Rapid Rise
State Sen. Milton Marks of San Francisco changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat and President Pro Tem David Roberti (D-Los Angeles) quickly appointed Marks as chairman of the Democratic Caucus. Sen. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) protested this hasty elevation of a newcomer to such a high leadership post.
In 1940 a similar conversion took place. Wendell Willkie, a former Democrat, was nominated as the Republican candidate for President. Willkie bragged about his success to Sunny Jim Watson, the Senate Republican leader from Indiana. Watson’s put-down was a classic for such situations.
It went about as follows: “Wendell, as a fellow Hoosier, you remember the little Indiana town where the local prostitute was invited to church. One Sunday she showed up, but they didn’t let her sing a solo in the choir that first day.”
DAVID G. FERRELLY
San Clemente
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
