Congratulations Ken Bernstein!

By: James Martin
Published On: 1/8/2008 9:53:41 AM

The Sorensen Blog:

CHARLOTTESVILLE-The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership today announced the names of those Virginians that have been accepted to its Political Leaders Program Class of 2008.

Sorensen's Political Leaders Program brings together approximately 35 emerging leaders each year from across the Commonwealth-including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents-to study the public policy issues facing Virginia. The Sorensen Institute has become the premiere national model of successful bi-partisan leadership training. And its Political Leaders Program has become something of a traditional "first step" towards elected office in Virginia. Participation in the program is incredibly competitive, with more than twice as many applicants each year as there are available seats.

Among those chosen include:
Kenneth Bernstein, Arlington (aka TeacherKen)

Comments



thanks - and a few comments (teacherken - 1/8/2008 12:48:09 PM)
I have not joined the site's endorsement of Obama, but do want to note that the approach of the Institute - to find common ground across partisan divides - clearly strongly overlaps with the approach Obama is taking.

And my wife (a strong Obama supporter) and I had our socks knocked off listening to Obama yesterday in Rochester when he said that we have to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable.   I use precisely those words in describing what I am trying to teach my government students.

Peace.



Are you planning to make an endorsement? (Lowell - 1/8/2008 4:05:48 PM)
Just curious.


No - and let me explain why (teacherken - 1/8/2008 4:16:41 PM)
from my perspective each of the candidates has things with which I agree and things with which I quibble.  I can happily support any of the top three against any Republican.  I truly have NOT made up my mind.  I see no reason to make a forced choice before I have to (I will vote on February 12).   In the meantime when I choose to comment/write about the contest, I can do so without being perceived as slanting my remarks for or against any candidate.

peace.



Congrats teacherken! (Kindler - 1/8/2008 8:04:19 PM)
I trust you will share the insights you gain with all of us...

And don't feel pressure to make any announcements based on the line above that the "Political Leaders Program has become something of a traditional 'first step' towards elected office in Virginia", eh, governorken?...  8-)



I do not expect to ever run (teacherken - 1/8/2008 8:19:24 PM)
remember, I live in Arlington, where people are lined up 6 deep for every office, and every office for which I would be eligible locally is held by a Dem.  

I told them in my interview and in my application that I did into think I would ever run, but that I thought political leadership could be exercised in fashions other than running for office oneself.

As a side note, last year Larry Roberts was on my committee, and while I was not selected, I was strongly encouraged to apply again.  This time Kate Hanley was on my committee.

I am looking forward to it. So is my principal, because it means I will be back in school next year (because I need the flexibility of schedule) - he thought I might well leave for something else.  

I have had to give up coaching soccer - this past past season will be my last.

But it will be worth it.

Peace.