RUNNING WITH THE MACHINE: A Journalist's Eye-Opening Plunge into Politics

A longtime political journalist and radio commentator, Lynch recounts his naïve and unsuccessful bid for the New York State Assembly, representing Albany County, on the Democratic ticket. Numerous anecdotes describe his frustration with chaotic local politics, particularly the media: he claims they don't check the veracity of campaign statements and therefore give inaccurate, biased and incidental coverage. He complains that the media are interested in campaign tactics rather than issues; most of his ideas for new laws were ignored while his finances were scrutinized. Insisting that only professional politicians survive politics, Lynch describes a multibillion-dollar business intent on keeping outsiders at bay: "Many people in the regular Democratic organization really don't want me to win." Acknowledging the occasional decent politico, Lynch believes deception is so enmeshed in politics that it breeds a government of liars and phonies—a situation unlikely to change, since voters and the media, he asserts, accept most fakery as normal. Lynch is horrified when his opponent, despite promises of a clean campaign, sends out nasty, vaguely accusatory press releases, has Lynch lawn signs destroyed and undertakes attacks on his daughter, a weekend anchor at a local news channel. His complaints—ranging from the lack of support from political bigwigs to aching knees from walking door to door can get tiresome, like his repeated statements that political commitments mean nothing and that he is the "un-politician." Despite such redundancy, his outsider perspective and inside experience provide an intriguing look into a side of politics normally inaccessible to the public. Photos. (Oct.)

Forecast: Booksellers in the Albany area, where Lynch is well known, can expect strong sales.