By Dr. James “Jim” Kadlecek
‘Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.” – John F. Kennedy
“I wish you wouldn’t run for office. Politics is such a dirty business.” – My late mother, 1974
In the line at the supermarket checkout counter the other day, I noticed the headlines on several tabloids, the gossip rags that scandalize and distort American free-speech rights. “Hillary Gay Love Scandal,” “Obama Marriage Explodes.” I didn’t see one for McCain, but I suspect it will be forthcoming.
Our political candidates, like movie and TV stars, are targets for the scandalizers, the paparazzi, the invaders of privacy who seek to profit from the fame of public persons. One wonders why anyone would seek public office these days and subject themselves not only to intense scrutiny, but also to becoming targets for the low-lifes that engage in these sensationalist tactics. But such is the political world in which we live.
Frankly, it’s not too much of a stretch from the excesses of the tabloids to the negative campaigning being conducted by some candidates and the political parties. A significant element of the media, competing for ratings and advertising dollars, engages in reporting that emphasizes negativity, plays up the flaws of our all-too-human candidates and fuels the fires of controversy by reporting and repeating over and over insignificant statements or associations of candidates that have little or no relationship to the important public policy issues that we face. The candidates are forced to play the same game in order to get the media attention they need to attract votes.
It’s our own fault, I suppose. As many political operatives will tell you, “Going negative works.” The public, or at least many, apparently want to hear about all the “juicy” stuff, or the stupid and trivial stuff. I’m afraid it is because our society has become so dumbed down that it’s all we can comprehend, or all that we are willing to listen to.
So, the candidates – even the really good ones – play along with what has become a media game, fueled of course by the big money in campaign politics. It’s no secret that campaigns have become big business and are driven by the profit-oriented media, expensive consultants, pollsters, interest groups and political hacks of all sorts. It’s all about the money. You don’t believe it? In 2006, the average amount spent by winners in U.S. House races was $1.3 million. The average Senate winner spent an astonishing $9.6 million.
And, of course, the expensive campaigns lead to the political parties seeking out and supporting candidates who have the financial resources to run these high-dollar campaigns. Persons who have ability, integrity, good ideas and willingness to work hard in public service have a very tough time getting elected because the parties and the political operatives have determined that it’s the money that matters.
The choice in the 2nd District race
We are seeing this play out in the 2nd Congressional District primary race between Bill McCamley and Harry Teague. McCamley is a young, energetic, intelligent candidate who has prepared himself well for public service. He is motivated by a genuine willingness to serve the public. But he’s not rich.
His opponent Teague is oil rich and has now funded his own campaign with nearly $700,000. In short, he’s trying to buy the election. The sad part is that some members of the Democratic Party establishment are supporting Teague. Why? When I asked a couple of them, they said it’s because he has been a contributor over the years and he has the money to win over voters by buying expensive media, etc.
In short, it’s the money.
So it comes down to whether 2nd District Democrats are smart enough to vote for hard work and talent or dumb enough to succumb to the influence of money. As for me, I’ll take the candidate who is poor and willing to work.
By the way, all due respect to my dear departed Mom referenced in the opening quote, my eight-year political experience in the Colorado State Senate was very positive. I found that, for the most part, the people I served with on both sides of the aisle were honest and honorable citizens. They weren’t “special” people, just average citizens who were serving their state. They did the best they could. But then – 1974-1982 – big money in politics wasn’t nearly the factor that it is now. As I recall, my first campaign cost about $3,000.
So, will we ever get the big money out of political campaigns? I’m not optimistic, but I continue to support organizations such as Common Cause and the League of Women Voters that are fighting the uphill battle. I wish we would follow the advice of Will Rogers, who once said, “Take your campaign contributions and send them to the Red Cross, and let the elections be decided on merit.”
Kadlecek has lived in