(Cross-posted on Daily Kos)
In 1994, Michigan Senator Don Reigle announced his retirement in the wake of his role in the Keating 5 Scandal. The two leading candidates for the Democratic nomination to replace him were moderate Congressman Bob Carr and the progressive State Senator from Ann Arbor, Lana Pollack. Like many voters across the country, I was fed up with the arrogance of power that had been displayed in recent years by the House Democratic leadership, and my political instincts told me there was no way an incumbent Democrat Congressman was going to be elected to the Senate in this environment. So, with these matters in mind, I decided to back State Senator Pollack. Boy, was I in for a political education.
Carr had the backing of the state party establishment, union leadership and his colleagues in the Congress, including my former Congressman, John Dingell. With Congressman Dingell’s endorsement, went the support of the District Party leadership and most of its activists. Carr eventually won the primary in a very close vote, but I sucked it up and, for the sake of the party, backed Carr and the rest of the ticket. Carr lost the November election to Spence Abraham. My concerns about nominating a member of Congress were borne out, but it didn’t matter because I became persona-non-grata for supporting Pollack for Senate and Debbie Stabenow for Governor during the primary season, even among people I thought were friends.
That was the point I nearly quit politics, but instead, I quit working within the party establishment structure, opting to pick and choose candidates to support and work for. And Debbie gave me a little sweet revenge by getting elected to the senate six years leader while no one ever again heard from Bob Carr and Howard Wolpe (the ’94 nominee for Governor). But a bitter taste remained in my mouth. It felt like all I was good for to the party was my labor and my money. “Make those phone calls and keep your mouth shut”. No wonder the party was such a shambles after 1994.
Why am I talking about this? Because now I live in California and we have this close, nasty primary for Governor and so many bad things can happen on Wednesday as a result. I’m asking all those who are passionately involved to take a deep breathe Wednesday morning (or evening depending on how close it is) and avoid doing anything rash. To those who backed the winning candidate, don’t gloat. Don’t rub your victory in the losers’ faces. For those who lose, don’t walk away. The race isn’t over and we still have Schwarzenegger to kick out in November and it’s going to take every ounce of strength to do it. If you’re part of the establishment backing Phil Angelides, don’t seek revenge on Steve Westly and his supporters. And to the Westly people, if your guy wins, reach out to everyone who supported Angelides.
Most importantly, on Wednesday, relax, buy each other a beer and listen to what the other has to say. Whether you win or lose, you all have something valuable to add and you all want a better California. Good luck, vote on Tuesday and I’ll see you all on Wedneday and November 7!
