EPISODE · Mar 4, 2026 · 42 MIN
The Foolish Optimist: Maura Keller for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District
from The Foolish Optimist with Amy McDonald · host Amy McDonald
Maura Keller on Running Again in Georgia’s 3rd, Data Centers, and Restoring Trust in Government Follow along at MauraKeller.com. Get the Civic App in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Host Amy McDonald interviews Maura Keller, a 26-year U.S. Army veteran and former VA worker running again for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes 15 counties and was recently redistricted. Keller says she’s running because the seat is winnable, the district has been ignored, and she can bring disciplined, analytical leadership to Congress. She discusses being one of the first women in co-ed basic training, pushing back on discriminatory job rules, and learning leadership principles from Vietnam veterans. Key district concerns include rapidly expanding rural data centers without water agreements, AI misinformation affecting elections, school vouchers splintering education, rising ACA premiums, immigration gridlock, housing affordability, low wages, and Social Security solvency. Keller emphasizes listening locally, bipartisan problem-solving, and encouraging disengaged voters to participate, and shares her campaign website and donation channels. 00:41 Guest Introduction: Maura Keller 01:35 Maura's Motivation for Running 02:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Georgia's Third District 04:57 Maura's Military Career and Early Challenges 06:45 Leadership and Mentorship in the Military 09:31 Community Impact and Veterans in Congress 11:17 Data Centers and Rural Concerns 18:02 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement 22:41 Fears and Ideologies 23:04 Public Education and Funding Issues 23:42 Marker 30 second spots 23:48 Affordable Care Act and Healthcare Challenges 24:22 Technical Difficulties and ACA Discussion 25:09 Political Frustrations and Key Issues 26:48 Economic Struggles and Minimum Wage Debate 29:23 Social Security and Budget Concerns 32:27 Engaging with Constituents and Learning 34:38 Analytical Approach to Legislation 37:49 Campaign Information and Personal Insights
What this episode covers
Maura Keller on Running Again in Georgia’s 3rd, Data Centers, and Restoring Trust in Government Follow along at MauraKeller.com. Get the Civic App in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Host Amy McDonald interviews Maura Keller, a 26-year U.S. Army veteran and former VA worker running again for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes 15 counties and was recently redistricted. Keller says she’s running because the seat is winnable, the district has been ignored, and she can bring disciplined, analytical leadership to Congress. She discusses being one of the first women in co-ed basic training, pushing back on discriminatory job rules, and learning leadership principles from Vietnam veterans. Key district concerns include rapidly expanding rural data centers without water agreements, AI misinformation affecting elections, school vouchers splintering education, rising ACA premiums, immigration gridlock, housing affordability, low wages, and Social Security solvency. Keller emphasizes listening locally, bipartisan problem-solving, and encouraging disengaged voters to participate, and shares her campaign website and donation channels. 00:41 Guest Introduction: Maura Keller 01:35 Maura's Motivation for Running 02:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Georgia's Third District 04:57 Maura's Military Career and Early Challenges 06:45 Leadership and Mentorship in the Military 09:31 Community Impact and Veterans in Congress 11:17 Data Centers and Rural Concerns 18:02 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement 22:41 Fears and Ideologies 23:04 Public Education and Funding Issues 23:42 Marker 30 second spots 23:48 Affordable Care Act and Healthcare Challenges 24:22 Technical Difficulties and ACA Discussion 25:09 Political Frustrations and Key Issues 26:48 Economic Struggles and Minimum Wage Debate 29:23 Social Security and Budget Concerns 32:27 Engaging with Constituents and Learning 34:38 Analytical Approach to Legislation 37:49 Campaign Information and Personal Insights
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The Foolish Optimist: Maura Keller for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District
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