How is this an issue for any state besides Massachusetts?
Yes, just like Bush's conduct as governor was in 2000. The public record of a candidate is important.
Was Bush criticized for being out on the campaign trail too much when he should be governing? It seems that being out on the job when you're a governor is a bigger deal than being out while you're a senator.
Kerry's history is up for grabs, just like Bush's history.
I think it's a silly criticism to say Kerry's not representing Mass. right now. He's representing them better on the campaign trail. Neither Dole nor Goldwater had opposing party governor's ready to appoint a Democrat when they retired, and that's the key difference. Kerry's not going to step down when it delivers a blow to his party. Besides, a Republican in the Mass. senate would represent MA even less than someone who's absent.
Kerry missing intelligence meetings and whatnot is open to attack of course.
