On The Record: Kirk McPike

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Kirk McPike, the campaign manager for Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and a well-known Dallas Democratic activist.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

I’ve been working on campaigns since I was 13 years old. I used to make my parents drive me to phone banks so that I could volunteer for candidates. Once I could drive myself, I started doing block walking and other kinds of work. I don’t know where my interest in politics came from — neither of my parents are all that political, but it’s been something that I’ve recognized as important for most of my life.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Dallas County?

For obvious reasons, I think it’s terribly important that Dallas County re-elect our Sheriff, both to keep progress moving forward in correcting the deep problems that developed in the Sheriff’s Department during 30 years of Republican neglect, and to continue the party’s progress in sweeping of countywide races. As we build our majority countywide, we’ll pull seemingly-uncompetitive State House districts into play, moving the statewide party that much closer to a Democratic House majority. I look forward to a day where the only thing Republicans in Dallas will want to run for is the county line.

How do state politics affect your neighborhood?

Whether we have school age children or not, whether we own our homes or rent, whether we’re in business or the public sector, the policies and laws made by our state government define many of the contours and boundaries of all of our lives. We need a state government that trusts and represents the people of Texas, not just the big developers or business owners. Investments we make now in infrastructure and education will determine the makeup and productivity of the Texas we’ll be living in 20 years from now.

Who are some of your political heroes?

I’m an Article I kinda guy — I love the legislative process, and really respect talented legislators and legislative leaders. Former US House Speaker Tip O’Neil was a powerhouse of a legislator who went toe-to-toe with Ronald Reagan and managed to give as good as he got. Former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan was and is an inspiration, not least for her actions during Watergate. We’ve got some great Democratic legislators in the Texas House nowadays, as well, but it’d be hard to swoon over them without sounding sycophantic, so I’ll just leave that be.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

Another Democratic sweep in Dallas County, more State House seats move from (R) to (D), and the election of a Democratic president. We’re on the cusp of something major here in Texas. The state party, the HDCC, and local parties like the DCDP have been building momentum for years, and we’re seeing it pay off. We have a real chance to take back the Texas House of Representatives in the next two cycles, particularly now that we’re at 70 seats thanks to party-switching new Democrat Kirk England. Personally, I most look forward to re-electing Sheriff Valdez in Dallas County and watching Craddick’s nightmare unfold as Democrats retake or come within shooting distance of a majority in the Texas House.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics, so far?

One of the main differences between the successful campaigns I’ve been involved with, and the unsuccessful ones, is how they treated volunteers. People who, for no compensation and little glory, give of their time to make calls, knock doors and deliver signs are an invaluable resource, and should be treated in a way that recognizes their generous dedication to the campaign. Campaigns need to respect volunteers, give them the opportunity to shine and listen to what they say — they’re often a lot more in tune with what’s going on out there than those of us who are spending 18 hour days in the campaign office.