I emigrated from the Netherlands and have been in the United States for more than 40 years. Professionally, I am a wind engineer, teaching and doing research at Va Tech. 
As a naturalized American citizen I care deeply about this country and the direction we are headed. For me the Democratic Party espouses the ideals that I believe represent the best America has to offer. The Watergate shenanigans gave me the inspiration to become a citizen and get involved in politics. In 2004 I was very interested in returning a Democrat to the White House. Nationally, Virginia was considered a red state and there were very few campaign materials available. Starting very gradually with some supportive friends we purchased bumper stickers, signs, and fliers to support the Democrats running for election that fall. To properly follow the law, we became a Political Action Committee, registered with the Federal Elections Commission, with all the attendant reports and regulations.