Would you vote for a guy....

[Dr.Phool]

Who is an admited convicted felon? Even though his crimes were 20 years ago, and he's a hard working commited progressive Democrat? He had a pretty wild life 25-30 years ago, but has changed? Think Hells Angels and the Soprano's.

Would you vote for a guy like this?

[CrazyOrangeCat]

1. Maybe.

People can change for the better. Anything is possible.

I might even wake up in the morning and decide to mop the kitchen floor.

It COULD happen. ;)

[Katherine Brengle]

2. I might even wake up in the MORNING, lol. Who knows? n/t

[Mythsaje]

3. And this theoretical person would be

different from those currently in power how?

Oh...his crimes were twenty years ago. Those of this administration are today.

That's speaking strictly for myself. Freeps might make another case entirely.

[Dr.Phool]

8. It's not a theoretical person. It's me!

I filed to run against Bill Nelson last month. I've been offered all kinds of support from DU'ers, and I appreciate that. But, I haven't been accepting any contributions.

In 1976, I joined a motorcycle club (read:gang). We were pretty notorious in Cleveland, and after a while we were associated with a lot of mobsters. The club folded around 1980 after a lot of people were sent to jail, but I wasn't one of them, although I kept my associations with the wiseguys.

In 1985, I was arrested for possession of one-half ouce of cocaine (trafficking statutes) and criminal tools (a scale and some baggies). I wound up spending 8 months in prison. When I got out all my firends at work signed petitions for me to get my job back on the railroad. The federal mediator ruled in my favor,and I was put back to work, with my seniority. I was re-elected to my old union office.

I was always politically active during the Vietnam war, and organized anti-war demonstrations back then. After I retired, I've become very politically active in Florida. I'm well respected here, and I tell everyone involved about my past. But, all of this is public record, and I don't deny any of it. But, I'm not the same guy I was 25 years ago.

I'm now working, doing consulting work for other campaigns, and they all know my background. But, If I really decide to go after Nelson, this will all be front page news.

Your unvarnished opinions please.

And, I'll answer ALL questions.

Sincerely,
Rick Chapman

[Mythsaje]

12. I remember an old

Freak Brothers comic in which one of the guys had a nightmare in which he was at a job interview he was trying to blow. He lit up a joint in the interview and everything.

He got the job because of his honesty...the interviewer remarking that the last candidate they'd seen who was that honest was Abraham Lincoln and he had the job.

The fact is that I see a big advantage in being straight up with people about one's past. Too many of our politicians these days hem and haw over the issues, or don't answer straight questions in a straight fashion.

If I liked what the candidate had to say, the past would have very little to do with how I voted.

Good luck with your campaign. Fight the good fight and tell the truth. It may not win an election, but it sure as hell would be something unique.

[Texacrat]

15. Well, I wouldn't support you against Bill Nelson

But that has nothing to do with your felony conviction.

[cynatnite]

4. Yes, depending on his stance on political issues...

They paid their debt to society and are entitled to be full citizens. That includes running for office and being allowed to vote.

[Devlzown]

5. Sure.

You have to give people a chance to redeem themselves.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

6. What was he convicted of?

For some things there is forgiveness. For some things, none.

Trying to make a living dealing dope? Sure.

Raping a child? Nope.


One is a capitalist. One is pathological.

[ISUGRADIA]

7. I would depending on the person but many in the electorate

would probably have a problem with such a candidate

[kentuck]

9. The more honest you are, the more support you will garner....

if everything is behind you.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

10. It's a tough one...

but as someone who has a few skeletons of their own in the closet, if I believed you had "changed your ways" I could vote for you.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

11. ditto dupe

[EFerrari]

13. In a heartbeat.

:)

Everyone loves a comeback.

[Texacrat]

14. Bush and Cheney are in the White House, right?

sure I would.