He proved that he has the ability to conceptualize, organize, put something on the ballot and win. The measure survived its first legal challenge Wednesday, when a federal judge cleared the way for its implementation. As a result, California's system of teaching children in their native languages will virtually end. Instead, students who are not fluent will be placed in intensive English classes for one year, then moved into regular courses. Cynics suspect there is an ulterior motive, that Unz used the initiative to raise his personal profile and build a launch pad for a future run for office.
Friends insist that the truth is far less sinister.
Even if this guy had no money, he'd be in a one-room apartment, spending all his time writing letters to the editor. It's true that Unz has all the markings of a monomaniacal political junkie. Upon discovering Commentary magazine some time ago, he ordered 15 years of back issues and read them all. He also has a stubborn righteousness about him. After spending 10 years building his company, Wall Street Analytics Inc. of Palo Alto, which writes financial management software, Unz recently placed the business in the hands of an associate and seems wholly uninterested in rejoining it.