Why wont our good people run for office in the U.S.A.?

Question

it seems the bottom of the barrel always run

Answer 1

There are a lot of good elected officials out there (on a local level) that cannot afford the financial costs of running a campaign. I helped with a state congressional campaign years ago and saw first hand that you would have to be independently wealthy to campaign much higher than that.

Answer 2

Having worked with candidates for office at the local level, I have seen how much dirt and distortion of records occurs during a campaign. Even in small states, the number of voters at any level above state representative is so large that it is impossible for a candidate to meet every voter face-to-face. That means that a campaign has to use the mass media (whether newspaper ads, radio ads, tv ads, or direct mail pieces) to communicate with the voters.

Not only does such impersonal campaigning reward repetitive negative ads, but it is expensive. As such, a large portion of time is spent calling donors (including special interest groups) to raise the type of money that it takes to be competitive.

Finally, when you do put out ads, your media people are going to try to push you to run lowest common denominator bland ads on the issues that poll well rather than saying your piece on the issues that motivated you to run in the first place.

In short, the political process is very frustrating to candidates and damaging to their personal lives (and that's if they are lucky enough to win). A lot of qualified people look at what happened to their friends and associates who got drafted into running the last time and decide to make themselves scarce when their names get brought up as potential candidates.

Answer 3

That's because our Government has become no good. Seems like they keep running in circles about major issues and no one is held responsible for bad decisions or lack of action beneficial to American needs and values. What ever happened to "...of the people, for the people..."? Seems like any moves made are for political gain which boils down to personal gain. And it seems too far gone for us to do anything about it. That's why I took a liking to Sen. Obama's political ticket. He seems to know what is needed and how we would be able to achieve it without all the political drama/smokescreens. But he's getting put through hoops by the well trained combatants he's running with. Aren't you tired of all the BSing? I for sure am.

Answer 4

While most people do have an opinion or care, it takes a certain type to be attracted to the power offered, even with the threat of libel and stress that comes with it.

Besides, the last good person to be president was decided not to be a good president. Much as I love him, America decided Jimmy Carter only deserved one term.

Answer 5

One must have a LOT of money and they must be willing to have their entire past life to go under intense scrutiny. Why does smoking mj as a teenager matter now? They find many better things to do with their time and money and find a place where they are wanted and needed.

Answer 6

Why?
The media digs up any dirt from your past and blows it out of proportion.
The opposing party makes up stuff.
Plus most that are worth while would have to take a big cut in pay.

Answer 7

I know.. its always the same corrupt people, but there are three canidates that aren't.. Ron Paul, Mike Gravel, and Dennis K. Look them up, you'll be suprised but delighted

Answer 8

Maybe the good ones quit or lose interest before it gets interesting.

Answer 9

Does anything make you qualified to run, or to judge?

Answer 10

why would I want to put up with the know nothings and grafters we have for voters?


;-)