[Editor's Note: Welcome to Sojourner's Truth and Civility Election Watch Honor Roll. This post is part of a series of submissions from our constituents that highlight organizations and individuals engaging in positive, honest discourse.]
Honor Roll Nominee: Senator Andrew Maynard and Republican challenger Stuart Norman
Nominated by: Duane Shank
A local Connecticut race for the state Senate seat has shown two candidates from opposing parties running a unique campaign of civility. The race between incumbent state Senator Andrew Maynard and Republican challenger Stuart Norman is what Sojourners has been urging in our Truth and Civility campaign.
Rather than spend money and efforts on negative ads and sound-bite politics, the two candidates decided to campaign together, launching what they call a "civility tour."
As Election Day approaches, these two candidates have reminded their constituents that civil politics is an option. Norman discussed how the two entered into this tour, "After one of the first events of the campaign, Andy and I got talking in the hallway, and I talked about how a campaign of civility and respect would be good. I said to Andy 'You might have better name recognition than me and if the press catches on, it could help me more than you.' And Maynard said, 'I still want to do it'... I wouldn't go as far as saying Andy and I have become good friends, but we respect each other."
The two candidates for the 18th District state Senate seat have met six times to discuss issues facing the state but have refrained from any personal attacks. This joint venture diverges from the polarizing campaigns that have flooded our country during this election season and approaches community issues as the lone motivator behind their discourse.
Duane Shank is the senior political advisor at Sojourners. Thanks to Andrew Sullivan's Daily Dish for alerting us to this.
Congratulations to Senator Andrew Maynard, and candidate Stuart Norman and all government leaders across the country who work to promote truth and civility in their communities! Have a nomination for the Truth and Civility Honor Roll? Email your example to sojourners@sojo.net, ATTN: Truth and Civility Watch
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