Yep, sounds like a born politician. My condolences.
My first job was at a professional photo place. Part of my job was to go hang out at the state capitol and take pictures of the senators and representatives, and the Governor. At that time it was George Wallace. I learned a lot about politics then.
Poli = more than one and often many
ticks = blood sucking parasites.
Put those together and that is a politician.