Aleonard. That is certainly true and should be kept in mind. However, elections have a time certain date and most of the convictions happen after the election. Then, it is questionable if appropriate action ensues. One could recommend to a candidate to do whatever it takes to get elected. Say anything. Spend whatever. Make Machiavelli proud. You'll get elected and the punishment will be minor. Voters will forget about it by the next election. In the meantime, you have two or four years to do whatever. Therefore, a lively discussion beforehand by the public is important if we have any hope of electing honest representatives with the public's best interest in mind.
I agree 100% with your quote above and all
factual evidence and quotes should be gathered by the media, investigating officials and the public and put into the public eye for discussion before elections.
But, speaking personally, I know people talk. Sometimes it's sound, sometimes it's not. I can only hope if I ever had to be in the public eye as an official, I would be judged by the public on facts and not speculation.
I am asked very often why these issues are only in the spotlight sometimes during an election year. My answer from my experience so far is that's when we see the majority of complaints filed. Not all, but many. I'm not going to speculate about that except to say I believe the reasons are very varied.
ps......I'd like to add that this is my opinion and only my opinion concerning all elected offices or other type of public or private figures in the press these day.