Win or lose, candidates for public office deserve our respect.
They put themselves, their families and their supporters in the glare of a very hot spotlight and risk ridicule, scorn and attacks to their character and reputation. They worry about how to raise money to pay for campaign signs, stickers, radio and print advertising and snacks for volunteers.
One of the important challenges a candidate faces is the ability to build and keep a loyal volunteer following, and how best to inspire them and guide them when campaigns take an uncivil and ugly twist - all the while feeling infuriated, exhausted and sometimes hurt themselves.
Election Day is critical to our future. Those we elect will represent us as they make decisions that affect our everyday lives.
What's also critical is the day after election, when we realize that we still live on the same island with the same folks who campaigned against our favored candidates.
Mahina Martin
Wailuku
