First, let it be said that we have to win this election. Everything else is meaningless unless we can elect a Democratic majority on Nov. 3.

I have never liked looking at politics, especially our elected leaders, as if it is a sports competition. When “winning is everything!” becomes the only motivation of an elected leader, the vital business of legislation, policy, and the welfare of one’s constituents is neglected or ignored. “Winning” can overwhelm the elected official. The intoxication of having power and influence can create a leader who is more concerned about preserving power than in serving the people.

But ... while winning is not everything, it is an inescapable and required reality. Convincing voters and constituents that you are the best person for the office provides credibility. The bigger the win, the more potential the leader will have to represent the people … you and me.

In today’s Congress, we have too many leaders who have slipped from thinking in terms of “the people” into only thinking of themselves. These leaders will never admit this. They have created an image where they believe that what benefits them also benefits their constituents.

A responsible elected leader has to hold a balance between winning and serving. Serving means being well informed about your constituents. Serving means looking beyond self-interest. Winning can very easily overwhelm a leader’s ability to serve the people.

In 2008, Tom Perriello was first elected to Congress. When President Obama presented his Affordable Health Care proposal, Tom supported it. He was aware of the hostility in our 5th District toward the plan. But he knew that the Affordable Health Care proposal was in the best interest of Americans. So he voted for it, and was defeated when he ran for re-election. But for Tom, acting on what he knew was in the best interest of his constituents was more important. This is the kind of person I want as my representative in Congress. 

WE HAVE TO WIN! but not sacrifice our pledge to serve the hopes, dreams, and needs of our people in order to win. Never easy. But vital if we are to have a just and responsive government.

Roy White
Chair, NCDC