All Politics is Local
Here is a note on voting from Hunter from “Hey Rube’
That is one of the key things I learned in these years, and I learned it the hard way. Anybody who thinks that “it doesn’t matter who’s President” has never been Drafted and sent off to fight and die in a vicious, stupid War on the other side of the World — or been beaten and gassed by Police for tresspassing on public property — or been hounded by the IRS for purely political reasons — or locked up in the Cook County Jail with a broken nose and no phone access and twelve perverts wanting to stomp your ass in the shower: that is when it matters who is President or Governor or Police Chief. That is when you will wish you had voted.
-Hunter S. Thompson, Hey Rube
So, our friend Mick Ireland captured 47% of the vote yesterday in the pre-runnof mayoral election. His main opponent, the developer, Tim Semrau got 34%. Our friend Torre (in the order of our beloved Ralph Nader), pulled 17%. Torre was doing a nice job on City Council and it goes witout saying he will be back, and is a much needed voice in Aspen politics. He spent many nights in the kitchen listening to Hunter’s wisdom.
Hunter also supported Mick Ireland in the past, who is an experienced dedicated public servant, and GIFTED organizer. I learned a lot volunteering for the the county-wide Kerry Campaign he organized in 2004. Colorado is unfornutaly a red state, but Pitkin Couny, under his care, voted 70% for Kerry. He knows how to get the vote out.
At least he knows how to get the vote out for other candidates. the voter turnout here was only 2,183. Between Mick and Tim Semrau, they spent a total of $51,000 (according to the Aspendailynews.com Monday article). Mick had spent $23,000 so far, and the developer had spent $28,000. Here is the breakdown according to my solar powered calculator:
Each vote cost Mick $23
Each vote cost the developer $38
The runoff is next month. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of our local politics.
Until next time, your friend,
Anita Thompson
p.s. Does anyone know what the national statistics are for how money raised translates to voter turnout? I’m aware that books are written about this, and departments of universities are dedicated to studying this, but who has the most reliable info? Please click on the email link to the left and send me some info. Thanks!!
I’m headed back to Columbia today to take my last exam of the year, and will be back Thurs or Friday.
p.s.s.s. I just spoke to Troy Hooper from Aspen Daily News, and yes, they are happy to sponsor a debate that I will host here at Owl Farm between Tim Semaru and Mick Ireland. George Stranahan and maybe Hal Haddon to provide some good questions.
