We’ve all heard the maxim that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.

I don’t know whether it’s a financial decision or an ego-based one, but Dan Maes has not yet hired a campaign manager.

It’s no wonder Maes’ reaction to the Freda Poundstone check mini-scandal has been so feckless.  (More on this tomorrow.)

If it’s a financial decision not to hire a campaign manager, that’s a strong statement about Maes’ inability to raise money.  If it’s an ego-based decision, i.e. Maes thinking that he’s perfectly capable of running his campaign – after all, that plan has gotten him this far, right? – it shows terrible judgment.

A guy who is perceived even by his supporters as having essentially zero relevant political experience, a guy who said as much when he announced the reasons for choosing his running mate:  He asserted that Tambor Williams “will strengthen the weaknesses of my campaign without compromising its strengths."  Not sure just what those strengths are, but he sure did remind us that his candidacy has weaknesses.

And others said it as well.  For example, from this Greeley Tribune article:

Former state legislator Dave Owen, who worked closely with Williams when she was in the House, said the choice is a good one.

“She was very meticulous and she had a good grasp of the issues,” he said. “She has a good knowledge of state government, which is not his long suit.”

Williams said she’s excited to join the Maes campaign.

“He is a tremendously quick learner. When I first spoke with Dan I was thinking, ‘Oh there’s so much he doesn’t know,’ ” she said. “He has really gotten a tremendous grasp on the issues in Colorado.”

My point is that Maes knows that he must surround himself with smart, experienced people not just because he’ll make better decisions with their advice but also because he must put forward the image of a guy who is getting such advice.  Maes’ only chance of winning (and it’s not much of a chance) depends on people being impressed with his team; there’s no chance that Maes alone can be sold to a state which as much as anything else wants and needs competency in its governing team.