Apparently, the idea of being in “government” has an allure that becomes familial, a “like father, like son” approach. Congress is filled with either husband then wife, son then daughter, daughter then son and multiple other combinations of cousins who want to be elected to do whatever government does.
What the allure is, makes me wonder that the “side money” is the driving force. Government work, particularly where you become part of the group that can make or break “who makes what” is a powerful position. We all know about members of congress and their stock trades having made millionaires of its members.
This form of “payback” is not only rampant at the federal level but also works its magic at the state level. It may not be stock purchases, but it will be in other ways, promoting businesses, giving certain businesses exclusivity etc.
Having sons or daughters follow in the “footsteps” of a father or a businessman having entered politics, termed out, and then wanting to come back for a “second bite of the apple” says much about who or what drives them.
The Florida legislature is not a high paying job by any means. Those who are elected come with the idea of a little privation will, at some future point, “pay off.”
Florida is growing. Builders are looking for increased density, access to water, better roads to the building sites, etc., and data centers are not necessarily wanted, but in a modern society need political backup if they are to get what they want.
State contracts to do business are always in play and this allows PACS to be the lifeline to political success. Corporate capture has taken over all facets of government along with its goal of marginalizing the individual voter and his or her desires.
The idea of someone reentering politics after having a rocky or rancorous ending seems like something few would want to do. To say “yes” to a request to reenter the political fray, I believe that an “inducement” must be offered to make it palatable.
“The public wants you to run,” is something for the silver screen. Politics is not about saving the public’s perceived wounds, but about money, a lot of it. PAC money, knowing your way around, having a good “Rolodex” of reliable voters with deep pockets and a glib voice who knows what the voters want to hear, is what is needed if the inducement is to pay off.
The voter is not well versed in politics. The voter’s unbridled expectations makes them vote for a party or individual without any concern or demand on what they are going to get for their vote.
We have a former “termed out” Florida House member whose daughter has been elected to the Florida House reentering politics to run for the Florida Senate against a popular member who is also president of the Florida Senate.
Normally I would say this is political madness, but something tells me that this former member has been approached with a deal he believes is too good to pass up.
Florida is a Red State and is filled with “grass roots” candidates who seem to be more against everything than for something. America is just a big business, with everything bought and sold at a price, including honesty and morality.
It is a jungle of competing wants and if it weren’t for those who use their money as something to calm the whole thing down, who knows what would happen.
At the local level, relationships will be strained and broken but life will go on. The people on the inside will see a good payday and others will have to live by whatever it is they have to offer.
The voters will continue to play the game. Unfortunately, it will only be a few voters as most will be too busy doing what they believe is more important. It is these indifferent and lazy people who make life very difficult for those who care about everything.
Few will pay attention to what is going on until they are forced to decide on something or then again, maybe not.
Midterm elections have an abysmal turnout and that allows for the “my head’s made up” voter to control what becomes law. Any idea of “I don’t want that” once the polls close falls on deaf ears.
”The most important office, one all can and should fill is that of the private citizen.” – Louis Brandeis.
By Dr. Richard Pitz