I find myself in an awkward position. My wife Beth has been nominated as the Democratic candidate for First Selectman of Greenwich. Ordinarily I would be all over that election trying to get an angle on what promises to be a rarity among political contests, an issue oriented contest between two candidates on friendly terms who genuinely respect each other. Some people may find such a race dull in our hyper-partisan age, but frankly a civilized discussion of the issues would be a refreshing change.
My problem is that I can't even begin to pretend to be unbiased and objective about the candidates. Whatever I write will be dissected and analyzed on too many levels for me to contemplate by at least one of the candidates, and Beth also will probably read and comment on whatever I write. Although I am doubtful bloggers are held to journalistic ethical standards, blogging about your spouse's campaign is asking for trouble.
It is much safer to be like Margaret Thatcher's husband Dennis and disappear into the woodwork until the election is over. I will play the dutiful candidates's spouse, and will write letters to the editor about what a wonderful person my spouse is and how great it would be if she were elected. I will show up at campaign events like the proverbial mother-of-the-groom wearing beige and smiling. I plan to be mute unless something irresistible happens on the campaign trail and I cannot contain myself from commenting.
In the meantime, I wish people would stop asking me what the husband of the First Selectman is called. Ed will do just fine.
