Junior intern tests political waters in D.C.

Washington, D.C., is usually synonymous with power, greed and corruption. But to junior Chase Downham, Washington represents something much different. To him, it is place where a person has the ability to help others and make a real difference.\nSince mid-January, Downham has actually gotten the chance to test his ideals. He works as an intern for U.S. Rep. Mike Pence in Washington, D.C., through the Washington Leadership Program in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.\n"My initial attraction to politics is the servant style aspect of the career," Downham said. "You run into people all the time who are in it just for themselves. I just want to serve my country and the constituents the best I can."\nUsually the first person in the office each day, Downham works four days a week for about nine hours per day. His duties include receiving faxes and making sure the staff receives their mail and papers. Additionally, he is responsible for constituent services, such as guiding tours for Pence's supporters who come to visit the capital. \nBesides administrative tasks, Downham also has several legislative affairs as part of his responsibilities. He is required to attend at least one committee hearing per week and regularly does research for the legislative staff at Pence's office. Recently Downham wrote two response letters that get sent out to many constituents who asked about a common issue or question. \n"Chase is a good worker; he goes beyond what is asked of him," said Pence's Internship Director LeAnne Holdman. "It would seem that he would be a very good student because he catches on really quickly. He has learned a lot and will continue to learn a lot in the remainder of his internship." \nWith a desk right next to Pence's office, Downham is able to work alongside the representative from the Indiana sixth congressional district on a daily basis. Because of this Downham has learned a great deal from the congressman, he said. \n"He has really shown me what it takes to serve office and what is required of you," Downham said. "Basically I've learned from him that you don't have to sacrifice your principles and values to be in Washington, D.C."\nIn his position, Downham is able to see beyond the traditional glamour of Washington that outsiders see. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his opinion that he can make an impact, he said.\n"I feel like I'm making a real difference," he said. "I've learned that I'm part of an integral place where the smallest things can add up the final product."\nDownham's internship is not his first exposure to politics. During summer 2004 he worked on Pence's election campaign and has worked on other local campaigns in Bloomington. In addition, Downham has held several high-ranking positions, such as former political director for the IU College Republicans and president of the Grand Old Cause, a conservative activism group. \nAlong with his internship, Downham must meet academic qualifications to be eligible for the 11 to 12 credit hours that the program offers. Twice a week he attends a seminar course taught by SPEA faculty members. \n"The most important thing I've learned is it's hard to plan for the future in politics," Downham said. "You find God pulls you in a direction or path. It's just best to sit back and enjoy the ride."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Trevor Brown at brownta@indiana.edu.