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One Way Candidates Can Educate Voters

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 30, 2007

We hear it all the time: Candidates for political office seldom give straight answers. Much of what we learn about them comes from political advertisements developed by their opponents and special-interest groups. That's politics.

But what do we really know about the candidates, and does it matter?

Of course it does, which is why Project Vote Smart, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group, provides a useful service in helping voters become informed. The organization reviews candidates' voting records and public statements and questions them about their positions on issues.

This year, the questions are called the National Courage Test. Candidates are expected to have the courage to tell us what they think about abortion, guns, budget and spending policy, health care and other key issues. Candidates who would be the next commander in chief have until Wednesday to complete the survey. Four years ago only George W. Bush and Howard Dean of the top-tier candidates declined to participate.

Voters should pay attention to who refuses this year. It is fair to assume that a candidate who dodges the issues is one who doesn't want you to vote smart.

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