If blogs had existed in the 1980s or early 1990s, Jim Johnston would have been mentioned frequently in those of a political nature. He and partner David Lewis were among the best campaign consultants of the era.
So, it is noted with sad irony that Johnston’s recent passing resulted in barely a mention in the political weblogs, save for a brief Red County/San Diego tribute. None of the frequent Red County commenters and castigators had anything to add to the post, quite frankly because very few in the blog-reading genre of activists have likely heard of the firm Johnston & Lewis. In the political world, it seems, anything of 15 years ago is ancient history.
It reminds me in a way of the new crop of pro ball players, many with loads of talent and millions in cash but little in knowledge, taking no interest in the history of the game and those that came before them, not recognizing names like Ernie Banks, Bill Russell or Fran Tarkenton.
Sports analogies aside, I was glad to see the Wednesday Union-Trib column dedicated to Jim Johnston. Written by Gerry Braun, perhaps by journalistic standards an ancient himself (no offense, Gerry), yet one who lived the era covering political campaigns with tenacity and thoroughness, often to the dismay of politician and consultant alike, Johnston likely among them. (Still true about Braun, now as a recognized, bylined columnist.)
Braun’s piece is an honor to Johnston and his sense of humor, while giving a flavor of a time not long ago when campaigns, still transitioning from 3×5 cards to computers, had to rely completely on creativity while learning the ropes of a new sophistication. I encourage you to take the time to read “Prankster ad man’s obit notice real, alas."
Gerry notes that Johnston sent his own obit to the U-T. It too is worth a read; for political followers of more recent history, Chuck Quackenbush is even referenced…and skewered.
I only met Johnston a few times…he was winding down his political work about the time I was really getting started. At the time I viewed him as something of an icon, certainly not unapproachable, yet maybe I was mistaken to think he would be hesitant and avoiding of my bomb-throwing, activist ways. Yet, as Braun points out, this was the man who gave San Diego the phrase, "Just Say Nyet! to the Soviet Arts Festival," plastered on bumper stickers that I happily handed out to passersby at Balboa Park.
I wish now I had asked him to do lunch, so I could have picked his brain.
Jim Sills, a political historian in his own right, says this:
"Jim Johnston was one of San Diego’s best-ever political consultants, a fixture in the 1980s and early 1990s.
"He believed politics should be fun, not just stressful, and his sense of humor helped win many an election.
"In 1990 he and I worked to stop a costly expansion of the San Diego city council, and he had the idea of interviewing the "kid on the street" about how they would spend money at City Hall. It became a mailer, with two of Jim’s own children among those pictured.
"When it arrived, everyone was talking about the "Kid Mailer" and we won election day with 62% of the vote.
"San Diego loses a friend in Jim Johnston, someone who was always a Class Act. Rest in Peace."
Have a great week.