Who Owns What?

Post #32

When I decided not to seek reelection to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2002, I was asked by countless people “who I thought would win my seat.”  I felt the need to remind them that the seat was not mine.  “It’s the people’s seat,” I repeated each time.  I firmly believe that when I was elected, I was hired by the people for a four-year contract.  When re-elected, I was thankful the voters gave me a four-year extension on that contract to represent them to the best of my ability.

I have been reminded of what seemed only semantic pickiness this past week as we heard a lot of discussion about how the Democratic nominee in Massachusetts “lost Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat.”  Republican Senator-Elect Brown took issue with that concept and insisted that it was “the people’s seat” and that the people should select the candidate they preferred. 

As I campaign for the State Senate, I am sometimes asked whose seat I’m seeking.  In the same way, I remind them that this is THEIR seat and that it’s THEIR choice who occupies it. By parsing words in that manner, I hope that I am reminding voters of their power.  At the same time, I hope that I am de-personalizing the contentious competitions that elections can become.  I tell voters and members of the press that I am running FOR the Senate on my own merits and not AGAINST anyone.  In that way, I hope they feel empowered to evaluate the strengths of each candidate and to cast their ballot for the person they feel will be the most effective in office.

Am I being picky in my verbiage?  Perhaps.  Does it reflect an important distinction that’s worth discussing?  I think so.  You own the seats, voters!  Exercise your rights and responsibilities to ensure that the person with a ‘four-year contract’ is someone who will best represent your interests and the interests of our community.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you see this as a question of semantics… or is there something important in the wording of who ‘owns’ a seat? I’d love to know your thoughts on the topic.  You may send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#32) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.