(Let me say that I encourage every Virginian reading this blog to support and vote for Bob McDonnell for Governor. He’s a dedicated public servant of integrity, a strong follower of Christ and a staunch conservative. I can give testimony personally about him and his character – unlike my politicians, I actually have been acquainted with him before politics and he’s the real deal!)

Now that the sixty-second commercial for Bob is over, back to the news: It’s confirmed: Jindal is coming to Richmond. He and Bob McDonnell were coming to the Jefferson Hotel, a super swanky luxury hotel in downtown – just several blocks away from my work. I can walk over there. Since I have a flexible schedule, I got the okay to take off for a lengthy lunch and went over to the Jefferson.

What to do for that? How to express my admiration for Governor Jindal? I could not hope to actually meet him. I did know McDonnell in an acquaintance manner years ago but not well enough to presume he would greet me or to presume on his time. There was later a high dollar fundraiser that Jindal was the guest. I didn’t have that kind of money.

I am something of a flag buff, so I have small 3 by 5 inch flags of most of the states. One happened to be the Pelican State. So off I went, with flag in hand, to the Jefferson Hotel.

I forgot one thing: A sign. I took the makings for a small sign. I debated what to place on it: Political or not? I considered doing JINDAL/McDONNELL 2012 – I think that is not as far fetched as one might think. Virginia is a key state to re-place in the red column. But Bob has to be elected Virginia Governor! I decided this was too cheeky.

I actually found my way into the press conference room. The media thought my sign was interesting. I was however, politely escorted out by what turned out to be a member of the Louisiana State Police who was an advance security for the governor. We talked for a few minutes (I mentioned Huey Long and the Saints and he apparently decided I was safe – can’t make up enthusiasm for the Saints! I have rooted for the Saints since I was a kid and decided they had cool uniforms.) Thanks to the diligent but friendly officer (If he reads this, I forgot his name but I thank him) I was at a crossroad convergence of one of the exits but did not hear the news conference. The officer said that I might get to shake the governor’s hand.

Suddenly, Governor Jindal and Attorney General McDonnell came in the opposite way and I got the glimpse of my hero. I waved the flag and the sign. McDonnell did not recognize me or greet me. Nor did Jindal. I thought, there goes my chance. The officer said, “Should have shouted out, ‘Hey Governor Jindal!’” I was too dignified to do that. I wondered and waited all through the press conference, chatting with the officer and thinking how close I came to meeting Bear Bryant. I was at law school at Alabama. I decided one day I had to shake hands with Coach Bryant. I worked up courage to go all the way into the specious outer office of the athletic director and football coach of the Crimson Tide. Alas, I could not persuade the nice but determined lady in the coach’s outer office to let me in. Bryant died my third year of law school. Suddenly the doors opened and before I knew it, I heard the voice of Bob McDonnell introducing me to Governor Jindal. I was nervous and a bit star struck. I remember telling him what an honor it was to meet him. He liked my Louisiana flag but not my Jindal 2012 poster. I think I said he’d make a great President someday. And whish he was gone. I am sorry I did not thank the security officer in person. I thank the Lord and Bob McDonnell for the privilege of meeting Bobby Jindal.

I was actually interviewed by a Charlottesville TV station on my positions but they used very little of it for their news broadcast. I was not from that area. But I was glad to promote the governor!

So, Christmas came 15 days early at the Sanders home and I was impossible at home for several days! There was the issue of that unwashed hand… But how many people get to meet their hero? Or a potential future President? Furthermore, I did not pay a dime to meet him! A member of the Hanover County GOP Committee thought that was astute of me!