Greg Fulton: We can't vote 'none of the above'

In multiple choice tests, “none of the above” is often an answer option.

In Pennsylania’s U.S. Senate race, many voters would probably choose that option if it was on the ballot. Neither Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. John Fetterman nor Republican nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz is reflective of the majority of the electorate. One is too far left, while the other too far right. Many voters have indicated they will be voting for the lesser of the two evils.

How these candidates became the standard bearers for their parties reflects a fundamental problem with our primary system, where fringe groups of either party can effectively co-opt the party choice. For Democrats, Rep. Conor Lamb, who was viewed more as a moderate, was easily overwhelmed and outspent by Fetterman and the more progressive Bernie Sanders’ wing of the party. Oz narrowly defeated his primary opponent, who similarly sought the nod from former President Trump and those to the farther right in the party.

Only 2.6 million people voted in the primary, whereas 6.9 million voted in the 2020 general election. So less than half of the projected voters in the upcoming election helped to select the candidates to be considered in the general election.

Some of this problem could be due to a lack of interest in primaries or a general lack of enthusiasm in the choices offered. Unfortunately, the lack of engagement in the primaries has left voters with less than attractive options for Nov. 8.

Both are flawed candidates. Oz is a TV personality with little experience in politics or government, while Fetterman has a limited background in government and no real business experience.

It isn’t that Pennsylvania doesn’t have an abundance of talented individuals on both sides of the aisle who could do an outstanding job in the Senate. It is the process, a marathon which starts with a no-holds-barred primary where candidates — and even their families and friends — are flayed on issues that have little to do with their abilities to serve as senators. Further, having to raise millions of dollars in campaign contributions is a daunting endeavor, and dissuades many from considering a run.

Some may think that merely electing a candidate as a Republican or a Democrat is the key in this election, because it affects the balance of power in the current Senate. The fact is that for a state like Pennsylvania that has many challenges in the years ahead, it is critical that the elected senator be much more.

He or she must be someone who commands the respect of his or her party, those in the opposing party and the administration, and must have a great grasp of the issues facing the country and how certain policies may impact Pennsylvanians. He or she should be a leader, not a follower. It is the leaders in the Senate who help to craft policies and shape the direction of the country.

When you cast your ballot this year, you may want to think about which candidate may emerge over time as a leader who can best serve the interests of Pennsylvanians.

Greg Fulton is a New Castle native living in Denver.