PLP 09 Profile: Bree Raum

Name: Bree Raum
Age: 30
Born: Knoxville, MD
Current Digs: Arlington
Occupation: Government Relations, American Wind Energy Association
Favorite part about the job? My job involves traveling the nation and teaching the wind energy industry about the inner workings of Congress and briefing them about legislation.  I enjoy talking to industry employees from all over the nation about how they can make a difference by getting involved and talking to their elected officials.
Your first job ever? I was a lifeguard at a pool when I was 15. It was a great job - sitting by a pool, getting tan and getting paid for it!
Favorite book? To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favorite movie? The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  They are also three great books.
Comfort food? Pizza.
What's in your car CD player right now (or favorites on your iPod)?  I am not afraid to admit that I have Dan Fogelberg and Christopher Cross’ Greatest Hits in my car and I listen to them often.
Next journey? This summer, I plan to travel around New England and Nova Scotia to see the sites.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot?  I like hiking in the Shenandoah Valley. 

First political memory? My mother came back from voting in a Presidential election in the mid 80s.  I asked her how she voted and she said that she had voted for Mondale.  I remember being glad that she voted for him and was disappointed when she told me later that day that he had lost.
Whom do you admire and why? I admire any candidate that gets in a race because he or she truly believes that they can make a difference.
Best advice you ever got?  I was once told that there are two types of leaders - the leader that you follow over the cliff and the leader that you throw over the cliff. Don’t be the latter.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  I would have dinner with President Obama. I would love to talk to him about the issues facing the nation. Also, he seems like a cool guy that would be fun to hang out with.
Describe a perfect day. I always have a very full schedule, so my perfect day would be hanging out at the beach with absolutely no agenda for the day.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I love to go fishing.
Ambition, political or otherwise? I just want to contribute to making the world a better place.