Ok, I'll give this one a nudge. There are a number of things that need to be done, but foremost is that we have to STOP tolerating candidate infractions. These should be dealt with immediately and severely. I'm talking about expulsion from the election and banning from all future elections.
* Registration for office would take place in Jan of the election year. No more eternal elections.
* At that time, each candidate MUST present proper and certified documentation, including birth certificate (no live birth), full military records, college transcripts, any publications, etc, etc.
*FEC would then undertake a full and thorough background investigation as if for a high level security clearance.
* Campaigning begins in Feb. It goes through June. The conventions would be held in July and there would be NO campaigning during that month. From August to the election campaigning would be allowed.
* There would be an ABSOLUTE limit on the amount of money each candidate is allowed to spend.
* Outside agencies would be allowed to post ISSUE ads, but no endorsements, nor any ID as to what party or candidate they advocate.
* Television would be prohibited from covering the election EXCEPT for the debates. No more deceptive sound bites. The campaigns would be covered by print media or on the 'net. If you can't read, too bad, you have four years to learn.
* ANY legislation or actions advocated by a candidate MUST have, and be presented with, Constitutional justification for the action.
* ANY violation of these regulations would result in the disqualification of the candidate and a ban from all future elections.
ADDENDUM
* ALL candidates are required to have served at least two tours of duty in the US Armed Services. (this added after discussion. I forgot it on the first pass)
* An indictment will lead to immediate suspension until the case is resolved. A conviction will cause the permanent removal from office without possibility of holding office again.
That enough to get you thinking?
