How to make a story out of a non story in one easy step

Chellie Pingree has a love life.

I know -- I was always under the impression that politicians didn't do those things. Anyway, it would appear that Ms. Pingree does do those things and she does them with Don Sussman. I read all about it in the Bollard, which is a nifty local paper in Portland with a very talented writer in Chris Busby. (note: The July 2008 edition)

Great, end of story.

Not exactly -- You see, in politics when you don't quite answer a reporters question in a forthcoming manner, that triggers a reaction in the pituitary gland which in turn forces a reporter to track even the blandest of stories like a lion on the hunt. Bottom line: Someone's going down for the kill.

Much of the story was initially driven by the fact that Mr. Sussman is a man with some serious cash, and decided to direct most of it to Ms. Pingree in the 2008 primary. Of course, Mr. Sussman also sent 100K to the folks opposed to the People's Veto and was very generous to the CasinosNO effort, and even handed out cash to both Republicans and Democrats as far back as 2000.

So, the story line so far is --we know he's rich--- and not just any kind of rich --he made money from the dreaded "hedge fund". We know he has been dropping cash in political circles for almost a decade and he may or may not have a thing for Chellie Pingree.

So, when the reporter asked about the relationship -- the answer should have been. "Yeah, they have a relationship". Ta da!

From that point on, the story would have taken a totally different turn --and likely relegated to the gossip section of the Bollard. (Which is also very good.) Instead we are left with the "what are they hiding" story line. A story line in which the answer is more often than not "nothing", but nevertheless stimulates the minds and mouths of folks who wouldn't vote for her anyway.

(As an aside, hedge funds are not evil. That is an erroneous talking point from people who have no idea how capital works. There are dozens of Maine businesses that are thriving and owe their very existence to the fact that guys like Sussman are willing to risk capital, make investments and see a return on those investments. Sorry, but I had to get that off my chest -Wally))

Like all political mistakes in July this one will eventually not matter. Then, Chellie can spend more time working on an answer to the question of how blanket statements and talking points on the evils of hedge funds are going to create jobs in Maine, lower gas prices or heat our homes.