Behind the scenery of a candidate posing with their spouse and kids in a glossy ad there’s a real world where families campaign together.
In some cases, these family members become part of the campaign staff.
Zach Wamp, the GOP 3rd District congressman who’s running for governor, provides an example of this practice. Wamp’s sister, Allison Brewster, handles the campaign’s financial management and Wamp’s son, Weston, handles “e-communications” for the campaign, according to spokesman Sam Edelen.
“Both are paid for their work on the campaign, and Zach believes it is perfectly appropriate as long as real work and real responsibilities are being fulfilled,” Edelen said via e-mail. “All other Wamp family members are part-time volunteers working with thousands of other Zach Wamp volunteers to help elect him governor.”
In the past, Wamp’s wife, Kim, has worked for her husband’s congressional campaigns, making a base salary of $2,000 a month. This year, Wamp’s campaign paid her $438, which Edelen said was a reimbursement for food and supplies.