By Chris Peeks Jan. 03, 2022
Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that little venture would lead me to this journey that I'm on now. In a FB group I noticed a guy doing interviews. "I thought that looks like fun." So I started interviewing some guys I knew that were experts on some of my favorite subjects. I even did a few ones I thought were funny. Then it dawned on me my real passion that still rings true to this day is politics.
In my younger days I paged in the House and had a few contacts but somehow lost them all along the way. Like the dying embers of a fire, my passion got rekindled.Helping out with a campaign in 2020, I stood close to the front door of the building hosting an event in Elmore county for the office seekers that would be speaking later on that night.
Like 18th century European royalty, all the politicians that entered just strode past me as if I were a serf, except for one person. Turning to my right, I found myself face to face with a very familiar man. Looking me in the eye with his out stretched hand, he said "Troy King, nice to meet you." I became a Troy King fan at that moment. Sure, I knew him from being in politics but that moment showed me he didn't view himself as royalty, but rather as a man of the people.
I called Troy a few times after his 2020 congressional race and on one of those phone calls I asked if I could interview him. Troy, being the man he is didn't hesitate, "sure anytime" came his reply. So we set up a time and I interviewed Troy for about an hour and a half. That still is one of my more favorite interviews. That interview also did something else. I garnered instant credibility from interviewing Troy which led more politicians to grant me interviews.
I'm now in a position I never thought I would find myself in. A member of the "media," a "journalist." I have my press badge, my articles will be published on my website and I will be in Montgomery at the start of the legislative session. I don't know where or how far this road I'm on now will travel but it would have never gotten this far without Troy giving me that interview.
There's no telling how far Troy would have went in politics had it not been for the character assassination done to him by Bob Riley but he seems at peace with it all now. Where as I would still be mad as a wet hen. Troy is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. I can call him or text him at any time and if he's not busy he will return the call immediately. That's just the kind of guy he is.
In closing I want to thank Troy King for two things. One helping me get started on this awesome voyage. The second, and by far the most important, for being my friend. Chris Peeks is the reporter and columnist for The Alabama Political Contributor.
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