If you're running for office in western Massachusetts, then you want Corinne Wingard on your team. A retired social worker, Corinne devoted 30 years to the students enrolled in Hartford, Connecticut, schools. Now she's back in her hometown of Agawum, Massachusetts, and dedicating her considerable energy to the campaigns of the candidates who inspire her. Do-Gooder caught up with Corinne as she was cleaning up after a Women's Brunch for Barack on a Sunday afternoon in the run-up to Super Tuesday.
So, how was brunch?
We had some quiche and fruit and veggies for a small group of about 19 women. These are all women who are working on the campaign. We were able to talk about strategies and the efforts we were making to identify voters. All of us left just feeling terrific.
Why Brunch for Barack?
These brunches were statewide. I believe our governor went to one in South Boston.
What's your role in the campaign?
I'm coordinating Hampden County. We have some big towns: Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Westfield. My town, Agawum, has about 28,000 people.
How did you become active in politics?
I grew up here, and then I lived in Connecticut for about 30 years. When I moved back here, I didn't know that many people. I went to see [former secretary of labor during the Clinton Administration] Robert Reich speak at a local bookstore. He's such an inspiring speaker. The event was cosponsored by Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, so I joined the organization.
One of the women in PDM told me about a man named Deval Patrick. When I went to hear him speak in August '05, I said, This is the man for me. I think Deval Patrick is one of the most extraordinary human beings I've ever heard. He's so real; he's so genuine. I said, Okay I'm going to work on his campaign [for governor of Massachusetts]. My friend who had been coordinating this area was moving to North Carolina. She talked to the campaign organizers in Boston, so I took over. I had to change my registration from unenrolled [independent] to Democrat!
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