Greet him with a black coffee, always have gum on hand and run interference between him and the press; just a few of the many responsibilities Representative Todd Rokita’s driver is expected to fulfill on a daily basis.
A leaked eight page memo reveals the extensive list of chores, which also includes not pestering the Indiana Republican with ‘unnecessary conversation.’
‘Instructions on Staffing and Driving — District Version,’ written by a former chief of staff and Tim Edson, Rokita’s ex-communications director-turned-campaign spokesman, does give a few tips on driving such as keeping the ride smooth and avoiding sudden breaking.
Eight page memo reveals the long list of rules on how to chauffeur Rep Todd Rokita (file image)
But most of the document, first obtained by Politico, focused on the many additional tasks expected of the driver.
Drivers must pick up Rokita from his home in the morning and greet him with a cup of black coffee. They must always carry what staffers refer to as the ‘football’ a kit of almost 20 items which included hand sanitizer, business cards, gum, Kleenex, a stapler and stapler remover, and much more.
Rokita’s toothbrush and toothpaste, along with a hanger for his jacket, should also be in the car.
Drivers must then ‘back the vehicle out of the garage and turn it around so you can exit the driveway when Representative Rokita gets in the car.’
‘Make sure you pull the car far enough forward that exhaust fumes won’t get in the garage,’ the memo continues.
Greet him with a black coffee, always have gum on hand and run interference between him and the press; just a few of the many responsibilities Representative Todd Rokita’s driver is expected to fulfill on a daily basis according to the leaked memo
Rokita must then be reminded to ensure he brought his phone and wallet.
Not only must the driver then know the congressman’s schedule, including locations and times of events, and how to get there, but also must know each event’s greeter and be able to point them out to Rokita, have an adequate pile of handouts and when each event was approved by Rokita office.
They must also act as a physical barrier between the representative and press photographers, know whether reporters are expected and the best location for an interview.
While out, they must take photos for social media, make notes of Rokita’s meetings with people – sending the information to the comms director – and if he’s spending too long with constituents or reporters, politely tell them they ‘need to get TER on the road.’
‘A successful day begins in advance,’ the memo reads. ‘If you cannot answer ALL of these questions, you are not prepared for the day.’
Drivers are supposed to have checked off the extensive list, which also includes emptying the trash at the end of the day, before they pick up the congressman in the morning.
And hopefully they are not feeling too chatty.
‘He often uses the travel time to make phone calls, catch up on email, read and prepare for the day’s meetings and events,’ the memo read. ‘Please do not interrupt his prep time with unnecessary conversation.’
Rokita’s campaign spokesman defended the memo saying ‘there is nothing embarrassing about always being prepared’ and blamed the leak on Rokita’s Republican rival who is running against him.