Two Masters

You could earn a bachelor’s degree in political science just talking to the two of them: former Governor Jim Hunt and Congressman (and Minority Whip) Steny Hoyer.
 
They were together last night at a fundraiser for Congressman Larry Kissell hosted by Heather and Bruce Thompson in Raleigh.
 
Hoyer has represented Maryland in Congress forever. He’s the consummate insider, deal-maker and fundraiser. Hunt was governor forever and is the consummate political master.
 
They’re old friends and contemporaries.  They were leaders together in the Young Democrats in 1968. Hoyer said, “We were both teetotalers, so we hung out at the Coca-Cola end of the bar.”
 
Hoyer called Hunt “the best governor in America” and said he would have been President if he had beaten Jesse Helms in 1984. Hunt didn’t argue.
 
They share a political DNA: a mix of progressivism and moderation, a commitment to building consensus and – above all – a genuine joy in the trade of politics.
 
They’re not making many like Hunt and Hoyer any more.
Avatar photo

Gary Pearce

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

Two Masters

You could earn a bachelor’s degree in political science just talking to the two of them: former Governor Jim Hunt and Congressman (and Minority Whip) Steny Hoyer.
 
They were together last night at a fundraiser for Congressman Larry Kissell hosted by Heather and Bruce Thompson in Raleigh.
 
Hoyer has represented Maryland in Congress forever. He’s the consummate insider, deal-maker and fundraiser. Hunt was governor forever and is the consummate political master.
 
They’re old friends and contemporaries.  They were leaders together in the Young Democrats in 1968. Hoyer said, “We were both teetotalers, so we hung out at the Coca-Cola end of the bar.”
 
Hoyer called Hunt “the best governor in America” and said he would have been President if he had beaten Jesse Helms in 1984. Hunt didn’t argue.
 
They share a political DNA: a mix of progressivism and moderation, a commitment to building consensus and – above all – a genuine joy in the trade of politics.
 
They’re not making many like Hunt and Hoyer any more.
Avatar photo

Gary Pearce

Categories

Archives