This article, which was reprinted in today’s Virginian-Pilot, should be required reading for not only Rep. Glenn Nye but anyone running for or already in elected office.
It’s that there are times in all our careers when we must ask ourselves why we’re here. I decided that my desire for public service at that moment was greater than my desire to guarantee continued service. … I believed then and now that being able to point to something tangible that changed our country for the better was a more powerful motivator than the possible electoral repercussions.
Marjorie Margolies said what I always say: the worst thing that can happen to an elected official is that they not get re-elected. So you might as well do what you believe is the right thing and let the chips fall where they may. If the voters agree with you, fine. If they don’t, that should be fine, too.
Far too often, politicians are willing to do and say whatever it takes to get elected/re-elected. Many do so because they lack a clear set of core principles that guide their decision-making. I respect the few politicians out there who stay true to their principles – even if I disagree with them – rather than changing them whenever the polls show a different result. I have a real problem with politicians – Democrat or Republican – whose only core value is to get re-elected.
Someone asked me why Rep. Tom Perriello got a pass for voting for the Stupak amendment while Rep. Nye didn’t get one for voting against the health care reform bill. I think the difference is that Perriello has a core principal rooted in his faith that he felt the Stupak amendment addressed, while Nye’s vote was seen as purely political.
Neither of these guys may have a job come November, but if they both lose, I think it will be for different reasons.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Great article and the similarities are stunning.
The Democrats passed a bill that launched an economy in which all wage groups grew, 22 million jobs were created, and poverty plummeted. The republicans lied and lied, predicted a depression and used fear and scare tactics to try and defeat the Clinton economic initiative.
Insert HCR for the Clinton economic plan and it is deja vu’ all over again. Republicans once again will be proven historically wrong, regardless of the short term election consequences.
As for a prediction, I have Nye and Boucher voting no and Connelly and Perriello voting aye!
That’s right, the economic expansion of the 90’s all stemmed from a tax increase.
I have a bridge for sale if you’re interested….
I thought it was a great article. Sometimes one has to do what is “right and proper” instead of doing what is ones personal best interests. The article made that point clear. She did her duty and remains proud to have cast that vote.
Nye should vote “Yes” on healthcare’s final bill and hold his head up and be proud. The long term benefits are worth the fallout the GOP will give him anyway. Even if he votes no, they will attack him and do their best to replace him.
The fact that “do the right thing” is hailed a triumph of political courage is a sad commentary. But the article stood out in this politcal clmate. I wish her the best.
Right on, sister Vivian!
So, true, Vivian. Sadly,I believe not many of our elected officials (a) have a core value system in place and (b) they will vote for what is politically or personally in their own best interest. One only has to look no further than one’s own backyard to see political/personal interests of the elected hard at work.
Marjorie Margolies voted her conscious, her core beliefs, and has never looked back and regretted it. We need more folks like her in every tier of government…from the bottom up. Thanks for sharing her article.
True as far as it goes, but to those people not getting reelected is on par with having an arm lopped off.