Tenorio is a level-80 dwarf priest in the game World of Warcraft, and he officially announced his plan to run for Lieutenant Governor of Guam to a video games website. He is also a senator from the territory, so it’s legit. [Game Politics]
All I want to know is how he finds time to manage a presumably important government position and a level-80 character (plus family, food, and sleep). I remember when I signed up for a WoW free trial account. Before I knew it the ten days had passed and all I had done was kill wild boars and ventured inside Ironforge to try to find a party. Currently your editors know people who spend most of their spare time playing another addicting MMORPG. If Tenorio can manage both responsibly, then more power to him.
The only thing that irks me is this part of his announcement:
Perhaps together, we can continue to let people, voters and those in positions of authority know that gamers are the same as those who do everything from clean public parks, fight and die for democracy, conduct intricate procedures in professional careers, and, Yes, even make policy…for our communities, everywhere around the globe. That simple fact is rarely said but is the basis for an even broader discussion on the depth and breadth of people who enjoy gaming and still carry out their responsibilities.
On the remote chance that Tenorio reads this post, a word of advice: do not repeat this during the campaign. Research shows there are misconceptions about people who play video games, but the way this is written almost makes the situation look like some kind of civil rights recognition struggle. Be the “Lieutenant Governor who happens to be a gamer,” not the “gamer Lieutenant Governor.”
EDIT: Make sure to read the funny comments attached to the Tenorio story on Game Politics. The Internet is serious business.
