Xaykham Khamsyvoravong '06 is one of many Brown students with a strong interest in local politics. A member of Sigma Chi and a former ice dancer who once competed at the national level, the international relations concentrator has found a unique outlet for that interest: coordinating the bid of state Sen. Frank Caprio, D-Providence, for Rhode Island general treasurer.
Khamsyvoravong, who first met Caprio through one of his fraternity brothers, said his role as campaign manager requires him to attend meetings, "chat with people" and be receptive to the opinions of both voters and campaign representatives. Khamsyvoravong has traveled around Rhode Island and is now working on securing endorsements from local Democratic parties. "I work with Frank on a daily basis," he said.
Khamsyvoravong didn't actively participate in politics until college, but the Rhode Island native is familiar with the Ocean State's unique issues. "Living in Rhode Island is an introduction to see how the system works. ... This state is so small and it has an amateur legislature, so it's a great opportunity to get involved with the system," he said.
He added that the state's small size encourages student participation because the "number of connections exponentially multiply. ... Everyone has a voice in this state if they are willing to put the time in to make themselves heard."
Most of Khamsyvoravong's campaign duties occur at night, allowing him to keep up with academics and his extracurricular activities. On a typical afternoon, Khamsy-voravong showers after sailing practice, throws on a suit and attends political events from around 6 to 10:30 p.m. "The campaign is 24/7," he said. "Even when I'm not working, I'm talking to people and watching the news."
Starting in January, he said his duties will become a full-time job. "I can't imagine what it's going to be like when the campaign season heats up," he said. This hectic schedule is nothing new to Khamsy-voravong, who said he has always juggled multiple commitments.
Outside of the campaign, he is a member of the sailing team and coaches ice skating in Warwick, Smithfield, Pawtucket and downtown Providence. He is also a member of the Development Committee for the Providence Community Boating Center, has served as treasurer of the Undergrad-uate Council of Students and as a representative on the Undergraduate Finance Board. He was an ice dancer in high school, reaching the Junior Nationals competition in 2002, but gave the sport up when he matriculated at Brown.
Khamsyvoravong is also enrolled in an Integrated Masters program through the Taubman Center. To earn a master's degree, he will take a fifth year at Brown, which correlates well with the campaign cycle, he said.
Caprio said that as a college senior, Khamsyvoravong has more time and flexibility than someone who might be burdened with career and family commitments.
In the last four years, Khamsyvoravong has worked under Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General Jack McMahon.
Though the campaign takes up much of his time now, Khamsyvoravong thinks he will benefit from his experience in the long run.
"I think it's a good experience running a campaign because it gives an opportunity to learn all aspects of the political side, from fundraising to strategy to media," said Darrell West, professor of political science and director of the Taubman Center for Public Policy. "These skills can be very useful down the road."
"The campaign has a youthful team," Caprio said, citing his 38-year-old brother as another key player. "I am relatively young myself. I am closer in age to (Khamsyvoravong) than a typical candidate," said the 39-year-old Caprio, who started his public service career when he was Khamsyvoravong's age.
As for his future, Khamsyvo-ravong said he is considering several different paths. "I have to see what opportunities there are at the time ... I have to keep options open," he said. He would like to attend law school, adding that he "definitely" sees himself working in Rhode Island. Currently, he is interested in becoming a public defender, assistant attorney general or some other public service worker.
Khamsyvoravong offered strong praise for Caprio and his political leadership. "Frank goes out of his way to make me a part of his team and is particularly flexible with me," Khamsyvoravong said. "I purposefully didn't engage in a campaign until I found a candidate that I liked and trusted."
Caprio reciprocated with praise for his campaign manager. "He's a tremendous asset, has a tremendous amount of energy and is very organized. ... I give him the highest praise for his work so far."
Caprio's campaign has yet to be challenged, but that hasn't stopped the state senator from running TV advertisements 12 months before the election. West said he expects state Republicans to find a candidate before the filing date in June. According to a recent ABC news report, Caprio's campaign has hit its fundraising targets and has almost $400,000 saved up.
