we desire what’s real

06Nov09

The primary election a few months back was kind of a test run for the new all mail-in ballot process. It was the first time I’ve voted by mail and, although I recognize that the ease of it should, in theory, increase voter turn-out, I still don’t like it.

I already miss going to the church up the street, and casting my ballot in person.

For the second year in a row, I spent Election Night at the War Room. There is absolutely no way that anyone that was there last year has forgotten what an extraordinary evening it was. We were well past capacity early on, before the polls even closed. The electricity in the air was unparalleled.

And, when that celebration spilled out into the streets, it seriously was magic.

We were just walking up to the intersection of Pike and Broadway last year when strains of Journey filled the air. I’ve never experienced anything like it — a giant, open air party in the middle of the streets, strangers hugging and kissing, folks popping bottles of champagne and smiles for as far as you could see.

Seeing that video again really warmed my heart, and reminded me how powerful it can be when people are united. I do think that feeling carried over to this year’s local election. So many of my friends were mobilized this year, doing all they could to make sure that our City and County government reflects the people it represents.

Of course, this year didn’t come close to the festivities that erupted in 2008. How could it? But, we still had a full house at the official Mike McGinn election party. And, even though it was the first time I’ve seen that many political wonks and news crews inside the club, there were still plenty of homies kicking it.

I wore my lucky hat. It hasn’t failed me yet. Knock wood.

I don’t know if Dan Savage’s hat is particularly lucky, but it was good to see him. He once gave me advice about that married man I was in love with. I believe his exact words, given to me one night outside of Havana, were, “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Fuck that guy, he’s an asshole.”

I might be making the honey part up. Doesn’t seem like something Savage would say. Although, we have known each other a long time now, which always breeds affection.

Regardless, the political process always makes me think of Maurice, and I would be lying if I said he didn’t even cross my mind this year. But, in a sign that I am actually learning my lessons, it passed pretty quickly. Sometimes it takes a long time, but the heart does eventually mend.

There have been plenty of distractions this political season.

I have been saying it a lot lately, but the boys in Mad Rad and Fresh Espresso sure are enhancing my life. I love working with them, and there’s so much going on. They really get humans worked up. It’s fun.

Every news crew in town was at the War Room the other night. A new Mayor is a big deal.

It’s been a couple of days now, and we still don’t know the winner. As of Thursday’s count, there are only 515 votes separating the candidates. At least McGinn is still in the lead, even if it is painfully narrow. But, man, this sucks. There are still thousands of ballots that need to be tallied, and a re-count is inevitable.

I don’t know how the hell Mike McGinn is getting through this. I wonder if he can even sleep?

Tuesday was a big night for local politics. It was the first time I’ve voted and had so many winners on my ballot. Every single City Council member I support was elected. Dow’s beautifully run campaign resulted in a big win, Pete Holmes handed Tom Carr his ass on a platter, and Referendum 71 was approved. Barely, but still.

It was like the best day ever at the racetrack. The War Room ran out of Jameson.

It’s going to take forever to find out who our new Mayor is. I am not a fan of such a situation. I sure hope it’s this guy. The one with the beard.

I really missed seeing all the little old ladies that used to run my polling place. I bet they miss the whole voting in person process, too. At least it all went out with a giant bang last year.

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