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lating to various forms of mud-slinging — Candidate X’s wife was on the payroll of a rich supporter or Candidate Y said hello to someone else’s wife in an elevator — were eagerly absorbed. Given such public disinterest in the basics of government, it is hardly strange that the candidates and media dwell incessantly on blue smoke and mirror topics.
What does Sabato suggest? Certainly more emphasis on politics and government in schools, more awareness that so long as the public would rather watch “Roseanne” and “Night Court” than the elected folks who spend their money and make vital decisions for them, we can expect no better from campaigns and those who participate in them.
By now, either Doug Wilder or Marshall Coleman has been elected governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Soon their shallow campaign themes will fade away like old soldiers, and they will have to cope with the various crises outlined by Prof. Sabato but seldom addressed as they sought the highest office the state can bestow on one of its citizens.
John Qoolrick, a former reporter who covered Virginia politics for nearly 25 years, is now an aide to Seventh District Congressman D. French Slaughter Jr. Opinions expressed are his own.
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