Scot Ross, a Democratic candidate for secretary of state running against 26-year-incumbent Doug La Follette, spoke with The Daily Cardinal about his progressive campaign and his miraculous weight loss. Less than five years ago, Ross was nearing 500 pounds and was a pack-a-day smoker. Today however, thanks to surgery and drastic lifestyle changes, he weighs half his previous size.
Daily Cardinal: In April 2001 you underwent gastric bypass surgery. What caused you to have this surgery? Was it to benefit your career in any way?
Scot Ross: I was going to be a larger burden to health care and society, as a whole. [Laughs]
The reason I had gastric bypass surgery is because I was sweating when I was getting out of the shower. I was around 500 pounds and I needed a life change. I was fortunate in that I got a second chance.
One of the reasons I was able to get this surgery and change my life for the better is because I had health care coverage, so health care coverage is a very important thing for me ... My opponent has sat on sidelines for the past decade, and I feel that we deserve more from our secretary of state than a famous last name.
DC: Do you think that in today's media fueled campaigns, appearance can be a deciding factor?
SR: In some ways, campaigns become a popularity contest at times, but more than looks, I think the contrast that I offer with my opponent is that I bring enthusiasm and energy and much needed change to the office. But I'm sure appearance has something to do with it, but for me, the surgery was about bettering my life and making sure that I got to reach the age of 40.
DC: Did this surgery help you to have a much stronger campaign?
SR: Well, I have a lot more energy. I was very fortunate to finish the Madison marathon this year. I say finish instead of run, because it was 91 degrees and I did not run the entire marathon, but I finished it with a couple of people. For me, the reason I was running was because I feel like I got a second chance at life thanks to health care ... Having a good mental attitude is fed by feeling relatively decent about yourself and feeling like you're doing something to help people. I feel blessed.
DC: What was the surgery like?
SR: They cut me open down the chest; I was in the hospital for a week and rested for a couple weeks after. It was a good recovery. I had no complications, I had family and friends that were supportive. It was perfect.
