Tin Soldiers and Nixon’s Coming

What I know about yesterday’s special Congressional Election in Ohio is what I have read from South Dakota Bloggers. TE at SD Watch got it right, a win is a win and losing sucks.

I am confused again and maybe somebody can help me. What is the reason four energetic and bright young men from South Dakota were needed in Ohio by Democratic candidate Hackett. And no, I won’t be surprised to hear that there were probably plenty of Republican volunteers from all over the country to help candidate Schmidt yesterday.

What are all these enthusiasts actually doing once they arrived? Were both candidates not able to generate enough support within the district that they had to issue a call to all four corners for assistance on Election Day? I can’t help but think that ultimately they aren’t doing anything more than just getting in the way.

Helping get out the vote and making sure that there are no irregularities at the polling place are laudable and important activities. Yet how much credibility do political parties and their candidates have when they have recruit volunteers from not only outside the district, but from approximately 1000 miles away? What effect does this have on the already cynical electorate when political parties and candidates import volunteers from anyone who is willing drop everything to spend a week in Ohio?