election through network

One of the most interesting things about electoral politics is that you don’t need to be particularly charismatic or knowledgeable if you have the right networks. Especially in smaller elections, where having a few key connections can mobilize the voters who make the difference. Consider the following quote from Martha Coakley, the Mass. democrat who is running for Ted Kennedy’s seat. A reporter asked if it was wise to rely on party insiders and unions:

“As opposed to standing outside Fenway Park? In the cold? Shaking hands? This is a special election. And I know that I have the support of Kim Driscoll. And I now know the members of the [Salem] School Committee, who know far more people than I could ever meet.’

Of course, she can still lose. A string of nasty comments probably means that she will. Still, if Coakley merely did the minimal PR and said nice things, she could probably win this contest. There are many politicians (Bush II, Daley, Jr.) who got to where they were merely by not saying offensive things in public and relying on pre-existing networks.