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I agree it does happen, though the party system really limits the possibility. It keeps nationally popular but not moderate idealists like Ron Paul and Bernie

I agree it does happen, though the party system really limits the possibility. It keeps nationally popular but not moderate idealists like Ron Paul and Bernie Sanders sidelined and picks winners long before primaries in local elections. I live in a state with caucus primaries and it prevents any non-party candidates. Even at the local level you get some horrible choices of picking the least bad, corrupt, or even crazy guy. Luckily, for at least some positions there is not enough party interest and there are 3 or more candidates that have to explain their platform and reasoning. If only that was the case with the more important positions.

flossball 8y ago
Also the national parties groom way too much. It is one thing to have Hillary move to an easy to win seated state in national politics. However, it appears that Obama's local efforts were all organized to get him to President asap. That left quite a mess locally. Similarly, the Republicans where I live are always sending DC interns to us for state legislature. I guess it is an attempt to give the intern running experience. The campaigns hardly ever seem to be an actual attempt to win. The area is full of good paying jobs. What that means is the local politicians are usually some rich person's partner. Otherwise the crop is usually public employees with an ax to grind or personal trainers/masseuses looking for a steady income.