Sensitivity training
Lessons from Senator Paul Simon
Sep 21, 2004
by James M. Wall
Former Illinois Senator Paul Simon, who died last December, was the son of a Lutheran missionary and an avowed liberal Democrat. I served as campaign manager for Simon’s 1984 primary race for the Senate, and directed a staff that was young, aggressive and often frustrated at Simon’s determined grip on his liberal ideals.
In that campaign, Simon faced formidable opposition from three opponents: an African-American state official and two Chicago area politicians, one of whom was backed by the party establishment. Paul was the liberal in the race, and after a few weeks, it became clear that we needed to broaden his liberal base.
In that campaign, Simon faced formidable opposition from three opponents: an African-American state official and two Chicago area politicians, one of whom was backed by the party establishment. Paul was the liberal in the race, and after a few weeks, it became clear that we needed to broaden his liberal base.
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