Thinking It Over

by Brendan Smith
Weirs Times Editor

Now that the First in the Nation Primary is over, it’s time for me to start thinking seriously about my own political future.
2020 will mark twenty-two years since my first run for Governor of New Hampshire under the Flatlander Party Banner. (Actually, that first year was an old, torn bedsheet but, hey, we had to start somewhere.)
Twenty-two years is a long time to pursue one’s first political win. If I was running as a Republican or Democrat, I would have already served two or three terms as governor, a couple of terms as a U.S. Senator and would possibly be running for President this year.
Of course, if I had been running as a candidate in either of those two parties and had lost just a couple of times, they wouldn’t let me run any longer. I’d be pushed to the dust heap of failed candidates and would have to be happy running for city council or selectman or maybe even school board. (Once that thrill of running for office gets in your blood stream, you have to find a way to feed it, no matter how small.)
If I had won way back then, I probably wouldn’t be writing these columns every week. I’d be too busy for that, doing whatever it is successful politicians do every day. Probably being asked to comment on this or that or give my opinion on something or another.
I’d be eating well for sure and I most likely would never have to cook anything for myself again.
If I had won way back then, I most likely would have never published “The Flatlander Chronicles” or “The Best Of A F.O.O.L In New Hampshire”. I would have had to focus on a book about my life. The rough years of my early childhood and the life lessons I learned. The struggles of my younger self faced as I fought for those issues that really affected me and how, today, I am a person of character courage and fortitude and ready to lead.
You can’t run for president without one of those on the bookshelf.
If I had won way back then and had followed the expected progression through the ranks of the political hierarchy, I’d have a lot more money than I do today. In fact, it’s just very possible that even with a salary of a little over a hundred thousand dollars a year as a governor and then senator, I would somehow wind up a multi-millionaire.
I’m not sure how that all works, but that is the magic of politics.
If I had won way back then, some of the other people running for office would probably want me to endorse them for whatever position they desperately want. It seems you can have a lot of influence over people’s decisions if you’ve won some elections yourself. Some voters will look to you to help them make their choices instead of having to waste time researching candidates themselves.
That’s a lot of responsibility.
If I had won way back then, today people would be calling me an “elder statesman” instead of “that Flatlander guy.” I’d be honored for my years as a public servant instead of being glared at for having fifteen items at the fourteen item or less checkout. I’d be getting whatever awards they give to people who have spent most of their lives helping lobbyists achieve their dreams.
Someone has to.
I’m sure I’d even have all kinds of plaques presented to me by different groups for doing this or that.
But, I didn’t win way back then, so I sit here contemplating it all again. Do I keep my streak alive at running for governor and go for it again? After all, in some cultures they say the twelfth time is the charm.
It’s even harder than it was way back then. After all, I’m just an old white guy, certainly not diverse enough for today’s demanding culture. Way back then all that didn’t matter much.
Speaking of age, I will be turning sixty-five just after election day. Having the stamina to keep up with another demanding campaign schedule would be an issue.
I see some candidates running for president who are in their late seventies and I am in awe. I’m not sure where they get the energy. At sixty-four, I’m ready for a nap after writing this column. Is a governor or a president allowed to take naps? For the sake of the state and the country I’d have to hope so.
And what if I do win? Where do I go from there?
Do I try to rush it along and just serve for one term as governor and then go for the senate and then, if that works out, try a run for president? After all, I’d only be in my seventies and, if that nap thing is a reality, I might be able to make it for two terms and then live out the rest of my years feeling that it wasn’t all for naught.
Of course, there is the possibility of losing again and then what? City Councilor? Selectman? School Board? I’d have to have at least one victory to cement my legacy.
It’s a tough decision. I’ll keep you posted.

Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles” and “Best Of A F.O.O.L In New Hampshire”. His newest book “I Really Only Did It For The Socks & Other Tales Of Aging” will be available this spring. Brendan has also entertained audiences around New Hampshire with his storytelling presentations. To find out more visit his website at
BrendanTSmith.com