Dear Ms. Kennedy:<\/p>\n
It appears that you’ve risen to the top of the list to succeed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as New York’s next junior Senator. Congratulations. Sincerely.<\/p>\n
But before accepting the post, let me encourage you to walk the walk for a week or two.<\/p>\n
Take a drive upstate and spend several days back-to-back sitting in on Rotary club luncheons and sitting through award ceremonies at VFW halls. <\/p>\n
Meet with six or eight small-town mayors in a day. And then, the morning after, see if you can remember their names — or fake it well enough to get by.<\/p>\n
Because that’s the life that awaits you.<\/p>\n
The thing is, the United States Senate ain’t what it used to be. The patrician, reserved enclave that your father and your uncle first experienced is ancient history.<\/p>\n
These days, Senators work the rubber-chicken circuit just like lowly congressmen. In part, that’s because Senators Schumer and Clinton redefined the office.<\/p>\n
So pull your galoshes out of the closet and get out of New York City and test the politician’s life before saying yes.<\/p>\n
See if you’re comfortable sitting on couches in double-wide trailers. See if you’re okay with people feeling like you work for them. <\/p>\n
Oh and one other thing. <\/p>\n
If you accept the post, you’ll face two bruising elections in the next four years — one of them very likely against former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.<\/p>\n
I’ve seen Rudy on the stump. He’s one of the best campaigners in the country, as good at naughty as he is at nice. <\/p>\n
To beat him, you’ll have to split your time between dull-as-dirt fundraisers in New York City and weary campaign whistle stops in places like Gloversville and Plattsburgh.<\/p>\n
Truth is, there is absolutely nothing on your resume to suggest that you enjoy that sort of thing, or have any particular knack for it.<\/p>\n
So put a toe in the water first. Come join us for a few Methodist church dinners and Chamber of Commerce luncheons. Then decide whether this is the life for you.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
Brian Mann
Political Reporter
North Country Public Radio<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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