I have been amused this fall at how Ben Manski, who trashed Democrats over the years, is now asking for their votes come November. In an attempt to win the 77th Assembly District, Manski seems to have forgotten the statements he made about the Democratic Party, and the candidates they placed before the voters . Or perhaps I should say Manski is hoping the voters have forgotten those statements. The Democratic voters to be more precise.
The real contest in this district is between Democratic nominee Brett Hulsey and Green Party nominee Masnki. Voters on the near west side of Madison are being asked to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Spencer Black.
My attention to this race is two-fold. First I like Brett Hulsey. Secondly, I am just perplexed how anyone who has made such incendiary remarks about the Democrats, such as Manski has, can then turn around and ask that party for their votes. I have followed politics for years and seen just about everything. But this assembly race intrigues me for the sheer audacity that Manski is using to try and get elected.
Whatever characteristic it takes to do that for an election is something I am pleased, quite frankly, not to posses.
The series of highly critical statements by Manski about Democrats range from local leaders such as Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk all the way to presidential nominee Al Gore. Manski’s words have blasted President Obama and even challenged Wisconsin gubernatorial nominee Tom Barrett.
“I don’t consider Dave and Kathleen progressive Democrats,”
It is when Manski likens President Bush and Al Gore together that everyone who still gets the required amount of oxygen should become angry. (On both sides of the political aisle!)
Votes for Bush or Gore are votes for continued corporate domination, and an abdication of political responsibility.
Speaking at the South Central Federation of Labor meeting, September 20, 2010 Manski uttered “Tom Barrett is the lesser evil in this race.”
The ironic turn of events from Manski blasting Democrats to becoming cozy and friendly to gain Democratic votes is even more interesting given the electorate’s mood. The voters seem to want a different approach to politics. Being too cute by half this year to get a vote is not the way to win an election.
When it was convenient for Manski to denounce Democrats he never missed a chance to find a microphone. Now he needs Democratic votes and must hope that all those he dissed over the years have forgotten.
Or forgiven.
Neither is true if my off-the-cuff chats with folks in-line at stores or while walking among the fall leaves are any indication. It seems to me that the voters are very aware Manski is either trying to paper over his past remarks, or believes he can pull one over on the voters.
Manski should not be allowed to achieve this.
Since Manski is always preaching about the need for a better democracy perhaps this assembly race might be a good time to show that words and past deeds matter.
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