Most of my Political Notes are intended to encourage readers to support a Democratic candidate against a Republican. I rarely get involved in primaries. These days, defeating Republicans is the most important thing. I have made two kinds of errors in these notes. I do write about Democrats who have primary opponents who do not need to be taken seriously — I think. I do try support Democrats while also commenting on areas that are potentially troubling.
I have made two types of errors. Being wrong about primary opponents. Not taking sufficient notice about something that might be troubling — so far that has been sex.
- 2018 Idaho race for Governor: I wrote about Democratic gubernatorial candidate A. J. Balukoff, wealthy businessman and school board member. Shortly after I wrote, former state representative and Native American Paulette Jordan entered the race. She beat Balukoff in the primary, but lost the general election by more than 20 points.
- 2018 Nebraska race for the 2nd Congressional District: I wrote a note about former Democratic Congressman Brad Ashford, ignoring the non-profit head who was opposing him in the primary. Kara Eastman won the primary, but lost the general election by two points. Kara Eastman is back for 2020. Brad Ashford is not, but his wife Ann Ferlic Ashford is in the race. No note until after the primary this time.
- 2018 Nevada race for the 4th Congressional District. I wrote a note about State Senator Ruben Kihuen, who was elected to Congress, flipping a Republican seat. I noted that Kihuen was the rare candidate described as handsome, but did not see that as a warning sign. He resigned from Congress after the House Ethics Committee criticized him for sexual misconduct.
- 2018 California race for the 25th Congressional District. I wrote a note about non-profit head Katie Hill, who was elected to Congress, flipping a Republican seat. I noted that she was married to a man and was bisexual, but did not comment about the potential complications. She has resigned after being embroiled in sexual scandals.
Four errors in one game is terrible. Four errors in a season is not bad.