Madore obviously believes he now is an asset to those whom he blesses with his support. But does Stewart think that? What the heck, why not ask her?
Me: Do you welcome Madore’s support? Do you think his support is a benefit or a hindrance to your campaign?
Stewart: I haven’t really thought about it.
Me: You’re a relatively shrewd politician – that’s a compliment, by the way – surely you have thought as to whether or not someone like Commissioner David Madore would be a benefit or a hindrance to your campaign. When you say you haven’t really thought about it, that’s really difficult for me to believe.
Stewart: Honestly, I haven’t thought about that. I don’t believe anything is expected of me by David Madore.
Me: That’s different than whether or not someone is going to associate you with Madore and whether or not they may decide to vote for you or against you based on that association. That’s different than you being beholden to him.
Stewart: The decision to file as a Republican at a time where the party has kind of been disparaged and beat up — whether or not that’s just — took a long period of thinking before I decided to file as a Republican.
I’m not sure what to make of her answer. I simply can’t buy that she hasn’t thought about what impact Madore’s support would have on her campaign. If you believe that, you’d have to believe she’s naive. The only other option is she’s being disingenuous.
o o o
I should say that I believe Stewart is a good person. During the editorial board interview, I felt she had improved immensely not only in her delivery of her message but the message itself.
I should say Pridemore also is a good person. He’s a thoughtful, insightful guy. And like Stewart, he’s an old warhorse in the political arena who — despite getting whooped in a recent statewide election — is back for more.
If I had my way, folks like Stewart and Pridemore would simply step aside. Let new blood give it a try. I’m not a fan of career politicians. Both would tell you the only reason they keep running is because they love to serve the public. I would tell you if you believe that, I have some beachfront property in Yacolt to sell you.
Some of it, of course, is public service. But once elected, you can’t beat the power, the money and — yeah — the pension.
Still, today we are faced with having Stewart and Pridemore.
And Madore.
Will Madore’s support of Stewart push Pridemore over the top? Stay tuned.
Lou Brancaccio is The Columbian’s editor.
