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* State Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) has a new book out called “Backstabbers: The Reality of Politics.” The New York Times’ Chicago edition has just published a review of what it refers to as Hendon’s “unbridled political primer”…

Mr. Hendon’s book provides local political wannabes with a tour d’horizon of the game, at least as played in his neck of the woods, including pages of dos and don’ts of petition drives. For example, it advises aspiring candidates to personally double check that their petition circulators aren’t producing “garbage.”

There are tips on the best places for billboards and posters; on rehearsing for debates in front of a mirror but not feeling compelled to answer a moderator’s questions; on using low-cost buffets for fund-raisers rather than pricey sit-downs; and on how to uncover “saboteurs” and “informants” in your organization.

When it comes to a politician’s most important moment — Election Day — the stylistic devotee of the upper case urges candidates not only to “GRAB SOME LAST MINUTE CASH” to have on hand, but also to be wily in procuring the favor of election judges, especially in a close race.

“If you’re in a situation where you must do these kinds of things, remember that men will let their guard down with attractive women, especially if the woman flirts with him and pretends to like him.”

No one, certainly not any board of elections, can be trusted. “IF THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH CHEATING YOU, THEY WILL CHEAT YOU,” Mr. Hendon wrote.

I get a feeling that “tour d’horizon” is not the sort of language used in Hendon’s tome. But, whatever. All publicity is good publicity when you’re trying to move units.

* I called Sen. Hendon this afternoon and asked if he had a song request to celebrate his newly elevated literary notoriety. I mean, it isn’t everybody who gets his book reviewed in the New York Times - even if it is the Chicago edition. Rickey chose the obvious tune…

A few of your buddies they sure look shady

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 5:00 pm

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