Election Day

Here at The Great RV Escape we do our best to stay apolitical. And, today is no exception. On this, America's Election Day, we have a few observations to share. So, here goes.

We've traveled in 23 of our great states during this election year. That's given us a little peek at hundreds of state and local campaigns. With no dog in these hunts, we've enjoyed being casual and neutral observers of this democratic process as it has unfolded across the country. From the earliest primaries to election eve, we've seen it all.

Some races were hotly contested while others were shoe-ins. There were a few candidates and a couple of issues that were familiar to us, but most were unknowns. We've seen television commercials and yard signs that were put together on a shoestring, and others that were super slick. It's interesting to watch one mud-slinging ad about a candidate you don't know or care about follow another ad that slings the mud right back. When you're not a voter in that district, it can be downright comical.

The messaging in most of these campaigns was largely forgettable. But, there was one campaign slogan for a sitting senator in Iowa that we heard so many times it nearly sent us over the edge.

"I'll tweet. I'll text. I'll do whatever it takes."

Really, Senator?

As we traveled across the country observing this election, we noticed two things. Nobody, it seems, was running for re-election. Of course, many candidates are. But, nobody mentioned it. Nobody. We couldn't tell the incumbents from the newcomers. Interesting, huh?

The other thing that was obviously missing in this campaign cycle was party affiliation. Of the gazillion television commercials and yard signs we've seen from California to New York, you couldn't tell the Democrats from the Republicans. There were no elephant or donkey logos anywhere. No (D)s or (R)s either. Just a mention of the Tea Party here and there.

When the candidates won't tell you which party their affiliated with and if they're running for re-election, that says something. We sure think so anyway.

By tonight all the votes will be cast. Propositions will pass or fail. Candidates will win or lose. This election season will, at long last, be over.

As happy as we are to see it end, we're happier that we are free to roam a country where every vote counts and the citizens have the right to choose. That the process provides entertainment and fodder for the blog is icing on the cake.

Win or lose, one thing is for sure. Kansas basketball starts tonight. And, when it comes to college basketball, we are openly biased. Go Hawks!