I have participated in many casual debates that have argued whether nonpartisan candidates, if elected, could actually stimulate political reform from within; versus a “voter/constituent only” movement from outside the walls of state legislatures or Capitol Hill. Would these unique and new to the scene independent public servants be able to retain that free-thinking, reform-based, objective, and nonpartisan mindset that championed their campaigns, or would they simply fall in line with the “politics as usual” status quo?
Would they allow their calls for change and reform to be silenced by the hopeless feeling that they cannot go about “it” alone? Would they start to dote over their possible re-elections and join forces with wealthy beneficiaries, political action committees, international business special interests, and local advocacy, so they may develop a more widespread voter base for a second term or a fifth term or a “career” in politics? Would they ultimately start to self-identify with and — for lack of a better term — “enjoy” the stature and authority that comes with a political chair?
Or.
Would they stay true to their original intentions? Would they feel comfortable without concern for re-election? Would they embrace and champion the idea of leading a “movement,” not just serving a district or a state? Would they tenaciously — in an “uphill both ways” battle — continue to “buck” the system while seeking reform knowing they are very alone and isolated from the partisan caucuses and party committee majorities?
Why not the latter?
Why might the idea of selfless, ethical, responsible, and objective nonpartisan public servants be so hard to imagine? Is it a sentiment that nonpartisan candidates have no legitimate chance against the well-financed and “experienced” (and I use that term loosely) partisan career politicians and the millions of dollars that back them? A “we give up,” so to speak? Is it because so many Americans have lost faith in partisan career politicians, which in turn produces a lack of faith for the prospective nonpartisan candidates?
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