February 26, 2010 – Wahsington, DC

Pete Olson originally wanted to be an astronaut.  He went into the Navy to pursue his career. He ended up being a Naval liaison to the Senate. The political bug bit him and he began working for Sen. John Cornyn. While working as a staffer, Olson decided to run for Congress. His lifelong passion for space is now manifest in his support of NASA in his district.

Here are some of the highilghts from the interview:

How Did You Make the Leap from Legislative Staffer to Legislator?

The leap came from looking at the big picture:  from a fiscal perspective and from looking at my children – I had to do something.  I may not be able to change much because I am only one person, but I at least need to try.  As far as my career is concerned, the Navy sent me here. I was put here as a liaison officer in the Russell Building for 2 years.  After that, I made the decision to leave active duty – I was very fortunate that Senator Graham had an opening for me, because I was from Texas and I knew a little about the military.  The rest is history.

Is Serving as a Member of Congress What You Expected it Would Be?

Well, it is and it isn’t:  it is a great honor, and everyone works extremely hard, but I knew that from being on the other side of the desk.  It is an incredible amount of work they are asked to do every day.  In Texas’ history, there have only been around 6,000 people who have had the honor of working in the legislature.  The fact that I, Pete Olson, have been able to be counted among them is a tremendous honor.  When you walk into the chamber and look around, sometimes it just hits you and you realize that the 434 other congressmen and you realize that they have all been elected by your constituents to represent them in Congress.  It’s a great honor and one I take very seriously.

What is Your Favorite Thing About Being in DC and What is Your Favorite Thing About Being Back Home?

DC is beautiful.  Whenever I fly in and see the National Mall, it’s just gorgeous.  It’s a beautiful city physically, but more importantly it’s beautiful for what it represents:  the center for American democracy.  Being back home is being back home.  I love it.  I love being able to watch my kids’ soccer games, their basketball games, and just hang out.

What Advice do You Have for Aspiring Politicians?

Regardless of whether you’re a republican, a democrat, and independent – whatever, it’s important you participate in our political process.  Get out there and talk to people and start to understand how the process works.  You will gain a tremendous appreciation for democracy, and while you’re working for those campaigns and whatnot, you will start to develop some of the skills that are necessary to get elected later on.  I wouldn’t advise you to put all your marbles in one bag and think, “I’ve got to get elected to governor” – You can do a lot of good for our country, you don’t necessarily have to be an elected official to make a difference in America.