A True Shame If Hackett "Bows Out of Politics"

The Cleveland Plain Dealer today has a good rundown of the upcoming Ohio 2006 U.S. Senate race. In a companion article, however, there is some good news and then some really incomprehensible and unfortunate news.

First, the good news. Democrat Paul Hackett's aide, thankfully, said Hackett is "not interested in getting in a bloody internecine fight in a primary when the real target should be Mike DeWine."

Then the bad news - especially from a candidate who's biggest asset seems to be his toughness. Hackett's aide said that "if Hackett doesn't run for the Senate he's likely to bow out of politics."

That makes no sense, and raises a big red flag. Lots of things don't go as planned in politics, but the people who are successful are those who push through with determination. In short, successful candidates have to show fire in the belly. If Hackett gets out of the Senate race, as he seems inclined to do in a smart desire for Democratic unity, why would he "bow out of politics?" Is he saying the only office that makes a difference is the Senate? That's insane, especially with the House up for grabs. Would Hackett "bow out of politics" if, say, he was elected to an office and he hit a small bump in the road there? No, of course not - and he shouldn't do the same as a candidate now. It is certainly not like there are no really good political options for him to pursue other than the Senate.

That Ohio congressional seat that he could go and win in 2006 is very important. So is a statewide office like Secretary of State (especially in Ohio where there was so much vote-counting shenanigans). We should all encourage a talent like Hackett to persevere and run for one of these offices, or another.

Frankly, it seems to me the people around Hackett are displaying a troubling lack of experience and strength by making this an ultimatum situation when it really doesn't have to be. They clearly aren't giving Hackett great advice, and they really don't seem interested in Hackett's long-term political future. If they were interested in Hackett's political future, they would tell him to perservere, for if Hackett thinks it is worth fighting the good political fights (which he clearly does), then a bump in the road shouldn't deter him from being in the arena over the long-term.

Let's hope Hackett doesn't "bow out of politics" and instead gets out of the Senate race and goes for another office to help maximize Democrats chances in 2006 and beyond. That is the definition of a team player - and I am hopeful (and suspect) that is what Hackett really is at heart.

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