Ode to Ole

It is local election time in the Pontificator’s home town. In addition to a very interesting two way Mayor race we have eight council candidates running at large with four seats vacant. Yard signs are multiplying with every passing day. It reminds me of Ole Oleson.

Ole ran for Mayor the same time I did in 1984. In addition to the incumbent there were four challengers including Ole and myself. A primary was needed to cut it down to the final two. Ole was a very popular “character” around town. He owned a small diner and was very involved in the local Elk’s Club. Everyone like Ole.

I vividly remember standing on a corner while going door to door and seeing a wave of Ole signs as far as my eye could see. On both sides of the street. I remember questioning myself “what the hell are you doing?” Ole had more yard signs than the other four candidates combined. Ole came in last place.

Yard signs don’t win elections.

I’ve never forgotten that.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 am and is filed under Electioneering 101. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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