Like many of you chipboard readers, I have also recently received many, many endorsement post cards.

Although at first I thought them all the same, and a mistake to send me so many, I soon realized that they were endorsements from different people.

Now granted, sure there could have been some additional variety and differences between the cards. Perhaps a few pretty colors, perhaps some variation in the type and font. Maybe some variation in the wording. If so, I might have read more then one or two. But hey, a political endorsement is a political endorsement.

Not long ago, I was oh, so tired of the non-stop political campaign commercials on tv. Over and over again, beraded night and day, they just didn't seem to stop. THOSE...got under my skin.

However, these cards did not bother me one bit. Confused for a few moments until I realized the differences, but bothered, no.

I looked at it all this way. For those that may gain something in seeing the candidate endorsements of others, there might be benefit. For those that are on the fence and haven't taken the time to explore the platforms of the individual candidates, perhaps they will gain a Cliff Notes understanding. It is not that much different then reading an editorial or seeing the newspaper or other endorsements.

Did it influence my vote? No, I have already decided long ago who would get my votes. There are things like candidates experience, drive, understand, ethics, platforms, etc to help me make my choice.

Did I think it wrong to bulk mail out to the membership? No, not at all. No harm no foul. I'm just glad I didn't have to watch commercials. I DO, however feel in very inappropriate for the mailings to go to candidates that were not being endorsed. That, I believe is very insulting to them. Perhaps overlooked, but wrong just the same.

Do I think there might have been some benefit to the cards? Possibly. For those people that want to vote, and trust in the choices of others to be good choices....well, I guess it's beeter then voting with a dartboard.

Do I understand why some would get so upset? No, I surely do not. This is a political campaign. The candidates are taking this very seriously. They are trying to do all they can to gain the votes and support they feel will better their chances. Just because this is a hobby, does not make it any less important to the candidates.

I do feel that sending me a box of chocolate mint girl scout cookies would have gone much further in my associating a candidate with a smile on my face.

Here is one final thought. We in the chip hobby, because of the wonderful forum that Greg has graciously provided us, have developed some very strong friendships. I have done so many chip trades with people here as well as simply trading emails with silly comments. At the conventions I have spent many, many a joyous hour casino hopping and gambling with my club friends. Hopefully, our political views will not interfere with our friendships. I know the candidates would never want that to happen.

I would think in the upcoming months a great possibilty that there might be some political emails. I would hope that we can all accept and deal with the passion that the candidates have and show just a little bit of patience. If we don't like the cards, I'm sure you can easily toss them in the trash along with all of the other junk mail you get.

I feel overall, we have a pretty decent group of candidates.

Please try to keep in mind that each and every vote is important to our candidates. They are(and will be) doing what they can to gain your support.