Do endorsements really matter in politics - local, state, national?
December 27, 2007
From today’s State…
“McCain, more than any other candidate, hopes voters factor endorsements into their decision-making.
McCain has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell and S.C. Senate Majority Leader Glenn McConnell. By one tally, McCain has 48 of 71 Republican lawmakers backing him.”
The article goes on to say that Governor Sanford (who endorsed McCain in 2000) will sit this one out.
All this reminds me of my opinion about endorsements - they may look good on paper but they aren’t going to win the race for you. Maybe I’m wrong?
Does one person’s name make that much difference? Or, is it the candidate himself and his message, abilities, experience and/or passion to serve, that make the difference?
Ever since I became a public servant, I’ve held true to my stance not to endorse candidates in local races. With races at the local level - Mayor, County Council, Town Council, School Board, etc - I believe you, the voter, have the time and resources to follow the race closely and weigh all the candidates. You also have a chance (or should) for one-on-one face time and Q&A sessions with each candidate at local events.
In statewide or national races, you may not have those opportunities. Where candidates aren’t as accessible here locally and there is less of a chance for you to get to know the candidates and their positions, I feel it appropriate for me to assist you with my public support and opinion. In the past I have endorsed Lt. Governor Andre Bauer for his statewide races and most recently Govenor Mitt Romney for his Presidential race.
While I’m in the minority of state policitians supporting Governor Romney, I am pleased to be joined by several conservatives here in the Midlands: Representatives Nikki Haley, Chip Huggins, Ted Pitts and Senator Ronnie Cromer.
Regardless how things end up with the Presidential race, Republicans will “endorse” the same candidate for the General Election. Now how much weight will that carry??
I’d be curious as to your thoughts. Do endorsements matter? Are you more willing to vote for someone because of who’s backing them? If you don’t have the time/resources to vet the candidates (like Presidential), I’m guessing endorsements do make a difference. In local races, I’m thinking they don’t. You’re smart enough (and close enough to the candidates) to form your own opinion.
I think people, not politics matter. Now if you hear your neighbor is supporting a candidate, that’s a whole other type of endorsement in my opinion. One that matters!
Comments
7 Responses to “Do endorsements really matter in politics - local, state, national?”
Got something to say?
I think endorsements don’t hurt, and can offer some limited help in getting a campaign moving forward, but an over-reliance upon them can.
Your policy about getting involved only in upper-ballot races is based on some sound reasoning. Not to mention that those who get involved in too many backyard fights end up making far more enemies than friends. I say stick with it and trust your constituents to make the right decision.
After all, they were smart enough to put you in the House, weren’t they?
If someone votes for their city, county, house, or senate official based on an endorsement from someone else solely, then they are the type of voter that needs education. I think the same can be said for someone that votes party lines…isn’t that the same as an endorsement…I am a Democrat so vote for me or I am a Republican vote for me. Carroll Campbell ran an ad in the 1986 campaign which to this day I try to vote by…it was a catchy jingle, but essentially it said “what good is a label, when it’s the person you out to know”. So while I agree with your position that on a statewide or national level that endorsements may carry more weight, I am just not sure of there effectiveness…especially with an informed voter
sorry…my name is Paul..not Pual..:)
I think the more educated voters are wising up to the endorsement game of scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours and are resenting it.
If one candidate endorses another, then voters should consider voting for some other qualified candidate who does not play this game. This also includes one politician raising money for another through PACs - a type of money laundering. Also, political contributions from foreigners and out of state contributors should be made illegal.
C Sansbury,
Since when did PAC money become laundering. Anyone that gives over 100.00 per year to a PAC has to disclose their name, plus they are optional for employees and or members. Now if you are referrring to a 527, then you might have a better argument. Also, if someone is out of state, why does that matter ? I have family and friends and colleagues that live in VA…if they wanted to give me money should I run what is wrong with that ??
I feel too many voters don’t take the time to really look into a candidates’ voting record. They tend to cast their votes based on information gleaned from TV and radio political commercials. Although I would like to think we have an educated electorate, past experience seems to show that too many people are swayed by personality and celebrity endorsements. All too often our elections are popularity contests instead of true political contests. In Roman times, not all citizens were permitted to vote because they felt some people simply wern’t smart enough to cast an intelligent vote. Perhaps they had something there….
[…] Does everyone really want to be like Mike? Anyone over 20 knows “Air Jordan” and at that time, it was one of the largest endorsement deals ever. But now that the primaries are over, I keep asking myself the question I’ve asked since I ran for office four years ago: Do Endorsements matter in local politics? […]