Nancy Pelosi isn’t the first Frisco Liberal to aspire to Democratic Party leadership in the House of Reps. Her mentor and benefactor, Phil Burton, came within one vote of being elected Leader in 1976, representing the same district as Pelosi. Here’s a little background on Phil from the late John Jacobs, author of the Burton biography “Rage for Justice”:
Burton also was an alcoholic slob, an ill-mannered, ill-tempered fanatic totally, obsessively committed to promoting liberal causes. And he was very successful, passing a black lung bill that benefited hundreds of thousands of miners and their families (not one of whom lived in his district), passing Supplemental Social Security for the aged, blind and disabled, and creating the extensive national park system enjoyed across America today.
From 1964 to his premature death in 1983 he was the most influential left-liberal in the House, who came within a heartbeat of being one of the most influential politicians in the House, period. Only liquor and his big mouth got in his way. In 1976 he failed by one vote to become House Majority Leader, a position that would have likely led him to become Speaker of the House.
“Challenging Tip O’Neill to a fight killed his chances to be Majority Leader,” said Jacobs. Burton and his loyal wife, Sala, were in the cocktail bar at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1972 having drinks with O’Neill and another couple after a fund-raising dinner. Burton was drunk and profane and when O’Neill asked him to watch his language the congressman jumped up and challenged him to a fight. Sala calmed her husband but it was too late. Burton lost control in front of the wrong man at the wrong time.
Phil created the legislative districts that guaranteed ultra-left representation in Sacramento, and even created one that ensured Congressional victory for his coke-head brother John. This district combined the most Democratic portions of 5 counties, and was only contiguous at a point beneath the Frisco Bay. When John had to leave the Congress, he bequeathed it to Barbara Boxer, his field office head.