Political Action

SEIU Healthcare Nurse Convention Delegate: Pam Keeley, RN

Pam Keeley, RN
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
Swedish Medical Center
Seattle, WA

"I was an early Obama supporter," Even before the campaign had a staff on the ground here in Seattle, I was printing up my own leaflets and knocking on doors in my precinct. I was elected to be an at-large delegate to the convention in the Washington State Democratic Convention.

"The catalyst for me to get involved in politics again was simply Obama. He represents dramatic possibilities. The country is in such bad shape at home and abroad, and nobody else seemed to have the vision to get us out of it. He will break new ground.

SEIU Healthcare Nurse Convention Delegate: Sarah Swisher, RN

Sarah Swisher, RN
Iowa City, Iowa

After 20 years as a nurse at the University of Iowa Medical Center, Sarah Swisher, MD, is now Iowa SEIU State Council political director. However, she sees herself foremost as a nurse.

"All my adult life I was a good Democratic Party volunteer knocking on doors to get out the vote," Sarah says. "But it wasn't until we organized the union at the University of Iowa in 1998, that I really came to learn about politics. There is so much injustice and unfairness in the world that I was unaware of, but the union really opened my eyes. Today I'm the First Vice-Chair of Iowa Democratic Party and a Super Delegate to the convention.