Talk And Squawk Don’T Deliver Results

Imagine how entertaining politics would be if somebody were to clone Jay Leno and Rush Limbaugh, and install an army of Jay and Rush clones in every elective office in the land. We’d have a lot of laughs and government could inflate a lot of hot-air balloons.

On the other hand, if we wanted government to get something done - unclog freeways, upgrade public education, care for the elderly, negotiate foreign trade agreements - we probably would choose a different set of skills in our elected officials.

So here’s the issue, and it’s a timely one: Should voters prefer candidates with the skills required for a modern campaign, or candidates with the skills required for statesmanship?

Right now, potential candidates for the fall elections are lining up financial support, making decisions and trotting out their announcement speeches.

This is a crucial season. In politics these days, money is power. So, this spring’s behind-the-scenes organizational maneuvers will have a lot to do with the quality of choices voters encounter in the fall.

Already, in two of the coming year’s high-profile contests, a pair of talk radio hosts have announced that they will run. John Carlson of Seattle will seek the Republican nomination for governor. Richard Clear of Spokane will attempt to oust Rep.George Nethercutt.

Implicit in their announcements is the assumption that the ability to talk about politics qualifies them to serve in politics. Neither has held a significant elective office before.

Carlson’s gift of gab, plus his record as a promoter of ballot initiatives, seemed formidable enough that his entry in the race provoked the quick withdrawal of Dale Foreman, a former legislative leader and chairman of the state Republican Party.

Certainly, modern politicians must know how to stand at a microphone and galvanize a crowd - for better or for worse.

However, as candidates and financiers continue to make their decisions, and as voters begin to evaluate their credentials, the higher interests of democracy call for more than a boomy voice and the ability to inflame public passions.

When campaigns end, they really ought to end - and governance ought to begin. Good governance requires the ability to resolve disagreements. Good leadership does not inflame resentments, it pulls differing people toward common ground. This week in Olympia the Legislature is stalled, casting about for the spirit of statesmanship. That’s no accident. We need to start looking for candidates who have shown the management and diplomatic skills needed when the microphones turn off and government returns to the business of serving and building our communities.