Some may remember the moment that Gary Coleman declared he’d run for Governor of California as the moment that democracy in the state jumped the shark. How ridiculous, they declared! What a lack of class! These declarations missed the point: in opening up the California gubernatorial process to all comers a few years back, the democratic process came into its fullest flower.
In the current election season, something similar is happening in Maine. With a declaration yesterday that “We can continue using duct tape, Bondo and baling wire to keep our economy limping down the road,” Republican Steve Abbot joined more than 20 other candidates who are running for the office of Governor of Maine. The Portland Press Herald refers to the race as “already crowded,” as if there isn’t enough room in Mainers’ heads to think of all their choices. Won’t an anointed candidate emerge to make the choice simple?
But who says life has to be simple? A “simple” choice between two alternatives often leaves most of the power in the hands of those who decide what the choices will be. Now that’s classy… as in upper-class control. We say let a thousand candidates bloviate, and let the people decide who moves forward.
In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with a little humor directed at the situation. Share this message with fellow travelers on the roads and byways of the Pine Tree state: You’re running for Governor? Hey, me too!
