Peter Schorsch
University of Florida grad Collin Thompson started working his way up the ladder in college, but it was his job as a field organizer for Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s re-election campaign that got him some notice by political observers.
He’s now managing former Sarasota Republican Rep. Doug Holder’s bid for state Senate.
Here’s Thompson in his own words.
I live in … Sarasota, but I’ve spent a few months living in Tallahassee and Tampa over the past two years.
I got into politics because … I went hunting with my dad. It was spring break one year when I was in middle school. Dad was going on a pheasant hunt in South Georgia, and I was invited to go with him. We stopped by the Capitol on our way home for an impromptu civics lesson, and I was captivated by the idea of an incredibly accessible citizen-legislature. I had the opportunity to page for my state senator, Lisa Carlton, my freshman year of high school and the rest is history.
One principle I always put above politics is … loyalty and honor.
Person or people who gave me my first shot … Sen. Carlton provided the first opportunity to see politics up close, but Commissioner Putnam was the first person to let me earn a paycheck after college.
I’ve already worked for/on (campaign, issues, etc.) … paged for Senator Lisa Carlton, interned for Congressman Vern Buchanan in Washington, D.C., worked for Commissioner Putnam, Gov. Jeb Bush, and currently, Rep. Holder’s State Senate Campaign.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for … passion.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors … Senator Carlton, Commissioner Putnam, Randy Enwright, Justin Hollis and Karen Unger.
The people I most admire in politics are … the families that sacrifice so their loved ones can serve.
One lesson I’ve already learned is … the little things don’t go unnoticed.
If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be … I would probably be entering my final year of law school, but part of me would like to think I’d be waiting tables anticipating my “big break.” I studied music in college.
In 10 years, you’ll read about me … helping to elect the first Republican President from Florida.
