I didn't used to describe myself in this way.  I used to be really interested in politics.  I listened to a lot of NPR.  I read George (the magazine, not the writings of G.W.).  I knew the political positions of people that were running for office.  But in the past few years, I've taken the slacker's approach.  I now read The Week (which is good, but is more like the Cliff's Notes to the News, not really the in depth political reporting I used to consume, plus it has recipes and book reviews which I love).  I listen to E! on XM radio.  I catch 10 seconds of the news before it gets switched to Tom and Jerry.  I know who is running for office by the campaign signs I read on the lawns of my neighbors as I head to the grocery store.  It's pathetic.

The only political activities I've done this year are to write letters my representatives letting them know how I feel about gay marriage and stem cell research and attend a political fundraiser for someone I'd never vote for (and only because I think my father-in-law and dad are secretly conspiring to get me to become a Republican).

What I really need is some way for me to check off the things I believe in and have someone tell me which candidates are most likely to vote the way I'd like them to.  It might go something like this:


Then, after I complete the form, I would get a list of the candidates for whom I should vote.  I could take this down to my local precinct and just hand it over as my ballot.  I realize that this approach only reinforces my earlier statement that I am a political moron and a slacker, but wouldn't this be useful for people to quickly wade through all the politics and get to the bottom of the issues that matter most to them?

Note: If this already exists, please send me the link before the election.  Thanks.

In the meantime, I have a few weeks to do some reading and research.  And, keep reading the signs as I drive around town.  Like this campaign sign I saw in the window of a building near the post office:

Because sometimes all it takes to run for office is a dream, a little ambition, and your own magic marker.