More breaking news on local politicians dropping out of campaigns for higher office. The flirtation of Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL) with the US Senate race is over. Her inspiring words, from the Star Tribune:
After much personal reflection I have decided to continue serving my Fourth District constituents and fighting or Minnesota families in Congress," she said in a statement.
Thanks for sacrificing your ambitions for us Betty, we appreciate it. But if you ever find it all too much of a burden for the meager compensation offered ($162,000 salary, Cadilac medical and pension plans, paid staff, travel and personal expense allowances) feel free not to beg us to keep it (aka, campaign for it) next time.
In the spirit of McCain-Feingold, I'd like to propose the next great advance in circumscribing freedom of speech. Use of the term "service" in regard to one's job is strictly prohibited in cases where you would beg your boss to continue to do it, based on the pay and benefits alone. In those instances, your job is known as a "sweet gig," not a service. Unless you're referring to self service, of course.
But it seems even Betty McCollum has limits to her commitment to those of us in Fourth District
She added: "In the future I will likely explore other political opportunities...
But Betty what if we still need you to serve and fight for us? I guess that's a concern subservient to this motivation:
... but for now I have a job that I love."
We're happy for her. It is hard not love a job that pays $162,000 a year. But, according to people picking up litter on the side of the highway, love is not a prerequisite for performing a service. Ah well, maybe she's just been hanging out with Gil Gutknecht too much. Political careerism is a highly contagious and bi-partisan affliction.
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