Run Harold, Run (Tom, Dick & Harry - Sally & Susie, too!)

Lately, there has been a good deal of talk about a possible Harold Ford, Jr. primary challenge against Senator Kirstin Gillibrand. What is the big deal? Here is my open letter to Mr. Ford.


Dear Mr. Ford,

I am writing to you to express my position on recent news reports of your interest in being elected to the United States Senate, representing the great state of New York. Plain and simple…throw your hat in the ring, and may the best person win. Incumbency is not important to me. Rather, it is in discerning which person can best represent the state’s interests. Further, we New Yorkers are in a unique position in our state to have only two (2) statewide officials who actually were voted on by the constituency.

People seem loathe to acknowledge the right of certain ones of us to pursue the elective office of our choosing. If you were a doctor who relocated to New York from another state, what are the odds that there would be any challenges to your application(s) to work in one of New York’s fine hospitals? But I digress. I eschew the “wait your turn” practice that dominates our political landscape. I have long argued with friends who failed to wage their own campaigns because it “wasn’t their turn.” Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg, with all of their bravado changed political parties to run for Mayor of New York, rather than “wait their turn.” They were seemingly unwilling to wage a battle that would have legitimately pit their policy positions against the democrats in their respective would be primary races.

So, to you Mr. Ford and all others, if you feel that you can represent the people, get in the race. According to the United States Constitution , there are three (3) requirements for service in that auspicious body: one must be at least thirty (30) years old when sworn in; one must be a citizen of the United States for at least the past nine (9) years; and you must reside in the state you seek to represent.

Sincerely,

Robbin A. Moore
Registered Voter
Bronx, NY