Onward and Upward

Cynics tend to typecast politicians as greedy and self-serving people who, once elected to office, will do anything that they can to hold onto it. The theory is that once they get the heady taste of power they can never be cured. That this is nonsense is demonstrated frequently, but rarely as dramatically as in Nebraska in recent days.

Democratic Gov. Bob Kerrey, 42, had everything going for him. He is a former war hero and Medal of Honor winner who became a long-distance runner, although he had lost a leg in combat in Vietnam. The handsome and dynamic Kerrey was a shoo-in for reelection next year. In a state dominated by Republicans, he had a 74% approval rating in public-opinion polls. He had a reputation for making tough decisions and getting things done. Along with the power went a good deal of glamour. Nebraskans were captivated with Kerrey’s dating relationship with movie actress Debra Winger.

Kerrey stunned Nebraskans when he announced that he would not seek a second term. At the same time, Kerrey talked about the joy of being governor of Nebraska and discovering that one person in such a position can make a difference in people’s lives. Still, Kerrey said he felt that it was time to move on to something else.

Cynics also tend to be suspicious of politicians’ statements, particularly statements dealing with their own political lives. The cynics always believe that there must be some hidden motive. But Kerrey’s friends say that he has given the same reasons in private that he did in public.

What often is overlooked is the fact that public service, particularly in a visible job like governor, taxes and drains a person physically, mentally and often financially. There are constant demands. It is impossible to maintain a normal private or family life. What is also true is that people like Kerrey often continue their contributions to society after leaving office. It is quite likely that Nebraska will find Bob Kerrey living up to the fullest meaning of the word citizenship in whatever role he chooses for himself now.