Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: It could be a VIP ringing your doorbell

Friday, July 19, 2002 | 2:31 a.m.

The blistering sun is now being joined by the humidity of the monsoon season. This is the kind of weather that drives saints to drink more than water and friendly dogs to bite the first person who rings the doorbell.

Believe me, your doorbell may ring several times during the summer months of an election year. Nevada still has people seeking office who go out in this lousy weather and ask for your vote. Many do it because they want to meet and listen to the voters. There are many times the person asking for your vote doesn't have the money for slick colored campaign brochures or expensive time on radio and television. Nevertheless, they are willing to put their names on the ballot and then go door-to-door meeting potential voters.

Treat them kindly, because they are some of the most valuable people who help make our country great. Filing for public office opens a candidate to personal and public scrutiny that can become very uncomfortable. Yes, it can also become unfair to the candidate who doesn't have the dollars or ability to answer unfair charges. So listen to them and ask them questions. If you know them, you may even want to invite them into the coolness of your house and offer a cold drink before they return to the torment of the hot sun and humidity.

Encourage them to talk about themselves and not their opponents. This may be the only time you will have this opportunity. The candidate who talks about his or her political ideas and plans should get your attention. You will hear plenty about the opponent when, or if, they show up at your doorstep.

We hear all kinds of reasons given for the deterioration of campaigns into the slinging of mud. Some people refuse to enter the political fray because they don't want to endure the pain. More than one political campaign expert has told me that negative campaigning is used because "it works." Well, shame on the voters for allowing these tactics to work.

So when do negative and truly nasty campaign tactics become a detriment to the candidate who uses them? When you and I react to them by not supporting or voting for those candidates. Nevadans have several opportunities to personally tell the candidates how they feel and in November can send an even stronger message when voting. If a candidate comes to your door or hands you a pamphlet that is nothing more than an attack on their opponent, that's when to tell him or her about your feelings.

Take some time to learn about the duties of legislators, county commissioners and other public office holders. These bits of knowledge can be most useful when discussing problems and programs with candidates. Tell them your views and listen to theirs, and both of you may come away with new information.

So have that glass of cold water ready and do some listening after you answer the doorbell or knock on the door. There's a good chance you may be meeting a candidate who a few years from now will be an outstanding public servant.

Oh, by the way, make sure you are registered to vote or your opinions won't matter much next November.