This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

For the People, Against the Tide is part topical memoir, part handbook for concerned citizens thinking about getting involved in the political process, but intimidated by practically everything in our modern American political process. This first-hand account of the reality of holding elected office demystifies the legislative process and the realities of modern political life. Kathleen Teahan, a Massachusetts State Legislator from 1997-2007, pulls back the curtain on the challenges of serving in government. With stories and specific examples from her ten years as a state representative, Teahan offers the inspiration and the steps concerned citizens can take to speak up, use the power of their vote, volunteer in campaigns, and run for office. Read below, what two former Massachusetts governors, Michael Dukakis and Deval Patrick, say about For the People, Against the Tide. "What do state legislators do? In fact, if they are public servants like Kathy Teahan, they do a lot-seven days a week. Yes, they legislate, but they never stop working in their districts in countless ways. This book and Kathy Teahan tell you how and why-as critical links between citizens and their governments at every level. And she does it in a way that helps us understand just how important they are in bringing state and local governments directly to the people they serve." Michael S. Dukakis, Governor of Massachusetts (1975-1979; 1983-1991), 1988 Democratic Party Presidential Nominee "As a persistent legislator, and a careful listener, Kathy Teahan brought her faith in our civic values and in people to our state, influencing jaundiced veteran politicians and wide-eyed newcomers alike, and gave voice to the voiceless. Her memoir reminds us of the power of her optimism." Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts (2007-2017)