Commentary / PERSPECTIVES ON THE SEMI-ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE : Who Is the Real Pete Wilson? : ‘Stimulating, a Big Thinker . . . and Fun’

In a country that rewards indiscreet former staff members willing to exploit the foibles of those they have served, consider this aspect of Pete Wilson’s three decades in public life: I’m not aware of a single senior staff member who ever has spoken ill of him or raised a question about his personal honesty, integrity or dedication.

In fact, we who have served him during his durable career, often volunteering for additional tours of duty, are universally loyal to him, prize the experience and cherish lasting friendships with him.

We admire Wilson for his brains, his guts, his vision, his temperament and his enormous capacity for long, hard work.

It’s his public picture that often is distorted. Cut beneath the rubble of partisan politics and you’ll find many people, friend and foe, who might disagree with Wilson on a particular issue, but nevertheless like and respect him for his leadership and willingness to get into the tough stuff.

At his core, Wilson is positive, optimistic, self-confident, decent, not arrogant, serious about his public duty and fearless. He’s curious, disciplined, always does his homework, relishes making tough decisions, is not a temporizer and is never intimidated or deterred by controversy.

Nor is he a bomb thrower, although he is capable of handling high explosives--like Proposition 187, welfare reform and the fight against reverse discrimination--in a factual, non-inflammatory way that dignifies the public policy debate and discussion.

As near as I can tell, money never has interested or driven him, nor has he enriched himself at the public expense.

Ultimately, I believe Wilson is driven by a passion to lead, to solve problems and to bring about fundamental change. In doing this, he is thoughtful, never frivolous, although occasionally impatient and quick with a verbal jab. In the end, he does what he believes is right regardless of pressures from friends, supporters and interest groups. This confounds those who want to construct a neat little box with a simple label to describe him. His instincts are conservative, but with a bias toward action, not reaction.

The years have made Wilson tougher, thicker skinned, more resilient and more determined. He’s been consistent during his 30 years in public life, but he’s also grown skeptical of government’s ability to carry out everyone’s good intentions.

In a year when the Republican Party’s candidates are seen as dark, mean and even nasty, Wilson offers a refreshing contrast: a gracious, constructive gentleman with a generally even disposition and an innate sense of puckish good humor. Wilson is real, honest, stimulating, good at what he does and a big thinker.

His friends would add that he’s fun.

The Line on Wilson

The Times sought comment on Gov. Pete Wilson’s 1996 presidential ambitions from several political figures who have had a relationship--personal or professional, friend or foe--with Wilson over the years.