Elizabeth is a childhood friend of mine and was my roommate during my freshman year yet I am still blown away by her passion for everything she does. Spend an hour with Elizabeth and you will immediately discover just why she has accomplished as much as she has in the political realm. A classic woman with a touch of southern charm, Elizabeth’s strand of pearls and favorite lipstick shade only accentuate the brilliant mind that lies within her exterior. Easygoing yet quick on her feet, Elizabeth spent our interview time laughing and discussing the many loves of her life—including her beloved politics.
Name: Elizabeth Ann Bradford
Age: 19
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science and International Affairs
Hometown: Lithia, Florida
Courtesy: Elizabeth Bradford
Her Campus (HC): Tell us a little bit about your background!
Elizabeth Bradford (EB): I’m from Lithia, Florida! I live with my parents and have a little brother, Matthew, a dog, Roman, and two cats, Kitty and Tiger.
HC: Let’s start with the basics…what organizations are you involved with on campus?
EB: I’m heavily involved on campus. I am a Gala committee member for FSU College Republicans, the state chairman of Students for Rubio, an active member of Noles for Rubio and the Membership and Social Media Chair for NeW at FSU.
HC: What’s your favorite memory from working in politics?
EB: My favorite memory would have to be the first time I heard Marco Rubio speak on the Senate floor. I was amazed at the fact that he can speak without any notes for an insane amount of time. His heartfelt speech was about jobs for people in Florida and what he wanted to accomplish in Florida specifically. A lot of senators lose touch with their constituents, so it was refreshing and inspiring to hear Mr. Rubio’s speech.
HC: So, it seems like the majority of your interests revolve around politics! How did you get started and work your way up in politics?
EB: My earliest memory is of attending the Bush/Cheney rally for the 2000 election. My parents raised me with a passion for my community, and attending local political events was just the start! They continually stressed the importance of being well-versed in current issues and truly understanding my beliefs. Starting in elementary school, I watched the local news every day before school. I began to eagerly follow politics in the 2008 presidential election. As I watched the results of the votes flood in, I was disappointed and realized that I was discontent with the decision that had been made. I did not feel that President Obama’s stances were in-line with my own belief system, and I was concerned for the future of my country.
Flash forward to my freshman year of high school in 2010—Pam Bondi had just been elected the Attorney General in the state of Florida and the first woman Attorney General in Florida’s history! I had a personal connection to this race in particular, and I was fortunate enough to hear Pam Bondi deliver her acceptance speech. She spoke on a number of topics, emphasizing that you can make a difference, no matter your age, gender, or background. This speech was what really developed my passion for politics, and I soon started a Teenage Republicans club at my high school, where I was chairman through my senior year. During the summer after my sophomore year, I was elected secretary for the Florida Federation of Teenage Republicans, the largest such organization in the nation!
HC: Interesting! How did you become involved with more formal campaigns?
EB: In 2012, I walked into my physics class to find a flyer that was recruiting interns for the Mitt Romney Campaign. I interned in the Hillsborough County victory office for Romney and was fortunate enough to participate in community outreach, door-to-door activities, and meeting Paul Ryan! It was in this setting that I saw first-hand the results of grassroots politics. Even though Romney did not win, I felt that a large percentage of Americans, whether conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican, realized the importance of having their voice heard.
After my junior year of high school, I worked as a senate page in the United States Senate. Senator Inhofe’s (Oklahoma) staffer took a huge chance on me, and within a week I was Senator Inhofe’s sponsored page. I spent that summer living in a page dorm on Capitol Hill, where I ran errands for senators on the floor, passed votes along, and met so many fascinating people.
HC: Do you have any interesting facts about the senators or the nature of the U.S. Senate?
EB: It’s easy to forget that public officials are humans, too! The senators had different water preferences—some wanted sparkling water, some preferred ice with their water, and some took their water plain. Also, the senate is very traditional. No electronics are allowed, with the exception of a single landline phone. When there is a vote in the senate, the senators run in and out of the senate floor and the pages are in charge of opening and closing the doors for the senators, along with so many other things!
Courtesy: Elizabeth Bradford
HC: So, how did you get started with Marco Rubio’s Campaign? Can you tell us more about Senator Rubio?
EB: In April I applied to be the State Chairman through the National Committee and was elected to the position! Students for Rubio is a grassroots organization that aims to garner support for Senator Rubio’s presidential race. Personally, I support Rubio because I feel that he has stable plans for a pro-growth economy. His pro-growth tax code will help with the creation of small businesses and the overall success of the economy. I also strongly agree with his views on immigration, education reform, and other issues.
HC: Why should college students consider supporting Marco Rubio?
EB: After Rubio finished law school, he was faced with over $100,000 in student loans. He came from an immigrant family, and they did not understand the magnitude of the debts he would have to pay off. Rubio advocates for K-12 education reform that will allow a high school graduate to be able to secure a job, with or without a college education. While Marco Rubio is a heavy supporter of college education, he understands that it is not best for everyone. He also advocates for a wider availability of information, as he believes that students who are planning on getting a college degree should be adequately informed of the projected student loans and resulting salary they can aim towards. Overall, Rubio wants to strengthen communities with the eventual goal of strengthening our nation.
HC: Would you like to address the comments that Mr. Rubio made about the UF/FSU rivalry and the quality of education at Florida State?
EB: Of course! I agree that his comment was not the most appropriate, but he did not mean for it to be offensive in any way. At an event a year ago, Marco Rubio said that he was actually glad to be back in Tallahassee because he forgot what it was like to have a winning football team! A month ago, I addressed him personally about the issue (our discussion can be seen in the picture below!) and he told me that his comments were made in a good-humored, human jest. Senator Rubio appreciates all of the tireless work that FSU students are doing for his campaign, and he never wants students to believe that he thinks less of their education or character for any reason.
Courtesy: Elizabeth Bradford
HC: How did you get involved when you first arrived at Florida State?
EB: I got involved with College Republicans immediately and also began working with Governor Scott’s campaign. I interned at the RPOF headquarters during the gubernatorial race, and in the spring of 2015, I interned in the Executive Office of the Governor. I was also accepted into the Freshman Leadership Institute, which enriched my FSU experience as it allowed me to meet leaders across all areas of campus! This program encouraged me to be a leader, a trait I have carried into the rest of my political experiences. I also became involved with the Network of Enlightened Women, or NeW.
HC: Tell us more about NeW!
EB: NeW is an organization that is center-right; it is conservative, but is not affiliated with a political party. NeW offers an alternative to the radicalized feminism that has become what people think of when they hear the word “feminism.” We advocate for equity feminism and for women and men to be given equal opportunities to do what they want. We feel that modern feminism puts down the men in our lives. We are grateful if a guy walks us to our car at night or pulls out a chair for us. We are grateful, but we do not believe that we are incapable. Of course we can walk to the car or pull out the chair, but we are grateful for the respect. NeW aims to foster a support group that helps women in professional development and the furthering of their goals. We are reclaiming the feminist movement!
HC: Are there any events that are coming up?
EB: NeW will be hosting an event called “Pearls and Pajamas.” We will be (you guessed it!) wearing pajamas, having a potluck, and watching a movie that is centered on a women’s issue!
HC: Why did you choose FSU?
EB: I looked at attending a few out-of-state schools, but in-state tuition was really the most affordable option for my family. However, the second I stepped onto FSU’s campus I knew I was home. I felt like everyone was so warm and welcoming and after all, Tallahassee is our state’s capital! If given the chance, I would not change my decision—I love Florida State and it has provided me with a host of incredible opportunities.
HC: Do you have any advice to give to students who are looking to get involved in politics?
EB: Find an issue you are passionate about—women’s issues, the economy or climate change—and learn as much as you can. Get involved in any way. Take advantage of every single opportunity you are given; what seems minor at first may develop into the chance of a lifetime. General body meetings, volunteer opportunities, and campaign events are fantastic opportunities to put yourself out there and develop your passion. If you are an eager and reliable worker, people will eventually take notice. Also, contact the SGA Office of Governmental Affairs! They are always willing to help.