Clint Reilly, a towering figure in California politics and a legendary campaign strategist once nicknamed 'Satan,' has died at the age of 79. Reilly, who never held political office, wielded immense influence, shaping the careers of prominent Democrats including Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer.
In an era preceding the internet and social media, Reilly achieved a level of celebrity status rarely seen among political operatives. His distinctive style, characterized by a cherry-red Jaguar, Italian suits, and a seaside mansion, made him an early influencer. He was known for his meticulous approach, often serving coffee in fine china at his San Francisco office.
Eric Jaye, a prominent campaign strategist, recalled Reilly as the "original star consultant who made news himself and shaped the political discussion." Reilly, who hailed from Oakland and rose through San Francisco's business and political circles, revolutionized campaign management by integrating all aspects of a campaign in-house, a method first implemented in San Francisco by his firm.
Despite some electoral defeats, Reilly's genius lay in his vertically integrated campaign methodology. Jerry Roberts, a former journalist who met Reilly over fifty years ago, described his early ventures selling salvaged goods at a flea market before his political career took off. Reilly's business acumen was evident in campaigns like the 1988 insurance industry effort against a reform initiative, where his firm reportedly earned millions.
Reilly's personality was as formidable as his professional reputation. A former seminarian, he was known for his fiery temper, profanity, and ego. He embraced the moniker 'Satan,' given by a former client, as a testament to his reputation for intimidation and mastery of political strategy. In one notable instance, he famously dropped Dianne Feinstein as a client via a press release for perceived insufficient ambition.
Beneath the abrasive exterior, Reilly was also known for his generosity. He demonstrated loyalty to his staff, retaining them even between campaigns, and was a lifelong supporter of the United Farm Workers. After transitioning to real estate and amassing a significant fortune, he became a major philanthropist, establishing the Bay Scholars foundation to support underprivileged youth in Catholic high schools.
A significant example of his strategic prowess was his work with Nancy Pelosi in 1987 for a congressional seat. Reilly's "A voice that will be heard" slogan resonated, but his critical tactical decision involved targeting the city's Republican minority with a mailer arguing Pelosi was the most viable Democratic candidate. This move, against Pelosi's initial objections, secured the crucial Republican votes needed for her narrow victory, setting the stage for her historic political career.
