Don't vote for the incumbent [a]

1. Our astronomical incumbency rate makes us look like idiots. For as much as you've complained about the government, you sure aren't voting like you want change.

2. They count on your complacence. No more, "see ya next year, Orrin."

3. All politicians deceive. Two things are required to be a leader on the state level and above. Money. Compromised integrity. Those are the oft-mentioned rules of the game. So you get to choose between the liar and the liar who's lied in public office.

4. The fraternal ruling class will dilute. The college of professional politicians will blur - just a little bit - into a government of the people.

5. Lobby groups and corporate puppeteers won't know who to buy. And with single-term bureaucrats, their money won't go quite so far.

6. Anyone can do it. The mechanics of the State are at the hands of trained professionals. The people you vote for just decide which professionals to listen to. Case in point: California's uneducated governor has been controversial at worst. His well-qualified predecessor was recalled.

7. More candidates and less corporate influence means a more diverse choice of leaders and policies. Our State is inbred. Ideas and people are recycled ad nauseum (hence, complacence).