A lesson in democracy

Tierney Cahill, teacher and candidate

By Ed Vogel

August 8, 2000 Web posted at: 3:22 PM EDT (1922 GMT)

In this story: Inspiring her students No help from the party RELATED STORIES

RENO, Nevada (Las Vegas Review Journal) -- Tierney Cahill was telling her sixth-grade class about the emergence of democracy in ancient Greece last fall when a student raised her hand.

Heather Faanes said democracy may have been fine for the ancients, but that in today's world one must be a millionaire to run for office. Being a bubbly teacher who always takes a positive approach with students, Cahill objected.

"Anyone can run," she said.

So 11-year-old Heather and other students at Sarah Winnemucca Elementary School dared her to run.

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Today, Cahill is the Democrat candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat held by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Reno.

Cahill is a divorced mother of three trying to juggle a campaign and a $31,000-a-year teaching job while still finding time to run her kids to soccer practice. Her most recent venture into politics was a successful run for treasurer in junior high school.

"Not running would have proven her right," Cahill said. "But the question is, `Can I win?' In order to win you need to get the message out, and that takes money."

She has raised about $4,000 and readily admits she has about as much chance of winning "as a snowball in Las Vegas."

Gibbons has become almost a lock in his bid for a third term in the largely Republican district. He did not even draw a Democratic opponent in his 1998 election bid.

But Cahill's kids haven't abandoned her.

Officials from the Washoe County School District made a trip to the school after Cahill advised them of her political aspirations. They said her candidacy could not be a class project, and partisan politics must be kept out of class.

But like any citizen, Cahill could run. And what the students do after class is their own business. So a dozen or more show up to pass out literature for their teacher at candidate forums. They helped her design campaign T-shirts, buttons and yard signs.

"They are like my campaign crew," Cahill said. "I don't have a campaign manager. I don't have a PR person. It is me and the kids."

She thinks her candidacy has inspired her students to learn more about government and to start believing they can make a difference. One student, 11-year-old Rachel Goodrich, already has won an essay contest about the importance of voting.

"I think it is really cool she is running," Rachel said. "I think it gets us all wondering about politics."

Another student, Lauren Wells, wants to be the first female president. America has not yet had a woman president because too many people are afraid of change, she said.

"I think it is wonderful she is running," Lauren added. "She is taking time out of her personal life to show us about politics."

Student Jacob Giffin said Cahill is the kind of teacher who uses humor to make learning fun.

"We need someone (in Congress) who has a sense of humor and is fun with people and is not stiff," he said.

But her popularity with students has not translated into financial assistance from the Democratic Party.

Cahill isn't sure she'll be able to afford a campaign trip to Southern Nevada. She said a female party leader chastised her for making a mockery of politics by running as part of a grade school class project.

State party Chairman Rory Reid applauds her decision to run, but maintains the state party simply has no money to give to candidates.

"We aren't the Republican Party," he said, implying that the other party has more financial resources. "We mostly provide resources like voter files. She is a perfect example of why the system needs campaign reform. A candidate's point of view on issues and character should have more to do with winning than money."

Cahill comes from an Irish family that worshipped John F. Kennedy and the pope. Her daughter is named Kennedy.

As a high school student, Cahill lead her softball team to the state championship and earned a scholarship to New Mexico State University. She describes herself as a liberal, but one who is conservative on many issues. For example, she favors parental consent before a minor can have an abortion.

More than anything, Cahill figures she represents and understands the needs of working-class people.

"If we let just the wealthy run we have become an aristocracy and not a democracy for common people," she said. "Gibbons tries to come across as fairly benign and middle-of-the-road. But he is pretty far right. He is not working class."

She points to Gibbon's 30 percent favorable rating from the National Education Association, 44 percent rating from the AFL-CIO and 13 percent from the Sierra Club. Gibbons also drew an 84 percent positive rating from the American Conservative Union.

"Those are very political ratings," Gibbons said. "I feel I have a good working relationship with working men and women. I am proud I am endorsed by the Culinary union."

Gibbons said he hopes Cahill's entry can interest students in public service, but still thinks he should be re-elected.

"I think my views reflect Nevadans and not the union bosses in Washington, D.C.," he said.

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