votesmart.org released this information. Many of the replys are outrageous. We desperately need election reform. Let's address the issues. We know that Dave Reichert could not support a one man rock fight. Has anyone told Darcy that our country has serious problems at home that need to be addressed?
The political courage test is not published for Washington State. I dare Dave and Darcy to take a stand.
www.jimvaughnforcongress.com
This 10-year study tests each candidate's willingness to provide citizens with information on the issues that citizens are most concerned with and that the candidate is likely to face if elected. Each candidate is repetitively asked by major media, prominent political leaders and Vote Smart staff to provide this crucial information over a six-week period.
The percentage of Democrats and Republicans providing information never varies more than a few percentage points while third party candidates tend to be more willing to do so. The excuse most often exposed by the test is candidate fear of opposition research.
You can view the results for all Presidential, Congressional and state legislative candidates in our database under "Issue positions" or "Political Courage Test." Many 2008 candidate tests are not yet completed.
Here is a small sampling of the excuses given as collected by our 200 -plus media test participants and Project staff:
* "Our campaign only filled out issue questionnaires if they came with a campaign contribution" - North Carolina Democrat
* "The Republicans suggested that we not respond" - Iowa Republican
* "The leadership told him not to answer the issue questions" - Ohio Republican
* "It is not our job to educate. It is our job to win!" - Democratic National Committeeman
* "My consultant asked me why I would want to provide the Project with issue positions that my opponent would see." - WA Democrat
* "Americans aren't asking for more information from candidates, they're asking for less. They don't want to be troubled." - WA Republican Chairman
* "Our consulting firm is telling our candidates not to respond." - California Republican
* "The party is advising candidates not to answer the issue questions." - Ohio Democrat
* "The people won't use issue information unless it comes with a free ginzu knife." - Presidential Campaign
Posted by jimvaughnforcongress at June 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Email This