Martin’s minor change in latitude to bring major change in attitude
When Ed Martin was named the new chief of staff to Gov. Matt Blunt, Springfield News-Leader editorial page editor and fellow blogger Tony Messenger asked: Did Blunt choose wisely?
The answer is yes.
Before we begin, it should be noted that I don’t know Martin’s predecessor, Ken McClure. Upon his departure to Missouri State, McClure was universally praised for his character, and seems to have stayed far above whatever accusations have been levied against other members and associates of the Blunt administration.
Martin’s selection brought praise from Democrats and Republicans who’ve worked with him in St. Louis. Fear not, outstate right-wingers — Martin is no namby-pamby moderate. The praise from Dems was based not on ideology, but on job performance (1) and attitude.
If Democrats like Martin’s attitude, Republicans will love it. To explain why, here’s a little exercise for my fellow Republicans to perform:
Close your eyes and picture your least favorite Blunt campaign staffer or consultant (yes, you can count the ones who have left.) Now name three adjectives to describe that person.
Got ‘em? Good.
Whichever three adjectives you picked, Ed Martin is the opposite.
Where others are arrogant, Martin is genuinely humble. Where others seem to try a little too hard to portray a regal image, Martin is who he is. Where others seem to take great pride in being tricky little Dicks (2), Martin is nothing if not forthright.
Back to Matt Blunt. Among Republicans, Blunt has a “no” problem. When conservatives are asked if they approve of the job he’s done as governor, 37 percent (3) are saying “no.” When Blunt asked the legislature to hurry up and pass a few things at the end of session (4), legislative leaders from his own party said, “No.” And when pro-life leaders, county chairmen, and committeepeople get the call from Blunt campaign staffers/administration officials/consultants for help starting next year, I know more than a few that have their “NO!” rants well-rehearsed and ready to go.
Let’s admit: It’s easy to say no to people you don’t like, and to people who offer things you’re not interested in.
Personally, if I were mad at the governor and determined to make a point about this or that — like many Republicans seem to be these days — I wouldn’t want Ed Martin calling me.
Ed wouldn’t offer me a fee license office, which would let me say, “No, I don’t want the hassle.”
Ed wouldn’t offer me an appointment, which would allow me to say, “No, I don’t have the desire.”
Ed certainly wouldn’t offer me the chance to be part of a foolproof business venture, which would give me the chance to say, “No, I don’t want to be indicted.”
Instead, Ed would probably forgo the money-and-power angle and appeal to things like my values and my beliefs.
Crazy, I know. But it just might work.
In Martin, Blunt chose a man who has earned his ideological stripes, shown he can reform a broken system, and can bring even the most disgruntled Republicans back into the fold.
A wise choice, indeed.
(1) See johncombest.com headlines for Wednesday, August 9 and Thursday, August 10 for more on the unprecedented speed and accuracy of the St. Louis City Election Board’s election-night operation.
(2) As in “Nixon.”
(3) According to the latest SurveyUSA poll.
(4) Namely a little $450 million deal concerning MOHELA.
E-mail: john {at} johncombestblog {dot} com.