QUESTION:

I want to run for office someday and I am a Republican. Everyone has told me I should work on Capitol Hill. The problem is that my member is a Democrat. Is it ok if I work for him and put it on my resume? I've heard different things from different people and one of my classmates said I should ask you since you seem to know this kind of stuff.

ANSWER:

That's a good question. If you do a little research, you'll find some good examples of some Republicans who had been Democrats at one point (Governor Perry of Texas is one current example). Back inthe day, it was more common for folks to change political parties and no one held it against them. We live in more partisan times now. The best thing to do always is to be true to yourself. So, if you know today that you favor Republicans and Republican ideologies, I would advise you to stick with working for Republican Members of Congress. That way people won't view you as been "wishy-washy" or an opportunist. Some people do get more liberal or more conservative as they age. But, it sounds as though you know what you want today and know what you believe in - so stick with your ideals. Theeasiest course isn't always thebest course. Good luck!