Every election season, candidates race to obtain endorsements. Political parties, politicians, fire and police associations, unions — all endorse candidates. But how independent are those endorsements? How inclusive of the candidates are they? What are the motivations behind them?
For political parties, it’s very easy. They offer endorsements only to candidates who are registered as party members. That doesn’t mean their views align with the party, that they work on party priorities, or that they vote regularly with the party on issues: They are just registered the right way. So what if only one candidate is registered with the party?
They get the endorsement, no matter how unsuited they are for the position. We’ve all seen on the national stage
how that can end up: with unqualified and morally corrupt people being elected simply because they registered with the right party. That’s even more of a problem in local elections that are theoretically, at least, nonpartisan.
What about politicians? Most often, local politicians endorse people they believe will vote with them — or can be led by them — on issues. Local council members can solidify their power by endorsing people who will not argue with them or ask them tough questions. They ensure the status quo, where original thought is discouraged. County, state and federal endorsements also follow party lines, just like the party endorsements — and other candidates who might be far more capable are not considered because they are not in the right ‘club.’
What about firefighters and police officers? Their associations were formed to protect the rights, jobs and benefits of their members. That isn’t always the same as what is best for the city. Remember, city council members get to ask awkward questions, and set the salaries and benefits for both groups. Who wouldn’t like to choose their own boss?
Private-sector unions are also looking to protect the rights and conditions of their workers. But the unions are not selecting their bosses. They genuinely look for candidates who will fight for ordinary workers’ rights and conditions.
No one making an endorsement is looking at all candidates equally. Those candidates who are registered as independents will be ignored by political parties, even if they are demonstrably the best candidates. Firefighters and police associations will be looking for councilmembers who will be better for their membership, not the city as a whole. Unions will be looking out for their members, too.
Should we even consider endorsements? They can certainly be a guide, particularly in county, state or federal races. But at the local city level, our best guide is not endorsements, but meeting with candidates and asking them the only important question: “How do you propose to improve our city and my family’s standard of living?”
If you can’t meet with them, look for videos of interviews, council and commission meetings, and other sources to get to know all the candidates. Learn their strengths and weaknesses.
You only get to vote every two or four years. It’s worth spending a little time on each candidate to make sure you can live with your choices until the next election.
Danny Lee is an activist who lives in Cathedral City and is a member of the city planning commission. The column reflects his own opinions, not those of the commission, the city or any other group.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Do endorsements matter? Think before voting in midterm elections
