In the October 23 Scrapbook, we detailed an epidemic outbreak of familial fetishism. Departed Clintonites Mikva, Paster, Neel, Cutler, and Begala explained they had self-ejected not out of frustration or from being ignored but because they “wanted to spend more time with the family.” Now we learn the malady is more pervasive than we dared imagine.
Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Richard Holbrooke is leaving to spend more time with new wife, Kati Marton. And who can blame him? After all, she has described in print his “great, wonderful physicality, this very tactile big-bear quality.”
And you thought the congressional exodus, especially on the Democratic side, was inspired by tough races, partisan bickering, the vitriolic electorate, private-sector cash incentives, or diminished power? Nonsense–they just want to toss the ball with Junior. The roll call of those leaving to nurture husbands, wives, children, and all manner of kin is truly astounding. There are Democratic Reps. Tom Bevill, Harry Johnston, Ronald Coleman, and Pete Geren, and Republican Reps. Jan Meyers, Barbara Vucanovich, and Jack Fields. In the Senate, we have Sam Nunn, Paul Simon, Nancy Kassebaum, and Bennett Johnston.
So family-centric is the current crop that aspiring politicians like former Little Rock mayor Tom Prince and Little Rock lawyer Nate Coulter, who’d been thinking of replacing outgoing Democratic Rep. Ray Thornton, have begged out to spend more time with their families even before having the chance to deprive them of family time.
