Despite his burning ambition the late Edward Lowassa was ever the bridesmaid and never the bride, but his career exemplified national politics, Edward Lowassa, who has died aged 70, was a close friend, confidant and ally of ex-President Jakaya Kikwete who spent a fortune advancing his prospects and embracing any part of the ideological spectrum that would help him, but without reaching the highest office of all. His career reveals much about Tanzania's government and politics, particularly the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.