bility. And, in fact, he did make an abortive run for the Republican nomination. In both cases (presidential and gubernatorial elections), he justified his seemingly contradictory positions in terms of his "duty to the people"(No Author 1995). This begs the question; was itthe duty that was contradictory, or was it Wilson's politicalaspirations. In either case it seems clear that his decision was hardly based on principles of good government. Even if Wilsonthought he had a greater duty to the nation as a whole (and I'm being charitable here), he might have considered that before he ran for governor a second time. It would appear much more likely that the greater power inherent in the presidency was the determining force behind Wilson's decision. Ironically, Wilson's lust for potential power may cause him to lose the power he actually has. Since hisdecision to run for President was resoundingly unpopular withCalifornians, and since he may be perceived as unable to compete in national politics due to his withdrawal from the presidential race, his political power may be fatally impaired. This behavior shows not only a disregard for "good" government, but also a strange inability to defer gratification. There is no reason that Pete Wilson couldn't have run for President after his second term as Governor had expired. His selfish pursuit of power for its own sake was so absolute that it inhibited him from seeing the very political realities that gave him power in the first place. In his attempt to gain power, Wilson managed to change his stance on virtually every issue he had ever encountered. From immigration to affirmative action - from tax cuts to abortion rights, he has swung 180 degrees (Thurm, 1995). The point here is not his inconsistency, but rather the fact that it is improbable that considerations of effective government would allow these kinds of swings. And, while people may dismiss this behavior as merely thepolitical "game ...
