1.   Before the selection process begins, candidates need to be clear about what the job entails.

2.   In order to be elected, a constituency candidate needs only a plurality of the votes cast.

3.   In such circumstances the rejected candidate needs to be reassured that his response will be treated in confidence.

4.   Candidates need a proposer and seconder whose names are kept secret.

5.   And as long as candidates need enormous sums, they will give excessive weight to the interests of their big contributors.

6.   And if a Democratic candidate for governor needs help, as Tom Vilsack does in Iowa, so much the better.

7.   And the more money the candidates need, the more ingenious their strategies for evading legislated limits.

8.   And soaring was what a candidate who was still trailing in the polls needed as a grand finale.

9.   And without the support of the state party, it is difficult to enter the primary because candidates need a large staff to meet ballot requirements.

10.   A candidate needs the vote of two-thirds of the committee.