Whew, another primary has come and gone. Now all we have to do is make it through the general election and the circus can pack up and go home -- or at least to their respective offices.

OK, maybe this sounds a bit cynical. Truth be known, (at least it is for me), elections over the years have begun to take on the dreaded feel of going to the dentist.

Honestly, do I always want to go and vote? Not really.

So why do I continue to torture myself with the process? Simple. It's my town. It's my state. Furthermore, it's my country. It is my constitutional right to vote, and I am privileged to have this opportunity, just like every other citizen of the United States.

Still, knowing all that doesn't change the fact that I'm deeply saddened and disgusted by the decline in maturity expressed in the candidates' behavior before, during and after the election procedure.

I think John F. Kennedy was on to something when he said, "Mothers may still want their favorite sons to grow up to be president ... but they do not want them to become politicians in the process."

How astute he was to recognize the dilemma that often occurs when someone considers becoming a leader.

How, then, does one go about this process without sacrificing the basic foundations of wisdom and discernment, ultimately becoming unscrupulous along the way?

Well, as a voter, I have five suggestions for the candidates.

Ones I believe, if taken to heart, can lead to a successful campaign.

1. Know what you believe before you decide to run for office. Every one of us is aware that problems will arise in life, changes in our plans will occur and unexpected decisions will have to be made along the way. That's a given.

But if you aren't certain of your beliefs on the very basic issues of life, how will you be able to lead with conviction when faced with life's new issues on a daily basis?

2. Be willing to take those beliefs public. It is a big turn-off to voters when your opinions keep changing like the weather. Yes, there will be moments in life when you change your mind about a previously held opinion.

But I'm not referring to those moments. I'm addressing the inability to stand firm on an issue for fear you'll lose the votes of those who don't share that belief.

3. Be honest. I know, I know. You don't lie, it's the other candidate who does. But what about the times you've distorted the truth for political gain?

This year I've received more campaign fliers touting information about the other candidate than I care to admit. In fact, if it weren't for the return address, some would be hard to tell whom the flier was about.

And just so I'm clear on what I mean by distorting the truth, here's an example:

"Pahrump voters show up at the polls in their underwear."

Scandalous, but it would grab the headlines. Oh, by the way, I failed to mention they were wearing clothes over their underwear.

4. Be personally accountable. Save the campaign money spent on signs, advertisements, fliers and rebuttals against your opponent's accusations.

Instead, spend your time and money preparing a fact sheet with information about you. Tell us, the voters, about your qualifications. Share your plans and goals for our community, state, and country.

Again, state your beliefs and stand firm. Tell how you voted on specific issues, and how often.

Explain, if necessary, the reason why you voted differently against a previously stated belief.

And then, make every effort to provide those you intend on leading with those facts.

5. Remember, you are not campaigning for my vote. This is a job interview and I will be one of your future employers. Maybe this campaign seems like a game to you, but to me it is not.

I do not intend to choose you like I would someone on a political playground simply because I want to have the winning team.

I intend to cast my vote because I believe you are qualified for the job, am assured you will represent my values and beliefs and are willing to conduct yourself in a way that earns your paycheck and my respect.

Will you be chosen for the position if you follow these suggestions? There's always the possibility. But I never promised you'd win -- I said, "If these suggestions are taken to heart, they can lead to a successful campaign."

And that's true. There is something to be said about winning self-respect, whether anyone votes for you or not.

No office or title in the world can replace it. And that, friends, is what I believe being a leader is truly about.

Laura Broadwater