When I first got the invite to sit down with current mayor Corroon, I was expecting to be “talked to,” to my surprise, I came in to sit down with a candidate and politician who is willing to listen to (and even accept) the ideas of a rag-tag group of bloggers who more often than not, prefer to hear their own voice.

Not only was Corroon listening, he is actively engaged.  I find his subtleties the most telling part of his governing style – things I always suspected, but never got the chance to see: sharing his chips, telling of jokes about past parades, the relaxed but confident way he asks for our assistance, and how he admitted that he practiced his opening speech about 10 times the night before.  All of these things point to his commitment to not only the job of running the state, but that he is a real and honest person that truly feels he can make a difference.

The tone of the Corroon campaign is also different – he is clearly in it to win it, and it is refreshing to hear this from a Democrat in a high profile campaign. Every campaign will always say that they can win, but with this one it really does feel that it can do it.  When Matt Lyon, a member of Corroon’s staff and the ultimate “numbers guy,” says that they can win this thing, I will believe it.

Corroon was also frank and honest about his decision to run.  There was no set date that Corroon decided to run, however the constant pressure, along with his honest desire to make the state a better place, pushed him willingly into the race. His knowledge on the topics of water, education, the environment, and how to maintain the states budget balanced was also impressive, and it shows that we have someone ready to lead.

In the end, the bloggers meeting was more of an example of how the internet community wanted him to win, not so much how he needed the attention that the next few months will provide. Corroon is an open, honest, and humble man that leads with integrity and honesty; I wholeheartedly support and endorse him, and I hope you will as well.