1. What is the most important issue in this race, and who is most qualified to deal with it? I believe it's the economy, and that I'm uniquely qualified to deal with economic issues. I teach public policy at the University of Chicago and wrote a book called Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science that has been published in 10 languages. I've spent my entire adult life working on issues like education, health care, tax policy, and transportation.
2. Why do we end up with so many corrupt politicians? Because we keep electing the same kind of people. Whenever we have a political opening - like this Congressional seat - we always go looking for a replacement in the same places, as if there is some kind of political farm league. But that means we usually end up with career politicians who have a powerful incentive to protect their careers.
If you want a different outcome, elect a different kind of candidate. As I always say on the stump, "Chicago produced both Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama-but only one of them taught at the University of Chicago. So stick with that model!"
3. Can one representative really make a difference? Yes. In fact, the U.S. has a long history of academics who have become highly effective politicians (on both sides of the aisle): Paul Douglas; Daniel Patrick Moynihan; Paul Wellstone; Newt Gingrich; Hubert Humphrey; Phil Gramm; Woodrow Wilson. They were all professors before they went to Washington. And they all "punched above their weight" because they brought an intellectual heft to the job that they could put to work right away on important issues.
This is a great time for substance over politics, and that is exactly what I would like to bring to the job.
So tomorrow before you vote, ask yourself these questions. I think you'll feel very comfortable that the answers begin with voting for me.
Sincerely,
Charlie
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