Candidates cannot fully explain their positions in a television ad, but they can do so on their Web site. Many smaller candidates cannot afford air time on television, but they can afford to have a Web site. Everyone is getting into the act, including those running for a seat on the board of their condominium association. Manuel Blanco, a reader of the wrote to me about his Web page on issues affecting his condominium association. Even my home owners association has a Web site.
Candidates tend to distort the voting records of their opponents on television and on the radio.
You should not be misled. These two Web sites are also excellent resources to find out what bills are being considered by these legislative bodies. There are also many issue advocacy Web sites. They tend to be biased in favor of their special interest. Well known for its defense of the Second Amendment, the National Rifle Association has added a section to its Web site on voter registration laws in each state, as well as other interesting information.