Servant Leaders Turned Politician

Yesterday, I had a long conversation with a lobbyist and former democratic candidate, who, for their own protection, shall remain anonymous.
We talked about a multitude of topics, but one common thread was this: New Legislators come in committed to advocating for Real Change and then gain power!
This lobbyist shared with me how at one time, now Minority Leader Joe Hackney came into the General Assembly as a strong advocate for grassroots issues like collective bargaining, but as time went on, and Rep. Hackney found himself in the driver's seat of the House, his attitude changed.
We talked about the HKonJ's 14 Points and the lack of advocacy of that agenda by the Legislative Black Caucus.

Where are the Servant Leaders of the NC democratic Party? Is it the money trail? Is it the fear that if I (legislator) don't do what the leadership wants, then when it's time for me to go get a lobbying job, I won't be seen as very effective?
Sure, it costs an average of $145,000 to run an effective state legislative campaign. So when a corporate fatcat from Duke Energy, Progress Energy, BCBS comes calling, do these "leaders" stick to their convictions and moral foundation that causes them to call themselves Democrats? Or have they become so full of themselves and drunk with power? What's more important to YOU-a representative with the title of Appropriation Committee Vice Chair (one of 12 VCs)?, or are YOU more concerned about issues like mental health, abotion rights LGBT issues, etc. But wait a minute folks, if YOU care so much about the issues, why do YOU get so excited and starry-eyed when one of these "leaders" walks into the room?

One last musing for today. My lobbyist friend and I talked about an individual who has been considering a run for the NCDP State Chair. When this person approached the party's legislative leaders about a run, they told this individual no thanks-this person is "too independent" in their thinking. Gee, I guess if we don't fall in line with the "leaders" we are too independent in our thought process.

Peace & Happy New Year!