1) For starters, never forget that politicians are public servants. In the simplest of terms, we are here to serve you and your best interests. Supporters of the push for Term Limits on House and Senate members correctly point out that all too many politicians distort the basic servitude relationship with the public. It is as if, once elected, some politicians perversely think that the public automatically becomes the servant in this equation. Nothing could be further from the truth. If your Congressional "Representative" does not properly represent you, then retire the present "Representative" and obtain new leadership immediately.

2) Always, Always, Always vote your heart during all elections. Place less emphasis on a candidate's race, gender, and political affiliation, and more emphasis on voting to support the candidate who best champions the matters that are near and dear to your heart. A truly worthy candidate will often draw your support because you sense and support the honor, integrity, and foresight exuding from the candidate. A truly worthy candidate will often restore your faith and trust in the American political election system and in our Government. A truly worthy candidate will categorically instill a lasting sense of hope and inspiration within you.

3) If you prefer one candidate's platform/record over another candidate's platform/record, the appropriate course of action is to cast your vote for the candidate of your liking. The inappropriate course of action is to sanction harm towards one candidate in order to create a clearer path to victory for the remaining candidate of your liking. The modern day terminology for such practice is "Scorched Earth Politics." This tactic is akin to my opponent publicly touting use of a sledgehammer to clear the field of competition in the 2008 race for Congressional District 23 (Palm Beach Post, June 18, 2007).

4) Voters should embrace voting during the "pre-election" time-frame. Many States now offer some form of early voting, either by absentee ballot or by opening a set number of state-wide voting locations approximately two (2) weeks before Election Day. It has been my experience that the voting process is tremendously more calm and civil during the early voting process as compared to the actual Election Day.

5) Last but not least, voters should keep in mind the fact that all politicians are human. With 100% assurance, every politician has said or done something during their existence on this earth that likely does not jibe with their present political aspirations. No candidate that I am aware of, including myself, was born with thoughts of becoming a politician; but rather, the making of an adept politician is most often a slow-brewing process best cemented by attending the School of Hard Knocks. Considering the plethora of political scandals in recent times, it seems futile to demand lifetime perfection from politicians; however, it is indeed appropriate to demand wisdom, growth, and adaptability from all who aspire to enter the political arena.