A useful candidate comparison begins with original material and a consistent set of questions. Campaign slogans identify priorities, but they often omit the mechanism, cost, or timing of a proposal.
Start by confirming that the person is a candidate for the relevant office on the applicable general-election ballot. State election authorities control ballot access. Source: FEC election and ballot information.
Find the original proposal
Open the candidate's campaign policy page, speech, debate transcript, or published plan. Record the date and preserve the context.
An opponent's advertisement may quote part of a statement. Before accepting its characterization, read or watch the original section.
Use the same policy categories for each candidate. Otherwise, the comparison may give one contender detailed scrutiny while treating the other's slogans as complete answers.
Ask how the policy would work
For each proposal, identify:
- The change being requested.
- Whether federal or state authority is involved.
- The legislation or executive action required.
- The funding or administrative implications.
- Any stated effective date or condition.
A candidate can support an objective without offering a detailed implementable plan. Describe that distinction accurately.
Check a legislative record
For current or former members of Congress, use official legislative and voting records. A bill sponsorship is evidence of advocacy; it is not proof the bill became law.
A vote also has context. Read the measure and its amendments rather than reducing every roll call to an isolated campaign phrase.
Compare claims with authority
Imagine a House candidate promising immediate changes to a state licensing rule. Ask what federal mechanism the candidate proposes. The office sought may not directly control that rule.
That institutional check is useful regardless of party.
Keep facts and judgment separate
A fair profile can say that a proposal lacks detail, cite the missing information, and explain why it matters. It should not fabricate motives or credentials.
Update the comparison when a candidate changes a documented position, and identify the new source.
Related reading: incumbency, campaign finance, and Congress's powers.