There rarely seems to be any shortage of candidates eager to run for high office. But do you sometimes wonder why?
Oh, if a candidate wins, he may enjoy the “popularity.” But in most cases, winning is just the beginning: The winner then has to “perform” — according to the expectations, desires, dreams and wishes of the people. And the people can be harsh critics.
Campaigning may be “fun,” with applause from supporters. But if elected, the candidate then has to deliver. And remember, whatever public officials do has to be paid for — meaning taxes!
The worst thing that can happen to an aspiring candidate, of course, is to lose. But winning is no bed of roses, either.
Consider Georgia’s Gov.-elect Nathan Deal, for example — and what he faces.
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 — as a Democrat — representing the Georgia district that borders Chattanooga. He became a Republican in 1995. As a member of Congress, he was one of 435 representatives.
But then he decided to run for governor of Georgia this year. He had to win the Republican primary. Then he had to win the general election against the Democrat nominee, former Gov. Roy Barnes. He did — by a strong margin. When he is sworn in as governor on Jan. 10, he will become “the man,” with all eyes — and very heavy responsibilities — upon him.
Will it be easy?
Nobody should think so. When Deal takes office, the popular HOPE college scholarship program is expecting to face a shortfall of about $244 million in the current fiscal year — and $317 million the next year!
Yet, Deal has said, as part of his financial plans, he wants a big cut in the state’s corporate income tax to stimulate Georgia’s economy. He has also said there will need to be economies in spending on local governments, public schools and so forth. And some of HOPE’s benefits may have to be reined in.
Hey, being governor is supposed to be “fun.” But when it comes to making cuts and not raising taxes, that looks like hard work requiring hard decisions.
That’s the fact about government these days. It’s a reality many people don’t like to face. But good elected officials do the tough things to produce sound results — in the best interests of all. It isn’t easy.
And just think: They ask for the job!
We hope Deal will make good decisions, have some good luck, deserve strong support, and achieve good results for Georgia and all its residents.