Comments on: Do endorsements really matter in politics – local, state, national?

By: 2008 Primaries: Did endorsements matter? : Nathan Ballentine

2008 Primaries: Did endorsements matter? : Nathan Ballentine — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:36:07 +0000

[...] 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? [...]

By: Larry

Larry — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:12:43 +0000

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….

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:46:59 +0000

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 ??

By: C Sansbury

C Sansbury — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:35:41 +0000

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.

By: Pual

Pual — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:44:46 +0000

sorry…my name is Paul..not Pual..:)

By: Pual

Pual — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:44:18 +0000

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

By: Earl Capps

Earl Capps — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:34:20 +0000

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?