Show Biz Uglies
I don't know who originated the phrase but I came across it for the first time recently in an article about political shenanigans in San Francisco, which is almost redundant. The expression — Politics is show business for ugly people — seemed particularly apt in this story about SF Mayor Willie Brown attempting a "switcheroo" with State Senator and Pro Tem John Burton. Brown, who became mayor after 15 years of despotic rule as Assembly leader, is going to be termed out as the city's chief executive. He craves the limelight, probably more than the power, although he certainly has wielded a heavy hand in the offices he's held. He accomplished little while Assembly Speaker, and less as mayor, though that may not matter. He is a political street-sweeper; he has lots of friends, most of whom owe Brown their well-being, and others who fear him. His biggest cushion is that he's black, living among notoriously guilt-addled liberals.
Burton has run the State Senate forcefully, as is his style, which his opponents would readily -- if privately -- refer to as ugly, but for all of his garrulousness and profanity, he has earned the respect of many who disagree with his politics, together with the grudging appreciation of those who share his progressive beliefs. A former cocaine addict and alcoholic, Burton started in the Assembly, went to Congress, quit The Hill to dry out, and later went back to Sacramento. His brother, Philip, a power to be reckoned with in Congress, was responsible for establishing the political redistricting in the state to the benefit of the Democrats, and more importantly, preserved large chunks of the coastal area around San Francisco for park land.
Burton's "machine" could likely deliver him the San Francisco mayoralty, and Brown thinks he could win the San Francisco-Marin County Senate district, should he choose to go that way, mostly because the San Francisco voters pretty much decide their representative. Burton is not ready to announce a mayoral bid because in March, Californians will vote on a proposition that would extend term limits by another four-year term if 20% of the people who voted in the last election petitioned for the incumbent to return. If the measure passes, though it probably won't, then Burton could likely pull in the signatures, and remain in the Senate, and continue as Pro Tem, which is the second most powerful job in the state, next to the governor. A lotta thinking folks would like to see a strong Senate leader, especially since so few of them are having anything nice to say about Governor Grey Davis.
March is going to be an interesting election for California, in another way some would see as ugly. Davis has amassed tens of millions of campaign dollars, breezing through nightly fundraising appearances collecting checks by the fistful, while during the day mismanaging most everything he put his hands on, from energy to security. Still, he's managed to scare off any Democratic challengers. But on the Republican side, former LA Mayor Richard Riordan looks good for a primary win against Secretary of State Bill Jones and the son of former Treasury Secretary William Simon. Jones is a decent conservative who lacks personality and money. Simon has money, but little else. Riordan, who was termed out of office himself, is straight out of Hollywood; he looks and sounds like a candidate, plus he has gazzillions of his own dollars, and has shown himself to be very effective raising campaign contributions.
My money is on Riordan to beat Davis in November of Aught-Two, if the 71-year-old Republican's health holds out and His Eminence Grise stays his hairspray course. As for Burton and Brown, who need the spotlight like sharks need to swim to stay alive, they may change seats, but it's hard to see them wielding the same power, or enjoying the work, the way they did before.
And that's SetonnoteS...I'm Tony Seton.
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