For the fifth time in the last two decades, Richard Blumenthal has decided against a run for governor. In the hyper-competitive world of electoral politics, where a golden resume and a year-round tan count for a lot, some just can’t get past the idea that a candidate who looks as good — on paper and in person — as Blumenthal, isn’t interested in the top job. But there it is. If it wasn’t obvious before, it should be now. Dick Blumenthal just doesn’t want to be governor. It’s as simple as that.
While some are quick to accuse him of lacking the courage to run, the truth is he should be congratulated for having the courage not to. Despite all the pressure over the years to use his standing in the polls and his career accomplishments to capture the governor’s office for the Democratic Party, he has consistently said, “No.” He has set a positive example for others.
The last thing we should wish for in a governor is someone who doesn’t want the job to begin with, or wants it for the wrong reasons. There have been winning and losing candidates in the past who ran because they thought it was their turn, because they thought they could win, because there was nowhere else to go on the career ladder, or simply because they thought they were more competent than everyone else in the race, all of which are the wrong reasons when considered alone.
Passion And Vision
The most important reason to run for governor is because winning means the opportunity to use the power of the office to implement a policy vision you believe in with passion.
It’s not enough to simply want the job, or to have it in your grasp because of some electoral advantage. We should reserve our vote for candidates who are willing to work hard when they get there to make a difference.
Based on these principles, any one of the three Democrats running instead of Blumenthal makes a better candidate. Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy is a policy mechanic who would bring a hands-on-approach to the job.
Former House Speaker Jim Amann, for all his baggage, has the passion and a willingness to make government work at the Main Street level. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has spent years occupying the office one floor below the governor’s space at the state Capitol, waiting for a chance to be put in the big game, to play the way she thinks the game ought to be played.
You may disagree with the agenda of all three candidates, but we know based on their records that they are not interested in being governor just because they like the big black car, the house and the office. They want to accomplish something, make a difference and leave a legacy.
Blumenthal could make a great governor. It’s hard to think of anyone in Connecticut government with more energy to push an agenda if he set his mind to it.
On the other hand, he seems more suited to a position like the one he holds, where he is in complete control of the issues and he alone is responsible for the strategy and the results.
The job of governor is much different. Often, the agenda finds you and the strategy must be set and implemented by a team. When your team fails, you get the blame.
Five times Blumenthal has taken that mythical look in the mirror and concluded he doesn’t want to be governor. It is time to believe him, take him at his word and thank him for his honesty.
Dean Pagani is a former gubernatorial advisor. He is V.P. of Public Affairs for Cashman and Katz Integrated Communications in Glastonbury.
