Should sitting political officials be able to campaign for other offices?
By DoriLentrich
@DoriLentrich (1016)
United States
September 4, 2008 1:53am CST
On another thread it was pointed out that people don't much about Palin, the Republican nominee for Vice President. One of the reasons people don't know about her is because she was doing her job, being governor.
It raises an interesting question, should our elected officials be out there on the campaign trail, instead of in their offices doing their jobs? Who minds the store while they're out wooing us? Aren't we paying them twice, once for their roles as officials and then again through our contributions?
It makes me a bit uncomfortable that my tax dollars are going to support absentee officials while they set their sights on bigger and better jobs in government. What do other people think?
1 response
@BubblyIan (750)
•
14 Sep 08
You are correct, but it is probably in thier employment contracts that they are allowed to do this.
I guess it is much like if you apply for a job and take time off for the interview - no doubt you either do not tell the boss that is what you are doing, or if he approaves you are still getting paid. Many employers allow time off for publlic service - like standing for election or jury service, so we all pay higher prices to cover for their absences anyway.
1 person likes this
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
21 Sep 08
I have no doubt that their doing it is completely legal. My only concern is the time it takes away from their other duties.
Take the current election in the U.S., Obama has been campaigning for two years, and McCain close to that. What about the people of their districts? Whose looking out for their interests while these men are going for higher office? There appears to be a conflict of interest. While the people of Illinois and Arizona may feel one way about an issue, the people of the country feel another. A candidate has a responsibility to the people he/she WILL represent. That may go counter to the interests of the people they DO represent. It just seems wrong that they use their office for something other than its purpose. Elected officials aren't marketing managers at a private corporation. They're servants of the people. Their absence has a far greater impact on the country at large.
Thank you again for your comment.
