Former DC Interns on Primary Campaign Beat Full Time

Working the political beat during a summer internship in DC can definitely provide that all important stepping stone to a successful career in political journalism.  Here’s the view of two reporters now covering this year’s heated GOP primary battle.  Both are former DC interns and alumnae of the Institute on Political Journalism who went on to full-time journalism jobs covering campaigns and elections.

Historically in most Presidential primary battles, Super Tuesday is the day when a front runner emerges and the party begins to rally behind the presumptive nominee.  Well, Super Tuesday has come and gone and later primaries have now been won by the insurgent campaign of former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. These wins by Santorum could spell bad news for Newt Gingrich who needed at least one win in his southern home territory.

Juana Summers (IPJ 2010)

 Reporting for  POLITICO, IPJ Alumnae Juana Summers (IPJ 2010) wrote, “ For Santorum, a decisive victory in the Deep South — where Gingrich represented the state of Georgia for over two decades — is a definitive statement that he is the candidate around which conservatives should rally.” 

 Summers went on to report that Santorum has a big problem when it comes to winning in the land of Lincoln. “The Santorum campaign failed to file slates of delegates in some of the state’s congressional districts. The 69 delegates at stake in Illinois are awarded proportionally by congressional district.”

Jessica Taylor (IPJ 2005)

DISTRICT GPS contacted Jessica Taylor (IPJ 2005) a reporter and anaylyst for the well respected Rothenberg Political Report and asked her if all four candidates were likely to stay in the race. Taylor said “I think while all four nominees will say now they’re not getting out until Tampa, you’re going to see the party establishment ramp up pressure, particularly on Gingrich, in the coming weeks. But, Gingrich is Gingrich — Even though there’s no plausible path forward for him, and losing two Southern states undermines any semblance of a path he has, he’s going to stay in as long as he can keep getting attention.  Paul has never fallen in any way with the GOP establishment, and I think his delegates could become very important, especially since he’s had a cordial relationship with Romney. “

Asked what might happen if Santorum has a stronger than expected showing in Illinois, Taylor replied that “ If Santorum can win in Illinois, I think it will continue to be problematic for Romney, but not devastating. Still, at this point Romney has the organization and money to keep going on, and that’s something Santorum will continue to struggle with, particularly with Gingrich still in the mix. Romney’s base problems are nothing new, but the not-so-quiet calls to wrap this up in a somewhat civilized manner will continue.”

Check back with DISTRICT GPS in the coming weeks for more on the election of 2012 from other former DC interns now covering these historic elections.

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Running in Washington, DC

You’re new to the city and looking for a great way to get some exercise, see the sites and get to know the city all at once…right? Well, whether you are a new face in the ever changing DC population or looking for new ideas to change up your running routine, here are some great ideas for you.

Upcoming DC Road Races:

• Scope it Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness, Sun, March 25, 2012 at 9:00 am

The 7th Annual Scope it Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness course will start and end at Freedom Plaza, taking runners and walkers up scenic Pennsylvania Avenue to the U.S. Capitol, bringing the Scope It Out message to the doorstep of our nations decision makers. 3K people participated last year.

• The Race to End Poverty 5K, Sat, April 28, 2012 at 8:00 am

Join the movement to end poverty on April 28th and support A Wider Circle’s efforts to help lift adults and children out of poverty. In the past ten years, A Wider Circle has furnished more than 10,500 homes, delivered more than 2,500 educational workshops, and recycled more than 8,000,000 pounds of furniture.

• Capitol Hill Classic 10K & 3K, Sun, May 20, 2012 at 8:30 am

The Capitol Hill Classic 10K race is the major annual fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a DC Public School. Cash prizes are offered to top finishers along with awards in 10-year age groups. All participants receive a colorful t-shirt, refreshments and are eligible for random prizes. A kid’s fun run rounds out the morning’s activities.

• The Color Run 5k, Sat, September 22, 2012

The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. Our events are all about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a VERY long time.

Running Trails in DC-area:

• Rock Creek Park: An extensive system of trails and paths cover Rock Creek Park and outlying areas such as Glover Archbold Park. These trails consist of a blue-blazed trail that follows the east side of the creek, a green-blazed trail that follows the western ridge of the park and tan-blazed connector trails. Also, for physical fitness enthusiasts, there is a 1.5-mile exercise course that begins near Calvert Street and Connecticut Avenue.
• Capital Crescent Trail: The Capital Crescent Trail is built on the abandoned railbed of the 11 mile Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad. It is a shared use off-road trail from Georgetown, DC to Silver Spring, MD suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers.
• Mount Vernon Trail: The Mount Vernon Trail runs along the Potomac River, paralleling the George Washington Memorial Parkway. With the river as your companion, you can run, ride, or walk along this 18-mile multi-use trail stretching from Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
• C&O Canal: C&O Canal Towpath is 184 miles long and contains 177 locks. The canal used to transport torpedoes and runs from Georgetown’s Jack’s Boat House to Cumberland, MD!

 

Check out the Washington Running Report (http://www.runwashington.com/) and MapMyRun (http://www.mapmyrun.com/) for more great running tips and trails in DC.

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Dinner on a Budget

Washington, DC might be one of the most expensive cities to live in, but that does not mean dinner should cost you an arm and a leg! There are many ways to make sure you are not over spending on food as an intern in the nation’s capital. Check out some budget saving tips and recipe ideas below.

Eating on a Budget:

• Skip the drinks.  Soft drinks, beer and wine can range from $3-10. Stick with water and save a few bucks!
• Order and appetizer as an entrée. Appetizers are typically less expensive than entrees but are still portioned large enough to act as a full meal.
• Split meals. Going out with a group to a more expensive restaurant? Split your meal with a friend!
• Make a budget and stick to it! Set a limit on the number of meals you eat out a week, as well as how much you will spend a week the grocery store.
• Make multiple meals over the weekend. By making large meals over the weekend you will have a variety of leftover options to take in to work or heat up after a late night in the office.

One Dish Meals under $3.00:

If you find yourself turning to take-out or frozen foods in response to the slow economy or because you’re pressed for time, then let some of these dish ideas break your habits! For just under $3.00 a serving you will have great tasting food.

• Chicken with Honey-Orange Sauce: Combine raisins, cinnamon, honey and almonds with orange juice, zest, wine and broth to make a rich, savory pan sauce for chicken.
• Pork Chops with Mushroom Bread Pudding: Juices from the browned pork chops seep into this delicious bread pudding, flavoring it as it bakes.
• Barbecue Portobello Quesadillas: This smoky mushroom-filled quesadilla is reminiscent of pulled pork; a touch of chipotle chili pepper adds extra heat.

For more cheap eats and tips visit:

• Cooking.com

• The Washingtonian: Cheap Eats

• Urban Spoon: Cheap Eats

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Finding the Perfect Internship out of 35,000 Possibilities

Thirty-five thousand students venture to D.C. every summer to participate in internships.  That’s not a typo, you read it correctly – 35,000!

Come early June, the streets of the District are flooded with aspiring undergraduates just waiting to sink their teeth into projects at their offices.  With a number so large, there are obviously a multitude of organizations and issues areas offering internships – where do you even begin to search?

Well, here’s a little advice – start with the issue areas you are passionate about.  Make a list of the top issue areas you would like to focus on and find offices and organizations that fit your list.

• Does the future of U.S. energy get you excited?
• Is the 2012 campaign cycle where your interest lies?
• Do you enjoy learning more about policy issues such as health care or social security?

Next, think about different types of organizations – in a city as diverse as Washington, DC, you could intern at an NGO, government agency, embassy or nonprofit.  Once you have a clear understanding of your issue areas and types of organizations, the process of narrowing down 35,000 opportunities to just a handful will not be as daunting.

An example of such an organization that gives wonderful professional opportunities to undergraduates is the Atlas Economic Research Foundation.  Its mission is to discover, develop, and support intellectual entrepreneurs worldwide who advance the Atlas vision of a society of free and responsible individuals.

Known as one of the more prominent economic think tanks in Washington, DC, Atlas discovers and assists those who have the talent and willingness to create effective institutions and programs around the world through research, education and advocacy.

Last summer, Bryan Patenaude of Boston College interned at Atlas and was able to pursue ideas he was passionate about by working on book projects focusing on the Middle East and Africa.

To learn more about public policy internships based in Washington, DC, please visit www.DCinternships.org/ICPES to learn more about the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems.

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