1. Almost all of the people featured in "Vote for Me" -- from candidates to campaign volunteers -- are passionate about their involvement in politics. Yet the pundits talk constantly about how American democracy is awash with alienated, apathetic citizens. What accounts for the disparity in perceptions?
2. Citizen-led government is enshrined in our national myths. North Carolinian private citizen Maggie Lauterer ran for Congress and found she had to play by the long-established rules of campaign engagement, including running a negative campaign. Is it possible for an "ordinary citizen" to run for office these days and remain relatively ordinary and uncorrupted by politics as usual?
3. How do most people choose their elected officials: by their personalities, their ability to deliver services, or their stands on important issues? Do we expect different results from different levels of politicians?
4. Governing and legislating involves brokering interests that may be antithetical to each other. In "Vote for Me", citizens band together in voting blocs, ethnic coalitions, and trade associations to fight for what they want. Can groups balance pragmatism and the moral high ground and still get results?

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