Political Leaders 2007 Profile: Tack Richardson

Name: V.B "Tack" Richardson III
Age: 27
Born: I was born and raised in Alexandria, VA.
Current Digs: Alexandria, VA and Washington DC.  Washington is absolutely a world class city, beautiful architecture, an educated populace, tons of culture, great dining, etc. And, Alexandria, my hometown, is one of a kind. History, old neighborhoods, and a real sense of community are abundant.
Occupation: Legislative Aide for Senator John W. Warner
Favorite part about the job: The energy and the impact. Capitol Hill always has such a buzz, you can feel it in the Halls, on the Senate floor, even in the coffee shop. On any given day, the things you work on have an impact.  In the end, it's nice to know that things I do on a daily basis have a positive effect on the State in which I was raised.
First job ever?  I was 15 when I had my first job as a deck hand on a dinner boat cruising out of Alexandria, VA.  I assisted with the ship's operation and made sure everything remained in "ship shape."  It was a great way to be on the water, although in the future I might try to find a way to avoid cleaning the heads.
Favorite book?  To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  It's simply a timeless classic with a very powerful message.  Of local interest, I really like Bay Country by Tom Horton.  There's no better book about the Chesapeake.
Favorite Movie?  Recently speaking, the movie about the life of Johnny Cash, Walk the Line.  
Must-see TV?  Redskins Football
Comfort food?  Steamed Crabs
What's in your car CD player right now?  James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Paolo Nutini, and a bluegrass/country mix.  The Band also makes it into the rotation sometimes.
Favorite vacation spot?  Charleston, SC.
Last gift you received?  A box of "Turtles" (the chocolate, caramel, and pecan candies).
Best advice you ever got?  Be yourself.
Whom do you admire and why? The
world is full of people whom I admire, and choosing just one is a tough
task.  Off the top of my head, although I am an Episcopalian and not
Catholic, I'd say Pope John Paul II because he lived and died with
dignity and grace.  He also had an amazing ability to connect with
people.  Also, many of America's great philanthropists used their
wealth to make the world a better place.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  Tiger Woods in the hope that he could fix my golf game.  I'd also love to pick his brain about his drive to compete.  I love competition.
Describe a perfect day.  Spending a sunny day on the Chesapeake, followed by a crab feast with beers and family and friends.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  As a friend recently told me, I'm the same guy I was in kindergarten, so I'm not sure there's too many surprising things to learn about me.  However, most people might be surprised to know that I took kindergarten twice!
Ambition, political or otherwise?  Politically, undecided.  Otherwise, to be able to swim, fish, sail, and splash around the Rappahannock River with my kids and grandkids as an old man.  Sharing one of the joys of my life with them would be a treat.