It is rare for a write-in candidate to win an election, especially for a major seat. In 2010, moderate Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski ran for re-election.
But the TEA party thought she was not extreme enough, so she got primaried and LOST the Republican primary. Too late to file for the November general election, she ran a write-in campaign for Senate.
And despite a state Supreme Court ruling that only write-in votes that spelled her tricky name correctly would be counted — she WON. In 2016, she again ran for re-election, again back to being a Republican, and this time the party knew better than to humiliate itself with its most extreme element and she is still in the Senate today.
The dangers are several. Those gathered to tell her might or might not be representative of her constituents on assorted questions. Also it is possible she might become privy to information they don’t know — just because their sources may not always be reliable.
In the 70’s there was a write-in campaign for a state office. My family alone knew of at least 40 or 50 who did so and were sure they spelled the name exactly. The Board of Elections claimed they had 0 counted write-ins. We never heard a single word about the complaints. How much do you think politicians listen to their constituents? Unless the check is large enough.
BE THIS GUY almost 6 years ago
Wouldn’t it be easier to just mail in their opinions?
DD Wiz Premium Member almost 6 years ago
It is rare for a write-in candidate to win an election, especially for a major seat. In 2010, moderate Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski ran for re-election.
But the TEA party thought she was not extreme enough, so she got primaried and LOST the Republican primary. Too late to file for the November general election, she ran a write-in campaign for Senate.
And despite a state Supreme Court ruling that only write-in votes that spelled her tricky name correctly would be counted — she WON. In 2016, she again ran for re-election, again back to being a Republican, and this time the party knew better than to humiliate itself with its most extreme element and she is still in the Senate today.
David Huie Green ForceIsAUsefulFiction almost 6 years ago
The dangers are several. Those gathered to tell her might or might not be representative of her constituents on assorted questions. Also it is possible she might become privy to information they don’t know — just because their sources may not always be reliable.
Argythree almost 6 years ago
This is still a dream of a situation. Imagine having, for just one day, the ear of a politician…
Rosette almost 6 years ago
A show of 20,000 hands? Good luck counting them all!
Display almost 6 years ago
In the 70’s there was a write-in campaign for a state office. My family alone knew of at least 40 or 50 who did so and were sure they spelled the name exactly. The Board of Elections claimed they had 0 counted write-ins. We never heard a single word about the complaints. How much do you think politicians listen to their constituents? Unless the check is large enough.
comixbomix almost 6 years ago
I thought they’d want a show of arms…
dtdbiz almost 6 years ago
I don’t often laugh at this strip — it’s a bit cerebral for that — but today’s punchline gave me a good chuckle.