Sad news from U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos

Lantos entered politics as the result of the following events. Veteran U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan was killed in the Jonestown massacre in 1978. Ryan captured the seat for the Democrats in 1972. It was a big win because the seat had been Republican as long as anyone could remember. Many Democrats rushed to fill the vacancy including attorney George Corey and two of Ryan’s staffers, his administrative chief Joe Holsinger and his aide Jackie Speier. Corey recalls the special election held in March ’79 as a free for all. Republican, Democrat, Peace and Freedom and Libertarian candidates were on the ballot. The winners were Joe Holsinger and Republican William Royer. Royer prevailed in the June election and took back the seat for the Republicans.

In 1980, very few people had ever heard of Tom. True he was an economics professor at San Francisco State University and a former member of the Millbrae school board but in county political circles he was a relative unknown. I was surprised then when I received a call, I believe it was from Ann Benner, about getting together with a few people to talk strategy about a possible run for the U.S. Congress by someone called Lantos. I was on the San Mateo elementary school board at the time and had worked with Ann Benner on several political campaigns.

Following the strategy meeting, I was asked to host a coffee for Tom at my home. I was reluctant at first. I didn’t like to do events for people I did not know. But the Lantos family promised to do all of the work. I gave them names. They sent out the invites and Katrina, Tom’s daughter, insisted on providing refreshments. I was so embarrassed when only a few couples showed up. But the coffee turned out to be a lively and rewarding discussion, lasting into late evening on a wide range of subjects. Tom wowed everyone who was there with his knowledge and understanding of so many diverse topics as he would wow other audiences in the future.

The campaign was difficult and traumatic. Abortion was one of the main issues at a debate I attended at Ralston Hall in Belmont. On every seat was placed a distorted photo of an unborn fetus, similar to the horrible pictures on the truck that is often parked outside the local Planned Parenthood office. It was a close race, but Tom prevailed and was elected to Congress in 1980.

In the last several years, there have been nasty letters about Tom and his support of going to war in Iraq. Some have questioned whether he spent enough time with his constituents, did enough for his district and was worthy of re-election. Now people are saying how difficult it will be to fill his shoes. There are long lists of Tom’s major accomplishments in Congress where he is regarded as a major leader (no small feat in a body of 435) as chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and right-hand to Speaker Nancy Pelosi on world issues and the most respected advocate for human rights. And for his constituents he has provided funds for expansion of the Golden Gate Recreation area, and the necessary federal funding for the BART airport extension and the construction of the tunnel at Devil’s Slide. His staff is considered to be the best when it comes to constituent service, at his district and Washington office. I travel to Washington every year to talk to our Bay Area representatives about transportation issues. Most of the time we meet with staff. But Lantos is always there to meet with us in person. To me this was always a plus.

A couple of months ago, Tom was invited to the San Mateo Rotary Club as a guest speaker. When he walked in I would say the mood was uninviting. I even noticed some hostile stares. But by the time Tom had finished his talk everyone in the room was on their feet cheering. Members at my table were marveling at his command of foreign and local events. Tom’s mind and speech were as nimble and eloquent as always. He did look a bit frail but it was plain he had the enthusiasm and energy to run again in 2008. Unfortunately, that is not to be. We are all the losers.

***

The Iowa and New Hampshire primaries were exciting news for all Americans. There were long, long lines of people waiting to caucus or vote for their favorite candidate, including many first-time voters and many just 18. Opponents were not killing each other with weapons. Instead it was a war of words, charisma, message and turnout. For a change, we presented a good face for the rest of the world.

I am still fired up about my candidate, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. He did not disappoint after his victory in Iowa and his close second place showing in New Hampshire, with uplifting oratory, reminiscent of the best of John F. Kennedy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King, Jr. Being articulate and able to inspire is an important trait for a nation’s leader, especially in times of trouble and despair. The United States, despite its riches and power, has lost the mantle of respect and admiration we once enjoyed abroad. And at home, we find a good portion of our population, especially young people, disenchanted with American politics. Obama has raised the bar, challenging the young to participate.

In the world at large, he presents a unique global perspective and presence, which our enemies will find difficult to deride. Unlike most politicians, he does not make the election about himself but what Americans can achieve together. He doesn’t pander and promise different things to different constituencies. In fact, he’s been on the same message since his momentous speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. Ironically, all of the candidates are now copying his message. He must be saying something right. He’s a nice guy, too.

Sue Lempert is the former mayor of San Mateo. Her column runs every Monday. She can be reached at sue@smdailyjournal.com.