I really like the small wins in politics. The wins that, for the most part go unnoticed by most. But if you’re paying attention, and follow the markers, these types of wins can point you to some reasons to stay hopeful. Hopeful despite the rancor and vitriol we see on the cable news channels covering our politics. Hopeful despite the seemingly endless stream of commentators trying to ratchet up our emotional responses. Hopeful despite being told our best days are behind us.
A few weeks ago, I got to witness the beginning of one of those small, meaningful wins, and it it took me back to my time as a young congressional staffer.
I worked for a member of Congress who was well-known for being a bridge builder. And even though he could throw a partisan punch when he needed, he excelled at finding ways to govern cooperatively with the other side of the aisle. And he said something early in my tenure with him that stuck with me throughout. When describing why he worked so well, and so often, with members of the other party from the Buckeye state he laid it out in the clearest way possible: “we all have a duty to protect Fort Ohio.”
Now, years removed from that statement, I’m pleased to report that kind of thinking – that spirit of unity – hasn’t disappeared from the halls of Congress.
This session of Congress, we’ve seen more than a few targeted, meaningful acts of bipartisanship coming from our Buckeye delegation. On issues as niche as NIL (Name, Identity, and Likeness) policy in athletics, to topics as far reaching and complicated as renewable fuels policy and railroad safety. We can point to new members of our delegation taking active roles in leading on thorny, complicated issues.
Just last week, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D) and Congressman Max Miller (R), led a joint letter from our delegation to House leadership about the Farm Bill – laying out Ohio’s priorities for one of the largest, bi-partisan bills Congress must tackle. They were joined by most of the delegation in showing a united front on a far-reaching bill that doesn’t get nearly the headlines it deserves. While the masses debate a TikTok ban around the proverbial water cooler, a bipartisan team of Ohioan’s is defending the number one industry in Fort Ohio.
In the wake of the East Palestine rail disaster, our senators are spearheading work to address railway safety. Long after the story disappeared from national headlines, Senator Sherrod Brown (D) and Senator J.D. Vance (R) continue to build a coalition to address problems they see in the status quo that, if left alone, could leave other small communities to suffer in the wake of catastrophic mishaps. While working together on that transportation issue, they’ve also joined together to press the Biden administration on promoting renewable fuels produced from Ohio agricultural products.
Congressman Mike Carey (R) and Greg Landsman (D) are pushing for legislation to clean up the rules around NIL (name, identity and likeness) issues in college athletics. Congressman Carey is also partnered with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D) in continuing the efforts of the Civility and Respect caucus. And the list could go on and on…
If you haven’t heard of these partnerships, I’m not surprised. It’s the type of collegial, nuanced work that happens in the halls of congress that just isn’t newsworthy. It’s not sensational – because it’s exactly what we should EXPECT from our elected officials at every level. And more of it happens than the casual observer would ever know. These partnerships aren’t unique. They’re visible on issue after issue. Our delegation continues to practice a discipline in promoting commonsense priorities that are good for Fort Ohio.
There’s a lesson in here for all of us in advocacy too, though, because big wins are built on a foundation of small wins. When thoughtful people get in the habit of solving small problems, they’re building the necessary institutional muscle memory to tackle bigger, thornier problems down the line. They’ll know who to call when it matters. They’ll no how to put differences aside and focus on commonalities. They, and their staffs, know they can work with each other in good faith. That’s a good thing – even in a presidential election year.
When members of the Ohio delegation talk about protecting Fort Ohio, it’s not because they’re abandoning their individual principles. It’s because they’re embracing the principle that country and constituents come before partisanship. It may not look good on the litmus test of an advocacy organization, but it IS a trait we should recognize for its inherent value. Even when it means we lose a small fight from time to time.
A bill getting introduced is a small first win. A caucus getting launched is a small first win. A bi-partisan letter on a niche issue could be a small first win. But there’s nothing small about political rivals working together. There’s nothing small about opposing sides sharing meals and then sharing causes. There’s nothing small about early partnerships that open up big opportunities. If you’re feeling down and out that nothing “big” happens in DC anymore, I want to challenge you to find new vantage points. Because the big wins are out there.
Even though we’re now in the thick of the Presidential election, there are signs of the good that can come from honest dealing and hard work. I’m certain my peers around the country could point to their own delegations in a similar way. But my challenge to you today, is to look to “the heart of it all.” Because in times of frustration and challenge, Fort Ohio keeps standing strong – because our team is so often standing together.
Part of the Possible 