RE: Personal Story

[Rod Cameron <rodcm@aol.com>]

Susan has hit the nail on the head.  New candidates understandably run because they feel they have positions, abilities, and backgrounds that would make them a better choice than their opponent.  How disheartening it is to hear the "seasoned professionals" talk about the importance of money and tactics over candidate quality.  Some have explained it to me thus:  "Candidates who can raise a bunch of money demonstrate their leadership and communication skills, both important to office holders."  But the end result is the perception in the minds of voters.  The big contributors control things because not enough small contributors will get involved since they feel the big contributors control it all.  It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  The people with good ideas and strong qualifications, like Susan, could win if everyone they knew would get involved just a little.  Sad but true.