John Ross Hendrix
John Ross Hendrix received 7% of votes in the GOP primary, finishing second to Richard Burr's 88%.(National Journal 1) A graphic artist and veteran, Hendrix has no formal experience in politics. His website is nothing more than a scatterbrained collection of rhetoric. Maisel, Stone and Maestas' thesis on quality candidates provides a framework for analyzing how Hendrix drew nearly 25,000 votes with his personal qualities yet lacked the strategic qualities necessary for successful nomination. (15)
Context:
It is simple to infer from the "What Will I Do As Senator ?" section of Hendrix's website that he decided to run for U.S. Senate from a conviction that change is necessary in the midst of a disastrous war and national security crisis. Furthermore, Hendrix felt that North Carolinians need a "man who knows what it feels like to stand in line at the unemployment office," to represent them during a period of continued job loss. (Hendrix)
Strategic Qualities:
It's evident that Hendrix has little name recognition, party or interest group support, nor was he able to raise sufficient funding to develop anything more than a campaign website. Clearly Hendrix lacks qualities fundamental in gaining widespread support, but he does embody the personal ambition Schlesinger notes is necessary: "A political system unable to kindle ambitions for office is as much in danger of breaking down as one unable to restrain ambitions." (Kazee 5)
Personal Qualities:
Hendrix's ambition, "high integrity," and "committment to public service" are notable as qualities that propel the quality of his candidacy. (Maisel et al. 16) One can only imagine Hendrix's abrasive personality as unique on Capitol Hill: "...the main topic of conversation throughout the Senate offices will be 'Senator Hendrix isn't gonna like that'...Anyone attempting cuts in aids research funding will have a big, PERSONAL problem with me." It is difficult to argue that Hendrix didn't think he could win the primary. On the contrary, his homepage declares "My friends, I have failed you. I am so sorry." (Hendrix)
Hendrix's personal ambition and attitude of public service attracts a portion of the electorate who is similarly disgusted at the way the U.S Constitution is "conveniently perverted," partisan influences are priority, and the unemployed, Veterans and active military are the true victims of current domestic politics. (Hendrix) Perhaps in a way Richard Burr could not, Hendrix is able to personify the middle-class North Carolinian whose cynicism towards Washington and politics in general flavor supra-partisan and occasionally radical views. It remains difficult to question the dedication of a candidate who, as Senator in wartime would "be happy to jump in with the 82d Airborne...Anything less is cowardice." (Hendrix)
J. R. Hendrix Campaign Website
Send comments, questions, and suggestions to: Charles Wood
Created: 20 September 2004