Canididates win elections but the people who do the behind the scenes work win my admiration.

Take, for example, the Obama staffer I encountered twice in the last week (I didn’t get his name) who says his last day off was June 20th.  That’s four months ago.

Or, Kate Bell. 

Kate is on Jill Long Thompson’s staff and recently delivered a baby boy.  Her attempts to avoid a Caesarian section, so she could return to work more quickly, failed.   The doctor insisted.  Nevertheless, she is back on the job despite the doctor’s orders to rest.

Or, Ben Ledo.

Four years ago Mitch Daniels was on the road continuously in RV-1 as he campaigned for a first term as governor.  He was almost always accompanied by Ledo.

It was duty that required long days and nights, little rest and much aggravation, though it led to a job in the governor’s office for Ledo.  Now, Daniels will head out tomorrow on his longest trip of the year in RV-1 and Ledo took vacation time to go along.

Trust me, it takes more than nostalgia to make that decision.