As Political Director, Ben's
main areas of responsibility include candidate recruitment, assessment and
endorsement input; direct mail and telephone identification in support of
WSLC-endorsed candidates; assisting affiliated organizations with the
development of their own membership action programs; conducting voter
registration and shop steward training programs. In addition, Ben works
with the WSLC's lobbying team on election-related issues, and developing
grassroots involvement in the legislative arena.
Previously Ben held the position of Field Mobilization
Director working with affiliates to support and encourage the participation
of individual members with many different political and legislative
programs. Since joining the WSLC in May 2006, Benjamin helped
continue the success of the Council’s Labor Neighbor political program,
and during the legislative session he worked on keeping individual members
involved to support organized labor’s legislative priorities.
Prior to joining the WSLC, Benjamin worked on numerous
political campaigns across the country, building grassroots support that
often made the difference on Election Day. In 2004, he developed
curriculum for the first “Campaign Management Training Program” while
working as the Field Director for the State Senate Democratic Campaign
Committee, and during his spare time also created several programs that
were responsible for registering over 4,000 new voters and activating
hundreds of volunteers in
Washington
state
.
Raised in Northeast Washington, Benjamin currently lives
in Tacoma with his wife, Sara Lowe, and their dog, Bailey.