In spite of his many losses, Lehane has had little trouble attracting clients in need of his political skills. His critics say that’s not surprising. As an anonymous reporter told the SFGate website in 2004, “He is an operator more interested in his own image than his candidate’s.”
Lehane’s return home is sure to cause the LePage campaign to decry the degradation of Maine politics caused by evil outside influences (such as solar flares), while conveniently forgetting the out-of-state PACs that are spending huge sums to re-elect the governor. But Lehane’s aggressive style isn’t as alien to this state’s political landscape as it might seem. Maine Republican Party spokesman David Sorensen probably wouldn’t admit he’s following an approach crafted by a Democrat, but since the start of this year’s election cycle, his detailed daily releases to reporters—on everything the opposition does, might do, or he wishes they would do but they haven’t yet thought of—are straight out of the Lehane playbook.
Don’t be surprised if after November, Sorensen surfaces somewhere representing the next generation of Lance Armstrongs and Goldman Sachses.
As for Lehane’s influence on this election in Maine, only a fool would expect somebody with his track record (and Steyer’s bank account) not to have an impact. The minority of voters who won’t notice his efforts are those who’ve lost all communications due to solar flares.
For which they can be grateful.
Billionaires seeking my advice can emailaldiamon@herniahill.net.
