The Real Story

Today Mayor Corroon officially endorsed Ben McAdams. 

Hey, I love the mayor, and I welcome his support, but is anyone surprised?

I doubt it.

For a while now Ben's campaign has had to ask prominent politicians endorsing Ben to take a number and get in line. And that's just the Republicans. 

What really shocks me is that this photo shows a scrum of cameramen taping Corroon's blessing. I would have assumed by now the only newsworthy endorsement for Ben would come from the governor's office. 

Concerning endorsements, however, there is a noteworthy story that isn't yet getting much coverage. Why? Well, because it's about the proverbial dog that didn't bark.

The real story is fast becoming not who will endorse Ben, because virtually everyone has, but who will endorse Crockett?

We're living in the most Republican state in the union, and there are scores of elected Republican leaders. Yet, the names of the very few who have given Crockett their approval is becoming a trivia contest. (Quick, besides Mike Winder, who can you name?) 

The paucity of Republican leaders willing to attach their name to his brand is startling. But even more shocking is the underwhelming level of enthusiasm of those who have. Where are the letters? Where are the photo ops? Where are the donations?

Recently Mike Winder put a picture that featured Ben on his Facebook page. It was taken during the first broadcast debate between the mayoral candidates. Winder commented that he was there, "watching my friends Mark Crockett and Ben McAdams." (emphasis mine) 

This note of equanimity didn't go unnoticed by Crockett. Below the photo he replied, "Thanks Mike for your support," In this context it seemed almost pathetic, as if Crockett felt obliged to remind people whom Winder loved best. 

Indeed, it seems ironic that the very person whom Crockett once labored to characterize as slick and untrustworthy is now his only significant Republican patron.