Joshua Workman
Encyclopedia
Joshua Workman is a Canadian political consultant working with Pure Strategy Group. He has ties to the US Republican Party
and was elected, at age 19, to attend the 2000 Republican National Convention
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
where he was credited as being one of the youngest delegates in US History.
, Ontario
in 1980.
Workman grew-up in Byron, Ontario
and later attended Oakridge Secondary School
in London, Ontario
. Workman completed his five year Ontario Secondary School Diploma
in just over 3 years and was able to complete secondary school at the age of 17.
In 1997, at age 17 he accepted both athletic and academic scholarships to attend Lees-McRae College
in Banner Elk, North Carolina
.
Workman was also involved in Student Government and was elected as Sophomore Class President in 1998-99 and Senior Class President in 2000-2001 while attending Lees-McRae College.
In 1998, Workman worked as a Youth Director for U.S. Senator Lauch Faircloth
's re-election campaign.
political reality television show called 'Choose or Loose' which was aired several times throughout the United States
.
In an interview with journalist Barry Yeoman during the convention, Workman made his views on a variety of issues known stating, "It started with economics, I started thinking about the welfare system, and how people don't act responsibly because they've got it to fall back on. There's such a great economy in our world today that people shouldn't have this crutch that they rely on just to be lazy."
In a different interview, Workman spoke in favour of tax relief stating, "The first thing Bush should do is give us some of our money back. They've got a huge surplus of money that is piling up and they should give some of it back."
Workman also discussed his love for Canada stating, "I love Canada. I've got a maple-leaf tattoo. I like the fact that it's safe there, that you don't have to think about getting mugged.".
On Canada's gun-control policy Workman states, "Canada's pretty liberal, no handguns allowed. The only time you have a gun is if you're a hunter, or if you're a cop. I don't think that's a good policy. If the wrong person was elected, the wrong party came to power, not having arms would be a major benefit for a dictatorship or someone of poor moral character to take over. If only the police and the army have guns, the government's going to do what they want. If people have guns, then we have a means to fight." .
Finally on the subject of abortion, Workman stated that Bush could harm the electoral future of the GOP if he were to select a running mate who supports abortion rights. It would be "insulting to the base" of the Republican Party, Workman said.
Summarizing his convention experience, in the "Quote of the Day", Workman stated, "If we nominate George W. Bush and he goes on to become one of the great presidents, then I can tell my kids I was there. I was part of the nominating process."
, Workman was occasionally seen in the company of Presidential daughter Barbara Pierce Bush
who attended Yale University
also in New Haven, CT.
In 2002, Workman was Political Director for US Congressman Cass Ballenger
and led his successful re-election efforts during the 2002 campaign.
On June 30, 2003, Workman pled guilty to minor charges of providing false information to a federal agency. When asked about the charges, Sue Ellen Pierce, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney Office in the western district of North Carolina, said Workman received a one-year sentence of unsupervised probation.
's 2006 federal campaign. Workman was quoted by CBC discussing Shipley's Voter Turnout Strategy in the final days of the campaign, saying, "We're going to certainly be out knocking on doors and making calls this weekend. If all goes well, on Monday we'll be having a celebration"
In June 2006, Workman traveled to Nova Scotia
where he worked on PC Premier Rodney MacDonald
's successful election campaign.
In September 2006, Workman was quoted discussing a possible byelection in London North Centre due to the resignation of MP Joe Fontana
from Federal politics. Workman stated, "the pending vacancy creates a unique opportunity. The opportunity to pick up a seat that has been a firmly entrenched Liberal hold is very exciting. I would expect several strong candidates to emerge. With a vacancy like this, it's almost certain that potential candidates from outside the area are at least considering their options".
In November 2006, Workman was listed as a donor to London
City Councillor Nancy Branscombe's campaign.
In the same article, he stated, "You can't substitute the handshake from the candidate and the face-to-face contact, no matter what you do".
On election night Workman was quoted by the London Free Press saying voters in the riding were pleased with the Conservative leadership. "Voters were comfortable with Bev Shipley. Voters in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are much more comfortable with the Conservative party".
In another Sun Media article, Workman discussed former Cabinet Minister Joe Fontana's entry into the London municipal campaign saying, for Fontana to beat incumbent Mayor Anne Marie DiCicco-Best it would take, “a perfect storm”. “It’s not impossible but it’s a long shot. He has to get out and be seen and share his vision with the people. They want a fresh vision, not a tried-and-true approach. To overcome 22,000 votes, he’s going to have to shake things up.”
"It will be fun to watch tonight," said Workman.
Workman was campaign manager for PC Monte McNaughton's campaign and was quoted by Sun Media in summarizing the campaign, "This is unfinished business," said his campaign manager, Joshua Workman, adding this campaign had a different feel in the air than the one in 2007.
and the Canadian Red Cross
.
Workman is Past President of the Canadian Club of London .
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
and was elected, at age 19, to attend the 2000 Republican National Convention
2000 Republican National Convention
The 2000 National Convention of the Republican Party of the United States convened at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 31 to August 3, 2000. The 2066 delegates assembled at the convention nominated Texas Governor George W. Bush as the Republican candidate for U.S....
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
where he was credited as being one of the youngest delegates in US History.
Early years
Joshua Workman was born in GuelphGuelph
Guelph is a city in Ontario, Canada.Guelph may also refer to:* Guelph , consisting of the City of Guelph, Ontario* Guelph , as the above* University of Guelph, in the same city...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
in 1980.
Workman grew-up in Byron, Ontario
Byron, Ontario
Byron is a neighbourhood in the City of London, Ontario, Canada.Located downriver from London on the outer fringes of the city, Byron was originally called Westminster, then renamed Hall's Mill, and then finally Byron. The Byron area was settled in 1800 and first became a village in 1804...
and later attended Oakridge Secondary School
Oakridge Secondary School
Oakridge Secondary School is one of the many government-operated High Schools in London, Ontario. Oakridge has over 1000 students and is located on Oxford Street in west London. Their nickname is the Oakridge Oaks and the school's colours are red, blue, and gold...
in London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. Workman completed his five year Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is a diploma granted to high school graduates in the province of Ontario.-Diploma requirements:The Ontario Academic Credit system applies to students from Grades 9 through 12...
in just over 3 years and was able to complete secondary school at the age of 17.
In 1997, at age 17 he accepted both athletic and academic scholarships to attend Lees-McRae College
Lees-McRae College
Lees-McRae College is a private four-year college in Banner Elk, North Carolina affiliated with the Presbyterian Church . Lees-McRae College has the highest elevation of any college or university in the United States east of the Mississippi River at above sea level. It is one of the few colleges...
in Banner Elk, North Carolina
Banner Elk, North Carolina
-Attractions:During summer time there is hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and other activities. The largest lake in the area, Watauga Lake, is a favorite spot just 30 minutes away for boating, fishing and wake boarding. In the winter the main event is skiing and snowboarding. There are two...
.
Political beginnings
In 1997, upon enrolling at Lees-McRae College, Workman became active in the campus College Republican Chapter and later would be elected to the Executive of the North Carolina Federation of College Republicans.Workman was also involved in Student Government and was elected as Sophomore Class President in 1998-99 and Senior Class President in 2000-2001 while attending Lees-McRae College.
In 1998, Workman worked as a Youth Director for U.S. Senator Lauch Faircloth
Lauch Faircloth
Duncan McLauchlin "Lauch" Faircloth , served one term as a Republican U.S. Senator from North Carolina.Before his Senate service, Faircloth was a prominent and wealthy hog farmer...
's re-election campaign.
The 2000 Republican National Convention
During the convention, Workman was the subject of an MTVMTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
political reality television show called 'Choose or Loose' which was aired several times throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
In an interview with journalist Barry Yeoman during the convention, Workman made his views on a variety of issues known stating, "It started with economics, I started thinking about the welfare system, and how people don't act responsibly because they've got it to fall back on. There's such a great economy in our world today that people shouldn't have this crutch that they rely on just to be lazy."
In a different interview, Workman spoke in favour of tax relief stating, "The first thing Bush should do is give us some of our money back. They've got a huge surplus of money that is piling up and they should give some of it back."
Workman also discussed his love for Canada stating, "I love Canada. I've got a maple-leaf tattoo. I like the fact that it's safe there, that you don't have to think about getting mugged.".
On Canada's gun-control policy Workman states, "Canada's pretty liberal, no handguns allowed. The only time you have a gun is if you're a hunter, or if you're a cop. I don't think that's a good policy. If the wrong person was elected, the wrong party came to power, not having arms would be a major benefit for a dictatorship or someone of poor moral character to take over. If only the police and the army have guns, the government's going to do what they want. If people have guns, then we have a means to fight." .
Finally on the subject of abortion, Workman stated that Bush could harm the electoral future of the GOP if he were to select a running mate who supports abortion rights. It would be "insulting to the base" of the Republican Party, Workman said.
Summarizing his convention experience, in the "Quote of the Day", Workman stated, "If we nominate George W. Bush and he goes on to become one of the great presidents, then I can tell my kids I was there. I was part of the nominating process."
Republican ties
In 2001, while he was stationed in New Haven, ConnecticutNew Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Workman was occasionally seen in the company of Presidential daughter Barbara Pierce Bush
Barbara Pierce Bush
Barbara Pierce Bush is the elder of the sororal twin daughters of the 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, and the granddaughter of the 41st U.S. President George H. W. Bush, and his wife Barbara Bush, after whom she was named...
who attended Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
also in New Haven, CT.
In 2002, Workman was Political Director for US Congressman Cass Ballenger
Cass Ballenger
Thomas Cass Ballenger is an American politician. A Republican, he represented North Carolina's 10th Congressional district, centered in North Carolina's foothills, in the United States House of Representatives from 1986 to 2005....
and led his successful re-election efforts during the 2002 campaign.
On June 30, 2003, Workman pled guilty to minor charges of providing false information to a federal agency. When asked about the charges, Sue Ellen Pierce, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney Office in the western district of North Carolina, said Workman received a one-year sentence of unsupervised probation.
2004
In 2004, he was the unsuccessful campaign manager of Mike Menear's bid for federal office in London West. During Menear's campaign, Workman's policy views again became public when he stated that, "Getting other young Canadians involved in politics -- even if it's just casting a ballot on election day -- is another priority. Less than one-quarter of voters under 25 participated in the last federal election. If all the Western students got together and voted (they) would have to be listened to. Any political involvement is a good thing for a young person."2005
In 2005, a feature article titled "Backroom Holds A Special Place for Political Worker", Workman stated that he has no intent and could not see himself running for elected office.2006
In 2006, Workman was the successful Co-Chairman for Bev ShipleyBev Shipley
Beverly T. "Bev" Shipley is a farmer and Conservative Party politician in Ontario, Canada. He was first elected as Member of Parliament for the Lambton—Kent—Middlesex electoral district in 2006, re-elected in 2008 and 2011.A graduate of Agriculture Technology, Shipley is married to Barb Shipley ...
's 2006 federal campaign. Workman was quoted by CBC discussing Shipley's Voter Turnout Strategy in the final days of the campaign, saying, "We're going to certainly be out knocking on doors and making calls this weekend. If all goes well, on Monday we'll be having a celebration"
In June 2006, Workman traveled to Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
where he worked on PC Premier Rodney MacDonald
Rodney MacDonald
Rodney Joseph MacDonald is a Canadian politician, educator and musician who served as the 26th Premier of Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2009 and as MLA for the riding of Inverness in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1999 to 2009....
's successful election campaign.
In September 2006, Workman was quoted discussing a possible byelection in London North Centre due to the resignation of MP Joe Fontana
Joe Fontana
Joseph Frank "Joe" Fontana, PC is the current mayor of London, Ontario. He was previously a Liberal member of the Parliament of Canada for the riding of London North Centre....
from Federal politics. Workman stated, "the pending vacancy creates a unique opportunity. The opportunity to pick up a seat that has been a firmly entrenched Liberal hold is very exciting. I would expect several strong candidates to emerge. With a vacancy like this, it's almost certain that potential candidates from outside the area are at least considering their options".
In November 2006, Workman was listed as a donor to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
City Councillor Nancy Branscombe's campaign.
2007
In September 2007, Workman was quoted discussing the role of technology in modern political campaigns. Workman stated, "It used to be when one candidate came in and the other went out, data was lost sometimes. If you can carry on and build from where you left off you're going to be saving time and resources. The name of the game these days with spending limits is maximizing your resources. If you can start off at Step 2 instead of Step 1, it means less time, less money and less energy".In the same article, he stated, "You can't substitute the handshake from the candidate and the face-to-face contact, no matter what you do".
2008
In October 2008, Workman served as Campaign Manager for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley's re-election campaign. The campaign saw Shipley's margin of victory increase by over 11% versus his 2006 campaign (+4369 votes).On election night Workman was quoted by the London Free Press saying voters in the riding were pleased with the Conservative leadership. "Voters were comfortable with Bev Shipley. Voters in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are much more comfortable with the Conservative party".
2010
In a Sun Media article, Workman was quoted discussing the upcoming 2010 London municipal election. Workman stated that incumbent Mayor Anne Marie DiCicco-Best, (is) "going to be very hard to beat. But like everyone, Anne Marie has weaknesses," one weakness of the three-term mayor, he said, "is the perception that the city has not progressed due to lack of big-picture leadership".In another Sun Media article, Workman discussed former Cabinet Minister Joe Fontana's entry into the London municipal campaign saying, for Fontana to beat incumbent Mayor Anne Marie DiCicco-Best it would take, “a perfect storm”. “It’s not impossible but it’s a long shot. He has to get out and be seen and share his vision with the people. They want a fresh vision, not a tried-and-true approach. To overcome 22,000 votes, he’s going to have to shake things up.”
2011
Workman was campaign manager for Conservative Susan Truppe's campaign and was quoted by Sun Media in summarizing the campaign, "We had a good campaign, a lot of positive responses at the door," he said, Truppe, who works as a manager at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel on Wellington Road south, knocked on 10,000 doors, he added."It will be fun to watch tonight," said Workman.
Workman was campaign manager for PC Monte McNaughton's campaign and was quoted by Sun Media in summarizing the campaign, "This is unfinished business," said his campaign manager, Joshua Workman, adding this campaign had a different feel in the air than the one in 2007.
Currently
Workman is currently involved in several of London's charitable and not-for-profit organizations. He currently volunteers with the Canadian Diabetes AssociationCanadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is an organization based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Its mission is to lead the fight against diabetes mellitus by helping Canadians with diabetes live healthy lives while work is continued to find a cure...
and the Canadian Red Cross
Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross Society is a Canadian humanitarian charitable organization and one of 186 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies....
.
Workman is Past President of the Canadian Club of London .