Allen Raymond

My first non-fiction read of 2009! It was a quick, easy read, perhaps disturbingly so considering the content. The author, Allen Raymond, was convicted of phone-jamming in the 2002 New Hampshire elections. He's very candid about why he entered politics-- to make money and gain power-- and disdainful of any politicians who attempt to claim otherwise. Although he serves jail time in the end, he seems to feel little remorse or, indeed, even see what was so wrong about what he did. If this were a novel, the ending would lack a satisfying resolution. This is "real life," however, so I can't complain about storyline. The details of insider political life and back room dealings are the most interesting part, and I wish more time had been devoted to recording the various trials.

I recommend this if you're interested in politics and election law, and/or if you're a liberal. I'm all of the above, and enjoyed it.… (meer)