Special Interests

[Martin Hash]

In every election cycle there is an outcry by aspiring candidates against “special interests.” For most candidates, either their complaint is simply melodramatics, or they are hypocritically uninformed, because it is easy to tell which “special interests” the candidate represents – simply look at their endorsement list. Only the incredibly naïve would not think that every endorser expects to get something in return for their endorsement. In fact, every endorsement was gained by the candidate tacitly agreeing to the terms of the “special interest.” Almost all “special interests” send out questionnaires that the candidate must fill out to the endorser’s satisfaction, and of course there are lobbying meetings that border on collusion. Counter to campaigning general wisdom (which is espoused by “special interests” posing as strategists), the fewer endorsements - the more independent the candidate.