[sefarkas]

Nagin was elected because the political class thought he was the most electable alternative to the openly anti-business nutcase who was leading the Democratic primary. Nagin, while still a Dem, was supposed to be acceptable to whites in the high districts while still being black so that they could get the votes in the low districts from their political machine.

As with many in politics, the whole being is dedicated to getting elected. No thought was given to all of the staff selected and promoted by the Morial family over the years, who were thwarted at the polls and dedicated their lives to making Nagin a one-termer. That campaign became evident during Katrina and the aftermath. You wonder why Nagin looked so lonely and incompetent on TV in those early Katrina days? "Oh sorry, Mr. Mayor, I need to take care of my [family/car/house/side-business/pets] so I won't be able to help you manage this mess."

The MSM has managed to turn every election in to a horse race. Voters and campaign material rarely cover the topic of how the official will govern, who will they select for key positions, and what success/experience they've had with the current generation of civil servants they will come to depend upon.

[bpjam]

I remember Marc Morial and his vans full of 'voters' being given the 'walking around money' from the DNC to go out and vote for Mary "Landrieu" (whatever her last name actually is). Woody Jenkins got completely screwed and the Senate just dumped him like they always do when we bring voter fraud to their attention.