POL318 Assignment #2
While assessing the qualities of a good Senate candidate may seem to be purely subjective, there have been some methods used for the purpose of assessing what exactly is a quality candidate on a broad level. One such method has devised a list of potential qualities divided between Strategic Qualities and Personal Qualities.(Herrnson 2001) Working within these broad qualities will allow one to asses whether or not Ben Stevens would be a quality candidate in the Alaska U.S. Senate race.
Ben Stevens name recognition across the state of Alaska is very high. This is because his father is Ted Stevens, the long serving U.S. Senator from Alaska. Alaska voters are very familiar with the name of Stevens on a ballot and this is one of Ben Stevens’ major strengths.(Chambers 2002)
The fact that Ben Stevens has high name recognition coupled with his financial success(ADN 2004) points towards being able to raise money successfully.
The fact that Ben Stevens is the Alaska Senate Majority(AK Legislature 2004) leader points towards him having broad support among his party.
Ben Stevens is both Senate Majority Leader and a successful consultant, so his chances of getting interest group support are high. (ADN 2004)
Ben Stevens is a highly successful and wealthy businessman who is capable of supporting a potential campaign financially.(ADN 2004)
Ben Stevens would also be a good candidate because Alaska is a highly Republican State with two Republican U.S. Senators, A Republican Congressman, A Republican Governor, and a Republican State Legislature.(National Journal 2004)
There is an issue relating to personal qualities of importance for this assessment. The issue is whether or not there are anyproblems directly related to Ben Stevens that would cause an overwhelmingly negative response.
After researching the Anchorage Paper, Alaska Legislative Website, and other relevant sites, no net negative Personal Qualities can be found.
Ben Stevens would be an excellent candidate for the U.S. Senate in this election and others because of his positive Strategic Qualities. The drawback for the purposes of the 2004 race would be that he would of had to beat an incumbent U.S. Senator, Lisa Murkowski, in the Republican primary. The only other conceivable obstacle to Stevens being a good candidate is his own ambition.(Chambers 2002) If Stevens does have political ambition, a U.S. Senate from Alaska looks like his for the taking.
Chris Burks
Davidson College Box 6020
Davidson NC 28035
704-894-5167
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Site Last Updated: Tuesday, September 22 2004.