Frank Schmuck
When you have received the blessed curse of a name that sounds weird or invokes references to colloquial language, you have two choices. You can either get defensive and bitter every time someone pokes some fun at you. Or you can turn the other cheek and become the most popular person in the crowd by telling better jokes about your name than everyone else.
Frank Schmuck of Chandler decided long ago that laughter was his best ally, embracing the double meaning of his last name as a Yiddish expression most commonly used to refer to a jerk or obnoxious man.
Now, Schmuck is applying his self-effacing humor to launch his bid for state House of Representatives as a Republican. Using lines such “Come meet the Schmuck,” his campaign is inviting supporters and curious voters to attend a kickoff rally Saturday, Jan. 12, at Stellar Airpark in Chandler.
Schmuck will run for a seat being vacated by Rep. Bob Robson, R-Chandler, who is expected to run for the Arizona Corporation Commission. Given the ease of remembering Schmuck’s name and the attitude he’s bringing to the race, it’s hard to imagine he won’t win as long as he’s not up against a more experienced politician.
But to help bolster his case, Schmuck is bringing out some high-powered help. His campaign says both Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former County Attorney Rick Romley will be at Saturday’s rally to introduce Schmuck. Arpaio and Romley really don’t like each other. So to get them to support the same candidate this early in 2008, and to attend the same event, speaks well of Schmuck’s appeal and his ability to organize.
Of course, you have to wonder if Arpaio and Romley are attracted by the idea they can safely call another man a “schmuck” as often as they want before a live audience.
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