Some quasi-news from Brett Wagner…
People have a lot reasons for entering politics, but they usually boil down to three basic ones: greed and corruption; power-hungry / power-grubbing; or you honestly believe you can make a real difference. For a long time I truly believed I could make a difference. I no longer feel that way… in fact, much the opposite.

When I first ran for political office in 2003-2004 – serving as the Democratic Nominee for U.S. Congress in California’s 24th district – I can honestly say I had the time of my life… met a lot of wonderful, well-meaning and sometimes passionate people…
I was something of a rare Democratic candidate… an internationally recognized authority on national security, a former professor of national security decision making for the U.S. Naval War College, a lifelong advocate for peace and reconciliation. And, gasp: openly gay.
But ever since the 2004 election, I’ve had a front row seat to witness the ugliest side of partisan politics… I can honestly say I never expected all the mudslinging, backbiting and backstabbing… and that’s just from my own party… And I’m sorry to say it has only gotten worse during 2007, albeit mostly behind the scenes.
What’s more, ever since the 2006 election when the Democratic Party assumed the majority in both houses of Congress, like many Americans I’ve been sorely disappointed with our party’s milquetoast positions on the most vital issues of our day — especially ending the illegal, immoral and historically incompetent war in Iraq.
I am now totally fed up with politics and that’s why I am now formally announcing that I am quitting politics for good. I will never again run for political office.
Whew! That felt good!
Eight years ago I left Washington at the peak of my career to help launch the California Center for Strategic Studies seeking to bring a much-needed California-style progressive approach to addressing the strategic concerns of our day, especially concerning global terrorism and the potentially dangerous proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. For that I have no regrets.
But someone with my experience, education and expertise usually commands an annual salary of at least $125,000 – meaning that I have foregone at least a million dollars in salary these past 8 years. The time has come to reorder my life.
As an internationally published essayist and columnist I’ve been published everywhere from the Washington Quarterly, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today, Christian Science Monitor and the Los Angeles Times to Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, Britain’s Financial Times, Scotland’s The Herald and Russia’s St. Petersburg Times.
Over the past few years I’ve received offer after offer to write a book. One of these offers included a very generous advance – I have decided to accept that offer and to enjoy a yearlong sabbatical writing my first book. I am leaving the Ventura County / Santa Barbara County area with no plans to return and I will be relocating to the Tahoe area where a generous colleague has offered me the use of her cabin for the next year as my personal retreat. The A-frame house where I will hang my hat for the next 12 months is nestled in the woods and enjoys a stunning view of the lake. A place where I can once again feel free to become the best “Brett Wagner” that I can be.
I wish to thank all of my friends and loyal supporters over the last few years. Your friendship and support has meant the world to me.
I would also like to thank my campaign treasurer Kinde Durkee, my former campaign manager Michael Carpenter and my former fundraiser John Applegate for all their tireless and dedicated service. I am truly grateful.
In conclusion, I cannot tell you how much I will enjoy returning to the role of an average everyday American citizen free to speak his mind without having to consider my role as a political candidate.
I will also enjoy the idea that scurrilous and scandalous people will no longer be able to slander and libel me without risking civil liability (it bears noting that my personal attorney has been recommending this course of action for sometime now).
I continue to hope that should a Democrat win the presidency next year, our party will rediscover its soul and rise to the occasion. Until then, it will take everything I can muster just to hold my nose in order to cast my vote.
See? I’m already having fun speaking my mind!
Happy Halloween everyone!
And best wishes always,
Brett Wagner