With the so-called “Chesapeake Primary” in full swing, ONE members in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. have the rare opportunity to get close to the candidates as they make their way around the region.

We caught up with Sen. McCain at a rally in Virginia — held in a unique, but apropos location for this candidate, an aviation museum. After he spoke, he worked his way into the crowd and we ducked under a wing to meet him before he exited.

I caught up with him at the door as he was leaving, but when he saw my ONE shirt, he paused and immediately praised our efforts. As I thanked him for his pledge to eradicate malaria, it struck me that this is an incredible time for our country. All over America, regular people like you and me are speaking with one extraordinary voice to the next president of the United States, and letting him or her know that we want a president who is committed to ending global poverty and keeping America strong.

Going forward, it’s vital that the candidates continue to hear from ONE members around the nation, so get out there!

-Ranna Lanagan