Editorial: Incumbency, cash don’t always prevail

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002 | 9:16 a.m.

Money -- and incumbency -- usually tip the scales in politics. And in most of the high-profile races in Tuesday's primary elections, that well-tested rule of politics held true. But voters and first-time candidates can take heart in Tuesday's exceptions to that rule.

In the state Senate District 9 Republican primary, Assemblyman Dennis Nolan was able to eke out a victory by 147 votes even though he was outspent 4-1 to by his opponent, Richard Bunker, the favored candidate of the GOP establishment. Republican Assemblywoman Merle Berman lost to Dr. Garn Mabey in her re-election bid. On the Democratic side, Bob McCleary defeated Assemblyman Doug Bache by 11 votes. Meanwhile, Assemblyman Bob Price, who was first elected to the Assembly in 1974, was defeated by Kelvin Atkinson.

In the nonpartisan sheriff's race, Metro Police Deputy Chief Bill Young -- despite having a 9-1 edge in money spent over his closest challenger -- received 41 percent of the vote compared to 31 percent for Metro Capt. Randy Oaks. Young and Oaks will face each other in November.

What these races showed is that money and incumbency, while important, aren't the be-all and end-all of politics -- and that's refreshing. Going door-to-door and getting to know the people in their districts was critical. In the end it's the people, and their willingness to get out and vote, that can matter most.