I tried, quite unsuccessfully, to tune out the rest, sitting back in my chair as I attempted to disappear. My brother waffled on for ten minutes or so, talking about how all North Carolinians were family, and that family was under assault. "This used to be a secure district, but it has become increasingly competitive over the last few years. Without an incumbent, this will be the most dangerous election cycle in years, and frankly we need your help."

Well here it comes, the shameless plug for money. All politics runs on money. The candidate with the money can buy the TV spots, and that wins votes. It's a simple...