Hamlet And Republican Heroes

The endorsement of Ben McAdams by a broad spectrum of county Republican mayors is a story with strong legs. In fact, occasionally a story becomes so large that it temporarily eclipses the larger story of which it is a part.

Right now the McAdams campaign would be smart to simply lay low and let the “Republicans For Ben” story run for as long as it can. I’d guess that’s exactly what’s happening. So don’t look forward to any big press events or grand policy pronouncements from Ben until the Republicans are through debating whether Crockett is fit for public office.

You’d have to be a fool to step in front of that story, and Ben’s no fool.

The latest evidence of the story’s importance comes from Bryan Schott at UtahPolicy.com. This week that story leads off his “Five Things I Think I Think” column. According to Schott, “Nobody, except Democrats, care about the Democrats who support McAdams. Republicans who support McAdams? That’s another thing entirely.”

Yes, it is.

This story may be a marathon runner, but before it runs its course I’d like to offer a few of my own observations.

................

Yes, the coverage of this mass defection by Republican office holders has been strong. But has even this level of media attention done the story justice?

Ask yourself what would happen if a majority of Democratic governors got together and endorsed the candidacy of Mitt Romney. The answer is: game, set and match... welcome to the White House President Romney.

 .................

I’ve followed the dialogue unfold at places like “Republicans for Ben,” and noticed something amazing. By and large, the one recurring argument against this bandwagon of McAdams support is, “Are you really in support of Ben, or is this merely a rejection of Crockett.”

Do these people ever stop and think how that argument sounds?

There’s a famous passage in Hamlet that reads, “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here
 the undiscovered country from whose bourne damn with faint praise...”

This novel objection to Republican support for McAdams falls below even that small standard of “faint praise.”

...........

I’ll confess that I’m a yellow dog Democrat who's found it hard to vote for Republicans. My intention, when I enlisted in the McAdams campaign, was not to change that fact.

Unfortunately, this experience has been a terrible acid on my partisan purity.

I don’t know all of the Republican mayors who’ve endorsed Ben (who could, that’s a lot of people to know.) However, I came to know Cherie Wood, the mayor of South Salt Lake, in a previous connection.

She’s a tea-totaling Mormon who would never darken the threshold of the South Salt Lake liquor store in which I work. Yet, when Republicans in the legislature sought to close it down she fought like a lion to keep it open, and she succeeded.

In that fight the political advantages for her are tough to calculate. But never-the-less she did it. And in supporting Ben, here’s one more example of her political courage and independent thinking.

Russ Wall - Mayor of Taylorsville

Russ Wall, the mayor of Taylorsville, is someone I did not know before the McAdams campaign. And in fact, for the majority of my time with the campaign he was an active supporter of Mike Winder, the very person I thought Ben would be opposing in the general election.

However, I’ve since come to know him much better.

It’s hard to overestimate the risk, and the courage it took to spearhead fellow Republican mayors in support of a Democratic candidate. There were a million good reasons why he shouldn’t have done this, and only one reason why he did. He thought it was the right thing to do, and to hell with the personal consequences.

These are prime examples of the stuff all public office holders should be made of... Republican or Democrat. Russ Wall and Cherie Wood are people to be admired.

The irony for me is that, in helping Ben, so far I’ve found two Republican mayors that deserve my support, and my respect.

Where my continued efforts might lead has me quite concerned.

Geena Davis

On Friday night Geena Davis visited the McAdams campaign.

It was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the famous film "A League of Their Own." To celebrate the event Geena Davis visited Mind Spring ball park, paid tribute to the Salt Lake Shamrocks, and threw out the first pitch in the Bees game against Sacramento.

Ben and his guests got to rub elbows with a Hollywood star, watch a lopsided baseball game and keep an eye on the Olympics opening ceremony.

As for me, I got to take pictures, find out what a skybox looks like, and eat lots of free food.

No Ben didn't pay for it, and neither did the campaign, but I'm here to report that a skybox is a grand place to visit. However, being in the presence of a Hollywood star is not exactly the thrill of a lifetime.

Not being shy, I wedged myself in between Geena and Ben, told her I was a big fan, and then stashed my own wonderful screenplay in her purse. Unfortunately, Ben wasn't amused and though I asked her to read it, seven times, and very nicely, she wouldn't make any promises.

Hollywood people, they can be so uppity.

"Yes Russ, here's photographic proof.
You're shorter than Geena Davis."

A Miscalculation

You’ve probably heard about the Republican National Committee’s objection to the group called “Republicans for Ben McAdams” using the elephant logo. According to Rolly’s column in the Tribune, a Washington lawyer wrote the McAdam’s campaign demanding that the group cease and desist from using its trademarked logo.

(Odd, why would the Republican Party petition a Democratic candidate to force a group of Republicans to comply with the Republican Party's wishes.)

Having a consensus of Republican municipal office holders endorse a Democratic candidate is truly embarrassing. And no doubt that event precipitated this moment of being small and petulant.

However, my guess is this issue would never have crossed the RNC’s radar if someone hadn’t made a call. And would you care to speculate on that caller’s identity?

I’m sure hearing that conversation would bring words like peevishness and whining instantly to mind. Ironically, these very qualities were the original cause of so many Republicans looking elsewhere for more inspiring leadership.

So this effort to be litigious and contrary will not result in a single Republican reconsidering their preference for Ben. However, it will underline what the voters are likely to avoid if Ben’s opponent is defeated.

This kind of miscalculation is bred from a conceit unfamiliar with even the basic requirements of leadership.

Republicans For Ben

It was a perfect day in the middle of Vine Street.

I've never been happier to see so many Republican office holders get together in my life. Such a large number stood in the middle of Murray endorsing Ben for County Mayor that one had to wonder... Is there anybody left to govern? One errant semi and the entire valley would be left in anarchy.

If ever a moment gave truth to Ben's reputation for building consensus, this was it. Standing shoulder to shoulder in support of Ben were Russ Wall, Mayor of Taylorsville, Tom Dolan, Mayor of Sandy, Dan Snarr, Mayor of Murray, Dirk Timothy, Mayor of Bluffdale, Cherie Wood, Mayor of South Salt Lake, Bill Applegarth, Mayor of Riverton and Carlton Christensen, Salt Lake City Councilman.

Virtually the only odd man out was Mike Winder, who did his best to defeat Mark Crockett in a hard fought primary. And even if Mike Winder wasn't there, many of his supporters were. Imagine this... if only Republican municipal office holders voted in November's election, Ben would win in a landslide.

GO BEN!

Below is a collection of pictures meant to share the joy.

Why Orange?

Have you wondered, “Why all the orange?” The question has come up repeatedly during the campaign. “The orange buttons, the orange logo, the orange tie, the volunteers dressed in orange... where does that come from?”

Ben has a stock reply, “Orange is memorable and it ties my campaigns together. Using the same color helps each campaign contribute momentum to the next. It’s part of our brand.”

His answer sounds reasonable, but I’ve always believed there was more to it than that. In fact, early in my involvement with the campaign there were hints that orange was not simply a brand.

For instance, at headquarters Frank Sinatra is always on the sound system.  Once I asked Ben, “Why Frank Sinatra. And why all the time?”

His response seemed irrelevant. “Frank’s favorite color was orange” he said, in a tone implying this was common knowledge.

 “There’s a non sequitur,” I thought.

However, Ben is a smart man with a compelling personality, so I left it at that.

More recently Ben and his wife, Julie, were interviewed by the Chronicle. Ashley Sumner, our communications director, also attended.

After the interview Ashley called to say that Julie spoke about Ben’s first job. She told the reporter that as a mere fourteen year old boy he worked in a pumpkin patch. Ashley said the reporter smiled and asked Ben, “Do you have anything to add to that?”

For a moment Ashley was silent, so I spoke up. “Yes? What did he say?”

“The strangest thing. Ben asked the reporter to specify that it was ‘a very sincere pumpkin patch.’”

Ashley let that hang in mid-air for a moment. Then she asked, “What on earth could he mean by that?”

Suddenly, it became clear. I could put it all together...

• The rumors about Isaac’s birth and Ben holding out for the name “Linus”
• The questions about Ben coming home late every Halloween; dejected and with mud on his shoes
• Ben’s criticism of Mia Love for using a shade of orange “too unpumpkinlike” 

“My God,” I told Ashley, “Ben believes in the Great Pumpkin.”

“The what?” she asked.

“You’re too young. It comes from Peanuts and a character named Linus who believed, against all evidence, in the Great Pumpkin.”

“You’ve got to be kidding!” she objected in a voice half filled with shock, half filled with pleading.

“No, I’m not. Linus was a firm believer that on Halloween night The Great Pumpkin would rise out of whichever pumpkin patch he deemed most sincere. Then he would fly through the air delivering gifts to all the good children of the world.”

I let it sink in for a moment, then I continued, “So Linus was in a pumpkin patch every Halloween night, sometimes with Snoopy, and sometimes with his sister Lucy. But always there.”

Ashley sounded nonplussed, “And what did Charlie Brown think of all that?”

“Not much,” I responded, “and neither will the voters of Salt Lake County if this gets out.”

With a tone of resignation, Ashley replied, “Mitt Romney’s campaign... and they think they have a challenge.”

With that our conversation concluded. Poor Ashley. Maybe I shouldn’t have shared this with you, but I just knew that orange was more than simply a “brand.”

And now, I guess, you do to. But please, don’t pass this along to anyone else.

Buy A Prius

Yesterday, after the Draper parade, Joel Freston scheduled a training session for VoteBuilder. For the uninitiated, VoteBuilder is an internet resource that slices and dices registered voters. It collates data from a variety of sources, including questionnaires submitted by the voters themselves. Then it describes the voting patterns and political behavior of anyone who’s ever cast a ballot and is still alive.

Yes, there is a scary dimension to this kind of technology, and no, it does not have access to is your actual vote. That information must be provided by voters themselves, but it’s amazing how many of us could care less about the “secret” in “secret ballot.”

One interesting aspect of VoteBuilder is the assignment of a numerical score to everyone in the database. The more Democratic your political behavior, the closer your score to 100%. The more Republican your political behavior the closer your score to zero.

As Joel concluded his explanation of that feature everyone thought, “Hmmm... I wonder what my score is?”

The men, sitting in darkness as information flashed on a screen, were concerned that their salary and sexual behavior might also be revealed. The women were silent, afraid their age and weight could suddenly appear in large type.

However, since I have a tiny income, and no sexual behavior, the question was nonthreatening. An additional truth is that my voting behavior was very unlikely to provide surprises.

So, after a few seconds of silence, I raised my hand and asked, “So Joel, what’s my score?”

Joel anticipated the inevitable and instantly projected my “boda fides” to this collection of friends, acquaintances and total strangers. There it was, bingo, a score of 99%.

The single element of surprise informing my friend’s reaction was, “Why just 99%?”

A voice intruded on the darkness and disbelief. “What’d he do to slip from a perfect score?”

Another responded, “Maybe he needs to buy a Prius.”

Funny? Yes, but probably very close to the truth.

Draper Parade

As of right now Draper was the last scheduled parade of the summer. It's hard to believe both that this much of summer has passed, and that the remaining parades exclude politicians. (Isn't that like a circus excluding elephants?)

The route was long, the crowds large and friendly. So many "Ben McAdams" fans were waving that you could feel the breeze while walking in the parade.

At the end I walked back with T.J. toward his parked car. Our route paralleled the parade. Typically, I don't see the parades I'm in so it was nice to observe Miss Magna holding court, high school bands playing patriotic songs, and rival politicians throwing candy to the crowd.

One of the floats belonged to Darkside Tactical which described itself as "your friendly neighborhood weapons dealer." A fellow accompanying the float saw my Ben McAdams "Believe in Equality" t-shirt. He walked over, said "Here equality!" and stuffed a flyer in my hand for 20% off on weapons training. His expression made that offer look more like an insult.

The experience felt like a sweet old lady patting my hand and saying, "You're such a nice man." Occasionally it's reassuring to know that some people regard you poorly.

That said, here is a selection of photos I took of the Draper event.

Like A Song

Yesterday a message appeared on the McAdams Facebook page. It read, “With over 18 awesome women joining Ben on "Women's Wednesday" it has become clear we need to expand the Ben for Mayor HQ.”

If you’re a casual subscriber to McAdams status updates it’s hard to give this note perspective. Therefore, let me try.

I’ve been an active Democrat in five states, and I first volunteered for John Kennedy in 1959. I’ve served as a campaign manager, a county chair for a presidential campaign, and I once chaired a county Democratic Party.

A more complete list would bore you, and I think I’ve made my point.

With that said, let me assure you that this candidate, and this campaign are truly special.

I walked into our headquarters last Tuesday at 1:00 PM. The office isn’t small, modest perhaps, but not small for a race of this kind. Including offices, cubicles and desks there are about twenty-five places to sit.

When I sat down I took the last vacant chair. Around me were people working in a well organized way on a variety of projects.

Now remember, a weekday afternoon four months before the election is not when a campaign reaches its zenith.

This is truly exceptional.

Who deserves the credit? Obviously, first and foremost, it’s Ben McAdams. He’s lightening in a bottle, and that kind of magic in a candidate is rare. But great credit also goes to a twosome of genuine talent and terrific effect.

Martha Camarillo and Joel Freston

Joel Freston and Martha Camarillo are important to the campaign because they are, respectively, the Field Director and the Volunteer Coordinator.

They are even more important to one another because on the 28th of this month they will be married. There is no better metaphor for the hope and heart of this campaign than these two wonderful people, and the love they share for one another.

Right now they don’t dwell on it, but one day they’ll be my age. My guess is, like me, they’ll look back over a lifetime of political involvement, except they'll be able to offer a summary much better than my own.

At that future time they’ll realize what a golden moment this campaign was, and how it became their personal standard for later political experience.

It will be like a song reminding them of a special summer. Through their commitment and devotion they’ve made this race, in behalf of this candidate, a moment to be proud of.

Not What You'd Expect

Frank Pinanelli & LaVarr Web have a column in the Deseret News that deals with Utah politics. It’s written in the form of a colloquy with Pinanelli representing the left and Webb speaking for the right.

Their Sunday column began with a discussion of Love’s program to redefine the federal government as the department of defense. But if you read deep enough there was a concluding conversation about the McAdams / Crockett race for county mayor.

Pignanelli’s contribution to the discussion proved only that he had visited each campaign’s web site and accepted both at face value. The one interesting philip he offered was a characterization of Crockett as “active LDS.” I have no idea what source Pinanelli used for this assertion, and perhaps it’s only Crockett’s citation of BYU as his alma mater.

This is interesting only because here-to-fore there’s been extensive discussion of McAdams’ religious affiliation, and none about Crockett’s. Perhaps this is because any story about a devout Mormon running as a Democrat has a “man bites dog” quality attached to it. And Crockett's candidacy doesn't provide the same narrative interest. But still, this is a dramatic reversal of what you’d expect from previous contests between a Democrat and a Republican.

Webb’s portion of the conversation was more insightful and more informative. He makes the point that the favored candidate of the downtown business community is Ben McAdams. (Yes. Ben McAdams.) Webb claims that these business leaders disapprove of Crockett because he “opposes every big project that would make Salt Lake County a world-class county with a great quality of life.”

Pretty strong stuff from a Republican commentator, and another dramatic reversal of what you’d expect from a race between a Democrat and a Republican.

KFRT Radio

“Welcome to KFRT radio - K Fright - ‘right radio for the far right!’ Today we’re hosting Mark Crockett, candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor. Hello Mark.”

“Hello LaVar, nice to be on your program.”

“So tell me Mark, why do you think you’re prepared to be mayor of Salt Lake County?”

“Oh, that’s easy LaVar. I’ve got business experience, just like Mitt Romney. And not like my communist opponent, Ben McAdams, who doesn’t have business experience. He’s not at all like Mitt Romney, who, like me, has lots of business experience... just like me.”

“So I understand. Aren’t you the head of somethin’ called Vicki Partners?”

“Actually, it’s Vici Capital Partners, and that’s pronounced “vay shay.”

Oh, pardonne moi Mark, sounds a little French to me.”

“IT’S NOT FRENCH! On my web site I clearly state it means to ‘overcome, surpass and conquer...’ all good Republican things. Besides, LaVar, who are you to complain about something made up that sounds French.”

“Ouch. But a nice lead in to that little temper of yours.”

“What temper?”

“Well the Trib says that as a councilman you were ‘simmering,’ ‘scolding,’ ‘red-faced,’ and ‘quick tempered.’ Is that why you didn’t get reelected?”

“A big no, Lavar! The Trib prints nothing but lies. My disposition is always considered and statesmanlike... so there, jackass.”

“If it wasn’t your temper, then why did you lose in 2008?

“The Obama landslide!”

“Really? Landslide?”

“Yes, and a big one. How was I supposed to survive against that?”

 “But Obama carried the county by just eight one hundredths of one percent.”

“Exactly! Everyone knows a Democrat with more than 20% of the vote is just stealing from Republicans. They’re a fluke robbing us of what’s rightfully ours.”

“And that will change this time around.”

“Brilliant observation, you drive time genius. Romney will win big and give me what’s rightfully mine, because he’s a businessman, just like me, and not like Ben McAdams, who isn’t a businessman.”

“And no one would vote for you, Mark, simply because of who you are?”

“My mother maybe. I mean, let’s face it LaVar, I’m a tough guy to like. But who needs love when you have an (R) after your name.”

“Or a stick up your....beeeeeeeep”

Suddenly another voice ensues... “You’re listening to KFRT radio - K Fright - ‘right radio for the far right!’ - Now a word from our sponsor.”

Crazy People

This was Ben’s Saturday.

He was a guest on far right radio early in the morning. Then he addressed (in Spanish), “The Latino Crime Prevention Festival,” followed by an appearance at the Peruvian Festival, then a community meeting in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Sandwiched in were appearances at other events that I’ve forgotten and was never a part of.

In the midst of all this he approached a booth occupied by Ashley Sumner, Martha Camarillo and me. Ben was with other staffers, each of whom was trying to get his attention regarding one issue or another.

For a moment, in the midst of all that, you could see him collect his thoughts. A smile lingered, but his gaze was fixed at a point in mid air. Then he suddenly came to and looked down in my direction. His smile broadened and he remarked, "This will be a typical day until the election's over."

“If you’re lucky,” I replied.

Without responding Ben glanced at Joel, our field director, and asked, “Can I take my son to the Cottonwood event?”

Then he turned and headed for the parking lot with a couple people trailing behind.

I asked myself, “Where do we get people like this?”

Ben’s got an Ivy League law degree. So does his wife Julie. They’ve got contacts galore, and no one gave them any of this. Why not do less, earn more, and enjoy a far more private life.

And yet here’s Ben, pursuing a job piled high with challenges and the promise of grief. If he’s successful, come January he’ll be making less than he did five years ago. Only the occasional person will know his name and odds are that one person will have a complaint.

And strangely, this odd behavior isn’t just limited to Ben or Julie.

I looked to my right and saw Martha Camarillo. She was born in Mexico and is one hundred pounds of the smartest and prettiest Latina you’re ever likely to find. Ask yourself, “How hard did she have to work to graduate from college with honors and win admission to an elite law school?”

An admission she’s now deferred for a year while she and her fiancé work on Ben’s campaign.

Then I looked to my left and saw Ashley Sumner. She has a degree in public relations and a strong record of success. She’d asked me to look over notes she’d prepared for Ben’s next appearance. They were perfect... concise, informed, complete... the very essence of what Ben needed to say.

Who could believe that I might improve them?

Ashley is excessively smart with skills that could win her a career almost anywhere. So what is she doing? She’s working six day weeks in a windowless office at a job with one guarantee. It will disappear in November.

I don’t understand any of this, so I’ve come up with the single explanation that makes any sense.

Somehow I’ve surrounded myself with crazy people to whom the term “self interest” has no meaning.    

Please send help. The condition appears to be contagious.

What Is At Stake?

What is at stake in the election for county mayor?

For most of us the term “county government” is both nebulous and only partially understood. Where do municipal services end, and where do county services begin? How much do I pay for county government? What difference does it make to me?

This post will not answer those questions. My expertise and your attention span are too small.

However, I have an exercise to recommend. It’s unscientific, somewhat random and entirely dependent on your initiative. Yet, if you’re like me, once you’ve done it you’ll approximately double your understanding of county government.

Simply go to the Salt Lake County web site. First, click on the tab that’s labeled “Departments and Agencies.” Then wander down that list of hyperlinks and branch off where ever your interest takes you. I spent my time exploring the Department of Community Services and the Department of Human Services.

Once you’ve finished that, go to the tab labeled “About Salt Lake County.” What follows is a puerile explanation of county government. Skip all of that and go down near the bottom of the page to a subhead listing Salt Lake County’s 18 elected officials.

There you’ll find offices like Sheriff, Assessor, District Attorney etc. - each with a separate executive, but all relying on the budgetary authority of the Mayor and County Council. Use the hyperlinks to explore those individual agencies and some of the services they provide.

Once you've finished, remember that it all costs the typical Salt Lake County citizen a little over $500.00 a year - a county tax burden about one third what a citizen of Summit County is expected to pay.

Truly, a lot for a little.

Now ask yourself, would you like to turn all of this over to a mayoral candidate whose single announced intention is to substantially cut taxes? Would you enjoy watching what Mark Crockett would do to Salt Lake County services?

Is It Too Early?

Today's Thursday. The Republican party has had an official nominee for Salt Lake County mayor for 48 hours. Is it too early to pick out a telling detail that will come to characterize the race?

Probably, but that's not going to stop me.

At 4:30 PM on Tuesday Sherrie Swenson, the County Clerk, was scheduled to announce the winner of the Republican Primary for County Mayor. One would think this moment would have real importance for both contestants. Certainly Mike Winder was there, first standing on one foot and then the other, visibly anxious about the results.

But where was Mark Crockett? He was at a business meeting in Park City and received news of his election via a text message.

The following day Doug Wright, the premier on air personality at KSL, assumed he had a committment from Crockett to appear on his program. The plan was to lead off with Crockett, get his reaction, and then have McAdams appear in a later segment.

Ben was there, but Crockett was a no show. No call, no excuse, Crockett simply blew it off.

So, here's my question: is Crockett really that confident that Mitt Romney will win this election for him?

Ben's Haircut

Try doing a Google search under the “News” tab for Ben McAdams. As of this moment the most highly cited news story in which Ben’s name is mentioned is in City Weekly. Its title? “Crockett To Benefit From Mitt-Mania In SLCO Mayor’s Race”

The article begins by characterizing Ben as “wildly popular,” but then goes on to use those same words to describe Mitt Romney (at least among Utah voters.) The conclusion is that wildly popular or not, Mark Crockett “...has a huge advantage working in his favor... and Mitt-mania can only help out the election of Crockett.”

The article also notes that Crockett’s candidacy echoes Romney in ways both silly and serious. Count among the “silly” the article's characterization of both candidates having “wholesome stake-president hair.” Count among the “serious” their similar reliance on business expertise as a primary qualification for public office.

So, will voters, even Republican voters, look at Mark Crockett and see Mitt Romney? I wonder.

According to the Tribune, Republican turnout jumped from 32% in the previous comparable primary to 37% in this primary. So, if the general election mirrors the primary, the statewide Republican turnout will increase about 16% from previous levels of turnout. (The turnout among Salt Lake County Republicans will likely be higher, but their past turnout is also higher.)

However, what, exactly, will be motivating these new Republican voters? Will it be party affiliation and an enthusiasm for Crockett’s Tea Party ideology?

No. These additional Republican voters are the least motivated of all Republican voters. They will be voting in this election only because Mitt Romney is a member of their religious faith. Just as I presume a number of Utah Democrats will be voting for Romney in this election for the very same reason.

They will all exercise their franchise for one man, and for one reason. Now, with that said, it’s unclear to me if your primary motive is electing a devout Mormon, why you’d pass by Ben McAdams’ name. (In fact, to the extent that sentiment exists, it might actually work to Ben’s advantage.)

So yes, Mitt Romney will have an effect on the coming general election. Though that effect is probably not as large, nor as unambiguous as you might expect. (However, if I were Ben, I would take a second look at my haircut.)  

Is That Enough?

So it’s Crockett, and by a landslide of 1,019 votes, or .7% of the final tally.

I think the Republican primary was not unlike the Dan Jones poll that preceded it. This was not about Mark Crockett. Crockett is simply a placeholder with a small natural constituency. His single advantage is the (R) next to his name, which in a conservative state is no small advantage.

Ultimately, however, Mike Winder didn’t lose because of Mark Crockett, he lost because of Mike Winder (or more precisely, because of Richard Burwash.) The fact that Winder was the 500 pound gorilla in the Republican primary is attested to by the fact that the Tribune, in announcing Crockett’s victory, used a picture of Mike Winder receiving a consolation hug from his sister.

Still, the title of an earlier post on McAdams Apple remains the operant question: “Who is Mark Crockett?.” And now that Mike Winder is out of the race, is not being Mike Winder enough reason to vote for him?

My answer... only for voters who thoughtlessly mark a straight Republican ballot.

Certainly Crockett’s history as an abrasive personality with extreme views does not recommend him for leadership of a politically diverse county. Relying exclusively on his own merits, Crockett’s run for County Mayor would be a simple exercise in vanity, and little more than a joke.

But then there’s that (R) after his name. Salt Lake County voters must ask themselves, is that (R) enough?

I’m hopeful that it is not.

What Would You Do?

Mike Gorrell has an interview with Ben in today’s Tribune. It’s the first significant media attention our campaign has received since the inconclusive Republican primary of two weeks ago.

If you read that article you’ll see why there’s been so little attention. There’s precious little to say beyond, “...the candidates, McAdams included, will have to exhibit still more patience.”

No one enjoys the present stalemate. However, I do think that it works to our advantage. We know Ben will be the Democratic nominee, and 85% of what we’d do if we knew our opponent’s identity are still things we can and should do.

Crockett and Winder, on the other hand, are more likely to be afflicted by a sense of stasis. Though it’s difficult to tell if stasis is any kind of handicap for Crockett. He’s yet to prove that he could raise cab fare if his life depended on it.

.......

The one real exception I took to Gorrell’s article is his description of our campaign headquarters as “modest.”

That's not fair. We have a refrigerator, a microwave and a toilet. There’s hot and cold running water and lots of florescent lighting.

“Posh” might be an exaggeration, but modest? I don't think so.

.......

I’m writing this post soon after Gorrell’s article was posted to the Tribune web site. Of real interest is the discussion that follows that article. Here’s a selection of comments...

• Although I am a conservative and will be voting for Mitt Romney, I think McAdams will be my one crossover vote this election. 
• I likewise feel inclined. We'll see.
• The more I learn about this guy, the more I like him.  Perhaps McAdams will be the one or two times I break from my normal GOP voting method in 2012.

........

As this kind of comment becomes ever more common I’m convinced that Ben’s greatest asset... and he has plenty of assets... is the simple fact that people like him. That advantage is ever more significant as more and more people become acquainted with him, and as those who already know him get to know him better.

That’s the good news.

Now if you were Crockett, what would you do?

It's obvious he simply can’t let that go uncontested. For if this race becomes primarily a contest over who is the most likable, Crockett is dead meat. And I’m sure he knows that.

Therefore, at some point, and probably toward the end of the campaign, Crockett will feel obliged to go negative, and in a very personal way. He simply has to take the shine off Ben’s persona or he cedes the race.

Is there a skeleton in Ben’s closet? I doubt it. But even if there isn’t, one will be invented.

Why?

THE McADAMS FAMILY
(left to right - Robert, Kate, Ben, James Julie and Isaac)

Recently Ben asked for my opinion on a mundane political matter. I offered it, but the question inspired some additional thought. 

I began to speculate why Ben seems to be the beneficiary of a movement larger than his present candidacy for political office. What is it that draws support even from those not inclined to call themselves Democrats? 

I'm not a political guru, and I'm definitely not a sociologist. Yet I came up with a theory that works for me. I made that theory a small part of something sent to Ben on another matter. However, I want to share that "small part" with you here. 

...In my opinion you enjoy an influence outsized relative to the length of your career in public office. 

And why?

It comes from the perception that your political point of view is authentic, and that it grows from your religious conviction. Mormons are open to your influence because they see in your person, and in your family, a laudable example of LDS life well lived. Gentiles give you their support, in large part, because you reassure them that a progressive world view can be, and perhaps should be, the fruit of an ideal Mormon life...

You may or may not agree with what I've written, but I think these points are worth consideration.

When The Cubs Win The World Series

During July 4th’s South Salt Lake Parade I took a tumble. At one point Ben, his son James and I wound up well behind our group. Eventually a decision was made to recover that lost distance in a gallop. So off we went, James in the lead followed closely, (in fact, too closely) by me, and then Ben.

James, unaware that I was close behind, stopped suddenly to pick up something from the asphalt.

Over him I flew doing a summersault that sent my camera tumbling down the street. I landed next to my own twisted pair of glasses with a cut above one eye that bled profusely.

James was spared save the terror of nearly becoming a crêpe suzette. I however, looked like the last Confederate soldier on Pickett’s charge.

Julie McAdams

Fortunately, the look was worse than the reality. As I stumbled to my feet a huddle of McAdams family members arrived to guarantee my survival. Baby wipes appeared from thin air, my camera was retrieved still in fine shape, and somehow Julie McAdams bent my glasses back into a normal configuration.

At the end of it all I was wearing a small cut while Julie had more blood on her blouse than a battlefield nurse. Everyone was making over me while I felt like the idiot who had erased his forehead on a caring bystander.

Once the spectacle was over, and all were hopeful that I would be well, the parade continued with me in it. A few hours later I was marching in a second parade with no ill effects.

Julie was encouraged by all this, but never fully reassured. Her continuing concern was palpable.

At the end of the Magna parade I was ushered into the front seat of the McAdams family van as if I were an elderly aunt on a rare outing. Ben drove and Julie sat in the back under a tumbling pile of exuberant children.

Ben was in strange terrain trying to find his way to a familiar street. Suddenly, Julie, who had originally parked the van, piped up, “Turn right here!”

Ben’s expression became surprised and quizzical. “What?” he asked.

Julie responded with new urgency, “Turn right here!”

“Oh,” Ben replied, “I thought you said, ‘George, I have some beer.’”

How Ben heard those words coming from Julie will remain a mystery. There was general laughter at the preposterous image of Julie offering beer as the cure for my wrecked forehead. But I, owner of a refrigerator that’s no stranger to a six pack, immediately responded, “Sure Julie, I’ll take a cold one.”

To which she countered, “Sorry George, it’ll have to be next time.”

About it all she was a marvelous sport, but that did not stop me from thinking, "Yes, next time... the next time the Cubs win the World Series."

Making Sense of It

Here are some miscellaneous thoughts that have occurred to me regarding the contest for County mayor.

When I was at the Sandy Independence Day festival a man approached me as I was handing out Ben's campaign literature. He was interested in one thing… the Equestrian Park in South Jordan. It's a unique facility that sits on 120 acres and features a polo field and a race track. Evidently there are advocates for converting this property into soccer fields, and of course there is a loyal core of supporters who want to keep it as an equestrian park.

The fellow who approached me fiercely supported maintaining its current use. This same issue came up in the KUTV debate between Winder and Crockett, with Winder wanting the county to get out of the horse business. I wonder how significant this controversy is with the voters in Salt Lake County?

I think it's fair to say that Ben is evaluating the issue, but has not yet arrived at a fixed position.

……….

On July 4th I marched with Ben in three separate parades: South Salt Lake, Magna and Sandy. What most impressed me was the diversity of this experience. These three different communities could easily be in three different states.

South Salt Lake is largely an immigrant community with a transient, renting population. Their parade was lightly attended and I attributed that to a population yet to develop a strong sense of community. The traditions of their adopted land are not  yet fully understood, nor fully subscribed to. All of that will be the business of a second or third generation.

Magna couldn't be more different. Here there is a strong sense of community and the parade was heavily attended. The demographic is decidedly blue collar, and perhaps not all that distant from South Salt Lake's economic profile, but here the sense of community and shared traditions seems a good deal stronger. There are families and businesses that have been in Magna forever.

Sandy is a place where the upwardly mobile set up housekeeping. The population is racially and economically homogenous. And while it may lack the community feel of a place like Magna, the habits and customs of America are not new to these people. They know the drill, though they probably live in a neighborhood filled with people they barely know.

So, how do you make political sense of  this collection of different entities? Is there any one message that could be meaningful to all of them? How do you make yourself immediate and relevant to experiences that have so little in common?

………

My expectation was that Ben would get his coolest reception in Sandy, because Sandy's suburban conservatism would be a poor venue for Ben's political message. But surprisingly that didn't seem to be the case. The parade was very heavily attended, and often, when our Jeep moved into new real estate, a general cheer would go up at the simple presence of Ben's name. It was a very encouraging experience.

Independence Day

There's good news!

July 4th, 2012 is now history, and despite my reservations to the contrary, Ben actually survived three parades (South Salt Lake, Magna and Sandy) and as many festivals. 

The volunteer turnout at each locale was exceptional. There was orange everywhere. The big emphasis on this scorching hot holiday was the distribution of fans. We were up until 11:00 PM on Tuesday manufacturing 3,000 orange and blue flappers, and in the process depleted Salt Lake County's entire inventory of popsicle sticks.

The fans lasted until about 100 yards from the end of the last parade. Obviously we'll have to replenish before the 24th. 

There was a rumor that Mark Crockett attended one of these parades, and personally I saw one person wearing a Crockett t-shirt. Mike Winder was entirely absent from the festivities. It's hard to imagine why any politician running for public office would be a no show on Independence Day. That's kind of like your preacher skipping church on Christmas day.

Following is a selection of photos from the various festivities. I hope you enjoy seeing them even one tenth as much as I enjoyed being there. 

......... 

Let's get these photos over with first. They are of Ben's side of the family - two of his sisters, and his mother. If you're like me your reaction will be twofold. (1) You'll be irritated because your family doesn't look this good. (2) Ben has five siblings, do any of them not look like their mother?

......

Okay, that's done. 

Did you know that Dr. Seuss endorsed Ben?

Here's Kate McAdams. Daughter of Julie and Ben. 

Ben checking the tire pressure of the official

campaign Jeep. 

Robert McAdam's, son of Julie and Ben, and

the designated taffy taste tester.

The volunteers participating in the Magna parade.

As I said, Dr. Seuss is a big fan. 

Everyone else got a fan, and I get this lousy brochure?

Julie McAdams, Ben's better half and an extraordinary nurse

who moonlights as an attorney. 

Justin, our vaunted campaign manager.

The official campaign poodle. (We're trying to get the county 

ballots modified to read, "Ben McAdams - Friend of Poodle.)

An innocent face among the volunteers, 

but just put a squirt gun in her hands and...

Please, don't squirt, I surrender!

The Sandy marching contingent.

The bicycle dude!

Ashley and her sisters, each lovelier than the other -

oh, and then there's the lucky nephew. 

Isaac McAdams has had one parade too many.

THE END