn, a popular resturant in Fort Wayne.   Its success is attributed, at least in part, to her infectious laughter, unmatched sense of humor and welcoming nature.

I do have my own story that reflects the character of Tom Henry as well…we attended an event honoring Rep. GiaQuinta on Friday in Fort Wayne.  It was interesting to hear about the contributions the GiaQuinta family has made to both the state of Indiana and Fort Wayne.  Likewise, it was fun to hear about the life of Rep. GiaQuinta.  He was personal friends with boxing legend Rocky Marciano! You should have heard the amazing tales told at this dinner!  Tom and Cindy Henry were also in attendance. When Tom was introduced, he received a long standing ovation. Then, while we were seated at the dinner, one of the wait-staff spilled an entire tray on the floor.  When we looked over, there was Tom Henry, sleeves rolled up, on one knee, helping to clean up the mess with a smile on his face, assuring the young man not to be embarrassed.  Strong enough to lead Fort Wayne and cool enough to get his hands dirty.  What a guy and what a family!  Go Tom Henry!

Talk to you later,
Bethany

The 3rd District Tour!

Michael and I just finished our 3rd district tour!  Scheduling our
time around the county 'J.J.' dinners we used the days and nights
before the events as opportunities to campaign in the district.  What
is a J.J. dinner?  J.J. dinners are the Jefferson - Jackson (as in the
Presidents) dinners hosted by the democratic county chairs in each county of the district.  They always run from late August to early October, which is a perfect time to discuss the issues with the people of the district as we travel from county to county.  We have to personally thank all of the county chairs for inviting us, hosting us and opening up a forum for Michael to speak at the events.  In Whitely County, Michael brought the house down with his speech!   More good news, many of the county chairs told us that the attendance at these dinners was the strongest it has ever been.

On our district tour, we had the privilege to share dinners with local
families, frequent the local restaurants, shake hands around town (see picture left) and host Community Voice Forums.  Thank you for your insight and honesty about the issues that concern you and moreover thank you for your hospitality and support for the campaign!  Michael and I could not be more energized and much of that is because of all of your kind words sent to us in letters and e-mails.  I cannot tell you how many times 'refreshing' was used to describe Michael as a candidate in all of your e-mails and letters.  That is wonderful to hear and we are going to continue moving forward with your support. 

Talk to you soon,
Bethany

 A few weeks ago Michael and I were invited to tour the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary's (AMBS) newest addition to campu