Halloween always comes early during a big election year

By Mark Johnson, VP Government Affairs

You can barely turn on the TV, open the paper, check the internet or turn on your radio without hearing some "horror story" about some candidate running for office.  This happens on almost all levels from the presidential race on down to the state legislature.

The object of the game is to scare voters into voting against your opponent.  More people are likely to vote against someone than they are to vote for someone.  That unfortunately is why we are bombarded by negative hit pieces.  This is nothing new.  It has been going on since politics started.  It is just that now they are everywhere and it is hard to avoid them. 

For a political junkie like me I find many of them entertaining.  The sad part is the amount of money that is spent on this type of campaigning.  It would be refreshing to see more of a focus on the issues and vision of the people running for office.

Do yourself a favor.  Take the attack adds with a grain of salt.  Do your own research.  If at all possible, meet the candidate.  I know this is difficult with presidential contenders but for the most part the other candidates for other offices are eager to visit with potential voters.  Talk to people who know the candidates.  Yes, this takes a little time, but in the long run you will make a more informed choice rather than just absorbing all the scary advertising that often times is misleading, taken out of context or exaggerated.

Trick or treat?