Dan Patterson, It’s Time To Go…

By Michael Bryan

I have been a supporter of Rep. Dan Patterson. I like the man personally. I'm proud of the experience and knowledge he has brought to our Legislature. He has served with dedication and skill. But it is beyond time for him to put his constituents and his party before his personal interests and resign his seat.

This is not the first time Patterson has had such allegations against him. This is not a case of "he said, she said," or some crazy vendetta against him. This is part of a pattern of issues with women, alcohol, and self-control that Patterson has demonstrated throughout my own acquaintence with him. It is deeply disappointing, but I can't say I'm surprised that some of Patterson's personal relationships have become a legal and ethical issue for him professionally.

If any of the allegations he's making against his former campaign manager are remotely true – which I feel confident in opining that they are not – his judgment must be questioned for knowingly employing such a person in such a sensitive political position, and then having an intimate relationship with her.

Patterson said, “This is lynch-mob type of politics that we see from Phoenix, and I’m not going to listen to these cutthroat throw-em-under-the-bus politicians from Phoenix,” he said. “I’m responsive to my constituents in Tucson. Period. … I’m not going to be blackmailed out of office.”

Well, last time I checked, Matt Heinz and Bruce Wheeler, both of whom signed on to refer this matter to the ethics committee, are not Phoenix cutthroats – they are his colleagues here in Tucson. They, too, have seen first-hand Patterson's personal conduct over the past few years. That pattern has become an impediment to the effective representation of his constituents, and a distraction from the public business of our party. That is the only reason why the party leadership are calling for his resignation – not a personal vendetta or rush to judgment.

Patterson added: “I may become an independent.”

Fine. Do so. But do it after stepping down. You were elected a Democrat. If you want to change your affiliation, that is your right. But you do not have a right to the office you have the honor to hold, except as a member of the Democratic Party. The voters chose the Democrat Dan Patterson, not the Independent Dan Patterson.

The very fact that you would threaten to abandon the party which has fostered your political aspirations and which embodies your highest ideals, is proof enough that your judgment has become unsound because of your current personal distress.

I hope that you can rehabilitate yourself and your political identity, Dan, and come back to politics a wiser and better man. You won't be able make those changes while under the spotlight of holding public office. 

Leave, Dan – while you still have some dignity. It's time to go and get the help you clearly need to get your personal life under control.