The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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October 18, 2007

Voters must be educated about candidates and vote

It seems as if many incumbent lawmakers on the federal level are getting cold feet about running in 2008. There have been a series of announcements of resignations or retirements, mostly from some high-profile Republicans.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced earlier this week she would not seek re-election. And also this week, former House Speaker Rep. Dennis Hastert, of Ill., will resign soon, likely before his term is out.

What’s going on?

It’s likely an unpopular Republican president and an unpopular war in Iraq are causing the Republicans in question to see the handwriting on the wall. Why spend all the money on a campaign when there is the likelihood of a defeat? However, there also is an anti-incumbent mood in general sweeping among voters as they have given Congress a staggering low rating of 11 percent satisfaction.

Democrats likely see these Republican announcements as a huge window of opportunity to regain power across the board. However, the lack of progress on the Democratic agenda makes Democrats vulnerable as well.

We know we’ll be seeing a new face in the White House after the 2008 election. And, it’s becoming more apparent there will be a lot of new faces in Congress as well. Everything seems up for grabs.

American citizens have the opportunity now more than in a long time to take Washington in a new and different direction. Both parties have vulnerabilities, both have challenges and both have extreme factions that have helped perpetuate the polarization that exists in our country today.

Voters beware and be educated. Take the time to pay attention to what candidates are saying and what their real agendas and records are.

The 2008 election is very much a crossroads election for the country. Voters need to tune in, pay attention and — more than anything — vote when the time comes.

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