Which means Kevin Bacon won't be getting my vote. He IS part of that mess. While I don't disagree with many of his stances, I really have no interest in sending him to the Senate to represent me. And even if I weren't unhappy with the Legislature's performance in this century, Bacon is a little too conservative for me.
I think one of the biggest problems with our political system is how it's evolved into a two party system. So many subsets of thought on both sides have to be painted with a wide brush, evolving into terms like "Blue Dog Democrat" and "Compassionate Conservative." It's silly, if you ask me, and clouds any real debate on issues. Lately you can't even count on party lines, because the parties themselves have become so fractious in so many ways.
But that doesn't mean I plan on voting for "3rd parties" on principle. In fact, I find that many candidates fielded by the other parties are just as out of touch--if not more so--with reality than career politicians. Political activists are necessary, and I love the passion that surrounds Libertarian, Green, Constitution, and Socialist Party causes. But that doesn't mean I'd feel represented by these people.
Bill Yarbrough has some excellent positions, and one of the better approaches I've seen from a "3rd Party" candidate. I really can't argue with any of his positions (in fact, I think most of them are spot-on), and they're MUCH more thoroughly presented than either of the other two candidates. I'd feel well represented by Yarbrough, and my only hesitation is the traditional poor performance of the 3rd party candidate. I don't want to "waste" my vote anymore than anyone else.
I agree with the interpretation that members of the legislature were intended by the framers of the Constitution to be well respected, contributing members of their communities who leave for a short time to help govern and then return to their business or trade. This is partly why political activists turned legislator doesn't ring true with me, and why I am skeptical of career politicians.
The fact Mark Pfeifer owns and operates a family business in Reynoldsburg indicates to me he is aware of the struggles and complications facing the backbone of our economy first hand. When he says things like simplify regulation in order to improve ease of business, I'm confident he knows what he's talking about. I also like his lack of party affiliation (before running in the primary, anyhow), which tells me he's less likely to get caught up in partisan concerns and focus more on representing constituents.
The Bottom Line:
- Kevin Bacon is right out. I don't agree with his overall message, and I really don't approve of the work he's done in the House of Representatives.
- Bill Yarbrough strikes me as a solid answer to career politicians mucking things up. He also has given a lot of thought on how to help Ohio, and is able to communicate this well. But his "third party" status is still a huge drawback.
- Mark Pfeifer has already achieved success in life, and sees himself in a position to give back through public office. He lacks strong party affiliation, owns and operates a small business, and is interested in representing the people instead of himself.
- I'm torn between Yarbrough and Pfeifer, and will prolly be making this decision much closer to election day.
