Just over a month ago Biola junior Nate Mitchell registered to run for assemblyman of the 60th District. After completing the first stage which involved paying a filing fee of $1,116.08 in replacement of 1, 500 signatures, Mitchell is in the second phase of continuing his aspirations for placement on the ballot. He waits in anticipation as 40 signatures of registered Republicans within the 60th district are being validated.
“It’s been exciting; I’ve been learning this as I go and [have been] meeting with a lot of people that I never thought I would,” Mitchell said.
In the meantime, Mitchell is keeping busy. He has met with state leaders such as Tom McClintock and Dennis Mountjoy, interacted with pastors, and has an interview with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in hopes of receiving its endorsement. He has also been invited to the Frank Pastore Show.
Currently there are 26 Biola student volunteers for Mitchell, but he urges more volunteers from the campus to assist in centralizing his efforts. Though he would like more Biola participation, Mitchell acknowledges the Biolans who have kept him in their prayers.
“I appreciate the prayers; I could always use more support,” he said. “I would like this to take Biola by storm…I really want people to stop being so apolitical.”
If Mitchell is placed on the ballot for assemblyman, his campaign will officially kick off next month. Currently, Mitchell cites his competition as Kirk Hagman, a council member from Chino Hills and Larry Dick, Water Resource Board Manager of Orange County. Mitchell is younger than both men.
This does not pose a threat to Mitchell. Instead, he says it is one of the components that will separate him.
“I usually figure [people] are going to look at my hair, they’re going to look at me and say there’s no way—but I’ve been met with the opposite affection,” he said. “They really appreciate me and they think I have a good shot.”
If those views hold true and Mitchell does win as assemblyman, this requires a great deal of responsibility. Though individuals support him, he admits being asked of his anticipated duties.
“People will say, Nate this is great what you’re doing but what is an assemblyman?” he said.
So he explains briefly: “You’re a law maker, you make laws, sit in committees, deliberate, sit on sub-committees with specific responsibilities like health safety, you advise the governor, you have a staff working for you, and you have two offices, one in Sacramento and another at a district office.”
Mitchell understands the major importance of the assemblyman’s role yet feels confident in running. He also understands the possibility of not being placed on the ballot or being elected. He says he is not too concerned either way.
“If the nomination signatures don’t go through, I have made it this far and have learned far more than I have in any political science class—and I’ll do it again in 2010.”
