Here at Common Cause, of course, we all think Chellie Pingree is a good person -- she's intelligent, insightful, and genuine in her desire to effect real and lasting reform. We know this, and with every media appearance Chellie does or communication she sends out, more and more people learn it, too. But oftentimes the most important work Chellie does is not readily known by the public at large, or even by the reform community; even then, when she is spotlighted, it's rarely for her character.
That's why it's nice to see Chellie's name in someone else's lights. Journalist and screenwriter Robert Elisberg, it turns out, is a huge fan of Chellie's:
But the ability to notice small things and be thoughtful about them - even at the times of greatest stress - is what speaks to a person's character....I've avoided mentioning the issues Chellie Pingree has worked for, because issues color our perception of a person. But basic decency, that's core.
I have no idea if Chellie Pingree will run for political office again. Or be appointed to some post. Or continue with Common Cause, or elsewhere. But as I look at the mean-spirited, divisive political landscape today and cringe, I only know that whatever she does, we all are served best when people like Chellie Pingree are part of the process.
Read the rest of Elisberg's piece to find out why he thinks so highly of Chellie, and let us know in our Comments section about other good, decent people you've met in politics.
