I just returned from what can only be described as the best trip to Washington, DC that I have ever had. As a REALTOR® in local, state and national leadership positions I travel to DC several times a year for various meetings. This trip however was an extra special trip for me. I am currently serving as the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) to US Senator Mike Lee.
The picture above is of the US Capitol at night from the rooftop of the NAR building just a few blocks away. And here’s a shot of me in Senator Lee’s office. I was surprised to find out that he is the 16th Senator to represent Utah. Had I been asked that question I would have easily guessed in the twenties, not sixteen! While there, it was great to catch up with many of the people I got the chance to work with on Mike’s campaign – Dan Hauser, Ryan McCoy, and Ellen James.
Senator Lee’s Chief of Staff is a gregarious and incredibly smart man – Spencer Stokes. He introduced us around to the rest of Mike’s staff, an incredibly talented group of people devoted to working hard for both the Senator and his constituents. Spencer then asked us if we had any plans for the evening and invited us on a private after hours tour of the US Capitol to help train the interns on how to give tours. We accepted without hesitation!
The picture above is the view of the Mall from the Senate wing of the US Capitol, you can see the Washington Monument standing tall. To the right is Kenny Parcell, Utah Association of REALTORS® President, and myself in the US Capitol Dome Room. This room was absolutely incredible and the history and stories contained within these walls was overwhelming. You couldn’t help but feel you were standing on hallowed ground.
As we looked up the 180 feet to to top of the dome’s ceiling it was simply awe-inspiring. While in the dome room we were pleasantly surprised to see our other US Senator from Utah pass by us for an interview with Greta Van Susteren of Fox News. Senator Orrin Hatch graciously agreed to pose for pictures with us in the Hall of Statues just out side the House Chambers. Each state gets to place two statues in the Capitol.
Spencer Stokes didn’t hesitate to grab Greta Van Susteren and bring her over to us for a quick chat about politics and specifically about what’s happening in Egypt. One of the interesting things about the Hall of Statues is the acoustical effects. You can actually hear the whispers of someone across the room. Kenny Parcell was also able to grab a quick photo with Greta before she had to run off to other interviews.
We then wrapped up our tour in the huge Capitol Visitors Center which is located underground just East of the Capitol. There is an amazing replica of Lady Liberty (statue atop Capitol) within this expansive facility, along with many more statues from each of the States. It was an amazing opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Capitol and do so after hours, literally enjoying the Capitol almost to ourselves!
Speaking of incredible sights… we did see Senators Rand Paul and John Kerry deep in discussion as they boarded the underground train which takes Senators back and forth from their offices to the Capitol.
Thank you so much to Senator Mike Lee, his Chief of Staff, Spencer Stokes, and all of the great men and women supporting Mike in representing Utah well at our Nation’s Capitol.
You are one smart man. We are so blessed to have you in our industry.
Aww… Thanks Brian! It was nice spending some time with you! Too bad you had to leave early… I would have had you join us Wednesday night for this special tour of the Capitol!