would you vote for a politician if you found out they had a criminal record?

1. 60

   nightwork4posted 14 years ago

   would you vote for a politician if you found out they had a criminal record?
   
   even if the record was 15 or 20 years old and didn't involve violence, would it make a difference in your attitude towards them?

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2. 76

   rafkenposted 14 years ago

   Depends upon what the offense was. I would not if it was something that displayed a violent or untrustworthy character.

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3. 60

   Alternative Primeposted 14 years ago

   I would be surprised if he or she didn't...But seriously, I think every individual situation is different and I would judge on the merits of each.
   
   Just about everyone knew The Kennedy Family had a reported history of bootlegging but that didn't seem to bother the masses as they stampeded toward the polling stations to pull the lever for President JFK...And if I were around at that time my vote would have went his way as well...Would we rather have a squeaky clean incompetent? Or a slightly tarnished competent?

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4. 60

   saket71posted 14 years ago

   I would not, but some people would on the assumption that such politician would be pliable and be of use when they themselves would want to circumvent the laws as citizens. That is the tragic part of social evolution, and that is what endangers the sanity of social life.

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5. 61

   Rob Hanlonposted 14 years ago

   would you vote for a politician if you found out they had a criminal record?
   
   Why not ?
   
   The Politicians in the UK were prevented from being prosecuted over the "Expenses Scandal" due to Parliamentary Privilege (and various other cop=out excuses). So, all Politicians are no different fro someone with a 'spent' Criminal Record, in my opinion.

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6. 60

   prsarkarposted 14 years ago

   I will not vote them if the opponent candidate is good enough to run the state. when there is no option of having better candidate then I will possibly give him my vote

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7. 61

   Pollyannalanaposted 14 years ago

   Absolutely not, even though they probably all deserve one.

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8. 60

   BobbiRantposted 14 years ago

   Well America has done exactly that.  OK so war crimes does not give them criminal records, but hey, I live in NY where one of our governors rented hoes on the taxpayer's dime.  LOL

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9. 67

   Tusitala Tomposted 14 years ago

   There are criminal records and criminal records.  Let's say a person picked one up as a teenager forty years ago and it was an offence which has now been struck off the statute books - what then?    I think it's a matter of 'do we trust this guy or gal.' right now.

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10. 70

    onegoodwomanposted 14 years ago

    It could go either way.  Did they serve their appointed time?  If so, I do think, you have paid your debt. 
    
    Did the crime bring harm to another? 
    
    Are they remorseful for the crime, or only for having been caught?
    
    Have they been a productive citizen since their release?
    
    Are they open and honest about the charges?
    
    
    I would not hire a convicted sexual offender or a rapist to watch over my children.
    
    If someone pays for their mistake, in the form of serving their appointed sentence, they are deserving of a new start.  That is the heart of our judicial system.  If, they repeat the offense, I have no mercy..................none.
    
    I am reminded of what my Dad once said.......the older I get, the more sense it makes.
    
    " you can either go to jail and learn your lesson, or you can go and learn how to be a better criminal"...........what choice the candidate made should be the deciding factor.

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11. 60

    spkellyoposted 14 years ago

    I would if was for something minor, but there are some offenses, even non violent ones that I think would sour me. For example a DUI, but if it was 20 years ago I would let that slide. Soliciting a prostitute is another one. I am for legalization of prostitution, but I don't want a leader who goes to one. I think its disgusting and shows other more important character flaws when a man goes to a prostitute.
    
    If its for possession of weed, no problem. Actually any drug possession charge wouldn't bother me as long as they were upfront about it and showed how they overcame their addiction. It's an incredibly hard thing to do and shows strength of character to do so.

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