Class act

Jim Callahan, who "retired" a couple of years ago from his powerful Democratic caucus leader post in the Kentucky House, ran this time for his hometown city council in Wilder (estimated population: about 3,000).

He won top vote-getter honors, with 719 votes. Callahan had to drop out of the KY House because of his Parkinson disease. A lesser man might have viewed a spot on Wilder's council as a come-down, after such a distinguished 18-year career in the legislature. Not Callahan.

From presidents to local politicians, we often can't take the full measure of a man or woman until after they leave office. Do they just cash in on speakers' fees or hit the golf course? Do they become a famous dancer like Jerry Springer? Do they, like Jimmy Carter, build homes for needy families or oversee foreign elections? Do they end up in prison like upstate Ohio congressmen? Or do they check their egos at the door, like Callahan, and get back into public service?