Political stars falling

by A.B. Stoddard, columnist, The Hill - 01/22/14 5:33 PM ET

Guess what? People who get divorced at age 21 remember it, and they don’t tell people it happened at age 19 instead.

{mosads}The news that Democratic star Wendy Davis, candidate for Texas governor, has altered some facts in her personal narrative is clearly disappointing to members of the party so enthused about the attractive, gutsy state senator who got national attention for launching an overnight filibuster against abortion restrictions and has touted her up-by-the-bootstraps story of success.

“I’m a Texas success story, ” Davis told NBC News. “I am the epitome of hard work and optimism.”

So according to The Dallas Morning News, Davis got some facts wrong — about herself. And they are the same facts the crowd loves to hear, about her young motherhood, marital and family trouble and even the trailer she managed to rise above. In political writer Wayne Slater’s article, Davis responded by saying “My language should be tighter. I’m learning about using broader, looser language. I need to be more focused on the detail.”

As New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) began his second term Tuesday, news broke that former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, along with his wife, was indicted for breaking the law by accepting gifts and loans while serving as governor. McDonnell was once a rising GOP star — like Christie. It is a reminder that political stars, who raise expectations, can often disappoint.

WILL HOUSE REPUBLICANS BLOCK A BAILOUT FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES UNDER OBAMACARE? AskAB returns Thursday, Jan. 23. Please join my weekly video Q&A by sending your questions and comments to askab@digital-staging.thehill.com. Thank you.