Ms. Cahill for Congress: One Fearless Teacher, Her Sixth-Grade Class, and the Election That Changed Their Lives Forever »

The remarkable story of a teacher who ran a grassroots campaign for Congress . . . from her sixth-grade classroom

“You can’t run for office in this country unless you’re a millionaire or you know a lot of millionaires.” This offhand remark from one of her sixth-grade students dismayed public school teacher Tierney Cahill. When she told the kids that in a democracy anyone can run for office, they dared her to prove it–by running herself. She accepted their challenge on one condition: that they, her students, manage the campaign.

A single mom with three kids and more than one job to make ends meet, Cahill was in for a decidedly uphill battle, especially as a Democrat in largely Republican Reno, Nevada. But Cahill had always felt a responsibility to make a positive impact on an increasingly inequitable world. With her eager students leading the way, and a war chest of just seven thousand dollars (compared to opponents with one hundred times the funds), Cahill not only got her name on the ballot but she won the Democratic primary. And as the campaign moved forward, Cahill’s students blossomed beyond her wildest expectations.
Ms. Cahill for Congress is the inspiring story of an exceptional teacher who proved that anyone really can run for office–and even without money or connections, make a difference in a great many lives.

1 The Decision 3

2 Getting Started 23

3 The Opposition 33

4 Which Race Are We Running? 44

5 Fits and Starts 53

6 Swimming in the Deep End 60

7 Party Politics 65

8 Holiday Madness 75

9 Everyone Has an Agenda 84

10 The Education of Candidate Cahill 96

11 Politicos in the Making 103

12 Honor Bound 115

13 The Perils of Running 123

14 On the Ballot 139

15 Reality Check 148

16 The Primary Push 157

17 Public Opinions 168

18 Nonstop 177

19 Too Much 183

20 It's Up to Me 192

21 Vegas Showdown 202

22 The Final Push 219

23 Losing the Battle, Winning the War 226

24 Ms. Cahill Goes to Washington 236

Notes 243