Primary Candidates,Year 2000

Perhaps it is because I have been in politics more than ten years now. And perhaps the fact that I do not have to campaign this year, I can see things differently. It is easier for me to step back and see through and read through the campaign rhetoric to understand the way candidates manipulate the voters.

I can suggest, and I will suggest, that you read thoroughly your voters’ pamphlet. I will emphasis again how important it is to talk with the candidates and learn for yourself what his or her positions are on issues. Hear and know firsthand what his or her values are. Why does he or she want to be elected. Are your positions and your values reflected in the candidates positions and values?

The truth is, there are those candidates who twist the facts. There are those who believe if they simply say something, everyone will believe it to be true! And by gosh, how are those silly voters going to know the difference anyhow?!

Yes, the goal IS re-election! Re-election or election to a different position. And, winning at all cost! Far too often, it’s not what’s good for citizens, taxpayers or even what is RIGHT – it is what’s good for the candidate!

New candidates are often treated differently. Unfortunately, often they are treated as though they know nothing. Truth is, often it is the candidate who does NOT have experience as an elected official who may in fact have a better grasp of what the “people” truly think. After all, every one who is an elected official was once one of those coming to the campaign with a more pure motive and perspective!

How will you know what the candidate is really saying? How can you sort out the rhetoric from reality? How will be have valid information to base your vote?

Look at the individual’s voting record. Compare the voting record to the campaign materials and promises from the prior election. Talk with the candidate. Ask why his/her position changed on an issue. Sometimes there are valid reasons. Sometimes there is more to the issue than meets the eye. But, sometimes there isn’t! Maybe the individual has changed his/her position and with reason, but maybe this person no longer represents YOUR position!

Even if you are leaning toward supporting a candidate, talk with the individuals and/or groups supporting a candidate. Why are they supportive? Ask if the opponent can also support the individual’s or group’s issues. Talk with opposing candidates supporters! Find out why THEY believe in their candidate and not yours. These conversations can be very eye opening!

Talk with other elected officials. Elected officials at all levels of government work together and talk with each other. They can tell you what it’s like to work with an elected official who is now a candidate. They know how the person works with others, his/her positions, priorities, votes and philosophies etc. They can explain the intricacies of various issues from a helpful standpoint.

Our government in American IS we the people. Whomever you elect will be around a long, long time. Even with tern limits, they are here to stay once elected. You owe it to yourself to have people who truly and honestly represent you! It is your responsibility as a voter to mark your ballot as a fully informed voter. You owe it to yourself! Good luck!!

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