But, for the victors, those who survived the attack ads, the hit mail pieces and the whisper campaigns, the rewards, while not as great as Mencken's equestrian reference, are powerful. Perhaps that explains those stares given to those who never ran, but still feel a duty to lecture the elected. Like high school boys explaining jungle firefights to a Green Beret, it just doesn't hold up. SO it is the wise politician who treats colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, with a little deference and respect. Political commentator Chris Matthews reminds politicians there is certain etiquette to even the deepest blood feud.
Attackers usually find that the wounds only make the memories grow longer and sharper.
Those who are getting ready to tangle with the just elected Legislature will find 2001 a better year, if they remember the boys in the back room put up one hell of a fight to get there. Richard Borreca reports on Hawaii's politics every Wednesday.