CAMPAIGN - Facebook Friends

     This is the first election that I've run in where I've been on Facebook, and where I've used a personal blog to help spread my message. In recent months I've received Friend requests from candidates in other races, and from even a few people who have yard signs for MY opponents!
     Because the use of social media is a new phenomena in society, I'm not sure if there is any protocol for public figures accepting Facebook friends? I find it interesting that some people appear to be on a quest to be "friends" with as many of the seven county commissioner candidates as possible!
     My initial reaction was to unfriend anyone who was publicly supporting my opponents. After all, how can we be true friends if someone doesn't have faith in me as being the best candidate for the job?
     But then I thought about the fact that I'm a Facebook friend of a wife of one of my opponents. My friendship is not based on any political reason, but because I went to school with her since elementary school. I may not believe that her husband is qualified for the job of Douglas County Commissioner, but is that sufficient reason for us not to be Facebook friends? My answer, for now, is no.
      So I will continue to be Facebook friends with those who may not support me. If they want to put up a yard sign for one of my opponents, that's fine. But I have decided that I WILL unfriend someone on Facebook, if they write a public endorsement letter (such as a letter to the editor of a newspaper) in favor of someone else. Even friendship has its limits.
     And, just because someone is one of my Facebook friends does not mean that I am endorsing them or voting for them in the election. I am flattered that any political candidate would ask to be my Facebook friend (even if the friendship might have ulterior motives), so I will not reject someone who is extending an olive branch to me.