I am often asked by potential long shot candidates whether they should run if they don’t have much of a chance at winning. My answer is that there’s nothing wrong with running and losing as long as you can afford it both financially and emotionally.
I feel that way because while people in politics and the media often say that a losing race hurts a candidate’s chances for future success, I don’t think many voters feel that way. And running any political race, even a losing one, usually makes you a better candidate in any future campaigns.
Just look at the three most powerful elected officials in New York State government; Governor David Paterson, State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. All have lost elections before assuming their present jobs – Paterson for Public Advocate, Skelos for State Senate and Silver for City Council.
Paterson’s present job is inarguably better than the one he tried for but lost but interestingly, he is not the only losing candidate for Public Advocate (or President of the City Council – the position’s previous title) to do better by losing.
Others are Congressman Charles Rangel, former Governor Hugh Carey, and former Ambassador and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
You can even make a good arguments that losing candidates Jimmy Breslin (who won the Pulitzer Prize 20 years after running for Council President) and Robert Ramirez (who became Bronx County Leader and then an influential lobbyist after his 1993 race) also are better off that they lost.
By contrast, the last winning candidate for the post who went on to higher office was former Mayor Vincent Impellitteri over 50 years ago.
All this is made more interesting than usual because of today’s report that present Advocate Betsy Gotbaum will not run for re-election.
So, potential candidates – don’t be afraid to run – who knows what a win or a lost can do for you!