Rod Snyder is a unique lobbyist, he was also a semifinalist on American Idol. He has been influential in West Virginia politics serving as campaign manager in 3 successful campaigns and serving as the president of West Virginia Young Democrats.

1. Was it hard to move to Washington, DC from West Virginia? Do you miss being home?
Actually, I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had to choose between West Virginia and Washington, DC.  I grew up in Jefferson County, West Virginia which is less than 70 miles from the nation’s capital.  After graduating from Eastern University (near Philadelphia) in 2002, I moved back to my family’s farm in West Virginia, and I travel every day on a commuter train to Capitol Hill.  This has allowed me to remain heavily involved in politics in my home state while also building a career in DC.  I ran for the House of Delegates in 2004 and served as president of the West Virginia Young Democrats from 2007 – 2009.  I also managed three successful local campaigns in 2008 including the election of the youngest ever female legislator in the history of the state and also my father’s bid for a third term in the State Senate.  It’s a demanding schedule with four hours of commuting each day on top of lobbying and other political activities, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the past seven years.

2. How did you become a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.?

Most lobbyists I know spent time as a congressional staffer before making the transition to the private sector.  I actually started my career as a Government Affairs Assistant at an agricultural trade association immediately after college.  I worked my way up through the ranks until I became a registered lobbyist two years later.  At times I still feel a little disadvantaged because I’ve never had the experience of working in a House or Senate office, but you can make up for that by becoming proficient in the subject matter you are covering.  In a town where it pays to be well connected, it’s refreshing to know that hard work is still the most reliable way to advance your career.

3. Do you have personal experience dealing with agriculture? Is that why you are a lobbyist on agriculture policy?

My mother grew up on a dairy farm in West Virginia, and my uncle still runs a dairy operation in Jefferson County.  I personally live a small cattle farm, and I also had horses and goats during my childhood.  I have a deep appreciation for agriculture even though I never intended to go into farming fulltime.  Being an agriculture lobbyist is a way in which I feel like I’m supporting this critically important sector of the U.S. economy as well as my family’s long tradition in farming.
4. Where you surprised to be named the 2005 Outstanding Young Democrat of the Year?

The West Virginia Democratic Party selects one Young Democrat each year to receive their top award, and I was incredibly honored to be selected in 2005. I had just become involved in partisan politics a year earlier when I ran for the House of Delegates.  After losing my election, I started a local Young Democrats chapter in my county and hosted the state Young Democrats convention with Senator Robert C. Byrd serving as the keynote speaker.  It was my first foray into the Young Democrats organization and I’ve never looked back.
5. You’ve managed three successful campaigns in West Virginia, do you think you would have had the same success now if those campaigns had been unsuccessful?

I learned just as much from losing my own campaign in 2004 as I did from managing three successful campaigns in 2008.  Of course, the goal in political campaigns is to win, but when you are a young candidate or young political operative, you also need to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow from these experiences regardless of the outcome.  Of course, it’s nice to have three victories on my resume.  It’s a confidence builder.
6. Have you personally met Barack Obama?

Yes, I met Barack Obama in 2006 before he was a candidate for president.  He was the keynote speaker at the West Virginia Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Charleston, and I met him briefly at a reception before the event.  I was dating Miss West Virginia at the time, so my job that evening was to make sure she got her picture taken with Senator Obama.  I’m still kicking myself for not getting my own photo with him that night.  Unfortunately, I’ve not spoken with him or seen him in person in three years.
7. Whats the coolest perk of your job?

Two words…business lunches.  DC has an amazing restaurant scene, and I love trying new places to eat.  I also get to travel to some amazing locations like Copenhagen, Denmark for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2009.  I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing at this point in my career.  The National Corn Growers Association is well known for having strong grassroots and active membership across the country, which makes my job much easier on Capitol Hill.  As a lobbyist, you are only as relevant as the group you represent, and members of Congress continue to view the agricultural community as having significant political influence.  It gives me a head start as I try to make convincing arguments to policy makers.

8. If you had to choose between as successful career in politics and a successful music career, which would you choose?

Simon Cowell was actually the first person to ask me this question.  In 2004, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life when I advanced to the semifinals on Season 4 of American Idol.  I was faced with the possibility of putting my political career on hold to pursue music fulltime.  A few botched lyrics in Hollywood brought that dream to an end, but I will always make time to write and perform music.  It’s one of the most important outlets in my life.  DC is a very pretentious city.  Success in politics is often measured by who can create the best spin.  On the other hand, songwriting is about honesty and vulnerability and connecting with listeners on a much deeper level.  It might sound odd, but music helps me be a more authentic and grounded political leader.
9. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

In the midst of a fast paced political career, what I’m most proud of is maintaining a close relationship with my family, my church and my local community in West Virginia.  DC has a way of turning well intentioned people in cynics and workaholics.  At the end of the day, I want my family to know I care about them more than any piece of legislation, and I want to always work for a cause I actually believe in.
10. Whats next for you?

I gave up on my five year plan five years ago.