Parties should focus on candidates' qualifications
Bee Editorial
Two political giants are stepping down after many years in office. Rep. Thomas Reynolds and State Sen. Mary Lou Rath have decided to walk away from government and politics, not venturing into another campaign season.

Both members of the Republican Party, they leave the committee leaders throughout their districts with some strategic work to do.

While the list of Democrats jumping at the chance for an endorsement seems to increase in size daily, the Republicans have yet to put forth names for either race.

Will this be another game of musical chairs as the same Republicans are named? Finding the most recognizable names and putting them on the ballot?

For better or worse, residents in this area have recently voted for change and new faces. Neither Erie County Executive Chris Collins nor Amherst Supervisor Satish Mohan had political experience before winning their seats. Both are shaking things up - to mixed reviews - but change seems to be the wave of the future.

This is a major year for our nation, with a new president to be chosen. He or she will be entering the office in a most difficult time - involving war, terrorism, health care costs and a looming recession.

Who do you want representing you in Washington and Albany? Someone who has experience in government or a newcomer, one refusing to give in to the status quo?

This is not to say that whoever wins the Republican endorsement for Congress and/or the State Senate should be considered as the likely victor. We are urging GOP party officials to consider all interested individuals when the time comes to endorse for both races - considering experienced legislators and qualified men and women from the private sector as well.

This is an unusual time in Western New York politics as two persons who have each spent more than 25 years in public service have decided to retire from the political arena. While unexpected a few months ago, their departures signal an opportunity to make choices which may not be in keeping with the same old selection process. The goal is to give voters the best possible candidates.

At the start of the year, Democrats were on track to tap candidates who could produce the best results against Reynolds and Rath. They too must go back to the drawing board as the political landscape has changed. For the sake of offering us quality candidates, both parties should seize the moment and focus on qualifications rather than the ability to win.