I went to a debate the other night. It was fabulous, in a dull political way. It was all Democrats, so you can imagine the crowd: old ladies, gay men like me, some politicos from around the state (and it ain’t a very big state). Our US congressman was there. So were several of the other members of the Rhode Island General Assembly. (It’s a very small state, and we don’t take these things lightly, even when they’re held in a neighborhood bookstore.)
First up were our current State Representative and his opponent. Current Representative is young, tall, handsome, charming, and very well-informed. Opponent was terribly nervous; he mostly agreed with what Current Representative said. His one talking point was that a local (mostly forgotten) business leader should instruct us on how to bring jobs back to Rhode Island. He was harmless, and everyone treated him with respect.
The other race, for a seat in the Rhode Island State Senate, was more serious
.
The incumbent is leaving, and has endorsed a candidate who’s never been in office before. Fine, right? Except, under scrutiny the other night, Endorsed Candidate was smug, and very sure of herself, and kept saying: “I don’t know the answer to that question, but I’m sure I can figure it out, once I’m in the Senate.”
Her opponent, on the other hand, was passionate, and well-informed, and spoke very well.
If Rhode Island politics-as-usual take place, Endorsed Candidate will get into office, just because she’s been endorsed.
And this is exactly where we need help.
The RI House is very liberal; the RI Senate, while Democrat, is pretty conservative. We need more liberals in the RI Senate.
I’m voting for the smart opponent over the snippy presumptuous endorsed candidate.
And I’m telling all of the people I know. Because I’ve actually seen these people in action.
And this, children, is how democracy works.
Tell everyone you know.
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