The Key to Winning Elections; Money or Policy?

http://www.recallscottwalker.com/

The decisive re-election of Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin during a recent re-call, highlighted a tragic flaw in the current election philosophy.  The Democrats continually harped that the reason they lost was they were out-spent by the Republicans, 7-1.  The national Presidential election has also resounded with this same concern; that the party who spends the most will be the party who wins the most.  Now, fundraising has become the primary occupation of electoral candidates.

Back in 2005, I wrote an article entitled, "Not Loud Enough or The Wrong Message", where Democrats were complaining they were losing elections because they were not able to clearly articulate their message.  I still believe today, as then, 

"The problem with the Democratic platform has nothing to do with clarity, definition or volume, it has everything to do with substance and character."

In Wisconsin, Governor Walker determined that several government employee unions were placing an undue burden on the State with their benefit packages; packages that included benefits the typical Wisconsin resident never saw and couldn't afford.  It was clear that eliminating or requiring the union members to pay for these premium perks themselves, would save millions of dollars and balance State budgets.  Walker was right, by cutting these freebies, the State was able to balance the budget.  

http://althouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/
how-much-respect-did-demonstrators-show.html

The union members were naturally upset.  They demonstrated, left their debris and hatred littering the State Capital, and finally petitioned for a re-call election to oust Walker.  But, in spite of their efforts, the Governor won re-election, not because of the money spent by either side, but because the majority of the people in Wisconsin didn't want to pay for the benefits of government union members.

The Presidential race is also showing signs of policy vs. the pocketbook.  In another article, "Obama Barely Beats Nobody" we saw how 2 different primary candidates who spent literally nothing on advertising, garnered 40% of the vote from Obama and in Tennessee, where Obama ran unopposed, he only won 60% of the vote.

Finally, a parting quote from "Not Loud Enough or The Wrong Message",

"Whether we like smaller or larger government, involvement in international affairs or prefer isolationism, most people want security in their homes, their jobs and in their community. The electrate has learned that policies change, storms arise and the world moves on. Because of this, they will always lean toward leaders they feel have character, integrity and the charisma to lead in a crisis regardless of the party."