Those of us in magazineland whom Eric Celeste left in his wake when he sailed off for other career opportunities have watched closely how he has handled his new role as the communications director for the district attorney’s reelection campaign. Today’s paper brought us an indication that Eric just might make it after all. To wit, the following quote from him in response to Republican challenger Danny Clancy’s recent campaign mailer, which asks, “Isn’t it time for a DA who makes headlines for fighting crime, not political scandals?”:
“Saying the district attorney doesn’t fight crime is like saying Kobe Bryant doesn’t make baskets. The conviction rate is so perfect it doesn’t make headlines. If they want to make the campaign about fighting crime, we’re happy to go there.”
The sports reference, the bravado, the willingness to “go there” — these are the hallmarks of a man who is sure of his place in the world. You read a quote like that, and you know you’re dealing with a guy who probably owns an Ed Hardy t-shirt that says “Sinner” across the front. Good luck, Danny Clancy. You’re gonna need it.
