Qualifications had nothing to do with it. some people ran because no one else wanted the office, or the ordeal of a campaign, too many other things to do. The actual qualifications for most political offices are so basic that anyone can qualify. There have been times I wanted to show how qualified the candidate was, procured a job description, so basic, anyone would qualify. AUDITOR .... Keep the Books, and that might be the only qualification.
In retrospect, and I have done quite a few, I never once really considered the qualifications of a candidate I was working for, never gave thought to it, he/she was running, so, what do we do to get him/her elected.
When writing the material for a palm card or a brochure, there were certain basics. Hopefully, married, with two kids and a dog, nice looking wife. Standard photographs, one with a veteran, an old person, maybe one with the candidate with his coat over his shoulder, heading out, action, roll up the sleeves kind of guy. Had a photo once, successful politician, with a picture of him, on the courthouse steps, looking ahead, surrounded by family, a veteran,k a soldier, girl scout, boy scout, the American flag in the background, it had it all.
Honest .... Integrity ... Experienced ..... Involved in the community .... black and white for the Democrats, red, white and blue if a Republican. It was all a game, and the party that played the game the best, won the offices, that simple. Getting the right billboard could win an election.
This was of course on a local level. Another "rule" then, never mention the opponent .... now, that is all that is mentioned.
My point ..... a game, winners and losers .... NO THOUGHT to whether he/she could do a good job, or was even qualified ...... it was merely ..... The Game of Politics ..... and on election night, another big party to attend ..... it was just a game to play.
