Diaz, reconsidered

Published May 23 2006, 07:07 PM by Adam Reilly

In this week's Phoenix, I offer a pretty critical assessment of Samiyah Diaz, the woman who would replace state senator Dianne Wilkerson. Which is why, when I bumped into Diaz at last night's LG forum at Suffolk Law School, I felt a bit awkward. Plenty of local politicians bristle at even gentle criticism, and my story really whacks Diaz. Also, while it's easy for reporters and commentators to criticize people in print, seeing them afterward is always uncomfortable. (I think there's some kind of aphorism about reporters not being thin-skinned, but having no skin.)

My point, as I come dangerously close to sounding like Larry King? Only that Diaz handled our encounter quite professionally. For that alone I have to give her credit. I also think it's commendable that she's hitting events like this one (sponsored by the Second Suffolk Democrats), where she's sure to be treated skeptically and may even encounter some outright hostility.

Now, if she could just loosen up a bit...