Bowzer lays down political bass

A disquisition on the philosophy of Bowzer from Dennis Roddy in Johnstown, Pa.

JON BAUMAN, better known as Bowzer, the bass-verging-on-baritone of the 50s revival group Sha-Na-Na, prowled the Critz party tonight a briefcase in his hand, as if at any moment he might be called upon to sell an insurance policy.

He had several theories. One is that his hair remains jet black because of all the grease he lathered upon his noggin while bop-doo-da-bopping across stages. He is familiar with Johnstown because his group, in its early years, always included this paleo-rock-and-roll city on its tour.

His other theory is that, just now, the world will turn on the 12th District’s vote.

“This is the race that will set the tone for November,” he said. “This is where we can turn the tide.”

The tide, of course, is the voter revolt Democrats fear will sweep them out of office, if not altogether out to sea. As such, men like Bowzer, whose music harkens to the era of Ike, but whose politics are redolent of Elvis worshipper Clinton, are ready for a win.

Ready, yes. Confident, not yet.