LEWISBURG, W.Va. — “Liquor is the mother’s milk of democracy in America,” said Greg Wingo of his campaign event “Bourbon for Bernie” Tuesday night at Lewisburg’s General Lewis Inn.
“It was catchy of course, but I want us to be seen as an alternative to the bourbon governors of the past in West Virginia.”
Wingo deems himself a volunteer organizer for the Bernie Sanders campaign for President in West Virginia. He’ll host the event and hopes for a strong turnout of those who are starting to see Sanders as a complete departure from traditional politics in the United States.
“The Sanders Campaign is definitely inspiring people to get involved in the democratic process,” said Wingo. “I mean that in the ‘little d’ and the ‘big d’ for democratic when I say that.”
Wingo said he’s evidence of Sanders allure. It’s the first time he has ever gotten involved in any political campaign.
“I’m very concerned about the state of the country,” Wingo said. “I see us drifting in a state of in-governance. We have almost a complete situation in both West Virginia and the national level of not being able to carry out what’s in the best interest of Americans.”
He’s not alone. Similar frustrations have been expressed nationally by those who back Sanders for the Democrat presidential nomination and Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.
Tuesday’s event will be a fundraiser, but Wingo said it’s equally a call to action. He’s hoping they’ll find volunteers willing to get involved and do grassroots work for Sanders’ campaign both here in West Virginia and across the country.
“It’s critical for the campaign, more than just money, to have people willing to canvas and call people,” he said.
The event is set for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg. Along with fundraising and recruitment of volunteers the event will also include a voter registration drive.