Local girl working for Hageman’s campaign

KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Reporter
 
When Emalee Sweet, a 2018 Newcastle High School graduate, heard about the opportunity to work as Harriet Hageman’s personal assistant during her campaign to be Wyoming’s sole representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, she knew she wanted to give it a shot. 
Trinity Lewis, who worked in the same capacity for Hageman during her gubernatorial campaign in Wyoming in 2016, told Sweet about the opportunity. 
“Trinity worked with me on the governor’s race, and she’s since had two little boys, and so she can’t travel to do the same. So, she said why don’t you talk to Emalee. And she got a hold of Emalee, and that’s how we ended up working together,” Hageman said. 
Sweet laughed.
“She messaged me on Facebook. I thought she was selling something,” she said. 
Sweet has now been working for Hageman since September, when she announced her campaign. Both Lewis and Sweet are near and dear to Hageman’s heart because they both attended Casper College, which Hageman also attended. 
Sweet said her job entails a plethora of tasks — taking notes for Hageman when she visits with people, helping her coordinate whom she needs to talk to, coordinating events to attend, etc. 
“She manages some of the fundraising part of it, keeps me informed of what we’re doing in that regard,” Hageman said. “She’s my assistant, and so it’s just doing things that need to be done on the campaign. And every day is a little bit different.” 
Sweet smiled. 
“We spend a lot of time together, so it’s a good thing I like her,” Sweet said. 
A couple of weeks ago they worked on some filming for a commercial, Hageman said, a new experience for both Hageman and Sweet. 
Working for Hageman has been a good fit for her, Sweet said, because she’s always been interested in being involved in the political sphere. However, it was also an unexpected opportunity. 
“I’ve always kind of liked politics. … I never in a million years would’ve thought this would’ve happened. It’s … a great experience, and it’s going to open up a lot of doors. I have no idea what yet, but we’ll see,” Sweet said. 
Hageman said it’s important for her to involve young people in her campaign because she’s “running for them.” 
“It is extremely important for young people to be involved in politics, and to shape politics, and to shape policy, and to make sure that their voices are heard, because the decisions that are being made now will affect them. … So it’s just imperative that they be involved in the process,” Hageman said. 
Sweet is going to be working as Hageman’s personal assistant until November, but they are both hoping they will be working together beyond November.