Does that title make you nervous? I’m supposed to be writing about the holidays and my latest release (When Silence Sings) and instead I’m breaking the rules to mention POLITICS.

But I had the BEST idea for how to handle all future elections and I just have to share it. Goodness knows, whether you lean red or blue, election season is maddening. And ugly. Apparently running for office is just automatically icky.

Well, I have a solution.

I keep hearing about how much money various candidates have raised for their campaigns. And as a non-profit fundraiser I can’t help but translate those dollars into the impact we could have on helping children. Or feeding the hungry. Or treating the sick. Or providing clean water. Or whatever cause tugs at your heartstrings.

So how about this? Instead of running campaign ads, showing up at debates, slapping bumper stickers on cars, and planting a bazillion yard signs, what if candidates put the money they raise toward charities dealing with the issues they support?!?

Is climate change a major plank in your platform? Support The Nature Conservancy. Want to make healthcare for all a campaign promise? How about putting some dollars toward the Red Cross? Want to help children and families? Well, I can HIGHLY recommend Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families.

Do you see where I’m going with this? Instead of buying advertising, running campaigns, and hiring staff, candidates could literally put their money where their mouths are. And even those who don’t win the election would end up making the world a better place.

So what do you think? Would you be willing to vote for the candidate who contributed toward the cause that stirs your heart the most?