Candidate Blogs: Bob Orr from NC

The idea of a candidate blogging for an election can seem scary to professional political consultants.  After all, the purpose of a campaign is to pitch a message, not let some wet behind the ears politician write what he really thinks.

Or at least that's the way it used to be.  Candidate blogs may seem foolish, but over time, I think they are a powerful weapon against the entrenched interested in our state and national capitols. 

Witness Bob Orr, whose running for governor of North Carolina.  His political blog, Blog Orr 08, has real posts, is regularly updated, and is intelligently written.  That's a real positive, as the man seems to be smarter than your average bear - or politician.  Not that it's difficult to do - whenever a talking head goes on about the brilliance of a politician, it reminds me of sportcasters talking about the brilliance of quarterbacks.  Most of the time, they should be saying, "He's very smart, for a football player." 

Having a politician blog is a smart thing.  Check out Jolie Justus, a Missouri state senator with her own blog, Fresh Meat.  The bloody cleaver isn't the best image, but I have to say I appreciate her view more, even if I don't agree with them.

Team Kinder is a start on the Republican side in Missouri.  As Lieutenant Governor, Peter Kinder has a bigger megaphone than Justus, but we'll have to see how he uses his blog over the course of the campaign. It's not enough to have one - it has to be part of the campaign, just as much as direct mail and phone banks.

For some politicians, having a blog can launch them from perennial candidate to possible contender.  Jacob Turk, out in Kansas City, is running against longtime Kansas City politico, Emmanuel Cleaver.   His blog, at Turk for Congress, is built to help introduce Jacob to the voters of the 5th District.

Whether or not that strategy works this time, I can guarantee that the use of the blog will raise awareness of the Turk campaign, just as it raises awareness for Justus and Orr.  Blogs by candidates, in the final estimation, make the lawmakers accountable to their public, if for no other reason than connection with their constituents.

And I'd like to see more, please.

hattip:  RedState