“You know, Brian, my wife is going to wring my neck for even suggesting this crazy idea you two have cooked up here.”
He chuckled. “I know.”
“When do you need an answer?”
“That's the difficult part. Governor Jackson wants to make an announcement—about whomever we endorse—tomorrow.”
“Seriously?”
“I get it. The timing sucks, but you don't always have the luxury in politics of being sure you’re doing the right thing. Sometimes going with your gut is the best you can do. I’m guessing it was like that when you were a reporter.”
“Dude, you know that’s not going to win you points with my better half.”
“Probably not, but it’s true.” He paused. “So, you’ll think it over and give me an answer tomorrow?”
Jim slumped in his chair. “OK, sure. I guess so.”
“Sounds good. And one more thing.”
“Yeah?”
“When you’re an assembly member, you probably shouldn’t call me ‘Dude’ anymore.”
Lizzie shook her head and stifled a laugh.
Jim pondered the best comeback he could think of. “I’m going to blame that one on whatever meds you’re on at the moment.”
“Probably a good idea. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Brian disconnected the call.
Jim looked at Lizzie with perplexed desperation. “Is he just blowing smoke or can this plan actually work?”
“I ran some numbers last night and, with the right endorsements and campaign contributions, I think you have a real chance of winning. If that’s what you want…”
“The problem is that it’s not a matter of whether I want it or not, but whether I should. That’s a whole other question altogether.”
She leaned in. “Jim, I’ve worked on political campaigns since I was sixteen and I can tell you the one thing that is true of everyone who has won. They all wanted it more than just about anything else. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee a win. There are a thousand and one things that can determine the outcome of an election, and you’re lucky if you can guess what half of them will be. But if you don’t have the drive to win, don’t bother to enter the race. It’s just not worth it, even with everything in your favor.”
“If that was supposed to be inspirational, I’m not sure you quite hit the mark.”
“I’ll leave the inspirational stuff to Brian. I have found it’s better to tell candidates the truth. Heaven knows you don’t get enough of that in politics.”
“I was a political reporter long enough to learn that for myself.”
“So, what you’ve got to figure out is whether you have it in you to run for office.”
“And I’ve got to figure it out by tomorrow.”
She waved her hand as she rose from her seat. “Come on, you’re an old reporter. You’re used to deadlines.”
He smiled and stood himself. “Former reporter, not old, thank you very much. But yeah, I know how to meet a deadline.”
They shook hands as she left the office.
_____
“Is Brian insane? I mean, like, certifiably insane?”
Jim smirked at Melissa’s reaction after he explained the news on way to pick up Mark. “That’s what I told him, but he didn’t want to listen to me.”
“Brian and this consultant…”
“Lizzie.”
“They seriously think you can win?”
“O, ye of little faith.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I mean, I believe in you, but you have to get 100,000 other people to agree with me.”
“That should be easy. I mean, I agree with everything you say.”
She swatted at him. “As if. But seriously now, you’d have to go out there and campaign for the next two months, attending the chicken dinners and the ribbon cuttings and all the stuff you hate.”
“It wouldn’t be that bad.”
“Maybe, but on top of that you would actually be a politician, not just work for one. You would have to debate laws and make compromises and raise money, all the stuff you used to rail on when you were a reporter.”
“You’ve got a point there.” He watched an old woman cross the street before responding. “So, I’m guessing you think I should turn them down.”
“Yes, I would rather you do that, but I’m not sure that’s what you should do. If you believe God is calling you to run, then I’m behind you. I might be nervous about all it would mean for the family, but I would support you. But if this is something that’s not what He wants and it would simply be a means for stroking your ego, then I think you need to give them a firm ‘no’ and let them go to their number 2 person. Why couldn’t Brian do it?”
“Because Brian is a behind-the-scenes guy who can rub people the wrong way if they don’t know him. The campaign needs a bright, shiny face with a great smile.” Jim flashed a Broadway smile.
“When I met you, that face and that smile were on billboards and busses, and you let all of that fame go to your head. I know you’ve matured a lot since then, but I’m worried your oversized ego might come back.”
Jim nodded. “I’m worried too, but they need me and I think I might be of some use.”
“How so?”
“Do you remember, when I left the Courier, that I had a list of things I wanted to do?”
Melissa smiled as she remembered his passion as a new believer. “You were ready to change the world all by yourself.”
“I was, and what I have done since then? Working as a college newspaper advisor was good, but I didn’t have much of an impact off campus. And working for Delores was great, but who knows if a new person would keep me on or let me go. And then I’m looking for work again.”
“Do you really think you can win?”
“Maybe. Brian’s argument makes sense, and Lizzie’s numbers seem to add up as well. They’ve been doing this for a while, so I doubt they would suggest it if they thought it was a lost cause. Their reputation will be on the line as well.”
“You’re going to do it, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know. I might. The problem is that they’ve got to have an answer by tomorrow.”
“They can’t wait another day or two?”
“Not according to Lizzie. Governor Jackson will be in town for the funeral on Saturday, along with the Speaker Muñoz. Since they both would be here, it would make sense to have someone to swear in while they are in So Cal.
“No pressure or anything.”
“I know. We need to spend some serious time in prayer tonight.”
“For sure.”
They pulled up to Aunt Patty and Uncle Phil’s house. The retired couple opened their door, and they saw Mark standing at the door waving.
“I would ask the family to pray, but I know how important it is to keep this quiet.”
“Normally I’d agree with you but we need all the wisdom we can get on this one. You can talk to your parents along with Elizabeth, Timothy and Rebecca. I’ll let Phil and Patty know. As long as they keep it quiet for 24 hours or so, we should be OK.”
As they approached the house, Patty opened the door, and Mark jumped up into his mother’s arms. “Did you have a good day?”
“Yeah!”
Jim gave his son a kiss on the cheek. “What did you do today, buddy?”
“We played with blocks and Play-Doh. It was fun.”
Melissa began to take Mark’s plush animals and clothes out to her RAV4 while Jim stayed behind to talk to his aunt and uncle.
At the end of his explanation, Phil put his hand on Jim’s shoulder. “I know it’s a tough decision to make, but your aunt and I have faith He will give you the wisdom you’re looking for. Mind if we pray for you right now?”
“Not at all.”
They put their hands on his shoulders, and the three of them lifted up their concerns to God.
_____
The next morning, Jim’s finger hovered over the send button on his phone. Taking a deep breath, he ca
lled Brian.
“What’s the news, my good man?”
“Well, against my better judgment, and pretty much all rational thought, I’ll do it. I’m in.”
“For the whole thing? Not just keeping the seat warm, but actually running for office as well.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this but, yes, I’m running for State Assembly.”
“That’s great news, Jim. Really great news. I’ll call Lizzie and then get in touch with the Speaker and Governor Jackson. I’m sure we can do a quick swearing-in ceremony in the office after the funeral and then you can get to work. Typically, this would take a lot longer, but nobody wants the seat open for very long.”
“And they all know I’m an independent. An actual independent. I’ve split my vote in pretty much every election since I can remember.”
“I wouldn’t quite put it that way when we’re asking folks for money, but yes, they know you’re an independent. That’s why they picked you.”
“You know you guys might live to regret that decision. Even with all your fancy voter models and what not, you and Lizzie know we might not win this thing?”
“I worked my first campaign when I was in elementary school. Admittedly, I only walked precincts with my mom and dad for about half an hour, but they wanted me to see how important it was to be involved in making your community a better place to live. If I wanted an easy race, I would have called Linda Dooley, but I don’t want the popular choice. I want the right one.”
“You wouldn’t have said that when we met three months ago.”
“Maybe not, but I didn’t know you then. I know we’ve only worked together since May, but I’ve gotten to know you and I trust you. Sure, sometimes I think you are just plain stubborn, but you come by your beliefs honestly. I’m not going to lie, you’re going to have a steep learning curve, but you’ve done that before. Lizzie and I believe in you. Let’s get the rest of the 42nd District to as well. What do you say?”
“I say you should be writing the speeches instead of me.”
“Nah, I don’t want anyone else knowing I’m an idealistic dreamer. It would ruin my image as an irascible old coot.”
“You’re not old.”
“Oh good, you know how to flatter. That’s your first lesson as a politician all taken care of.”
The two chuckled as they transitioned to planning how to put the scheme into action.
4
Governor Jackson offered a ride from the funeral in his specially fortified Chevy Blazer, but Jim had already planned to take a Lincoln sedan he rented for the day. The Audi Delores had leased for district travel was available to him, but Jim didn't like the optics of driving a new car funded with taxpayer money while he was running for office. And he wasn't about to drive his 10-year-old Accord on district business, at least not until he got it washed and detailed. Not if he wanted to get re-elected.
Some days I really hate politics.
The short ride from the hillside cemetery to the office would take only 15 minutes or so, so there wasn’t much time to think about the upcoming ceremony.
“Are we going home?” Mark squirmed in his car seat in the back.
Jim leaned his head back. “No, we have to go to the office first, remember?”
“You’re gonna swear?”
Melissa smiled. “Not exactly, buddy. He’s going to be sworn in.”
“Actually, I think he had it right the first time.”
She swatted his arm “Behave, Jim.”
“Oh, like I’m going to start now.”
_____
The district office took up several spaces on the first floor of an Emerald Valley commercial building. Normally empty on a Saturday afternoon, the space buzzed with energy. Jackson and Muñoz had their security details and staffers flitting about. Even Leland Chilcote had driven down from Central California to make sure the Republicans were represented at the ceremony.
As they exited the car, Mark fussed with the tie that went with the new outfit they had purchased yesterday afternoon.
Entering the workspace, he turned to go to his old office before Melissa gently clutched his hand and pulled him toward the official Assembly Member’s office.
Jim chuckled. “Old habits…”
Matt Jackson extended his hand and offered the perfect politician’s handshake. A few inches shorter than Jim, the governor had the perfect smile, and not a strand of his silver hair was out of place. Jim had heard somewhere he had his hair cut every week, just like the president.
“Thank you, Governor, for the wonderful speech.”
“Delores was a great public servant, even though she didn’t serve long. We’re looking forward to having you fill her seat.”
Jim smiled politely. “I’m happy to serve.”
“Shall we get started?”
“Actually, could I have the office to myself for just a couple of minutes?”
The governor gave a knowing laugh. “Want to enjoy your last few minutes of freedom, eh?”
“Something like that.”
Jim, Melissa, and Mark entered the office and shut the door. He looked around the space and quickly noticed a picture of Delores and himself on the wall and another one of him helping with a food drive at a local Salvation Army office. A lovely glass-and-walnut case held the flag that had flown over the Capitol the day after Delores was shot. Brian had personally paid for the flag to be shipped and displayed.
He sighed. “I told Brian not to have those put up yet. It seems too soon.”
“Don’t get mad at him. He was just doing his job. You’re about to become the newest member of the California State Assembly.”
“I know, and the pictures we’re about to take are going to be in the Courier and on our campaign literature. I’ve covered enough politicians in my day. I just never thought I would become one.”
She looked both ways and grinned. “I’m sure we could duck out of here and nobody would mind.”
“If only.”
“Want to pray before everything gets started?”
He shook his head. “We could probably only stall the Governor of California for another minute or two, and I figure I’m going to be talking to God about this right up until Election Day anyway.” He walked to the door and opened it. “Let’s get started, shall we?”
It took a few minutes for everyone to take their places. Brian and Lizzie had gone back and forth on Friday about who should swear Jim in. Lizzie favored the Speaker, while Brian wanted to go with Chilcote to allay the fears of Republicans in the district.
Jim overrode the two and personally asked Jackson to handle the ceremony. “I can get pictures with Muñoz and Chilcote afterwards. It just seems proper for Governor Jackson to perform the honors.”
Brian huffed. “Yes, but then people will think you are the governor’s lapdog.”
“People are going to think that anyway, which is why I’m going to vote my conscience no matter what both sides try to offer me.”
“You’re not going to make my job easy, are you?”
“Probably not.”
Thoughts of the conversation dissolved as the governor approached. “Ready?”
“Guess so.” Jim shrugged. “I feel like I’m about to be deputized by Wyatt Earp.”
The governor laughed. “Not a bad comparison.” Then he whispered in Jim’s ear. “Just remember who got you this job.”
“Not a problem, as long as you remember that I don’t respond well to threats.”
Jackson nodded in surprise. “And my people didn’t think you had ‘the fire in the belly’ to play at this level.”
Jim’s eyebrows raised. “Bad intel, I’m afraid.”
As the two separated, Jim wasn’t quite sure if he had earned the governor’s respect or had made an enemy. But, since he wasn’t interested in being a life-long politician, he wasn’t sure he cared all that much.
Reporters from the Courier, the Los Angeles Times, and the Sacramento Bee now crowded the office, alon
g with one camera crew from the Channel 5 News filming the event.
Jackson turned to address the audience. “Today I have the privilege of swearing in Jim Mitchell to fill Delores Holcombe’s Assembly seat. As I’m sure many of you know, Delores took over the seat from Theresa Seiffert, who left office for health reasons. And now we have tragically lost Delores.
“But as we search for the vile person who perpetrated the heinous act, we have a chance to celebrate. Jim Mitchell, who’s made a name for himself as an award-winning reporter, college professor, and spokesperson for the late assemblywoman, has agreed to step up and serve the people of this district and the state of California.”
Jim moved into place and raised his hand to take the oath of office.
I, James T. Mitchell, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.
After shaking hands with Jackson, Melissa kissed the newly minted assembly member on the cheek. Jim hugged his son before receiving congratulations from Muñoz and Chilcote as well.
“Anytime you want to join our caucus, just let me know.” Chilcote’s smile was almost as bright at Jackson’s.”
“Nice try, Mr. Speaker. The governor just made the same offer and I turned him down, too.”
“Can’t blame me for trying.”
After the commotion died down, Jim turned to the cameras and said a silent prayer before he began speaking. “I am honored and humbled by the awesome responsibility that has been placed upon my shoulders. While my Democratic and Republican colleagues here today”—he gestured to the lawmakers whose ranks he had just joined—“would like me to join their side, they have assured me they respect my independence. This is the last job I ever wanted, believe me.”
Running Page 3