Go fishing where the fishes are

The precinct volunteer reported that he had thoroughly canvassed the only flophouse in a middle-class ward in a legislative campaign.

Previously, the residents of that building had obediently followed the directives of the precinct captain and cast ballots for the Machine candidates. I told the fellow that I thought campaigning there was a waste of time.

“But they love the Mayor!” the volunteer proclaimed. He felt they should no longer be treated as Machine voters because they had become avid supporters of Mayor Washington and would vote for our guy, who had backed Washington, in the upcoming election.

On Election Day, our legislative candidate lost the precinct by only four votes, despite being trounced districtwide. The canvasser had successfully targeted our mostly likely supporters.