Two members of the Pepperdine community have found places in Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign for president. Alumnus Clint Harp works as Gov. Perry’s personal and executive aide, and Vice Chancellor Michael Warder serves as a co-finance chair for Perry’s campaign in California.
After graduating in 2008, San Antonio native Harp was interested in getting into government work in his native state.
“I was SGA vice president senior year, and it sparked my interest in politics. My goal leaving college was to go work in Texas politics in some fashion,” Harp said.
After moving to Austin, the state capital, he found a job in the governor’s office. As part of the advance team, he would travel ahead to prepare venues for official visits and events. In February, 2009, he was promoted and became the governor’s personal aide.
When Perry announced his presidential campaign in August, Harp transitioned from a government worker into a campaign worker. Like the governor himself, he works part-time for the state of Texas, part time for the campaign. Now, he follows Perry on the campaign trail, and has spent much of the past three months on the road in early primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Though he didn’t study political science at Seaver, Harp has gained an increased familiarity with the political process through his experience.
“I’ve learned a lot more about politics than I could’ve ever thought after just three years,” Harp said.
He credits much of his success to his comprehensive education and his time as SGA vice president.
“I think Pepperdine was a great milestone as far as really preparing me not just for an actual education, but for the real world,” Harp said, “Pepperdine gives a well-rounded education; a Religion major is now working in politics. My education is coming into play every day.”
Harp isn’t sure whether or not a political career of his own is forthcoming. For now, he is focused on the campaign and optimistic for Perry’s chances at the White House.
“Hopefully, a year from today [Nov. 6] we’ll be winning the presidency. If that happens, a lot more doors would open for me working for the president,” Harp said.
Whether or not a Perry electoral victory improves his own chances in office later, Harp insists that he’ll keep his current job.
“At that point I look forward to having the ability to serve the president as a personal aide, and not just serving Texas, but the United States of America,” Harp said.
Also finding a place in the Perry campaign is Vice Chancellor Warder. Warder began his career working at conservative public policy think tanks, such as The Heritage Foundation, The Ethics and Public Policy Center, Rockford Institute and Claremont Institute.
In 2001, he got into education, taking the position of executive director at the Southern California Children’s Scholarship Fund before coming to Pepperdine in 2005.
“In the course of my work here in Southern California at Claremont and the CSF, I met Chancellor Charles Runnels. He thought I was a good mission fit for Pepperdine, especially with the new School of Public Policy,” Warder said.
During the initial speculation around whether or not Perry would enter the race this summer, Warder decided to read Perry’s book.
“I bought his book, ‘Fed Up!’ and thought it showed an awareness of some the major systemic problems our country is facing,” Warder said.
After attending an event in Beverly Hills at which Perry was speaking, Warder decided to publicly support the governor’s candidacy.
“My wife and I discussed it together, as we don’t normally make such commitments. We both think the country needs to make some serious changes if we are to preserve our freedom and way of life,” Warder said.
On Nov. 2, Perry announced his California campaign leadership team, which included Warder as co-finance chair. Because California usually votes Democratic in general elections and the California Primary is late in the nomination process, fundraising is one of the principle activities of support for the state’s conservatives, making Warder’s role in the campaign crucial. In addition, Warder is also expected to be a public supporter and spokesman for the campaign, using his influence and public profile to promote Perry for president.
Warder’s focus has moved from politics to education, but he still believes in the importance of public sector service and civic involvement.
“I would encourage all members of the Pepperdine community to take an interest in the public life of their country, their state, and their city. Indeed, our system of government depends on it,” Warder said.
