I was recently reminded that James Madison and James Monroe ran against each other in a tightly contested Congressional race. These were men of deep convictions, unwavering ideals, intellectual prowess and stunning records of service running for a mere seat in the House. They were statesmen who craved hearty debate, entrepreneurs of ideology, future presidents, and most importantly selfless men who on ran principle rather than gimmicks.

Politicians of such integrity, grace, and skill are harder to come by nowadays; forget about finding of them running in the same district. Yet every election cycle distinguished and not so distinguished men and women claim themselves the bearers of American democracy. They craft catchy slogans, kiss babies, ride on floats, and shake thousands of hands with that coveted seat in Congress just a vote away.

Although I am not concerned  – take for example, Bill Clinton’s remarkably down-to-earth and extremely policy oriented bid for the presidency in 92 – but I am worried about the quality of the candidates. Specifically, I am concerned that the barely electable republicans candidates running this year will only legitimize already unqualified candidates.

I’m talking of course about Sharron Angle and Christine O’Donnell; two candidates for Senate who make Sarah Palin look politically savvy.  One was a witch and the other flatly asked the press to ask her easy questions. Thankfully, the GOP establishment has denounced – claiming that she couldn’t even be elected to County Dogcatcher. Yet Angle’s calls for “second amendment remedies” have gone greatly uncontested by her party.  Even more amusing still, is Angle’s claim that she is “mainstream.” And that’s all she’ll comment on it. She just unsubstantially claims she’s ideologically in touch with middle-of-the-road Nevadans.

Regardless of what these candidates implicate for the GOP in 2010 (Republicans should be leading in Nevada and Delaware), these candidates are legitimizing Palinesque candidates – unqualified tea-party candidates with slightly less dramatic campaigns and the backing the GOP base. My fear is that after these candidates lose Sarah Palin and other populous puppets in the GOP will be considered more qualified simply given the contrast between what is defining the tea party in 2010 and their less histrionic personas.

A CNN Report on O'Donnell and Witchcraft

watch?v=Zc5HXVxe7XM