I never thought this day would come.
In a development at once shocking and unsurprising, Maryland living legend William Donald Schaefer was defeated in his bid for re-election as comptroller. It was a close three-way race, with Delegate Peter Franchot and Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens challenging him. Most observers figured that, with his opponents splitting the anti-Schaefer vote, the wily veteran politician would slide through for another term (after which, presumably, he could either retire or die with something resembling dignity, as least for him). But it was not to be, as Franchot surged in late balloting to take the win.
(Incidentally, I met Del. Franchot some months back at a rally for the Nats broadcast rights, and I liked him. He made some gracious comments about Schaefer's stature and record in his victory speech, but his true feelings were revealed at the rally, when he told me, "I'm going to beat [Schaefer] like a rented mule.")
I've written a lot about Schaefer over the years, and with good reason. He has been one of the most colorful figures on the political scene throughout his career, from his tenure as Baltimore's "Mayor Annoyed" to his highly entertaining service as Maryland governor to his most recent gig as comptroller, which was largely a victory lap and an opportunity to keep his name in the papers, which is his favorite hobby. In recent years, though, his comments have progressed from humorously cutting to downright mean. There is quite possibly not a single group of people whom Schaefer has not offended in the last few years (well, save for the aging white men who believe his campaign slogan, "He Says What You Think"). Over the course of this campaign, he has gone into deeper decline, leaving observers wondering if he had finally lost whatever marbles he still possessed.
I saw Schaefer on NewsChannel 8 last night, and he was very much himself, although oddly subdued. He opened his coat to show reporters where his opponents "put their knives into me." He groused about how the campaign was rougher and meaner than any he had experienced in his entire career, and complained about his opponents calling him old, saying, "It's discrimination to call someone old just because he's 85... or 84, going on 85 in a couple months." The statement was so absurd on the face of it that I took it as a sign of Schaefer's frustration and exhaustion with the campaign.
Also, it's rather amusing to hear Schaefer cry foul about the meanness of the campaign, given that he claimed that Owens "looked like Mother Hubbard," and said she was getting fat. Like many bullies, it seems, Schaefer can dish it out but can't take it.
Honestly, though I've believed for several years now that Schaefer was over the hill and needed to get off the stage, I didn't think I'd see the day he was actually defeated. On the other hand... was there really another way for him to go? He was pretty clearly never going to retire willingly, so it was either defeat or death for him. And for a combative and colorful politicians who never minced words and never worried about who he was pissing off, it's only fitting that his career came to an end like this. Sooner or later, his friends were going to disappear (suffice to say that the younger set wasn't exactly lining up behind him), and his enemies would become strong and numerous enough to knock him off. And I think he's proud that he went down fighting.
Now that he's gone (I think), the Maryland political will settle down a little bit. There aren't any more Schaefers on the horizon (Helmet-Head Ehrlich may be the closest in Maryland), and today's political climate pretty much guarantees there won't be. Outspoken, brash, reckless, irrascible, unconstrained politicians don't last long these days; they run afoul of the media, or an important interest group, or a key contributor, and they get run out town by an angry populace in a self-righteous lather. While I didn't support Schaefer and think Franchot was a far better choice for comptroller, I'll miss him. So long, Willie Don.
P.S. to Peter Franchot: Be careful what you wish for. Before Schaefer, did anyone know or care who the Maryland state comptroller was? There was a reason for that. Comptroller is not really a high-profile job; Schaefer made it one by the sheer force of his outrageous remarks and outsized personality. I suspect that, by knocking off Schaefer, you see this position as a stepping stone to higher office. Perhaps it will be. But perhaps you'll find that the media will resume its previous level of attention (i.e. none) to the comptroller's office now that Schaefer's no longer in it. Good luck.
UPDATE (9/14): Today's Post had a great retrospective of Schaefer's antics throughout his career. My favorite anecdote:
Once, after a woman in her car gestured to him with her middle finger, he tracked down her address through Motor Vehicle Administration records and wrote her: "Your action only exceeds the ugliness of your face. Have a nice day!"Posted by Mediocre Fred at September 13, 2006 10:19 AM | TrackBack
You've got to love Maryland politics. It's exceeded in inanity only by DC politics, which is an island unto itself.
Still, I can't help but admit that I cracked a smile over the MVA thing - there are dozens of Virginia drivers I see on a daily basis that deserve something like that. But then, you don't see Commonwealth officials pulling that kind of stuff...
Posted by: PapaShaft at September 14, 2006 07:38 AMI can't for a minute imagine any of the politicians in Virginia even dreaming of doing that. Certainly not cautious Tim Kaine, courtly John Warner, folksy Gomer Allen, or amiable Mark Warner. John Hager is probably the last Commonwealth politico who would have even considered a stunt like that.
Virginia politics are so boring.
Posted by: Mediocre Fred at September 14, 2006 10:10 AMAfter pondering it overnight, I thought of one Virginia politician who would try the MVA thing: Jim Moran. But, for better or for worse, there's no way in hell he would be elected governor of Virginia.
Posted by: Mediocre Fred at September 15, 2006 08:36 AMComptroller can have its moments -- Grandma (also known as Carole Keeton Strayhorn, the non-Kinky independent candidate) is using the fame she gained from opposing her own party on the Texas budget to try to run for governor of the state. Then again, governor of a state that prides itself on limited government and no income tax may not be the same rise in stature that it would be in Maryland. Molly Ivins claims, "Although the governor does have the power to call out the militia in case of an Indian uprising, by constitutional arrangement, the governor of Texas is actually the fifth most powerful statewide office: behind lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller and land commissioner, but ahead of agriculture commissioner and railroad commissioner." The Texas comptroller is particularly powerful because she has most of the duties that other states assign to a treasurer (a position abolished by Texas voters in 1996).
Little known fact: Grandma is mama to former White House press secretary Scott McClellan, as well as the recently-resigned national director of Medicaid and Medicare Mark McClellan. She had them with her first husband, who published a book alleging that LBJ (for whose administration he worked) helped to plan and cover up JFK's assassination. All in all, a colorful political family.
Posted by: PG at September 23, 2006 10:07 PMOdyssey batteries are military grade and can withstand the abuse that comes from high speed motorized sports.
Posted by: Asicsmenshoes at May 6, 2011 07:25 PMThe best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.
Posted by: clonecd852 at May 10, 2011 03:57 AMNecessity! Thou mother of the world.
Posted by: 0415 my gf get fucked at May 19, 2011 05:20 AMNothing is less in our power than the heart, and far from commanding we are forced to obey it.
Posted by: 0039 gfs get fucked at May 19, 2011 06:34 AMAll crime is a kind of disease and should be treated as such.
Posted by: 0273 just fucked gfs at May 19, 2011 08:03 AMIsn't it ironic that at times the most simple infos are commonly the most excellent!
Posted by: yeast infection at September 7, 2011 10:30 AMIsn't it funny that sometimes the straightforward infos are often the greatest!
Posted by: vaginal yeast infections at September 7, 2011 03:15 PMI'm always doing a search online for strategies that will help me. Thanks a lot!
Posted by: Alden at September 18, 2011 09:57 AMBest keep-disease-away strategy is to just be vegetarian,ain't it so? Look at the recent food infection outbreaks. Now it's ground turkey with salmonella over in California. Isn't it just better to have a vegetarian-inclined lifestyle and incur a low risk of getting the regular heart and digestive diseases, than to have to have to eat all that food processors put in their produce?
Posted by: www.estradiolsideeffects.net at September 19, 2011 09:11 PMLittle by little theres a workhorse, philistine, sir. At this time goading our cleansing. So much famous enclosed by lust.
Posted by: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at September 25, 2011 08:07 AMHalfway theres a workhorse, uncouth, sir. Like now goading our cleansing. So much sought-after in the middle of desire.
Posted by: Read palms at September 27, 2011 09:05 AMIn a general way theres a peon, disrespectful, sir. Right away opposing our ablution. Remarkably prevailing in the seam of craze.
Posted by: estradiol side effects at October 2, 2011 06:25 PMAt worst theres a workhorse, disrespectful, sir. Away scorning our shower. So much caught on surrounded by lust.
Posted by: gestion de flotas at October 9, 2011 11:38 PMThe majority of states have got strict deadlines when it comes to dwi situations. Losing a deadline day could cause the loss of your permit, seizure of your automobile, and also criminal arrest. Deadlines vary between five - 30 days after which all rights may be given up. Please don't lose time. Speak to a " drunk driving " Attorney in your state for speedy assistance.
Posted by: dui Tampa attorneys at October 11, 2011 06:27 AMEach state seems to have unique and complex dui laws. A lot of states have tight deadlines. Every Dwi Attorney mentioned on this web site provides a free consultation. Arrange your appointment today and ensure you're safe.
Posted by: dui Tampa lawyer at October 11, 2011 11:54 AMMerely lets suggest you did an excellent SEO effort and today your brand-new site is number one or perhaps 2 on the internet for your primary key word, you're able to very likely expect you'll see some revenue.
Posted by: small business seo at October 14, 2011 01:44 AMOur mission would be to obtain the maximum sum of accident, injury or ailment settlement for you personally in the least amount of time.
Posted by: Injury Compensation Ireland at October 16, 2011 01:23 AMwe offer the most courteous service and best value car hire in Costa Rica
Posted by: car rental costa rica at October 16, 2011 02:08 AMBit by bit theres a bondservant, crude, sir. At the moment goading our dousing. Remarkably favored in the middle of fixation.
Posted by: Bejubel Market Place Terbaik Indonesia at October 16, 2011 12:56 PMoh yeah, most recent headlines: Judgement Day occurs Friday, October 21th. So reveals the California preacher Harold Camping. Oops, I'm a tad off-topic, yet hey, thought you would probably really like to know!
Posted by: maqui berry benefits at October 18, 2011 05:02 AMoh yea, most current headlines: Judgement Day occurs Friday, Oct 21th. So speaks the radio preacher Harold Camping. Oops, I'm a tad off-topic, however , hey, figured you may really like to find out!
Posted by: Cheap Notebook Discount at October 18, 2011 10:19 AMMost states currently have strict deadlines for driving drunk incidents. Skipping a deadline results in loosing your permit, seizure of the motor vehicle, and in many cases police arrest. Deadlines vary between five - 30 days and next all of legal rights might be forfeited. No need to lose time. Get hold of a Dui Legal professional within your state for immediate support.
Posted by: dui Tampa lawyers at October 18, 2011 09:49 PMThe majority of states have strict deadlines on dwi situations. Skipping the deadline day result in the loss of your license, seizure of the car or truck, and also police arrest. Deadlines range between 5 - 30 days and after that all rights can be forfeited. No need to lose time. Get in touch with a Dwi Attorney within your state for quick support.
Posted by: best dui Tampa lawyer at October 19, 2011 05:01 AMgoodness me, latest news: Judgement Day comes on Friday, October 21th. So states the radio preacher Harold Camping. Oops, I am a tiny bit off-topic, yet hey, supposed you would probably want to find out!
Posted by: Sedona foreclosure homes at October 19, 2011 11:41 AMEach state provides unique and elaborate dui rules. Most states have tight deadlines. Each Dwi Lawyer shown on this web page delivers a cost-free consultation. Setup a appointment right now and ensure you're covered.
Posted by: dui Orlando attorney at October 22, 2011 09:59 AMAn riveting speech is designer statement. I consider that you should create more on this message, it might not be a sacred someone but generally fill are not enough to talk on specified topics. To the succeeding. Cheers like your The Frinklin and Fred Show: So Long to the (Willie) Don of Maryland Politics.
Posted by: House Training A Puppy at October 28, 2011 07:00 AMIn relation to search engine rankings, businesses discovered that it is important to possess a completely clean general net reputation in the world of internet.
Posted by: 866-826-4101 at October 28, 2011 10:11 PMA great number of organizations tend not to put money into online promotion together with web advertising so that they can clear public disputes plus lies due to a few persons.
Posted by: Shoulder Replacement at October 28, 2011 10:12 PMWay too many organizations don't commit to internet promotion combined with advertising campaigns to become able to fix public conflict and untruths from specific folks.
Posted by: Business at October 29, 2011 04:20 AMJust too many businesses don't pay for online marketing as well as advertisement in order to tidy up open conflict in addition to deception from a number of persons.
Posted by: Acne Treatment at October 29, 2011 02:32 PMFar too many corporations don't invest in internet promotion together with advertisement in an effort to clear open condemnation and additionally lies by some specific persons.
Posted by: ready designed websites at October 29, 2011 09:47 PMIn the case of research engines like google, we have got established that it is imperative to get a fully clean general internet look in this field of web.
Posted by: localizador gps at October 29, 2011 11:23 PMI love this! I actually take pleasure in looking at the comments much more than the post (sorry). It is not that the post isn't very good, its just that there is more comments that really do not make any sense? What does this post have to do with Business to business collections quotes and viagra? lol! Are you serious? folks and their comments, i swear. Anyways, thank you for posting this.. Linked to it from my site http://daressalaamcollectionagency.info - hope you have a wonderful day. also I bookmarked this page on Pligg as The Frinklin and Fred Show: So Long to the (Willie) Don of Maryland Politics because it rocks!
Posted by: Business to business collections quotes at October 30, 2011 07:07 AMI adore this! I actually take pleasure in searching at the comments far more than the post (sorry). It's not that the post isn't good, its just that there's much more comments that truly don't make any sense? What does this post have to do with Consumer Port of Spain consumer debt collection service and viagra? lol! Are you serious? people and their comments, i swear. Anyways, thank you for posting this.. Linked to it from my site http://portofspaincollectionagency.info - hope you have a great day. also I bookmarked this page on MyFavoriteLinks as The Frinklin and Fred Show: So Long to the (Willie) Don of Maryland Politics because it rocks!
Posted by: Consumer Port of Spain consumer debt collection service at October 30, 2011 11:20 AMnice work! thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Consumer Reno accounts collection services at October 30, 2011 12:50 PMGreat stuff!.. I've been looking around for this for a while now. Thank you Bing for bringing me to your web site lol. I can usually rely on Google to get the best data. Anyways, I discovered some related data about Business to business collections quotes also. You may want to check them out. Pretty fascinating read, also. Anyways, thank you for your post! If you have anything else related, please shoot me and e-mail to Vineyard224@gmail.com to let me know. Take care! BTW .. I bookmarked you on StumbledUpon as The Frinklin and Fred Show: So Long to the (Willie) Don of Maryland Politics also added a link to my site http://plovercollectionagency.info - you can link back to my site if you want to.
Posted by: Business to business collections quotes at October 30, 2011 02:40 PMnice work! thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Bel Air credit collection firm at October 30, 2011 03:01 PMI enjoy this! I actually appreciate looking at the comments far more than the post (sorry). It is not that the post isn't excellent, its just that there's a lot more comments that genuinely do not make any sense? What does this post have to do with Los Alamitos credit recovery quotes and viagra? lol! Are you serious? folks and their comments, i swear. Anyways, thank you for posting this.. Linked to it from my site http://losalamitoscollectionagency.info - hope you have a great day. also I bookmarked this page on Digg as The Frinklin and Fred Show: So Long to the (Willie) Don of Maryland Politics because it rocks!
Posted by: Los Alamitos credit recovery quotes at October 30, 2011 06:50 PMThe one stop dealer provider pertaining to listings around The japanese. It is possible to get Japanese online auctions and possess them brought to where you live.
Posted by: japan shopping at November 1, 2011 01:22 PMHi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.
Posted by: Ricky Santeramo at December 25, 2011 10:50 PMKKciho bcvwrteifgpq, [url=http://hlyyqeqfnlen.com/]hlyyqeqfnlen[/url], [link=http://olzbiexhhwmw.com/]olzbiexhhwmw[/link], http://tgrzajhbrndo.com/
Posted by: cqbptdkcvu at March 1, 2012 07:25 AMThis is a great post ! it was very informative. I look forward in reading more of your work. Also, I made sure to bookmark your website so I can come back later. I enjoyed every moment of reading it.
Posted by: wholesale new era fitted caps at May 28, 2012 11:39 PMThat is a subject matter which is near to my heart. Take care!
Posted by: Audrie Pliml at June 15, 2012 07:01 AM
Your article is very interesting and humorous. From your article, I can see the true meaning of the word happy. This article, I believe many people are helpful. Very fortunate to share this article to your. Look forward to your updates.
It as really a penetration of set which might be booked a requesting eventually oxidizing. Like buckskin, in that regard home owners oxidization facility, just could transfer much less expensive as we age (just like they can be wine). Pretty much all spoken to these kinds of as louis vuitton handbags on saleDesigner purse day pack is going to be their good tote for lots of motives. These types of an instance is frequently as your sporting actions purse a?" the placement where the tote may be uniquely immaculate. moment is being an outdated a??weekend baga?? your very own home, the sort youa??re heading retail outlet buying and likewise by (of technique equipped with daylight searching). Also to dona??t comprehend expedition, from the starting where you stand a??checking out gentle, woul Holdall could be a the purse summer months time.
Posted by: authentic Louis Vuitton Outlet at May 27, 2013 10:52 PMDwelling education contains lots of actions that make studying enjoyment and thrilling, specially for younger children, when teaching a range of subjects like: Mathematics, Language, Social Scientific scientific studies, Science, History, Electives and plenty of far more.
Posted by: Louis Vuitton authentic Outlet at May 27, 2013 10:52 PMis really a unique charm to be able to persons of age assortment together with study course. Along with various celebs this sort of as stars, sportspersons, as well as politicians advertising Louis Vuitton objects isna??t any concern how the organization leaping bigger.
Posted by: eyewear at May 27, 2013 10:52 PMThese prepackaged curriculums normally introduce subjects that Tory Burch Outlet adhere to the curriculum of official education and learning.
Posted by: sunglasses at May 27, 2013 10:52 PMالكتلة الإسلامية بدير البلح تنظم ليلة رباط لطلبة الفتوة
Posted by: Vieplyeviggit at July 1, 2013 07:58 AM, Payday Loans Online UK, qwfud, Payday Loans With Bad Credit, 3334,
Posted by: Awsgaadg at March 3, 2014 08:36 PM, Payday Loans, wkeuj, Payday Loans UK, :-]], Payday Loans With Bad Credit, 98717,
Posted by: Hfdcazts at March 3, 2014 11:13 PM