Chris Murphy

MANIFESTO

While I'd probably rather pull out my fingernails than think about the 2012 election, I can't help but be impressed by Rep. Chris Murphy's opening salvo regarding his run for Holy Joe's Senate seat. Viz.,

"What I've heard is that people feel that the Senate simply doesn't work anymore — it's become an unjustifiable barrier to positive change, and Connecticut needs a fresh, progressive voice there that will push for both policy and institutional reform."

While I don't think he can effect "institutional reform"—believing as I do that the patient is much too sick for any kind of cure—I still like the fact that he's pitching himself as a "progressive voice." While the days of liberals identifying themselves as such is long gone, it's nice to see someone having no qualms about calling himself a "progressive."

Who knows? The Democratic race for the seat may evolve into a "Who's more liberal?" contest, and wouldn't that be extraordinary?