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.