Doing my research for today's election I came across the website for the Burlington County Democratic Committee, which is helpful since that's where I live. They have some nice write ups on the candidates that they are backing but nothing, really, on the positions that they are taking. So, wishing to get more information, I clicked on the Chairman's Message. That's where it all fell apart for me. Does this message speak to taxes, marriage equality, jobs, or other items important to the people of Burlington County? Nope.
In fact, it seems like their overwhelming issue, which is the only one I can find on this entire website, is "We need to make sure that Chris Christie does not even think about running for President in 2016." Really? There is nothing else that you could possibly think to run on? There are no issues affecting New Jersey or Burlington County that could possibly make any difference? Apparently not. Apparently they think that an election that is 3 years away is the only possible thing that any voter could care about in this election.
This is the kind of thing that really makes me want more than two (or sometimes less on this ballot) choices for any position. The "we're good and they're bad" mindset really ticks me off. I, for one, am more concerned about what can be done about the outrageous property taxes in the state, the passing of useless (or at least, wrong headed) laws and wasteful spending than I am about who may or may not be running for President in 2016.
We (NJ residents) have a choice of 8 candidates for Governor, which is great! But that's it. Every other office has only 2, and my school board election has only 2 people listed to fill 3 positions. It's at times like this that I admire people like Kevin Bott, who are willing and able to run as an alternate party candidate.
So, what's my message to these groups? Try stating what you are for and what positive items you want to accomplish rather than what you are against or what political power moves you plan on making. Not only does it turn voters off from what possible good you might do, it makes you the poster children for the worst in American politics.
Now stop reading this blog and go out and vote!
