News / Articles

Choose Wisely

Election season is upon us. Most counties have held their Democratic Party Conventions and the State Convention will be April 25. It was exciting to see the huge turnout for the Salt Lake County Convention. It was clear, especially as it related to the newly drawn CD1, that giving Democrats an actual chance for a seat at the table was a huge boost to participation. The number of contested races that needed primary run-offs was another key indicator of interest.

Accordingly, campaigning for some general election races has already begun. Other candidates face primary run-offs and others must still make it past State Convention. Accordingly, I want to put forward a few ideas regarding ways you can be thoughtful and informed as you make choices. Too often, races become popularity contests. Instead, I would encourage you to think about them as job interviews. Dig below the surface and ask some important questions:

1. What does “doing the job” actually require? Most of the elected positions come with massive responsibilities related to ensuring that the county, the state, the country, and the world run well. Success requires attention to budgets, staffing, programs, policies, and laws. Constituent services are an especially important part of some roles.
2. Related, what evidence suggests that a candidate is up to the job they seek?Do they have relevant educational, professional, or life credentials/experience? What have they accomplished that shows ability to solve problems and make positive differences?
3. What set of skills and expertise do they have that will best complement the skill sets and personalities of those who will be their colleagues?
4. Do their values and priorities align with yours? For those who have held elected office, how have they voted on key legislation, what bills have they proposed and, more importantly, what bills have they been able to get passed?
5. More broadly, what is their character? Are there events in their past that suggest poor judgment? How do their values guide their decisions and policies? Do they play well with colleagues, including the ability to find common ground and collaborate with persons with whom they disagree?
6. Finally, can they run an effective campaign and win?

So let me offer some suggestions as to ways you can dig below the surface and get the kind of information to which I’ve alluded.

1. A basic Google search of their name will likely bring up their web page—one that should outline some of their “bio” and platform. That search may also bring up other pieces of information—a Wikipedia page, news reports, a Face Book page, or professional information that can give insight beyond their practiced “pitch”.
2. Most candidates will hold “meet and greets.” Those will allow you to meet in person and ask the questions that are the most important to you. Related, attend candidate forums.
3. Similarly, talk to people who work with that person or know them with some level of depth. Watch to see the quality/relevance of persons publicly endorsing them. Reach out and ask about their reasoning.
4. The Utah Legislative website will give you substantial information about incumbent Utah legislators, including bills they have proposed and whether any have passed.
5. Various advocacy organizations and websites such as Alliance for a Better Utah, etc. often provide legislative score cards for incumbents and/or a simple overall summary of their voting records. Googling “XXXX’s Voting Record” will often take you to additional sites with relevant voting record summaries.
6. The US government FEC website will allow you to explore the money pieces—who is donating and how much? Will that create conflicts of interest and suggest influence?

To conclude, do your homework, choose thoughtfully and wisely. Go beneath campaign slogans and self-promotion. Look at what the job really requires; what the candidate’s track record of real and relevant accomplishments is; what their demonstrated life choices and conduct show about character, integrity, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, and whether their values and goals align with those you view as most important. Democrats have an extraordinary opportunity this year, especially as it relates to Congress. Let’s make sure that the persons we put in office can make genuine progress on the very real and world-altering issues in front of us. If they do us proud it will make it easier for others to follow in their footsteps.