The states of Washington and Oregon mail Voters' Guides to all registered voters. I value these publications because I can take my time reading about various candidates and ballot measures, make notes on the margins, etc. This makes me more-informed and, therefore, a better voter.

In 2006, I offered advice to candidates - presentation do's and don'ts. Some of this year's crop of candidates obviously didn't read my posting. So ... I'm providing some additional examples here.

Please note that I'm not making fun of candidates. I admire all of them for taking the time and trouble to seek a job which often involves making nice to an oft-ungrateful constituency. A tip of the hat to each of you. May you find these suggestions helpful in your quest to win election.

Here are some do's and don'ts using - as examples - candidates in the August 19, 2008 Washington State primary:

Rule #1: Buy a tie. Two of these gentlemen are running for governor. Another one is running for state school superintendent. Washington is a big state with a big budget. If you're want to be a top executive, you've got to look the part. And ... to the man on the right, who is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction and seems to have fairly decent credentials: lose the ponytail as well.

Rule #2: Do what you love. This tieless chap is also running for governor. Described as an "artist and inventor", he claims to have developed something which "will solve all the world's problems" - a car which runs on nothing but air.

This man shouldn't be wasting his time as a lowly state governor. He should, like Thomas Edison, spend all of his waking hours developing and promoting magnificent inventions to save mankind. Then he'll become the first great inventor with a BA in Poly Sci and a minor in Public Administration.